Third Edition

Saturday, February 6, 2010
The desert in intimacy
We woke up early this morning for the new edition of Desert Therapy. Yesterday it snowed all day in Milan, making it even more exciting to leave behind us the airport covered in a thick blanket of snow, knowing that in Cairo we will find temperatures of above 20°C. A different departure than normal toady. Only two guests leave for Cairo with us. There names are Barbara and Vincenzo and they are great friends of Anna and Roberto who are already waiting for us in the capital of Egypt. And this is the whole group. By choice. Four friends who wanted to live the experience of Desert Therapy in total privacy. And they are satisfied. A special edition for a special date. Roberto turns 50 and has decided to celebrate this important milestone with us.

Sunday, February 7, 2010
Happy Birthday Roberto!
Fifty years is a milestone in life and we are immensely pleased that Roberto decided to celebrate it with us. Yes, we are spending this week in the desert due to this important event. Cutting the cake last night in a beautiful restaurant in Cairo, where we celebrated surrounded by great joy. For the record, we arrived to the capital of Egypt early in the afternoon yesterday where Anna and Roberto were awaiting us. As soon as we arrived to the hotel the guests of Desert Therapy entered into the "pampered" atmosphere with many little surprises that help make their stay in the desert magical. Also waiting for them were the written testimonies of those who participated in previous editions and also some letters to our new guests intending to express the feelings among those who participate in Desert Therapy.
We woke up early this morning for the real start of the third edition of Desert Therapy. We have a long journey to make with the off-road vehicles taking us to the fixed camp at Baharya. Many kilometres to go, with views that become more and more barren. The long journey also gives us time to create a close knit group, which this time is already tight. The temperature is cool and it makes everything nicer. Tonight we will sleep in a completely new fixed camp. For some of the participants it will be their first night sleeping in a tent. Anna, Roberto, Vincenzo and Barbara were very enthusiastic upon our arrival to Baharya. The camp is decorated very tastefully and the staff are very friendly. There is a lot of wind, therefore the meal is served in the closed tent. Excitement is in everyone's eyes.




Monday 8
The adventure comes alive
From today no more cars and no more contact with civilization. It will be us and the desert. We depart for a crossing among friends. We have already created a bond between all of us, sharing stories of travels, life and many jokes. Even after one day there is a difference in the spirit of the participants as they have left the chaotic city of Cairo and entered into the silent peace of the desert. After a cold night last night the sun has warmed the air. Our walk today will be pleasant with a constant wind to keep us cool. We are all excited to see what the desert has awaiting us.




Tuesday 9
The adventure continues
The weather is improving: the warm sun and absence of wind make our stay enjoyable. The group is very interesting: they are truly exceptional persons. It is wonderful to walk in their company. A little trouble for the legs who are less trained, some small pains, but these things always happen and no one complains too much. We continue the pampering of Desert Therapy. The chef has not let us down again this time and the his culinary ability is really amazing. Many fossils have been found along the way, since this is a particularly interesting place to see. There was great excitement in the reading of the letters of the previous participants, sitting under the tent structure drinking our after-dinner tea. Also this is Desert Therapy!

Wednesday 10
The magic of the desert
Desert Therapy is halfway through and already the benefits are beginning to show. The sand is becoming more compact, thus the walk is easier and the rhythm becomes more fluid. Yoga at sunset is magical as it centers the body and the spirit. The group begins to walk farther apart. Which has normally happened in all the other editions. The soul expands, the horizon widens and the body needs more space. More and more. It is a kind of liberation, a removal of constraints, that now involuntarily, I'm sure, will last for a lifetime. The spectacle of the stars visible through the transparent top of our tents is a surprise gift that comes every night. And every night we feel more peaceful.

Thursday 11
We decided not to move camp today. The place where we spent last night is so beautiful that we couldn't move away from it. We would almost like to remain here forever. That does not mean we will not walk. We still walked for twelve kilometers. To go and return. Also this is relaxing: deciding to stay where the soul says is the most pleasant for us. The weather is great and the evenings are wonderful. What more is there to say: I always said that the desert is like a cradle, a sort of cocoon, and once again I have proof. Tomorrow instead of laziness: we will move camp. We need to reach the Farafra oasis!




Friday 12
The big dunes
Today, perhaps, is the most spectacular day. Our departure from the desert is always done with off-road vehicles. And thanks to them we are able to climb the great sand dunes, see the crystal mountain and the black desert. These are such amazing views that deserve to be visited, even if they are difficult to reach. A powerful experience for everyone, but especially for Roberto, who has a new light in his eyes. The afternoon we passed by Baharya, where we visited the ancient tombs. Tonight is the last dinner in the desert. The last encounter with it. Because what is said in the desert, remains in the desert….Tomorrow we will wake early and drive to Cairo. A slow return to everyday life. The same life, but a different spirit.