Valerie Vernier

While completing his studies, he seized every opportunity to explore the world, travelling from the Caucasus, to the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic. On his global backpacking adventure in 2013, Christian Clauwers had no intention to go to Brazil. His plane from Buenos Aires to London caught fire mid-air, leading to an emergency landing in Brazil, an intense and first experience in the country. In November 2025, he embarked on his second journey to Brazil. This time, h...

Ecuador, located between two of the largest cocaine producers in Latin America, Peru and Colombia, has become increasingly violent in recent years. Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, told the BBC he wants foreign military aid to help fight his “war” against criminal gangs, and he desires US President Donald Trump to identify Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist groups, making it easier for US law enforcement to intervene. 


How has it come so far that Ecuador is facing so much violence from criminal...

“Two years ago, my mother passed away, and I am still holding onto a painting I promised her I would keep until her death. It is my favourite piece I have ever created – a self-portrait of me as a boy, which holds a personal significance to me. The painting captures a moment from when I was seven years old, waiting for my communion to become a member of the catholic church. You can see the discomfort in my expression – I was bored and unwell leading up to the event, something my mother knew. Whe...