27 and 28 March 2010.

Just a quick visit to this enormous African state with only 2 million inhabitants. In money terms it is one of the richest countries in Africa and darling of the West. No wonder, its constitution prohibits nationalization of private property. 40% of all government revenues comes from minerals. Botswana is rich in diamonds, uranium and copper, and many multi-national companies are operating here. Revenues from mining don't translate to social spending and in 2006 country even re-introduced school fees. Botswana has the second highest infection rate of HIV in the world after nearby Swaziland and its life expectancy at birth dropped from 65 to 35 years. It hardly looks like prosperous place. There is
no shortage of casinos and luxury cars in the capital and new highways are being built. But the countryside where most of the people live looks as desperate as in any other poor African country.

22 March to 29 March 2010

Over two months to go and almost all stadiums are ready and most of the infrastructure in place for FIFA World Cup 2010. But protests are growing. Is it wise to spend almost 2 billion dollars on football while there are still many South Africans without adequate housing and basic services? I visited stadiums and slums: the wealthiest and poorest corners of the country. Conclusions are complex and as always when it comes to this fascinating but complex country, there are more
questions than answers.

Full coverage of the Chile earthquake and tsunami

ARGENTINA: 11-12 March and 20-21 March 2010

This  time only one night on the way to Chile and one night on the way back. Just enough time for a good stroll, few good meals, great night outing to tango bars, art cinemas and bookstores - all open until early morning hours. One of my favorite places on earth, naturally.

KENYA 27 February - 10 March.

So many broken dreams and missed opportunities. Kenya is beautiful, fascinating and diverse, but it is also divided and in pain. When there is drought, there is hunger. Every little spark can ignite deadly tribal violence. The West is pursuing its own interests here, as in the rest of the continent - Kenya is used as some sort of a base, although unofficially. Presently I am involved in shooting a documentary film about an orphanage in Kisumu area - part of Kenya worst hit by the HIV/AIDS. I will update my readers on my work here sometime in April.