FOURTH EDITION

Departure

We have arrived at the fourth edition of Desert Therapy: who would have thought one year ago, when I thought of bringing this project to life, we would return to the desert this often! Every time I have the desire to find myself in the sand, to be surrounded by the infinite space which is spectacular, to feel the embrace of this place, I almost don't feel well for how strong the emotion and the desire are to return there.
The desert has always been my great love, but sharing it with other people make me love it even more. It is fantastic to see in the eyes of my travel companions the surprise in finding themselves in the presence an environment so intense, the emotion of the first steps in the sand, the joy of discovering how easy it is to get used to the rhythms of the desert, how this place manages to make you feel good, to protect you, to open you to others.
I am curious to meet the seven travel companions who will be with us for the first Active version and to watch their faces when they find themselves face to face with this environment so strong yet gentle. I am sure that what happened to those before them will also happen for them; they will fall in love with the desert.

Sunday March 14
The first Active version of Desert Therapy
The fourth time in the desert for Desert Therapy, but the very first time for the Active version. Seven participants, almost all women. The Active version of Desert Therapy, involves the participants even more as they work together to set-up camp and organize things. But lets start from the beginning. Yesterday we arrived in Cairo, where we forgot about the snow and bad weather of recent days, and were greeted by a pleasant temperature. As usual, the excitement is palpable: in the eyes of the participants with expectation for something of which the details are not yet known, but they know will be fascinating. Marisa birthday was three days ago and we will celebrate it tonight, once we reach our first tented camp.



Monday 15

Lots of wind, almost a storm. One of those little things that unites groups who have common experiences. And at night the wind was really dominate. But our tents resisted and the morale of the group is skyrocketing. And why shouldn't it be, also the wind is part of the desert and we consider it a gift that again this time this mysterious protagonist has given to us. The weather was not the only unexpected thing for the participants of the first Desert Therapy Active, also the good food, always appetizing was unexpected. Our cook never lets us down. If I have to summarize the first day, it drew a laugh. And this is not insignificant!



Tuesday, March 16
The calm after the storm
It is really the case, as a poet has already said: the calm after the storm. The wind stopped blowing, and allowed us to make our 12 kilometer journey on foot. The company of two baby camels is spectacular. One is shy, but the other can be approached, plays with us, and looks for us. There are not only domestic animals in the desert, but also wild creatures. Nothing to fear though, only the friendly fox that visited us last night and without intimidation, accepted food from our hands. It was a day of meetings. While we were walking we came across a caravan of camels led by someone we knew: the cammelliere Sola, who accompanied us during the previous editions, recognized us and came to meet us. These meetings are always touching. It is really true that the desert holds a surprise every day. Even the most unexpected.



Wednesday, March 17
Fox Thief
Last night passed quietly. The wind has subsided and we were able to sleep deeply and serenely. The temperature dropped a lot and the night gets a bit chilly. In the morning, we had a surprise: the foxes that so graciously accepted food from our hands the night before, decided to continue their snack last night, stealing all our eggs. The group is united, and these minor setbacks only serve to strengthen the spirit of the group. The morale is high and we laugh from morning to night. Greatly contributing to the general happiness is one of the two baby camels, the more relaxed one, who tried to kiss anyone who passes within range. Our third camp is splendid: we are set-up close to an oasis of rare beauty. A dusk outside of the normal program; happy hour with carcadè and atmosphere…a great atmosphere.

Thursday March 18
The wind gives us no break, so much that today we did not move our third camp. Despite the sand storm, however we set out following the camels in one of the most spectacular journeys. Great dunes, shaped by the wind, constantly changing. Faces changed and gave way to tears. It is no accident: it often happens this way. Desert Therapy is just that. You free yourself, get in touch with nature, and know that everything that happens in the desert, remains in the desert.

Friday, March 19th
The last day in the desert. Last night we spoke around the fire. They are always intimate stories, free sharing, moments of great emotion. This is the moment of truth: when you look into their eyes and understand that Desert Therapy works, that the desert never disappoints. Today is the most spectacular part of our route: the great dunes, the mummies, the mountain of crystals, all surprises that the desert saves for last. We rolled in the sand of the desert and now we have it everywhere. We also found our off-road vehicles that took us to the oasis of Baharya. In the afternoon we made purchases at an outpost of the desert. And finally we can shower tonight. Tomorrow we leave for Cairo.



Saturday March 20
The conclusion of Desert Therapy Active
We have returned to Cairo. The temperature is not high and we are taking advantage of the last hours with our ritual of shopping. Last night we celebrated Marisa's birthday with a cake that the Egyptian staff offered. It was beautiful and touching, and a source of reflection. Never before has there been so much integration between all of the participants and the local support staff. We have created a real group. This is one of the prerogatives of Desert Therapy Active; to bring to life the wilderness and adventure in all its forms. It involves even the small every day operations of the group. And I must say that this was a fantastic team, strong, even with the little adversities that every desert crossing reserves. No one ever complained of the wind, no one ever complained of fatigue. Enthusiasm was the theme if this first Desert Therapy Active, and I am sure there will be the same enthusiasm for these to come.