Nuristan, Afghanistan, May 1985

"Pakistan was far behind me. My feet were suffering from weeks of walking, from hiking up mountain slopes, from the harshness of the weather, and from the lack of rest. I was exhausted, worn out from the physical efforts, the lack of food, and the unrelenting tension we felt at the idea of falling prey to an ambush. Nevertheless, I continued to move forward, encouraged by the desire to reach the Panjshir Valley and the leader of the Afghan resistance against the Russian Army, young Commander Massoud. I found myself in front of one of Nature's gifts, where the Himalayan Mountains meet those of the Hindu Kush. Upon my arrival in a village, children rushed around me, as they often do, imitating the photographer. Their laughter, their warmth, and their spontaneous friendliness erased any trace of discouragement."