Donna asks us: Have you ever thought about how photography connects the world? Nobody sees the world exactly the same way as you do. And, how you interpret this week’s challenge is up to you, you will find the interpretations are limitless.

For this post, I let my thoughts wander – and wonder. Humans are meant to be connected… but are we? In new ways, yes, but in the traditional ways? Today, connections are faster than ever, quicker than ever…but for some people, more difficult than ever. We read about young people who cannot, dare not contact another human being. Be it on the phone or face to face. Some can only write in anonymity in special forums. Or never. In Japan this problem is widely recognized and has been much discussed in media. They even have courses in how to meet someone in person, especially to find a partner.

In my opener is a night view from Tokyo Sky Tree. All those lights…do you feel curious about the souls behind them? Or, maybe you even feel alienated? Personally, I have a mix of those feelings.

On my trip to Japan, I traveled a lot by train, and Shinkansen is a superb way to connect over long distances. They are super fast and always on time – which we cannot say the Swedish trains are… The first ten times I checked my watch – and the trains arrived on the exact second and left on another exact second. Fascinating. Disciplined and clever people.

Connections, yes, that gives you many opportunities and broad possibilities for interpretation. It could be steps and stairs, tunnels, bridges, roads…but also a room where you are forced to meet people, like in trains, planes and buses.

When it comes to people, in my country we sit alone in the bus or train, not talking to each other…everyone reading or playing on the phone. In some countries, it is still easy to make contact with the person sitting next to you, but I am afraid those opportunities are dwindling. Sad but typical of our times. Let’s just put down our phones for a while – there is so much to gain from that. Real connections.

What is a selfie? Is it trying to find a connection to – yourself? Narcissism? I don’t know. In a beautiful park I found these ladies sitting at a table eating and talking…maybe about the loveliness of Spring? Connections like these might be the beginning of something pleasant and enriching…like friendship.

Talking about friendship – animals and pets remain close to our hearts – with unconditional love. It is easy to love when you know you will get the same back again… No disappointments. These two men were carrying their pets all day long. More than gladly they let me photograph them – but only them.

The connection to religion is mostly something happening inside me. In Fukuoka, we happened upon a 41 meter long bronze Buddha reclining in a forest. You could even walk into it. In many religions, a figure of the ”God” is the connection between people/deity/heaven.

As we arrived during the Golden Week, we saw many people hiring kimonos and other traditional clothes for the festivities. Manifesting the connection between old and new, and also traditions from different countries and cultures.

This was an American couple, where the lady was fully dressed and made up as a Geisha. We saw several couples doing this, sometimes the man too had hired a traditional costume.

Connections – can of course be completely literally meant – tangible, like these wires. Somehow I like that. It is a blur of course, but with meaning. And it’s old time…

Now we are looking forward to connecting with you throughout the week! Remember to use the Lens-Artists tag and/or link to Donna’s post.

Last week we left our comfort zone with John’s challenge, AI. But, it was an interesting conversation and the AI art was extraordinary well done. Whatever you think of AI – it is always good to learn something new!

Next week, Ritva will be our host – go see her fantastic site for more inspiration! Until then, sleep well and eat well – and stay in harmony with yourself so you can feel comfortable in your connections.