In order to find the best stories and photos for this blog, no efforts are too much and no risk is too high. I cross deserts on foot, I spend months on distant islands, I infiltrate Al-Qaeda, I fly into space and I report from civil war zones.

There are no photos of many of these adventures because I usually travel alone. But last week, my father was with me and managed to capture this shot of me working:

This was on Stromboli, an active volcano. I stand on the edge of the crater which keeps disseminating poisonous gases. Despite the mask, my lungs are burning. The pain signals me that they will soon stop functioning if I will stay that close to the smoke-filled abyss for a few more minutes. Eruptions are thundering deep down. Rocks and lava are thrown hundreds of meters into the air.

And what am I doing, eye in eye with these forces of nature? I am taking notes. For you, my esteemed readers! It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

Here is the full report of the ascent of Stromboli.

(Zur deutschsprachigen Version.)