The name of the place had always fascinated me. So, when it was in my reach, I went there. At the time, it was the hottest and still is the lowest point of my life – one mile below ground.

During the day, the temperatures were well above 40 degrees Celsius. This was a new and fascinating experience for me. The wind felt like a blow-dryer. The laundry was dry, as fast as I could hang it on the clothesline.

Of course, I went down the mine shaft.