EIGHTH EDITION

FIRST DAY
Today was our long commute from the chaotic city of Cairo to enter the peaceful desert. We arrived at the fixed camp just before dark and were able to enjoy the view. Unlike the previous trips, it is chilly this evening, but here at the fixed camp we are able to keep warm and enjoy the luxurious setting, where this time we have it all to ourselves. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and even had the pleasure of sharing it with three unexpected dinner guests…three desert foxes. We were able to feed them from our hand and take photos of them. Due to the cold we will start our trekking later tomorrow, so we will also be able to enjoy this splendid fixed camp a little longer.

SECOND DAY
This morning we started the day to a beautiful sight, Solah arriving with his camels. It is always a joy to see him again and to introduce him to the participants. He was with the two camels that accompanied us last time, one of which gave birth to two calves after we left in October. Our wonderful chef Hassam is also again with us this time to prepare wonderful meals with his professional presentation. After a warm breakfast we taught everyone how to put on their chechès and we left the fixed camp around 10. During our 11.5 km walk today we stopped for the special mint tea and snacks provided by Solah. We arrived at our first camp at 4pm for a late lunch and to make camp. Everyone walked well today and spirits are high. The temperatures have increased so we are comfortable here at camp 1 and looking forward to walking again tomorrow.

THIRD DAY
The group hiked 12km today to reach the splendid camp two. We arrived later again today, not because the group is slow at walking, but rather because they are enjoying so fully the desert they often stop to take photos, discover new objects, walk to an interesting chalk formation or just take time to feel the desert. The weather is perfect for trekking and the sky is covered. This evening we enjoyed playing games with Solah around the camp fire. This group is very good at the games and all participate. We were also visited by a baby desert fox this evening. He gratefully ate an egg from our hands and then stole a few dates! What a special surprise for us.

FOURTH DAY
Today was a longer day of trekking. We covered 7 ½ km to reach the marvellous camp 3 in the middle of panetone shaped calcar forms. Then we all went to the oasis 2 ½ km away stopping also at the bat cave, but today found no bats inside. It is cool again today and great for walking. We let our youngest participant, 14 year old Martin guide us with the GPS and he did a great job finding everything. The participants have also started giving each other nicknames, and the petite, happy, blond Roberta earned the very fitting name Tinkerbelle. There is a great sense of camaraderie and everyone is looking forward to new games and the market of Solah this evening after dinner.

FIFTH DAY

Leaving the beauty of camp 3 has become difficult for many groups and again this time the participants have decided to remain here for another night. We walked to where camp 4 is usually located and saw the desert from the high plateau. We also stopped by the cave Max and Solah found during the last Desert Therapy. And this time it was brave Martin to follow them all the way into the tight cave. Roberta and Carla also started the descent into the cave, but did not go all the way in. Sadly we had to say good bye to Solah today, but he has invited us to come visit his home tomorrow and meet his family, such a special opportunity. The winds picked up quite a bit today, but we have made sand barriers around the tents so we are all safe and secure. We are all looking forward to the special time around the fire this evening where we talk about how this experience has effected us.

SIXTH DAY

Today we had to leave the desert, but we had a day full of seeing different parts of the desert in off-road vehicles. First we went to the black desert where we climbed to the top of a large dune to see the beauty from high. Then we went to Crystal mountain and on to the giant sand dunes where we had lunch. Everyone climbed the dunes and rolled down as is our tradition. In the afternoon we check into the hotel and explored Baharya, going to the hot springs and the small market. In the evening after a good dinner in the hotel we made a special visit to Solah’s house. It was a very unique experience to see the houses of the oasis and to meet Solah’s wife and son. Tomorrow we will make the long trip to Cairo stopping one last time in the desert for lunch.

SEVENTH DAY

The weather during this Desert Therapy had been anything but typical. In the desert we never saw the sunset as it was overcast each evening and the temperatures were very mild. On the start of return to Cairo the winds were very high, and then we found the rain upon our arrival in Cairo. But that didn't stop the group from taking photos of the pyramids, from the top of the Jeep. I have never seen the rain in Cairo, so this is a unique experience. The group has decided to enjoy the deluxe hotel since it is raining. We are all going to meet at the pool this afternoon before a delicious dinner in the hotel. Tomorrow morning we will return to Italy.