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This was going through my head when I was driving through Islamabad passing some armed Pakistani Police checkpoints.

It's my third ski holiday in Pakistan (2006, 2009 and 2010). The goal is the same like last year - 8.046m high Broad Peak. A a speed push from Basecamp to summit and skiing back to Basecamp. My usual partner Basti Haag didn't join this year unfortunately. We have made all expeditions together so far and I already miss his friendly, open and professional company. It's different. Also my good friend Thomas Steiner and Hubert Rieger are not in this year. But there is an old face and friend with me this year. The Spanish cameraman Javier Campos who was already filming during Gasherbrum II expedition in 2006. Pete Swenson, a friend and Dynafit collegue of mine is the third member of the team. He is the fastest skimountaineer in the US.

Why am I doing this again? Last year we reached the pre-summit (8.026m), but we didn't reach our goal to speed up from Basecamp to the summit and back to Basecamp within 24h. Broad Peak is perfect for a combination of speed and ski. The dream went on and I kept training for this dream right when I returned last year. I remember when I said to my brother in January 2010 that I feel that I will be back at Broad Peak and I don't even need to fight against it. Now I'm back. Ultimative goals require ultimative effort.     

PS: The picture. Left is Javier Campos. In the middle a Pakistani Warlord, the guy with the red pant is not an English Hooligan, but me with a local haircut.