But then came the bright idea: climbing Big Daddy Dune at 40°C, barefoot, “for agility.” would not recommend. The highest dune in the world, sun overhead, no shade, sand burning our feet, and my bladder on the brink. Somewhere halfway up, I said no. Solo descent, half delirious, searching for relief.

Now, Deadvlei might feel remote, but it’s still a tourist magnet which meant public toilets. I gathered all my courage and opened the door of one of those sunbaked desert cubicles. unsurprisingly, what i saw and felt was something close to absolute sensory overload in the worst way. the smell, the heat, the claustrophobia.

i ran out in shock back to the car, contemplated life for a bit and amid the scorching heat and discomfort, something about the scene struck me. brutal, absurd and strangely beautiful.

So I grabbed my camera.

to this day, THIS IS STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE shots I’VE TaKen. The clash of teal and orange, the story behind it, and that small mark of human presence set against nature’s raw, unforgiving beauty. it all comes together in a way that draws me in.