Sunday October 25, 2009
The adventure
begins
Last night we finally arrived at the doorway of the desert, which
is like the entrance to an unknown world of a thousand promises. The
group is happy, excited and ready for this new adventure that is beginning.
We woke up early this morning without the help of technology. Everyone
was up early ready to start walking. And the hopes were fulfilled.
The scenery was once again spectacular. This area of the white desert
in Egypt is rich with a chalky material that forms pinnacles, spires,
and unusual sculptures that even the best artists would have difficulty
reproducing such variety in form and dimension. The group walks with
a good pace: in one day we have crossed 14 km. It is very hot and
we can feel the fatigue, but no one is giving up. Tonight will be
the first magical night in the solitude of the desert.
Monday October 26, 2009
Rain
in the desert….
The night remained rather warm for this period and therefore we were
able to get a good rest, in our little tents made for admiring the
stars before the tiredness forces us to close our eyes. There was
a great desire to walk today and a lot of energy. A journey of 13
km, together with our caravan on camels who humbly follow us and we
sometimes use for other excursions. The heat is constant, even if
is rained. You wouldn't believe it, but in the desert even this can
happen! This evening at camp we had an unexpected visitor: a couple
of small foxes came around us unintimidated. It is really true that
when you create harmony, everything is complete!
Even
more relaxed
The more days that pass, the more our faces relax. The worries are
going away about ability to do it, about fear of the unknown, or the
tension of having left work at home. Desert Therapy is beginning to
take effect. The morale has always been high; from the first day,
but now there is more energy. No longer are there thoughts of "I
have to do it," but simply thoughts of walking, of the self,
of the others, and of the scenery. The group has begun to come together.
The rain of yesterday, which even became hail for a few minutes, has
gone away revealing a clear sky and even warmer temperatures. Luckily
even in the desert it is possible to find water. In the afternoon
we went to a little oasis where we had the chance to refresh ourselves
with an unforeseen bath. The customary karkadè made the break
even more enjoyable. About 11 km crossed for today. The prolonged
break at the oasis meant that we reached camp when it was already
getting dark, and therefore it was not possible to pause for yoga
which Lauren leads the group in daily. But its okay. The mint tea
and wonderful dinner, were appreciated by all, and warmed our spirits.
The camp tonight is spectacular. The tents are set up in a zone of
pinnacles which are not very high, and have a somewhat round shape,
making the tents blend in as they have more or less the same size.
The
last day in the heart of the desert
It is the day of farewell, not for the group, but to the desert in
its true form. Tomorrow the jeeps will be waiting for us. No more
camels, which we said goodbye to this afternoon. Another long day
again today because of the heat. There is just a bit of sorrow in
the air knowing that it will be the last night we will spend in our
igloo-like tents. The feeling of sorrow are even greater considering
also the wonderful food that our cook has prepared. It seems impossible,
but even in the desert it is possible to eat a five star meal. The
desert is always fascinating.
Leaving
the desert!
Last night was the last night at camp. As for tradition everyone was
asked to comment on their Desert therapy experience. And as always
wonderful statements of appreciation were made, in particular, also
this time, for Max's organization of the trip and for the sensibility
demonstrated by Lauren, not only in the leading of yoga. A big thanks
too to the Egyptian staff. The last day gave the group many great
emotions. We visited the black desert and crossed the zone of the
great sand dunes. In the oasis we visited an archeological site with
golden mummies and tombs. Tonight we will sleep in Baharia. Tomorrow
we will go to Cairo, with all its noise and chaos. Again in civilization;
with new awareness.
Also this time the experience in the Egyptian desert was positive and fears that we had at the departure about the outcome of the trip, proved to be unnecessary. The group, smaller than the first, quickly got along as if their first meeting wasn't at the departure. The diverse origins and the distance of countries of residences, that could have been an obstacle for integration, was overcome very quickly and between everyone a relationship of solidarity was established which was steady both during the trekking and during the moments of rest at camp. The meals, eaten under the striking tent structure which became the symbol of the Desert Therapy trip, furnished with a characteristic rug and lanterns and soft cushions laid out on the sand, were enjoyed by the group as an ideal moment for talking and sharing moments of happiness. It was this complete state of the spirit that prevailed above everything: together we laughed and enjoyed ourselves, with great ease, appreciating also the little things, always in harmony and balance, even more than normal.
From Roberto and Gigi, long time friends that were jokingly renamed Cip and Ciop to Graziella, small but feisty who even continued on foot even though she had a blister on her heel, walking in flip-flops like the cammellieri. From Pino the great, who at 190 cm tall dominated over even the pinnacles, and finishing with Giovanna, a sweet and smiling Italian who for 20 years has lived in Stockholm. They all lived these days together in the desert with passion and commitment.
I had the satisfaction also this time to see profound friendships develop and to share truly touching moments with my travel companions. Desert Therapy is also allowing the opportunity to establish long-term relationships and giving the participants the possibility to open themselves up to others as they are naturally, without the mask that we are used to wearing everyday to protect ourselves.
Something unforeseen is happening: the two groups have asked to meet each other, to exchange their impressions of the experience of the desert, and it seems that some are thinking of a future trip together. The family of Desert Therapy is growing and many are already asking to participate in the next edition: together with my staff they are already at work to give others the possibility of continuing the journey that is proving useful, above all for the spirit. The human touch of this project is a legacy that is maintained with great care, to offer new emotions to those who are able to comprehend and appreciate it.