FIRST EDITION

The first edition of Desert Therapy was a wonderful success. All of the eight participants that decided to come with us into the Egyptian Desert, lived a fantastic experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Antonio started with a knee problem, but after a few hours he forgot about the pain, even though we walked 14 kilometers that day in the sand. Also Anna from Rome suffered from back problems, but even with this she never got on the camels and was always well. Pinuccia has continued to dream of the desert every night and Anna from Milan wants to go back as soon as possible. Roberto, who has not stopped practicing the yoga and meditation which Lauren lead us in, told us of many of his experiences and intends to send his sons to do this experience with us next season. Cesare, the husband of Pinuccia, took hundreds of photos while Silvia, radiant and happy, has become very close to the others: Lauren, Max and Daniele. Claudia, who also trains with my same trainer Franco, is very physically fit and always willing to walk a few hours more. But the magic of this experience that we shared was the extreme closeness of the group. Everyone of the eight became friends and are talking about another trip together. The professionalism and the helpfulness of the Egyptian staff contributed to the success: every evening around the fire, after telling of my experiences in the desert, together with the cammellieri who would play music and sing, we would all dance and have fun. We would arrive at the camp, where the boys had already set-up all the tents and in the evening we would find a candle light lantern indicating each tent.

At dinner, sitting on cushions in the sand, under the beautiful tent structure Roberto created, we would tell stories, while the cook prepared wonderful meals that were unimaginable for such conditions, considering that we did not have the support of jeeps in the evening, as they would only drop things off in the day. Every moment during our day was full of newness, unforgettable moments, of joy for all experiencing this together, often ending in tears that non of us expected. It seemed a hidden energy was working to make everything happen in perfection, even the climate was good.
The has desert again this time amazed us with its breathtaking views and given us days that we all will carry in our hearts forever. Deepest thanks to the participants, for having deeply embraced the a sense of adventure for this experience, to the staff, that worked very hard and always with a smile, but thank you above all to the White Desert, that gave us much joy and serenity. It is beautiful to achieve your dream, but it is even better to make the dreams of others a reality: this happened for me.


THE DIARY

Sunday
Finally we have arrived. After the first night in Cairo, in a beautiful and comfortable hotel, where the participants were given gifts from the sponsors, we left for the desert. The group all gets along, everyone is very excited and has great expectations. Throughout the day we were all awaiting to see the camp that would host us for the evening. The journey was long, but we took many breaks: along the road we bought the precious things that will be necessary in the desert and we ate at a local restaurant. We are beginning to see the horizon of the desert, so expansive and familiar to me, building the emotions among the participants for their first encounter with this expanse of sand that we will arrive in tomorrow.

Monday
Walking as a group. Pinuccia, Anna, Silvia, Claudia, Anna, Antonio, Cesare and Roberto seem untirable. Today we walked 10 km by foot in the spectacular white desert. The chalky pinnacles, typical formations in this zone of Egypt, were amazing enough to make everyone forget the fatigue. And during the evening we talked around the fire. Our camp came to life with the flute playing of the cammelliere (camel guides.) And like magic everyone danced in perfect harmony. I did not foresee this. Maybe also the group did not expect this. But I am sure many more surprises are to come. Because the desert is like this…

Tuesday
The group seems to have wing-tipped toes. Today we trekked 14 km. But it is not the distance we crossed that counts, it is the atmosphere being created between us. The emotions are strong, many cannot hold back the sweet tears. From the words we exchange in silence letting us enjoy even more the beautiful views of the white desert. The sunset is the moment culminating the day, when Lauren guides us in meditation after our yoga practice. The support team works hard so that the group has the best. And they assure we have everything. The food is great and the present camp is simple and very elegant. I believe that this experience will leave an incredible mark on each of us.

Wednesday
The group had a surprise bath today. And we wanted it given the temperatures which had risen a lot. But everything was in order. The weather is marvelous, the light is so vivid that it seems to liven the color of the rocks, that often create beautiful contrasts between the ochre colored sand and the white chalky formations. Finally after the walk, which was more fatiguing than foreseen due to the heat, we went to an oasis where the camels could drink. No one could resist and the spring was turned into a bath tube for all. It was a fun and magical atmosphere, joyful for all the participants. This evening we had an exquisite dinner prepared by our cook. I have never eaten so well as I am in the desert. And also our camp is composed of tents in the middle of these spectacular formations.


Return (Carla Perrotti)

The return is always difficult. Especially after a very powerful and emotional experience such as this one. On the road to return to the hotel in Cairo projects were planned, because the desert made magic and created a group of friends that wanted to repeat the experience of Desert Therapy again together and kept discussing it.

The last day
Last night around the fire we again recounted the story of the desert. Everyone of us talked about our experience of Desert Therapy: with great emotion and tears. Everyone was touched. This was an incredible success.
Thursday
Lots of emotion for the last day crossing the desert. The group walked 13 km today. There was a lot of fatigue because the temperatures continue to increase, but the show continues to be great and, possibly gets better day after day. From the ochre color of the sand sprouts high pinnacles, white as the snow. There is much discussion between the participants, and everyone is very happy, balanced and emotionally touched. Some tears express the heartfelt state. From now on our means of transport will no longer be camels, but rather off-road vehicles. We await the long return journey towards Cairo, towards home, towards a world in which everyone of us seems to have something to give. More than at the beginning.