I had a different idea about what Chernobyl was before going there. When the nuclear reactor exploded on 26 April 1986, Chernobyl, as a city, has been redefined as “the worst nuclear disaster in history.” With disasters, there are terrrifying facts, figures and opinions. How much radiation was released, the countries it affected, politics, the people evacuated, long term health effects and death.

But going there, there are things which simply cannot be measured.

Life goes on in Chernobyl. It’s been damaged, but it’s home for those who have stayed, and those who have returned. – Jean Paolo Ty