Dear Diana!
There are various ways one could point out at some lack of precision in the part of the text you are referring to. But you chose the way in which I am painted as a part of some conspiracy? I know how it looks like, but I say it looks different?
As explained in the article, Erta Ale was under a shield of smoke on the day of my visit, and we were happy to see even glimpses of lava under it. No, I couldn’t know how big this lava lake was at that moment. Or how it looked like a week ago, or how will it look like in a week. There was no intention of misrepresentation from my side. After all, my photographs cannot lie.
The truth is that Erta Ale is an active volcano. Eruptions are a part of the process. Overflowing of lava is also a part of it.
Nobody can guarantee how will this piece of nature look like next week, next month or next year. It is in constant change.
But for anyone else who cannot appreciate any spectacle SMALLER than the vast sea of lava, I have corrected the introduction to Joel Santos footage – “this is how it looked like in 2016”.
I hope this brings peace to your fiery soul 🙂
Take care,
Ivan

Since you were there in 2018, you know very well that the lava lake doesn’t exist anymore and the Erta Ale crater looks totally different from what it looked like in 2016 when Joel Santos made his aerial footage. Yet, you’ve placed his video in your post and referred to it with a title “IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW ERTA ALE LOOKS WITHOUT THE SMOKE COAT”.
Erta Ale lava lake WAS spectacular. Unfortunately, after the 2017 eruption, it’s gone . And you know that.

Hey, Hannah!
I am glad you’ve learned about Danakil Depression through this report!
The next step is finding a travel partner you need, and off you go!
I agree, bravery is always easier in company 😉
Good luck!
Ivan

I am happy this opened some new horizons for you. But if you are truly glad you found about it… Never say ‘never’ 😉

Thanks for your input, Kemi!
I guess the danger is very alluring these days – be it for German solo traveler who wandered off, or for people (of various colors and backgrounds, not just white) taking selfies in the riskiest environments.
I am also guilty as charged, to some extent. For a good photograph, I do tend to go to the edge of my comfort, but I still hope that my ratio prevails, and my sense of balance remains. Being aware of one’s environment is crucial when visiting the unknown.
As for the balls, they are still intact, thanks for asking 😉

Hey, Julia!
Thanks for your comments and compliments!
I guess sleeping next to the active volcano is the same as our ancestors in caves were sleeping – with one eye open, in case the bear comes 🙂
So, it was really just a nap.
Ivan