Christmas and New Year are very near, what are your plans?

 I like to think that the new year, in the same way as the birthday, is the beginning of a new chapter. So, I love to spend this period traveling and to meet the "New Year" in a new place, getting new impressions.
I started this year with a climb to Mount Etna. It is the tallest active volcano in Europe, currently 3,329 m high. Start the New Year on a volcano, crazy, huh? 

 We had to start very early. At 7 o'clock in the morning, it seemed that the day would be warm and sunny. In Catania, at least. 

 Leaving the access road all visitors should transfer to the special 4WD off road bus, capable of climbing slippery winter rocky road. Reaching the upper bus station, we set on foot. 

 The way up was very hard, strong winds were knocking us down. I had a feeling that this road will never end.

 After roaming and pushing our way through a snowstorm and clouds for a couple of hours, our party were rewarded with stunning views. Strong wind was still knocking us off our feet, and the height and the surrounding beauty were making us dizzy. It was amazing!