Nothing escapes his watchful eye. With a smile on his face, Heinz Klingel pulls out his beloved Lumix camera. Click! Another snapshot is captured. He speeds away on his red electric mobility scooter, continuing his journey through the streets of Fulda almost daily. In an interview, the 85-year-old sums up his hobby perfectly: "I photograph everything that makes up life, from frustration to the greatest joy."

For eight years now, Klingel has been regularly sharing his photographs in the Facebook group "Fulda - meine Stadt" (Fulda - My City), which boasts over 32,480 members. "I have my daughter to thank for this," he says with a chuckle. "She thought it was such a shame that I wasn't sharing all these many impressions with anyone." Facebook was initially just a means to an end for him - he simply wanted to get information about the tennis club TCB Johannisau Fulda. Klingel admits, "I'm actually not particularly well-versed in social media." However, what started as just "taking a quick look" developed over time into a real constant in his daily routine.

Traveling at a maximum speed of 25 km/h (about 15 mph), Klingel gets from point A to point B. His routes constantly vary according to his mood and whims. His tours start from his home in the Neuenberg district, from where he usually heads toward the Aueweiher lake before wandering through Fulda as the spirit moves him. Whether in the city center, side streets, or small alleys, "I know every house, every corner."

Klingel comes from a professional background in the construction industry. "I love being where something new is happening - whether it's a festival or a construction site," he explains. Sometimes he completely loses track of time on his routes. "It can all take up to six hours and I don't even notice," says the native of Upper Franconia who has lived in Fulda since 1980.

Weather plays no role in his daily expeditions. "You have to take it as it comes. What's important to me is learning something informative from the picture. I like to write down my thoughts about it and read up on things in books as a supplement." His photo posts often include thoughtful captions like "Morning silhouette of Fulda," "Insights, views inward, views outward and..." (leaving readers intrigued), or "Aschenberg in rain and fog."

His faithful companion - the Lumix camera - has been constantly at his side from the beginning. "Not an expensive camera, but it does what it needs to do. You can even see the mosquitoes on the Wasserkuppe with it," he notes with a wink. The image editing follows later on the computer. "Often I only see the outlines on the camera display - on the PC I first discover the details in my shots."

This process of discovering details during post-processing adds another layer of enjoyment to his hobby. Whether he's capturing "Fulda puddle pictures," scenes from the Landesgartenschau (State Garden Show), the "Genussfestival on Pauluspromenade," or construction projects that interest him due to his background in the building industry, Klingel approaches each subject with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail.

The most valuable aspect of his story, however, is the human connection it creates. For his dedication, the likeable retiree receives great appreciation - not only online but also in real life. "I enjoy contact with people. It touches me every time when friends or acquaintances recognize and greet me in the city." He's most pleased, however, when someone from the Facebook group approaches him in person. "In conversation, you quickly notice how many things you have in common."

Klingel's commitment to documenting daily life in Fulda has made him something of a local celebrity. His posts regularly feature everything from morning views from Tränke, foggy scenes on the former State Garden Show grounds, and construction projects (including detailed shots of building components like "the dome"), to street scenes throughout the city's various neighborhoods.

Despite not being particularly familiar with the Facebook world initially, Klingel has become a consistent and valued contributor to the online community. His posts demonstrate that age is no barrier to embracing new technology and finding ways to connect with others. At 85, he continues his daily tours with his red electric scooter and trusty camera, always ready to capture the next moment that "makes up life" in his adopted city of Fulda.

Whether photographed in the deepest fog of October 2024 or during bright festival days, Klingel's dedication to his craft remains unwavering. His morning routine often begins with checking "what I see first on the horizon," and from there, his day of discovery and documentation begins anew. Perhaps you'll spot him next time you're in the city - the friendly gentleman with the red mobility scooter and ever-present camera, ready to capture another slice of Fulda life.