Merry Christmas to all!

The most sincere and affectionate Merry Christmas to all, as you spend it in peace and in serenity with your families. I believe that there is not a more attractive gift: than the affection and the love of those dear to us, which is what we should preserve and defend. A New Year is about to begin: the celebration is to live it intensely, finding inside it the same force and determination to surpass every obstacle and to realize with success your dreams, small and large. Best wishes!!!

TOGETHER

To return home after this significant expedition also brings you back to the people dear to you. In the few days between now and Christmas it is beautiful to spend time together with family and close friends that you have not seen in a while, to exchange greetings. But the memory of the desert is always with me. Also Fabio lives in this state of joy shared with the memory of the expedition that we just experienced and the nostalgia of the profound atmosphere that he followed me through. He has passed on his passion to Oriana, his wife, who for the first time has manifested the desire to come with me in the desert, putting away all of her fears and worries that she has had since the beginning of this adventure. Like her, many other people are strongly desiring to come with us for this experience, to encounter a magical atmosphere and to find themselves. Welcome everyone to this new experience: the desert is waiting for us!

JOY AND PAIN

Unfortunately the great joy of our arrival from the desert was off-set by the pain that struck the family: Puck the big dog of Max, much loved by everyone, died the same night, maybe from a heart attack. He was only three and a half years old and was in great health. This summer we had hiked a lot together: he followed us in the mountains and he could arrive with us to extremely high difficult places, without a problem, untypical for a Great Dane. Max and Lauren have lost a great life companion and the many adventures they had together leave us all with an empty sensation. They decided to get a new puppy, that will arrive after Christmas. He will not be a substitute in their hearts for Puck, but his presence will help them to get over their sorrow and pass their joy on to another puppy.

Fabio's Party!

The big party Sunday night at Cenate, organized by Oriana, Fabio’s wife, to celebrate our arrival from the desert was wonderful. Really all of Fabio’s friends and the support team were there, except for Daniele, whose baby was sick with the flu. Also there were Teresa (incharge of official press) and Max and Lauren. We saw the film and some photos from the trip and retold some of the most beautiful moments of our journey, and also those moments that were the most difficult, but in the end finished with great joy. Fabio was very happy to have realized his great dream, and shared this with his friends who also have a great love for sports, the “Guys of 999” and with the president of the Omero Association, where he began sports many years ago. The beauty of Villa Maestri (where the party was held) added to the splendor of he evening, which was complete, with a speech from the mayor of Cenate, recognizing Fabio and I for our accomplishment and presenting us with two paintings that recounted our expedition in the desert.

Fabio in the desert

The thing that I was the most impressed with was how Fabio changed in the desert. At the beginning he was a dedicated athlete going for a good physical performance, concentrated on the time and wanting to know exactly how many kilometers we had gone and how many we had ahead of us. Then the magic of the desert performed a miracle. He began to go ahead, forgetting the time and distance and feeling more and more a part of the environment that awaited us, even though he could not see the beautiful path. He was completely relaxed, enjoying the silence that gives you strength and at the end confessing that he did not want to conclude the expedition that had brought him so much emotion. His most beautiful words were, “Here I am a man that is truly happy.” Thanks to everyone who brought life to our trip together in the desert for a New Frontier allowed Fabio to have this sensation.

Other memories

The cold and snow during these days provoke an awkward memories of the clear days that the Egyptian desert gave us. To think about the sunrises and sunsets with their intense rays, to the colors of the dunes of sand that change rapidly making games of light and shadow, to the like expanses of stone to melted silver, makes it hard to accept the change to uniform days, without color. I remember with pleasure the heat of the sun on my skin, the cold of the clear nights under a starry sky almost incredible with shooting stars that gave life to my desires. And then the silence, the true, strong silence that only exists in the desert and is a precious gift that it offers to you. To lose myself in these memories helps me to feel the same and I give myself moments of serenity also while work in front of the computer: I am really fortunate and hope to be able to share this with other people in the future, because I remember so intensely, how I accomplished this with Fabio.

Memories

The days run frenetically after the expedition with Fabio, but the memories emerge almost unexpectedly in random moments. Memories of the small details of the desert that at the time seemed almost insignificant, accompany me for days and days that were significant there in the desert seem to fade. The terrible pain in my feet, almost impossible at times to endure, is practically forgotten, if not for the pits and the marks that are left behind. Strong instead, are the memories of the noise of the silence while we walked, every now and then exchanging a few words, or the moments in which in the evening we divided the our few things to eat, while enjoying a rest after a long day of trekking. The emotions every time that I saw the flag of the resupplies and I thought: also this time I have found the water, or being stretched out in the tent with the wind blowing outside, good weather and relaxed although a little cold. Really only moments and unrepeatable. There is a lot to tell. ........till the next time.

How I miss the desert!

It has only been a few days since Fabio and I returned from our desert crossing in Egypt and like I thought, I miss the desert. Not so much the fatigue, the pain in my feet, the heat of the day and the cold of the night, but I live with the memories of the amazing views, the star-filled nights that I described to my companion who could not see them, but lived with me and felt the grand sensation. I miss our great sense of peace and the serenity that the desert gives, the complete well-being that allows us to forget all the bad things that are happening in the news. In one word we were happy. This is the great magic of the desert, that only whoever enters can understand,and it only takes just a few days. I decided to return soon to the sand that I love so much, also together with those that want to be close to me on this fantastic experience and know first hand the incredible emotions that this place contains and the change it brings, physically and mentally in just a few days. It is a path that leaves it followers and the remembers the rest, indelible, for a lifetime.

It has only been a few days since Fabio and I returned from our desert crossing in Egypt and like I thought, I miss the desert. Not so much the fatigue, the pain in my feet, the heat of the day and the cold of the night, but I live with the memories of the amazing views, the star-filled nights that I described to my companion who could not see them, but lived with me and felt the grand sensation. I miss our great sense of peace and the serenity that the desert gives, the complete well-being that allows us to forget all the bad things that are happening in the news. In one word we were happy. This is the great magic of the desert, that only whoever enters can understand,and it only takes just a few days. I decided to return soon to the sand that I love so much, also together with those that want to be close to me on this fantastic experience and know first hand the incredible emotions that this place contains and the change it brings, physically and mentally in just a few days. It is a path that leaves it followers and the remembers the rest, indelible, for a lifetime.

The anticipation

A day of waiting and the last day to prepare for the arrival of Carla and Fabio, tomorrow we will see them emerge from the dunes. There is much anticipation and emotion and the light of melancholy lumes as this moving experience comes to an end. In the afternoon we will meet them with a group of journalists that have arrived from Italy to share in person in this great emotion, also the head of the press office for No Limits and that of Focus Himalaya Travel. Unfortunately for Oscar two of the journalists are Milan supporters (soccer team), and during the dinner took arm against Oscar, who unfortunately could not tolerate the excellent meal…After the meal, in front of the fire, there was an offering to everyone and shishaand a belly dance…A way of socializing and ignoring the anticipation that builds with every hour.

We reached the last camp!

Today was the transfer to the point of arrival where we will make our last base camp. During the drive the path continued to change, from rocky land to sand. Sand signifies sinking and today the team had to face a couple of times where the off-road vehicles sunk into the sand, even though we have a great driver. The desert though is always insidious and where it appears the dunes are passable we suddenly find ourselves in soft sand where the wheels get blocked and sink. The plates for the wheels of the vehicles from our experience are precious and always solve the problem for the team. During the ride Oscar, Daniele and Renato placed the last water resupply for the expedition, it will the very last.
At the end of the day the support team created the point where Carla and Fabio will complete their extreme and tiring journey and the landscape that surrounds will provide a fantastic view with the color of the sun and the sunset burning bright red.

Soccer in the desert

We returned to the base camp in the dark, the journey was difficult because of the rocky ground, but the lead driver demonstrated, again this time, his extreme driving ability and his knowledge for the land. Because of the rocky forms in the terrain in this zone which we are crossing, to travel only a few kilometers, the caravan has to make many zigzags, taking us a long time to find a safe path between the rocks, making us want to hit ourselves in the head!
In the morning the local companions prepared bread and it was spectacular to see their ability to prepare it with so little ingredients in their process, but in the end it was exceptional and everyone ate the bread toasted on the fire with marmalade. At the end there was also a little game of soccer with a ball made of adhesive tape. For the record the game ended in a tie.

Worries resolved

Today at camp we breathe the air of tension, all of the staff were worried about Carla’s feet, during the evening call she said that they were doing better, and it gave us all a big sigh of relief. In the morning however, after we got up, we still saw footprints of the scorpions and we all searched for it, again this time without success. Tomorrow will be the last day in this base camp and we will begin preparing for the last site where we will arrive early on Wednesday. The next stage will take us to the final destination at the oasis of Dahkla. There we will see the arrival of Carla and Fabio: it will be very emotional for everyone!

Tollerance and respect

It is Sunday morning and also here in Egypt it is relaxing: Daniele reads, Renato draws pictures of the desert and Oscar writes, like always about his trip. This morning our staff has reunited and held at the center of conversation is the Koran…Sayed told us a true and actual lesson of catechism. To share in or except the doctrine of a religion is a process in which brings knowledge. At the base of it all there must be tolerance and receptivity. And in these terms, a note that we like to underline: this expedition unites persons of three different faiths: Christian, Muslim and Coptic. And we don’t have any problems to get along. For two days we have seen traces of scorpions in our camp and obviously want to see it in person…large but not harmful!!!!Last note, Oscar, the doctor of the expedition, has cured the accute dysentery in our lead driver Nasar had.

A marvelous environment

Last night the team put up camp in the dark and only this morning, woke up at a good hour, to realize what a place we had set up camp. The position was splendid with an amphitheater created by 5 feet of sand, that protected us from the wind.The dunes mainly surrounded us, but the view was fantastic and from sunrise and sunset it continually changed color. The composition of the land in this part of the desert is not only sand, but a mix of wind-carved stone and sand. All of our thoughts run to Carla and Fabio, who in a few days will cross this area, and we will meet them if they do not have any great problems in the trek. The morning was spent making repair attempts of the transformer of the pc, everyone is used to making a way to reuse things, but not without luck and many attempts, they are not coming out completely. The team is looking to get a new transformer from Cairo and is anxiously awaiting for a positive response. Although all of the climate and hopeful and everyone hopes it gets better.In the afternoon the other appointment was a little poker, where George and Renato continued to win, the team dedicated to taking video and photos to immortalize the trip continues.

Unforeseen events

It was a long and fatiguing day also for the support team. Today we moved the camp. We woke up at sunrise and got ready. After having packed up camp we left to place the fifth water resupply. The last they find in places in which the land is truly difficult. We thus decided to deflate the tires of the off-road vehicles a little to get better traction for the route. But there is nothing to do: the vehicles which keep sinking into the sand more and more. During the break for lunch, if you can call it that, we were visited by a little bird which Renato photographed. The moving of camp took longer than we thought and we had to set up the tents in the dark. More serious setbacks: during the telephone contact with Carla we blew the transformer for the PC….fortunately we had another in which we could use to make contact with you all.

Intrusion in the desert

The day pased easily for the support team and in the afternoon we decided to go for another exploration on the further into the outskirts than yesterday in this ocean of sand dunes. The progression of the cars was very difficult because it is not easy decipher where the sand is more compact or looser also for the expert eye of our driver Nasr: we began to sink six times. In the evening we returned just in time to savor a spectaculor pasta amatriciana (particular style pasta dish) made by Daniele. To conclude the evening there was the poker tournament whre Oscar and Daniele are always in the red and Reneto and Gorge are always more….fourtunate.

Poker in the desert

At base camp in the morning we are doing the “house work.” Renato and Oscar look like two perfect housewives, they have done the washing, as we say… who knows what would happen if they were seen by their respective wives! In the afternoon we resume the poker tournament, Daniele and Oscar are pulling away from Renato and George, our Egyptian companion, who in are really loosing and we do not envy Renato!In the afternoon we go for a tour of the desert to take photos and video the sunset.

Pass times

The days at base camp are kind of long and we always need to invent some pass time… we look to find the daily rules that are hidden with precision in the rhythms of the day: morning pee, breakfast, lunch and coffee (strictly Italian), dinner. This cycle helps us not to have the sensation of annoyance. In the dead time however, we always look to find something to do and Renato, our photographer, creates ideas…first he has written a television drama and is directing the show in which the staff stars, then there is the tournament of poker and who knows what other crazy ideas rest in his mind for the next few days. Today is cloudy and we could not talk with Carla and Fabio. Only a sms to communicate the point for the water resupply tomorrow. Our thoughts always drift to their trek. We don’t speak of it so we don’t worry about an event, but we know that it is hard and that the high temperature is the most fatiguing element of the expedition. However we know they are strong, very strong, that they have prepared for a long time and shortly we will hear their experience and that they have lived to the max. And we are with them.

Making the.... Camp

Today was tranquil, after we plan for the next days to be dedicated to organizing the materials: Oscar repairs the tripod, Renato organizes the computer with the photos and Daniele takes walks on the outskirts of camp in some other dry lands that Nasr and Said (our guides) say are the remains of an old point of rest for a caravan that around 150 years ago passed through this part. It is always exciting to find objects, also to use to record another period in time. In the heart of the desert it is rare to find the presence of man. The wind is calm giving us the opportunity to work better. The path is rough with dunes of very fine sand.

WE BREAK CAMP

For a good morning we wake up, break camp and await a surprise, the area is covered with a thick fog that gets all of the tents wet. It is not so easy to put them away. Putting together everything takes a lot of time and patience. Our off-road vehicles are tight and if we rediscover the goemetry to reload them is a bet.We head off to place the fourth water resupply. During the drive two vehicles get stuck in the sand, with the collaboration of everyone and the use of a metal sheet we get out after a short time. After some time of traveling we reach the point to position the resupply, about 70 km from the camp. Today is Sunday and the Egyptian staff has made a surprise… on of the drivers, with the help of a cook, has made us fritters, that are truly delicious!

WE CAN NEVER RELAX!

The wind and the sand keep pursing us, we must have a system to cover every piece of equipment.
We live barricaded.
Even though, our day at camp is normal between preparing the water resupplies for the next day, taking care of the materials for the video and photographs. The climate is relaxed due to the fact that Renato was organizing a small show in the desert, with the help of Oscar, Daniele and the Egyptian companions.
The try-outs were already done, we were ready to shoot the scene.
About 4:30 pm, the unforeseen: the telephone rang. It was Carla telling us they had arrived at the third water resupply. Until then everything was good, but not the news that followed, informing us that, unfortunately, because of the wind, Fabio’s tent had flown away. We are immediately activated and we left with the off-roaders to give them another tent. Nothing to do; after searching the desert many times, without luck, we finally found Carla and Fabio to give them the tent. This is also a Ferrino tent, but it was in our base camp and it is not very light like the others made for Fabio and Carla. This means that Fabio in the next days must carry more weight on his back. On the way back we looked around the area, but it is like trying a needle in a haystack...the tent can’t be found. Everything is good at the end. We returned to the camp just when night fell and we promised will try in the next days to shoot the scene of the show to watch once back in Milan.

PROBLEMS ARE ALWAYS RESOLVED

New Generator, new lifeFinally the problem of the generator and power has been resolved. We have a new generator. It does not seem real. This way we can recharge the batteries of the camera, of the video camera, the computer, navigator, satellite telephone, etc. It is incredible how important electronics are in our life, but especially in the desert not joking, an error can cost a lot and technology is truly a great help. At dinner, to celebrate the event Daniele “popped” a container of carton wine to symbolize a “cheers.” Oscar with more days without his precious juice has decided to accept this red colored liquid. Fortunately after dinner, which they began at sunset about 6:30pm, Oscar saves the day with a good glass of grappa. In the tanning photos the team is trying out for the swimsuit issue....dreaming of a pool!

THE BASE CAMP DOES A LOT OF WORK

Like we always say, when you arrive in the desert the rules of the game change and nothing ever can be predicted. This time it is the generator that has gone crazy. In effect it is a vital organ that we use to recharge the batteries to power all of the electrical equipment and all the electronics we brought with us, which aren’t few. Even though the morale is high and tomorrow we will see the true state of things. In the meantime we have a converter, luckily, from Oscar who saves us in emergencies. We have seen Carla and Fabio from far off after the departure and this risen everyone’s emotions. In order to relax we have to immediately throw ourselves into another activity. And the opportunities are not lacking. First we must place the water reinforcements for Carla and Fabio and transmit the location. There is always apprehension when we know they have to find it. Their life depends on this. A friendly appointment and it will be a tribal evening. And instead everything is good: at dusk we had satellite contact with Carla and Fabio. They communicated that they had found the water resupply.

READY AT LAST

We are working hard. The equipment falls into place more and more each time: we must be sure that everything works. In the desert unforeseen obstacles can not be predicted. The experience that we are living is for all of us something special and we see it in the best way: the team is truly tied together, but above all is very friendly. Every minute is a surprise: the support team is a band of truly special people. Renato the photographer, particularly restless works without pause and is full of jokes and is so dedicated to photography that sometimes he forgets to eat. Daniele, the head of the expedition and the youngest of the team is calm and efficient, and teams up with Renato, with whom he jokingly quarrels, for sending pictures by e-mail. Oscar the doctor and filmer, also the husband of Carla is always funny and in a moment of great tension makes jokes for the team with his gag impression. There is a lot of kindness and enthusiasm, everyone surpasses many difficulties that continue to present themselves, and the tension of the last minute is mitigated into relaxation. Absolutely the Island of the Famous!

THE DESERT IS CLOSE

We are nine in all. For now the team is still one and everything is united. Two days from tomorrow presumably we will divide, because Carla and Fabio will depart from a zone a few kilometers from the oasis of Farafra. The last purchases for Carla and Fabio, but also the last purchases for us, the support team. Food supply and gas for the stove that they will use to make lunch and dinner, and why not, some mint tea for this final departure. For now we don't see unpredictable obstacles for them. Daniele has organized everything perfectly, in fact today we found out that there are four local authorities that will watch out for us during the expedition. Also three off road vehicles that we will take to get to the departure site more efficiently. Today we have crossed 350 km in a very dry climate where the predominate color is beige. Teresa and Max, staying at the office in Milan, waiting for news from us, but we haven't let them down. Also though we are far from them we make sure everything goes as planned. Bight point: we hope to have a good night sleep. And the last night in a true bed: from tomorrow we live in a tent. All most we envy Teresa and Max.....

EVERYTHING IS READY

Here we are: all the materials have been sent, looked through, chosen and checked many times, it is ready to go. The meeting Saturday of the organizational staff that will work on the expedition defined the work for each member and clarified everything for the last minutes. Everyone is motivated and above all efficient: I know how imperative it is for the organisation to move in perfect synchronicity. Fabio is relaxed and has a really wants to depart and also Oriana, his wife, has definitely left her fear for the first time and is ready to see him go with serenity.
Teresa, Max and Stefano are will be responsible for public relations on the site and arranging the press of the expedition, writing the blog and responding to all the e-mail that arrives. Lauren will provide the English translations into English of the text. Oscar has gotten all of his material ready to serve as the doctor; also with Renato he has gotten ready the camera and video camera for the desert. Together with Daniele, who coordinated the expedition in Egypt, they have the responsibility to take all of the sending images and the diary. At Nello, the end site of the expedition, they will have the work of monitoring the filming and the video. Truly this is a great team that guarantee Fabio and I the relaxation necessary to try this great challenge.
From me, a great thanks from the heart to everyone, for the work with much passion to realize a New Frontier.

NEAR THE DEPARTURE

We are only missing a little. The necessary material for the expedition has arrived and finally we begin to relax. There are still a thousand things to prepare, but to know everything works is a great relief for the team. Tomorrow we will have the official staff meeting, to define for the last time the work to be done during the expedition.
Max, together with Teresa who is responsible for official press, and Stefano who runs the website, will be coordinating the operation in Italy. Oscar, Renato and Daniele, who will be in Egypt with us, must decide how to get us information and news, but above all how to prepare the water resupply for Fabio and I and how to intervene in case it is necessary. The satellite phones guarantee communication with us. We are relaxed and know that the dream is becoming a reality: they are fantastic moments for us that we will never forget.

PRESS CONFERENCE

The bad weather did not stop the journalist, friends and sponsors that wanted to come to Palazzo Marino to support Fabio and I as we leave for the desert. In the course of the press conference, the Councillor of Health, Dr. Landi, with the approval of the mayor, presented us with the flag of the Commune of Milan, for us to carry with us in our backpacks and to plant in the oasis of Dhakla at the arrival. It was a beautiful surprise that touched everyone and especially myself. To have a piece of my city to carry forward in the desert is truly a great satisfaction and a reminder of the importance of the great work I have carried out during many years.

FOUR DAYS LEFT

This morning at the Department of Motor Science at the University of Milan, Fabio and
I surpassed all the physical tests without problems that were coordinated by prof. Veicsteinas together with Dt. Merati. For three hours they had us undergo every type of exam, including electrocardiogram and tests on various inclined slopes, up to a 20% incline at a speed of 7. We left tired but satisfied: the doctors verified we had the ultimate health preparation as always under Franco Nava and we can leave relaxed from a physical point of view. Now we wait to try the more difficult thing, the psychological aspect that we will face directly in the field, it will be the desert that decides if we will be ready to cross it.

LESS THAN FIVE

There are only five more days till we leave and the climate is always more and more frantic. Telephones that continue to ring, e-mails that arrive for decisions, all of the staff are working to their max. Teresa, Max and the No Limits press office are working hard to organize the press conference for November 5th at Palazzo Marino because everything must work perfectly. Oscar and Renato are checking the new materials until exhaustion while Daniele is in contact with Egypt to organize the travel for everyone. Lauren has returned to America to renew her visa but also while in the States is working and providing the translations. Tomorrow Fabio and I will be at the University for more physical tests and to see if the training in these months has given successful results. The equipment of prof. Veicsteinas together with Dr. Merate and everyone of their colleagues are waiting for us. The enthusiasm is such that no one feels the exhaustion in these days, but we will remember it forever.

THE BIG FRENZY

The days pass quickley and the unrest increases for all those directly and indirectly involved in the challenge, including the sponsors that supply us all of the material. We have to organize everything: the camping equipment, the communication equipment and the transmission from the desert, the apparel, the food and the supplements, the gps, medicine, mateials for the photography, sun protection products, sun glasses and a thousand other things that now have transformed my house into a warehouse of goods. Every thing must be monitored, divided and weighed, then put in the box for each participent of the expedition. From Italy we leave in five: Other than Fabio and myself there will be Oscar the doctor and cameraman, Daniele, head of the expedition and Renato, photographer and second cameraman. Remaining in Italy to cordinate the arrival of news and images will be Teresa, responsible for my official press and Max, who runs the website and handles contact with the sponsors while Lauren will translate it all to English. I am awaiting a month of a lot of work, but enthusiastically and the team is fantastic and motivated. It will be a lot of energy for everything, the motor of this fantastic challenge.

TESTING AGAIN

Unfortunately for the second time Fabio and I have to undergo physical testing at the University of Milan, when my state of health is not good. First for the troublesome cyctitis and now for the flu. Maybe it is due to stress of the large workload in which I must do to organize the event and to train physically, that my body is rebelling from the frantic rhythms which are quite different from what I am used to. The other missing piece is there are only 11 days till we depart and for the 10th of November everything must be ready. The crossing of a desert is not a simple trip and if alone one must organize it themselves, it is more than a year of work.

THE MINIMARATHON LEAVING IN SPRING

Blooming in spring is the New Frontier Mini-marathon.
The first Mini-marathon for the all disabled athletes, New Frontier will take place in Milan next spring. Originally planned for next month, November, the marathon was postponed to Spring 2009, allowing the Comune di Milano, the organizer, to better present itself to all those who will be registered. My people had already registered for the November challenge, and it is sure that the warm weather of the spring will bring even more participants, not only who are disabled, but also their friends and supporters. Around two thousand are expected to participate.
The more the better!
The New Frontier Mini-marathon, in fact, has the objective to sensitize the public towards the disabled and to economically support the young disabled who want to participate in sports.

IT SUCKS!!!

The encounter between Ambrosiana and Casate finished 3 to 2 in favor of the second. The boys of Ambrosiana played well and with dedication, but without anything to beat the skill of the opponent, unfortunately an arbitration to forget did, like often happens, making the difference.Besides, this happens in all sports: the little professionalism of some individuals, determines the results, not corresponding to their effort in the field. Amateur sports, more than the others must be an example to the youth, this behavior risks being a negative example. It sucks!

DIFFICULT GAME

There is a difficult game this evening, where the dedicated Ambrosiana Hockey club will face Casate: playing at the Assago Forum.
They have much respect for the opponents and our boys will fight with a lot of determination to win at their home rink.
We will all be there to support them, always with the spirit of sport and with affection for the league and our team, which Max has played for now for some 17 years!Play hard Ambrosiana! We will see you at the Forum at 6.30, the entrance is free to all, remember to bring a sweater: on the ice it is always cold.

A NEW SEASON OF SPORT

Sunday was the first game of the year for ice hockey between Ambrosiana Milano and Lecco.
It is incredible that every player must pay almost a thousand dollars, plus all the equipment, to play in series C1. At the end of the game the score was 15 to 0 in favor of Ambrosiana, the team Max plays for, but Lecco was a good opponent, very good and competitive.

Reading in the news says that some gambler earned a million euros, to practice sports that are often the center of scandal and fraud, makes me nauseous. At times the athletes know little the value of sport: although the riches and the fame that they begin to receive doing a work that they love, often they begin to play poorly or to miss practice.

We would have to all work together for another reality and to support athletes who practice sport wrongly to begin to understand how much heart and passion we want them to have for practicing true SPORT.

THE COUNTDOWN

Shortly the count-down begins for our departure. But now that the date is approaching, tension increases and work becomes frantic. Now begins the arrival of materials from the sponsors, that will carry us through the desert and the house is becoming a warehouse to store all the goods. Materials for camping, backpacks, apparel: all are accumulating where they can, as I wait to choose how to divide the material and what will serve Fabio and I. I must think about a thousand things, all of which are urgent, and the time for training, now very fatiguing, has become the only moment for relaxation: it’s incredible!!

THE DEPARTURE IT APPROACHING

And practically it is decided, we will leave on November 10th, destination: Egyptian desert.
In a few days Daniele Tonani, head of the expedition, will go to Egypt for us to check out the location and organize all the logistic details of the crossing. Carla and Fabio instead will continue to physically perpare in Italy and shortly will have their first physical test run by the Faculty of Motor Science at the University of Milano. Ferrino, a long-time sponser of Carla, is working to prepare all the trecking materials, in particular the tents and backpacks that Carla and Fabio will use in the desert. No Limits, instead, will provide all the technical apperal and watches for all of the team, that as always, is coordinated by Oscar, who is the doctor and broker, not only the husband of Carla and by Daniele, leader of Focus Himalaya Travel, who organized Carla's expeditions in China and Australia. This team, united by deep passion and great professionalism, and with the help of other organizations will provide all the needed support to assure this new adventure is successful.

LIBERATION

With great relief we learn from the news that the hostages in Egypt have been liberated. The information released about them is still very vague, and it is difficult to understand they were liberated because of a military blitz, or if a ransom was paid. We will wait for further details, especially since Fabio and I are directly interested in the matter: if we are kidnapped, are we sure that someone will get us back home? We hope! In case of the contrary we will at least live the last of our days in the desert. It raises and interesting question: is it better in the Sahara or the desert created in our cities?

EGYPT: SECURE DESERT?

The question raises much speculation, considering that the lats events I wrote about pertained to the abductions that occurred in the desert.
The information in our possession, certainly reliable, confirms that the zone in which Fabio and I will cross is absolutely safe and sheltered from the possibility of crossing an unsafe band, like happened in the south, at the boarder of Libia and Sudan. However, I was told that this part of the desert is always considered a high risk because many bandits use this area to cross from one country to the other. The Oasis of Farafra, where we will depart, is 100 km away from where the abduction occurred, and even safer is the arrival location, El Barhein, farther to the north.
Therefore, Fabio and I confirm our intention to cross the desert, which is considered one of the more charming places in the Sahara and today one of the safest....inchallah!!!

HELP

Every day I receive e-mails from people that, after having learned of my expedition or reading my book, ask me to help them to find their path or surpass their daily difficulties. Often they are young and the fact that they revert to asking me for help is very interesting because from my experience the most valuable thing is: from the other side, reflect and stimulate the consciousness because that is what supports you through difficulties. And this outlines the road that is most clear for my future: to help the others and to go ahead, and to realize my dreams. When you have an objective to achieve, all comes to life with great intensity and life gains a new flavor.

OUR DESERT

Fabio and I will cross the 250 km Egyptian desert on foot. From the Oasis of Farafra to that of El Barhein, awaits for us a long distance of very high sand dunes, without water.
Like always, there will be a support team to give us any needed help: also this time my husband Oscar will take part as a member of the medical team, as well as Daniel Tonani, the head of my last support team. It is a great team and they are sure that this expedition will be organized and followed very professionally, but above all with passion for what we are doing. They will drop water supplies daily and Fabio and I will find them thanks to GPS technology. The count-down will begin soon, and I can't hide my excitement for the adventure that awaits us.
Oriana, the wife of Fabio instead, has already been counting down to the event: relax Ori, everything will be great!

YES, YES, YES!!!!

Fantastic, our dreams are coming true. It is official, the first annual mini marathon for disabled in Milan will be open to everyone, friends, supporters and sponsors.
November 9th at 10 am it will depart from the Arena, go past the Duomo and return to the Arena. In total the race will be 5 km and is to support disabled youth participating in sports. The entire event is a charity to support this cause.
Fabio and I will be in Milan: we have decided to leave for the desert the day after so that we can participate with our friends in this event.
Shortly there will be a new website for the event with information on the mini marathon, which will called "New Frontier"
We are waiting for you all, for this big sporting event and charitable cause, supporting those who need the support the most.

THE LOSS OF RAIMONDO BUCHER, THE CHAMPION UNCLE

Tonight Raimondo Bucher died. He was world record holder of deep diving in the 1950s and commanded parts of the aerial patrol of the Horse Rampante in the last war. He was the brother of my mother, and I always called him Uncle Champion, because the stories of his enterprises charmed me as a little girl. To think of "No limits" athletes in those days was inconceivable, but he attempted enterprises, that for the time, seemed impossible. Climbing, underwater, piloting: in every discipline he was always the first one and the best one. The gold medal of athletic value was given to him, the most decorated in sports. He was blessed with an exceptional physical health and knew how to maintain it. With this comes the loss of a symbol of competitive sport pure and unconcerned. Good bye uncle Raimondo, you will be missed me a lot.

IT BEGINS AGAIN

Here we are again together after the summer break, however Fabio and I, never we suspended the trainings. We are both in shape and full of enthusiasm and of energy to face the two months that separate us from the large events of November. During the summer the media told of attractive and often dramatic news. Above all the tragedy on the White Mountain: which especially hit us because this happened within a few days of when Lauren and Max went for their ascent of the peak. Destiny is really cruel and unpredictable. Tomorrow begins the Paraolimpiadi: for all of the athletes participating in such a significant event for sports, our affectionate omen. Fabio and I always hold them close in our hearts and in our thoughts. Good luck, boys!!

THE SUMMIT!

Here it is finally, a photo of Lauren and Max on the top of Monte Bianco. They climbed for seven and a half hours to reach the top, from the most difficult way on the French side, from the refugio Cosmiques climbing the crest of Mont Moudit and Mont Blanc de Tacul before arriving at the summit, accompanied by their guide Max. During the night it snowed a lot, but when they began their climb at 2am, the weather was great and it was a wonderful day to view the Alps. After they spent only ten minutes on the summit, they began the hike down the mountain to the refugio. In all they hiked for 13 and a half hours in the ice. Both of them were very tired at the end, but very satisfied to have completed this expedition. They are now thinking of new adventures, maybe in September…….

ON THE TOP OF EUROPE!

Here it is finally, a photo of Lauren and Max on the top of Monte Bianco. They climbed for seven and a half hours to reach the top, from the most difficult way on the French side, from the refugio Cosmiques climbing the crest of Mont Moudit and Mont Blanc de Tacul before arriving at the summit, accompanied by their guide Max. During the night it snowed a lot, but when they began their climb at 2am, the weather was great and it was a wonderful day to view the Alps. After they spent only ten minutes on the summit, they began the hike down the mountain to the refugio. In all they hiked for 13 and a half hours in the ice. Both of them were very tired at the end, but very satisfied to have completed this expedition. They are now thinking of new adventures, maybe in September…….

THE PEAK!!!

Max and Lauren have done it! They have reached the peak of the Monte Bianco! At 3:15pm Italian time, August 2 the news arrived: " We just returned to the shelter at Cosmiques, we are tired but we are well." After 12 hours of climbing they accomplished their dream and are happy. Oscar and I, with tears of delight in our eyes, embraced each other after hearing their success. As we had decided they did not call us until they had arrived at the end: the essence of this wonderful mountain does not deserve to be contaminated by cellular phones. We endured the wait and it was worth it.

You are great, guys! Enjoy your deserved rest and the satisfaction of having reached your dream, you earned it! In a little we will share all the details of the climb.

THE WAITING CONTINUES

No news from Valle d'Aosta. The uncertain weather will not allow them to ascend Monte Bianco. Lauren and Max hope the weather changes, perhaps on Thursday, and in the mean time continue to hike in the forest, and collect mushrooms and wild fruit. The mountains in summer are always full of generous surprises, with flourishing meadows of delightful food. We wish our kids luck in realizing their dream, for now they must just wait and hope. Good luck, we are all with you!

WAITING

Lauren and Max, after much training, are waiting to leave for their adventure: to climb to the top of the Monte Bianco. It is a dream they have had for months and have gotten ready for with much enthusiasm. Unfortunately the weather conditions these days are not favorable: to face this challenge the weather conditions must be perfect, because as you climb to higher altitudes, a small problem can become a great drama. The recent misfortune of a Dutch family teaches us the importance of treating the highest mountain in Europe, like every other peak, with respect and intelligence. With our kids there will be their friend, Loris, who is sporty and very attentive, and a guide who will lead them with experience. We are here waiting for news from Valle d'Aosta......

FIRST STEPS

New Frontier has just began its route and has already begun to grow. Everyday friends, well-known supporters and strangers, fascinated with athletics and adventure, and also non-athletic normal people, send their support by e-mail and direct contact for all that will happen between October and November. The enthusiasm of everyone that is accompanying us in this fantastic project makes it worth all the labor and brings us much satisfaction. A heartfelt thanks also from Fabio for the support you offer him. New Frontier came to life under a beautiful star and we are very proud of it.

NEW FRONTIER IS BORN!

It is official: New Frontier, the first mini marathon for the disabled will happen!! Milan, a city with a big heart, will host the first annual walk specifically for people with all degrees of disabilities, together with their friends, sponsors and supporters, who want to make the public aware of the problems faced by handicapped individuals. There is a 5 kilometer course through the city, to bring a message of hope and this will accompany the departure of Fabio and I for our new adventure in the desert. We will great all the participants from a big screen projection that is prepared to directly follow our departure, uniting the enthusiasm and the desire to demonstrate that all dreams, also those that seems impossible can be achieved. We are waiting for the numbers for October, and in a short while will announce the precise dates.
A heart-felt thanks to Comune di Milano, in particular to the Counselor of Health, Dr. Landi di Chiavenna, for the support and for believing in the project, who's proceeds will go to support charities for the disabled youth participating in sports.

Grand Trail Valdigne

A beautiful race was held Saturday the 12th in Valle d'Aosta. Seven hundred competitors raced in some of the most beautiful areas in two groups, one course was 47 kilometers and the other 87 km, reaching an altitude of almost 3000 meters. The winner, an Italian, completed the race in 10 hours and 19 minutes, while the last finisher arrived to Dolonne after 25 hours. The first woman, an Argentinian finished 25th overall and all were absolutely fantastic. The aspect that is the most striking is the extreme simplicity and modesty of the men and women that trained a long time to have the endurance to carry through with this mentally and physically hard competition, not for fame and without earning anything more than a t-shirt and personal satisfaction. If we think about the soccer players fame and accolades, we realize how far they are from the real values of sports.

Common Challenges

Fabio and I are working hard on a big challenge. In a little while we will meet with the technicians that must prepare our materials to take in the desert, in particulate the backpacks and the tent that are fundamental for our success in the desert.
Just when they will be ready, begins the test to find out if they work and to see the respective weight. In the next weekends I will begin hiking in the mountains with Max and Lauren: they are preparing to for Monte Bianco and me for the Sahara. It is beautiful to have a athletic project in common, and to train with my son and with his girlfriend. It is a fantastic experience that I wish for every parent.

Youth and Mountains

In contrast to the heat these days, that is suffocating in the city, the mountains are a wonderful idea. They offer the possibility of taking long walks out in the open, sleeping well, without mosquitoes. There is not the commotion of the seaside places and it is possible to get to places that are inaccessible for most of the year because they are alpine and very high. Max and Lauren have decided to take the challenge of climbing the Monte Bianco at the end of July and have been training for some time now. It is a big physical undertaking and the training is costly and laborious, but they are happy to share a common goal and are working well together. Their enthusiasm is an splendid example for youth that love sports and also a stimulus for those who have not yet begun to participate in sports, but want to put themselves into the game. Go guys! We are all cheering for you!

Youth and Sports

Athletics are always a valid solution to propose, but with the passing of time, they have become more focused on results. Often today sports are not done as a way to vent, to feel alive and in shape, and tampering with the contest has become acceptable with the use of unnatural devices. To participate in athletics today is binding. You must pledge yourself completely to the sport. This does not encourage people to participate in sports and instead sit in the turns of the stadium (at soccer matches), where they vent by acting in an uncivilized manner, violently for soccer, without restriction or convention. It is important to understand the inherrent desire of people for personal benefit, similar to the "belief" they have towards a jersey and soccer flag- this is an "ideal" absurd, solo, and childlike, but similar to the concept of the black shirt of facism, that carried their sons into plazas, to the youth protests and that armed the hands of brigatists.
The youth have a need to believe in the same thing. Youth also have a sense of infringement, that gives them a need to do something alone, original.
The youth of today are passive when approching their life, they wait for a new situation, rather then actively taking steps to change their lifes and inhance their future. They want freedom and do not realize their limits, that all are allowed to win. They don't have the understanding that they can rise above their limitations and don't have to accept them. Every rule becomes an abuse of power and is not necessary for a true cohabitation.

Windows from Giusy

Hello, I read the blog on 'windows' and wanted to share a beautiful picture that I took in the winter from my window of Tirreno and Capri; it is a beautiful picture of the end of the day, when nature gives us an unforgettable show, reminding us to observe all that we have around us. A greeting from Giusy

The Newest Marathon of Fabio

The emotions of Passatore!
For my journey approaching the desert crossing, which will be accompanied by Carla, I did a little race Saturday, May 31, as preparation for the expedition. The ultra marathon of Passatore, called thus because it winds through mountains that span between the provinces of toscany and emiliano, near Florence and Faenza, which was frequented by popular bandits and the leader Passatore Cortese. This is a 100km race where physical strength and training are not enough, but it also takes a high tolerance for pain and mental strength.
I had planned to run 45-50 km of the race. So with friends early Saturday morning we departed for Florence.
At 3pm, with Mario, I started my adventure of Passatore, in which it is manditory to manage your energy expendature.
We ran easily for the first 28km which were hilly with slopes of about 500m, then we began the 1000m ascent toBorgo San Lorenzo which crossed Colla Casaglia. We were followed by a wonderful support team in a minibus who made a big difference and offered a lot of help.
It was great. I ran with agility, without fatigue and surprisingly without problems or physical barriers for 42km or 49kms I completed, thinking of my expedition in the desert. I knew that if I had finished the race at 75 or 80km I would have done more than I wanted for Passatore.
I know from experience that the body knows if it gives more of itself than it has, it is not in our interest and I was afraid to compromise my training for the desert. At 62km, in almost perfect condition I decided to stop. I was very happy because I did well. It was a wise choice to stop since a little while laterMario unfortunately had a problem and was forced to withdraw from the race. Also Aido, the 3rd athlete we ran with pushed through indiscribable amounts of pain to finish the race. In the kilometers I ran, I saw many athletes going through a lot of pain that persisted unjustified. Yes, the there is great fatigue in athletic expeditions, but to make it worse just so you finish the 100km is not a sport.
I am happy to have done the standard corse very well. For now I have resumed my training, which is going very well, for my expedition in the desert with the amazing Carla. We have been working towards this dream for almost a year and now I also have the marvelous memories of Passatore.

Heath in Milan

Begining tomorrow, the 5th of June is the week for health in Milan. Yesterday a press conference was held at Palazzo Marino, where the counceler of health Dr. Landi di Chiavenna illustrated the program: thorough and well-planned. Until June 15th, the city will be mobilized to inform the citizens of different illnesses and to carry out screenings and free exams in traveling structures.
Also, I will be involved in this iniciative and Tuesday, June 10th, for the day dedicated to the disabled from 2pm to 10:30, at Palalido, they will be projecting my images from the trips in the desert.
The event is for everyone: we will spend time together for athletics and fun. I hope to see a lot of you!

Windows

A window is an eye to the world and everyone is different than all the others. The image framed seems like a painting, often sharing objects with other views, but remaining a sole example. The same subject seen from another window changes, even from a neighboring window where the difference is small, but exists: this is so interesting. Each person has their favorite window, why not share with the others this image? I send you that which I love the most: the view of the uninhabited desert from my small tent, new and spectacular every day. I wait also for yours!

Athletics for All

Fabio and I have decided that the proceeds from the Milan mini-marathon will be given to support the young disabled participating in athletics. We therefore invite everyone to participate physically at the event and also to financially sponsor us, to make this project a reality. A little contribution is enough to be of great assistance. Fabio represents a magnificent hope and demonstrates how fundamental athletics were for him to rise above his handicap. Together we want to offer to all young disabled athletes the possibility of clearly succeeding and living their life with new enthusiasm. We want them to be able to rediscover themselves year after year at the race in Milan during the 5 km of New Frontier.

The Colors of the Sand

Those who have never enterend the desert imagine it to be a huge expanse of sand, all looking the same. In reality it is not like this. None of the six deserts I have crossed are similar to one another and the sand of esch is different in color and consistency. It changes from yellow in the Kalahari, to red in teh Simpson Desert, to pink in the Tenere and Akakus deserts and a golden grey in the Taklimakin Desert. The Salar of Uyuni is composed only of salt, clearly creating a different look. Sometimes, in the same desert, you will find different types of sand with totally different shades and wonder from what material it has originated. Also near rocks, as is the case in the Akakus Desert, it is very dark, while in other deserts the presense of salt or other materials creates a light color, almost white. At the end of the my crossing in the Simpson Desert in Australia, the aboriginies gave me a bottle of sand showing the particularity of all five of the differnt zones: from beige to dark red.

I have all the sand from the differnt deserts lined up in glass bottles next to one another, and the difference is quickly noticed by the eye. These are enough for me to look at to reawaken my memories of the deserts.

Carla Perrotti new BLOG!

This is the new Carla's Blog! If you love travels and adventures that's the right place on the web!!