pricelessland

The prophet in his own country

I keep reminding myself of this saying. The prophet in his own country. How do I define these words? Oh well. I am convinced that our region does not have to hide. Sure, it's not all perfect. But from my perspective, there are also quite a number of good stories.

Committed people enrich all of our lives and make them unique. It is often the quiet ones who, without making a fuss, not only ask themselves: what can society do for me, but what can I do for society. We also experience new examples of this every day in the ENO. The list is endless. A lot doesn't work by itself. Club life, fire brigade and partly also the administration in a small community. Of course, there are also committed companies. Companies that think ahead. Standing still is not an option. Because companies do something.  

But we must not apply too much. Just painting the perfect world also does damage. It is important to be close to the stories. Honestly putting your fingers in the wound. Sometimes also convey the frustration when things didn't work out as hoped. Only the overall picture is a picture that can be authentic. In both directions. Not just "everything is fine here". No. I also don't think "everything is bad here" is correct. That's why it can't do any harm if the mirror is held up to you from time to time. And we want to do that very actively for three full weeks.  

The ones at the back 

Do you feel the same? From time to time I get a painful look at me on vacation and people say "Oh, back there". The idea that we already have running water and even electricity has not yet caught on everywhere. Not everyone immediately believes that it is actually worth living here and that we have great companies, research institutions and a good working relationship. That changes after a visit to #pricelessland. But until then there is a lot to do. And here, too, the prophets from their own country are not neutral. So the second reason to let someone from the outside take a look at our homeland. Holding the mirror in front of your face is just as important as creating an honest picture of our region nationally.  

And how will that work? 

We were able to persuade Tobias to explore our region in the heart of Europe for three weeks. He has been a journalist for 15 years and at best knows us only slightly. He will not only marvel at the landscape. Touching and participating is also on the program. Let yourself be surprised. Above all, he will listen. The big topic "structural change" is omnipresent. Without reservations and with different transport routes, he should above all speak to you, all of us. Why do we like living here. Why do we want to leave so badly? What are our expectations, but also concerns. His questions will be something like this. As the ENO, we have provided a rough timetable, not a detailed travel description. I would be happy if you would also like to talk to Tobias. Just approach me and take a look at his experiences on www.15grad-ostblog.de . Hints are also very welcome.