THE GREAT SNOW

So much snow fell on Milan two days ago! It was very beautiful to take a walk while it was snowing with Koa, who would run happily in the park covered in a blanket of white which had quickly transformed the walkway. During the snow I noticed that the internal lights of houses became warmer and softer, and the sky also remained lighter, it seemed like we were living in a nativity. Even people change when there is snow, and everyone wants to return to childhood and play. Of course Max and Koa would not miss the opportunity: here they are happily rolling in the snow that continues to fall while Lauren takes the photos to immortalize their first White Christmas.

Dinner

Here we are a few days before Christmas and the dinners to celebrate are one after the other every evening. Whether they are at home or at the house of a friend or at a restaurant, these are always evenings where you eat and drink too much. It is difficult to resist certain appetizing dishes that normally are not included in our diet and then here we all are complaining that our waistline has grown or we have trouble sleeping because our bodies are not used to so much abbundance. On the other hand Christmas is also this: the occation to visit with friends and family that we see very little during the year and spend a few peaceful and happy hours with them….eating! After the holidays, everyone must return to their schedules and daily routines and resist the temptation to let out their belts: better to decide to restrict ourselves, our bodies will be thankful and we will enjoy our health together.

White Christmas

How wonderful is the snow at Christmas! It is like the times of old, when the everyday rhythm of life was at man’s speed. Today unfortunately a little of the magic is lost in the effort to always meet daily demands, which in a city like Milan scatters you between hurried purchases and constant traffic jams.
Also the snow becomes a problem, causing only inconveniences and becoming another thing to make us angry, as if we don’t already have enough things to anger us!It is difficult, but if we all have the courage to stop ourselves for a moment and think about what Christmas represents, remembering that it is a celebration dedicated to love and kindness, maybe we will be able to accept also the inconveniences of a beautiful snowfall and enjoy the spectacle it gives us!

Wonderful Evening

It was truly wonderful and well organized the event at Codrignani Store, the sports store working with Desert Therapy, which continues to become a big family, and it turned into a occasion for seeing friends and others passionate about travel and adventure.

There was a large crowd of visitors, curious to know the details of the next trips, which we presented in a film of the White Desert followed by a happy hour with a rich buffet offered by Ferrino. There was strong representation of participants from the first two editions of Desert Therapy, with whom we will go next summer on a new trip, again all together. A window was dedicated to the desert: anyone desiring information can turn to Roberto, to owner of the shop who will be glad to answer your questions and share about his experience with us.

Diversity

What does it mean to “be different”? I find incorrect this definition that identifies people who don’t fall within the determined scheme of society. But it is not correct, the society, the judge who can allow themselves to define who is normal and who is not.

My experience with Fabio, the blind marathon-runner with whom I crossed the White Desert, let me have the great privilege of seeing into the world of the handicapped. I discovered wonderful, balanced, sensitive and above all determined people, who live a life rich with values. How can someone think to difine “different” men and women such as these? From them we can only learn and find a good example. To the differences that many consider “normal” which actually scorn the next and who think only of personal benefit: these are the individules that we must judge and that should be excluded, maybe sent to an island: The Island of the Different

Again this year....

It is the same story: every year, without fail, I promise myself to plan ahead getting Christmas gifts: “by the end of November I will do everything, this way I can enjoy the last days peacefully.” I have never been able to keep this promise and again this year I will wait till the end as always. For some odd reason that I can’t understand, out of nowhere Christmas is here. And yet until a few days ago it seemed far away! I have the impression that time speeds up too much, but this happens not only for me. Also for Max, who is much younger, something has changed. I remember when I was his age and the days seemed long: I found time to do many things and there was always extra time to enjoy my hobbies. However now it is not this way and together we see the weeks pass in a moment. What is happening? Beats me. It is true that when someone says they are bored we look at them like they are from Mars. Boredom is an unknown word for us: maybe we are missing something?

In the gym

For a little while I have been missing the gym. The pressure of work and Desert Therapy have kept me away for that place where I spent a lot of time preparing myself to face the desert, under the guidance of Franco, the athletic trainer who followed all of my adventures in during these years. This is not to say that I am stopping, on the contrary! I have always taken daily runs outdoors and walking with Desert Therapy has contributed to keep me in shape in this in-between time. Now however, the rainy days don’t allow me to go out and train without risking catching some illness and therefore the gym remains the ideal place to keep up my training. With the machines you can maintain a good muscular tone and you can run in place on the treadmills. An hour is sufficient to maintain good physical health and to feel good: ready for another walk in the White Desert

Where is the sun?

It seems absurd, but ever since we returned from the desert, almost three weeks ago, we have only seen the sun two days here in Milan. All the others are a long sequence of grey rainy days, depriving color to the parts of the plants that are still alive, colored like a late autumn. It is true that we are in winter and that November is usually the saddest month, but the memory of warm days with blue sky and sun to warm the skin become all-consuming. “Luckily we work a lot” a friend said to me “otherwise how would we support such a climate without going into depression?” It is a sad thought that as an antidote to the sadness we can only work: we are really limited!

Technical limits

Some would think that I let the blog go on vacation however….it was the fault of my computer! A few days ago it decided to have a tantrum and I spent most of my time working on it, trying to convince it to work again. With Max in the USA to celebrate Thanksgiving with Lauren and the computer stuck, it was not a good start to the week!

Finally when it decided to work again, after my rage wore off, which inevitably accompanies this events, I saw what happened in a different light and to justify everything, I hoped to find a reason. Maybe it is not only a machine, I said to myself, also it needs to rest sometimes, since you control the everyday rhythms it is subject to. One thing is certain: the true limits are not in the desert, often we find ourselves confronting them everyday.

Wonderful Evening

The get together last night in Castellanza (VA) of CAI together with the cultural association IL PRISMA (The PRISIM) was a success. The arrival into the splendid Brambilla Plaza, the seat of the Comune, where I affixed my signature on the book of honors was very exciting. Later, more than 200 people, some even standing, watched a presentation of short films on my expeditions and one on Desert Therapy, which raised great interest. There were many questions from the audience, who followed my story very attentively. The evening ended with an emotional moment when Giulia, a woman in the audience who has followed me for a long time, read one of her poems, dedicated to me and to the desert.

Family Celebration

Lauren and Max leave in a few days to go to the US to celebrate Thanksgiving with Lauren’s family. For Americans it is the most important celebration of the year and this year Cynthia and Vic, Lauren’s parents, are able to spend the day with everyone. They are also going to celebrate Christmas that day, since the kids will return to Italy and celebrate the real day with us. We are happy that our Italian family and Lauren’s American family, even with the distance and cultural differences, have in common this sense of celebration where we hold tight to traditions and it is wonderful that Lauren and Max share these values. Joining together to celebrate is important and a tradition that the youth must continue: a precious occasion to see each other again and share moments of peace.

Flavors

What do you do on the sad, rainy days of autum? One suggestion is to spend time cooking and making jams and preserves of every type, with fruit and vegetables, or even tuna under oil or olives in brine. Together with Lauren, who also loves to cook, in our free time we make lots of jars, always trying to create new tastes. The last creation? Pineapple jam, wonderful with cheese and the favorite of Oscar.

At Christmas our jars become wonderful gifts to give to our closest friends, some of whom were also with us in the desert. Those who participate in Desert Therapy in fact have already tasted our home-made jam, durng breakfast every morning seated comfortably on cushions in the sand: an extra sweet treat.

Journey of the Spirit

Graziella, one of the five participants of Desert Therapy called me: wanting to let me know what happened after her return and her words confirm that what I had hoped for also happened to her. She told me about the change that happened inside of her, and the benefits that she discovered to face everyday. She left during a difficult period, with high stress and tension and after the week in Egypt passed she realized that her attitude had completely changed. “I am always calm and serene also if the same problems exist, I am able to see them with detachment and face them with a smile on my face” she told me on the telephone. “I don’t understand what happened, but just to think of the desert makes me feel good.” What joy to know that Desert Therapy is truly working!

MEDIA

Walking together in the desert allows a lot of time for chatting with the friends who accompany you. It is interesting to exchange opinions on various topics and to know the opinion of people who live in different places. Giovanna who has lived in Stockholm for more than 20 years, described for example how the Italian media is considered abroad. The most striking thing from our media is the negativity of the news, and the tendency to transform every event into a tragedy. It digs up suffering and pain without respect for the persons involved and dramatic events take up all the space on our news at the expense of the positive events which should take the spot-light, at least to generate more optimism in the public. Thinking about her words, I have to agree: after a fatiguing day of work, with many problems inside and outside the house, to be bombarded with catastrophic news can’t be good. And so, relive the desert!

Friends

A very beautiful thing is happening, that even the most rosy predictions could not have foreseen. The two groups of Desert Therapy are creating a big family in which there is space to recall the shared emotions of the desert and of everyday life. The e-mails that began the circulate between friends, the evening at Claudia’s house where also in attendance was Roberto C. from the second group with his wife (who is extremely nice) and the next event in Trecate organized by Antonio where almost everyone will attend, let us understand that the desert, apart from its many gifts, has given us a gift even more special and precious: friendship. To find new friends in such a particular place was a surprise for all of us, maintaining this is up to us.

Here they are

Here is the photo with our friends from Desert Therapy2, immortalized between the dunes at the end of the trip!

It is unnecessary say that the desert left a profound imprint also on them. At the return, some of them verified that they were more relaxed and less inclined to worry about everyday problems. The common feeling was one of great wellness and serenity. This evening the participants of the first Desert Therapy will have a dinner at Claudia’s house, and she has kindly also invited these new participants. Unfortunately some of them are very far away, Giovanna is even in Stocholm and therefore not every will be with us, but some will. Desert Therapy doesn’t end in the desert but continues and is creating new ocations for us to get together and pass a few hours talking together about the Desert and other things: it is becoming a big family.

Our camels

Our walk in the desert was always accompanied by a small caravan of camels. In reality we used dromedary, which are a smaller race in respect to those that travel with the salt caravan and are more famous. They are an important presence because they help us carry our backpacks when they become heavy and they become a means of transportation for those who become tired or simply desire to enjoy the scenery of the desert from up high. In particular, this time with us there was a pregnant female, ready to give birth. Obviously no one wanted to mount her and she seemed to understand our worry. She was the most cuddly and would let us rub our hand on her belly, where we could feel small movements. They explained to us that when the camels get close to the moment of giving birth, they cry: and on the last day of walking she had tears in her eyes. Have the calves been born? Probably they have. Who knows if next time there will also be the calf together with his mother to accompany us!

Every day

It is always difficult to return after an experience like we have just had, but in reality with the passing of time, you realize that the desert remains inside of us, a reassuring presence that helps us, day after day, to rise above the difficulties and the hardships of everyday. Also this time it is so. Often my thoughts return there, in the middle of white pinnacles, between the sand and the silence, but without regret: it is the awareness of having lived this unique experience that makes us well, to enrich ourselves internally. Just one little additional brick, which adds to all the others that have contributed to build our lives.

Marvelous

There are no words to describe the beauty of the White Desert in Egypt: it is simply marvelous as was the second Desert Therapy, which ended with success thanks also to the tight-knit group that was with us. Giovanna, Graziella, Roberto, Gigi and Pino were ideal travel partners, motivated and curious, who appreciated every moment of the trip sharing with us moments of great happiness and serenity.

Great job to Lauren and Max, who worked really hard to provide maximum comfort in the striking camps made in the midst of white pinnacles. The food was wonderful and plentiful, with a great variety of dishes as offered in a nice resturant, thanks to our Egyptian cook. The weather was hot during the day and comfortable at night, and the few minutes of rain which fell on our camp were a true gift: it has been years that this has not happened in the desert!

The memory of this experience will accompany our friends from far away: the proof is in the emotions of when we said our good byes with the hope to see eachother soon….maybe again together in the desert.

Tomorrow we leave (Oct 22)

We are only a few hours away from the departure of the second Desert Therapy and the emotions are strong.

Giovanna, Graziella, Luigi, Pino and Roberto are ready to walk in the magical White Desert.

The participants of the first edition have recalled again their unforgettable experience with wonderful gifts to our new travel companions. Anna M, Pinuccia, Antonio, Anna C. and Claudia have written letters of good luck to those who will face this journey, a symbolic passageway for the new arrivals into the Desert Therapy family. The letters are on line and at the return we will try to organize a get together so they can all meet each other in person.
On the site during these days a diary of the trip will be published with photos, and for the first time, it will be possible to follow us thank to the Spot, a new satellite system that communicates our position every minute. To use it, just check on the site. We’ll be back to you soon directly from the Desert…….inchallah!

2 days to go!

Almost ready! Lauren, the American girl who will come with us to do yoga and meditation, tells a little of what she discovered in the desert from the first Desert Therapy. Here are her thoughts: the Italian is not perfect, but you can understand perfectly well her emotions to return to this place:

“I am excited to return to a place where there is no rush, without this way of living guided by a clock. In the desert we follow the rhythm inside of ourselves and find our own path. There is something special also about a place without mirrors. It is not important how we look to others, but we focus on how the world looks to us and we understand who we are on the inside. The mask that we all wear disappears. This is very wonderful. With the first Desert Therapy we all became true friends for this reason, we lived together without masks and we saw inside of each other.”

3 days to go

The chaos increases every hour and the house, as always before we leave, looks like a warehouse. The list of recommended materials is checked off so that we won’t forget anything. Friday everything must be ready to leave. Our advice is always to bring a limited amount of things, especially in the way of clothing: in the desert you only need very little. Years of experience have taught me that everytime you only use half of what you bring on these trips. A good sleeping bag, the right shoes, a little backpack with sunscreen and a camera and a head lamp for going around camp at night; these are the only indispensable objects other than a small personal medical kit. The rest we will bring. The show however will be offered by the desert.

4 days to go

There are only five days to go till the departure for the White Desert in Egypt and expectant waiting is infecting everyone. Max is at the complete disposition of our participants for any doubts as we begin the count down: will it be hot? Or will it be cold at night? What do I need to add to my bags? The temperature today were wonderful: +33 during the day and +20 at night, but the desert is unpredictable, therefore we always advise bring something warm too. The gifts of the sponsors are ready: which are again this time a great surprise! And there will also be a great novelty: which we will discuss before leaving. In short, as always the wait is full of high expectation. I always say that the trip begins the moment in which you decide to go, and the days spent waiting for Desert Therapy are truly special.

Good-bye to the father of the Stramilano

This morning, Francesco Alzati passed away, the creator of the famous Stramilano. Francesco was a great friend, with whom I shared many years of ski racing in the same club, the Fior di Roccia together with a wonderful group of people passionate for mountain sports. Above all it is the enthusiasm and great energy of this special man that will be missed. Always ready to invent something new, and open to new experiences and activities, he always lead a healthy life, in touch with nature and maintained a thin and energetic form: destiny took him too early. Him, the symbol of a man who dedicated his existence to sport.
I remember emotionally when he decided to dedicate his life to Sramilano, the most famous of the city marathons. The start of the first edition was in the evening, behind viale Zara, and we were only a small group of friends full of enthusiasm. The reinforcements were limited to a little broth and hot tea, with a few cookies and some fruit: how simple and what joy in the work we all did together! Thank you Francesco for what you gave to us, but thank you above all for what you left for us: the example of a life lived with passion and honesty and many unforgettable memories. An affectionate hug to the family and in particular to his son Andrea, who continues his father’s efforts and with whom we have brought life to the first edition of New Frontier. Stay close to us Francesco, to help us move forward and extend a hand to disabled persons who want to participate in sport, with your great passion.

Our Gifts

The date of departure is getting closer: October 23 we will return to the White Desert with a small group of people who want to join us for the second edition of Desert Therapy and share together this fantastic experience: the participants are all ready. Also this time Lauren will come with us, who in addition to helping Max organize camp, will lead yoga and meditation twice a day. The chèche (the woven turban that protects from the sun and sand) personalized with the Desert Therapy logo, which participants find in the room when they arrive in Cairo, together with other beautiful gifts are all ready, along with the tisane created specifically for different moments during the day and other sweet surprises. Every detail is handled by us personally, to guarantee our guests nine days of absolute relax and “embrace from the desert” and give everyone the gift of once in a lifetime memories.

Motionless

With the daily presence of dramatic images of the earthquake, floods and huricanes that are devastating some areas of the planet, I often have thoughts instead of the immobility of the desert.
For thousands of years everything seems motionless, no natural upheavel seems to have happened to scratch the static image of this place that seems from another dimension, even if in reality this is not so. The Chinese desert for example, has flowing rivers in the summer that are later absorbed into the sand. The Salar in Bolivia, has a rainy season that makes it impassable. And for that matter it is the presence of water that creates change in the desert. Where there is no water, everything remains motionless, only the wind sculpts new dunes or moves others, but everything happens slowly. This lack of change creates security and therefore the sensation of great well-being that you experience in this place is due to this fact. The magic of the desert!

Together Again

Last night was beautiful with all of our friends from the first Desert Therapy! We got together again for dinner and to toast to the desert. It is incredible how passing a few days together in the Egyptian desert have changed each of our lives and created a close-knit group. The conversations flow spontaneously and happiness is never lacking. We talked about everything but above all of our great love (the desert) and of our desire to repeat this fantastic experience together. Everyone carries in their hearts the memories of those rich days of serenity we shared in the most charming place on earth. We also spoke with Anna from Rome thanks to Skype, and there were many emotional moments. The only one absent, for personal reasons was Claudia, but she sent her greetings to all and has invited us over for another gathering…….after the return of the second Desert Therapy!

Not all are athletes

The most frequent question that we get from those interested in participating in Desert Therapy is regarding physical preparation. Most people imagine that they must train intensely to face this experience, but this is not the case. Every time we tell people that it is sufficient to be in good health and to be able to walk for several hours: the ground is almost always flat and compact and you don’t need to carry a lot on your back. The water and supplies are abundant and there are frequent breaks to drink hot mint tea and rest. Every group of people can bring different characteristics, if someone desires to walk longer we can easily accommodate this. Don’t forget that the fundamental characteristic of Desert Therapy is to regain physical health, without looking for extreme efforts, the point in fact is to give everyone the possibility to reach this objective without suffering. For this reason Desert Therapy is completely unique.

The Flu

The nice, warm weather makes me think back to summer, but the flu that is quickly spreading reminds me of winter. Everyone in bed with a fever and body aches; nothing serious, despite the alarming news shown everyday in the paper and on the news. A little rest, medicine and vitamin C were sufficient to bring back our sick Lauren and Max. The staff of Desert Therapy was decimated, but everyone will for sure be in good health for the departure the 23rd. The new, more sporty version of the trip is interesting also younger persons who did not think it was possible to have the opportunity to finally get to know the desert and some have even asked their parents to have this as a graduation gift! It is wonderful to see so much enthusiasm from guys and girls for an experience of this type: it means that something is changing in their values. For the better.

One Month until the departure

Incredible: it is only one month until we leave for the second edition of Desert Therapy. When we launched the idea a few months ago to walk together in the desert, we never thought we would receive so much enthusiastic support. And now we find ourselves again busy preparing for the departure. Just the thought of the desert brings to mind many strong sensations and memories that bring chills up the back. The smell of the sand, the light wind that calms the heat, the starry nights, marvelous memories that we can’t wait to relive and share with new friends.
To give everyone, also young persons, the possibility to discover this special place, we have decided to bring to life a new version of this trip, more sporty, that will start in November in which each participant will be an active part in the crossing, with the hope of making this experience even more special. The group will again be small and the emotions will be gigantic.

Autumn

Autumn is a marvelous season, also in the mountains. Together with the kids we passed two truly relaxing days, walking in the woods and gathering wild berries.
We returned home tired, with our hand and clothes covered with red and blue marks but with buckets full of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and ribes. Now the great job of conserving all these precious gifts nature has given us for the winter awaits us. We are already working on making jam and jelly, jars of syrup and packages for freezing. For Lauren these serve to cook delicious fruit tarts, which have become famous among our friends. Unfortunately we haven’t found mushrooms. There was little rain this year and you can’t find any, we must have patience. However, the woods have been very generous.

Begining again

The long hot 2009 summer is over and here we are ready to begin our activities again with new energy and great enthusiasm.
Only the blog has been on vacation, we on the other hand have continued to work for the next edition. Our new friends who will come with us to Egypt are very nice, some of whom we have already met in person and without a doubt there are high expectations that the magic atmosphere of the first edition will surly repeat this time. Max and Lauren, always very active and eager to return in the magnificent White Desert, have worked with great passion and are available to answer any questions for the travellers that are preparing to live this special experience. The curiosity of those who will go to encounter the desert for the first time grows every day and the excitement of everyone is very high. Also these days of waiting for the departure, become part of the memory of those who will join us in this new emotional adventure.

Enjoying each day

As the time for summer holidays approaches, it is very easy to become stressed with the last few weeks of work, or the heat of the summer. I find the thoughts of vacations; either dreaming about those to come, or reminiscing about those past, sometimes consume the mind, rather than enjoying the moment, and the beauty that the summer brings. This weekend's trip to the mountains refreshed me and reminded me of the truth I became aware of through my travels in the desert- life is to be enjoyed now, today. In every day beauty and peace can be enjoyed along side the demands and stress of life. Whether it is a walk through the park after work, half hour to relax out on the balcony, or an enjoyable dinner with friends, enjoy today and all the days of your "everyday life."

Outdoor Expo 2009

Yesterday in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the most important expo in Europe dedicated to the outdoors ended. All Saturday I was at the disposition of the sponsors that accompany me in the fantastic adventure of Desert Therapy and who are collaborating with me on the project.

The Wild Roses spot, completely dedicated to Desert Therapy, was distinct for its originality and fantasy. The clothing, truly beautiful and feminine, were displayed in a desert, between the dunes and star-filled sky, while the external walls of the stand were made of giant photos we took in Egypt, during the first edition. It was very touching but above all it was a great success: during the period of the expo, the flow of the crowd was steady and they were very curious about this particular atmosphere.

The space of Ferrino, my long time sponsor, was more traditional, but as always refined. Here the external walls were characteristic of the mythic tent that immediately evoked memories of travel and adventure, and all the materials presented were as always of a very high quality.

The evening ended with the traditional Outdoor Party put on by Polartec, accompanied by a concert and abundant local food and naturally lots of beer. Everything was about sport and having fun.

Grand Trail Completed!

Our Lauren and Max were great! Saturday, July 11 they were able to complete their attempt at the Grand Trail of Valdigne: a 45 kilometer race in the mountains with 2,500 meters of elevation change that they completed in 9 hours and 40 minutes. Knee problems caused Max to slow his pace, but they were still able to arrive at the finishline at Dolonne. The two climbs to arrive at Colle della Croce and Yula were difficult, both arriving at an elevation of 2,500 meters, but above all the downhill, ultimately arriving in Courmayer, was were they suffered. Lauren arrived in 46th of the women: considering that they trained almost only in Milan, they achieved an impressive result! The views of Valle D’Aosta were magical and the organization was impeccable, but it was the pure atmosphere of sport and the enthusiasm of the participants that framed the event and involved not only the athletes but also the numerous people who encouraged and applauded them along the way! It was a beautiful day for these guys, who realized a dream to which they had dedicated much passion and months of training. It is great to realize a dream, but it wonderful when they are the dreams of young people: such as this!

The inaccessible Taklimakan

The sad new of the journals which report the bloody revolts of the Uyguri population in China, makes the mythic Taklimakan desert, which I had the privilege to be the only human able cross on alone foot in 1998, seem even more distant and inaccessible.

I remember it even today with great emotion: to know what it is like to live and walk in its sand in solitude for 24 days is unforgettable, as it is one of the worlds most fascinating places. The beauty of the Taklimakan is something absolutely unique that you carry inside of you always: impossible to compare to other deserts. I have a great desire to return with Desert Therapy, different people have asked me to have this experience together, but now it is not possible. The fact is that Urumqi has now made the Xing Yang zone inaccessible. It is not enough to remember the splendid images of the crossing and the golden sand I save jealously in a glass together with those from all the other deserts. I hope that human reason takes the upper hand to violence.

What to wear in the Desert

Yesterday I got to see the presentation of the new collection of Wild Roses, the clothing sponsor of Desert Therapy.
Very beautiful new clothing in the Explore category: they have been able to combine practicality and comfort paying attention to the particularities of the aesthetics, which is important for women that love to travel without losing their feminine style. It is a line of feminine clothing for which I am testimonial starting from this season and with their participation in the first Desert Therapy, I had a way to directly test them in the field. All who traveled with us expressed a favorable opinion to the products they were given to try and seeing the success, they will also donate to the participants of the next trips clothing of Wild Roses suitable for the desert. Thanks to the sponsor, get your suitcase ready for Desert Therapy, it will be easier and no will run the risk of making mistakes!

Together Again

Tonight the friends from Desert Therapy 1, will get together again. This time at the house of Antonio, who is very busy organizing the cook-out for the reunion of this mythic group of “vagabonds of the desert” as he calls us. Good food, spectacular wine and much chatting. The reason? Without a doubt it will be a remembering of our trip together, but also the itinerary for the next trip will be discussed. In fact, their wish to return to the desert together for a second Desert Therapy will be granted: a new itinerary is being prepared, and this evening we will begin to set the basics for the future trip. Naturally we will be on foot in the desert, which has become a great love for them all.

White and Black

The passing away of Michael Jackson is without a doubt one piece of news that will leave a mark on millions of fans of the great musician and dancer that all we knew through his songs and uniqueness. No one can dispute the greatness of this celebrity, who characterized an era. And this represents side A, the white side, loved and applauded by the whole world.
Then there is the other face, that of his personal life, with the weaknesses and the folly that characterized his existence and which more often took the limelight of tabloids with heavy accusations: side B the black one.
It is truly sad that it has been this second one which has taken the upper hand, accompanying him to a premature end.
White is the color of skin he wanted to have, against every logic. Maybe if he was consistent and had chosen also this style of life, he would have truly been great.

Vacation in Italy

In the past days, the parents of Lauren, my son’s american girlfriend, came to visit Italy to see and get to know the land where their daughter now lives. In one week they visited Milan, but most importantly they stayed in Valle d’Aosta to explore the area. Both passionate about free climbing, they were struck by the majesty of the Alps and so amazed by Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) they wanted to take a closer look, and were able to thanks to the cableway that goes through the Mère de Glace. To travel in the little streets of the towns in the valley, between typical stone houses was an unforgettable experience for them. “Here is the Italy I wanted to see!” was the comment of Vic, Lauren’s father who was visiting our country for the first time, while Cynthia, her mother, a very sweet woman with the same blue eyes as her daughter, expressed her joy with a big smile. They left enthusiastically, already hoping to return this coming winter to go skiing in the Alps. We all know how beautiful our country is, but to hear it in the voice of others who are experiencing it for the first time, reminds us of the privilege we have to live in a place that is truly spectacular. It is sad that those who should value and preserve this great land don’t know how to do so.

Evening for Desert Therapy

The event last Friday evening was a big success and brought lots of emotion in the Community Theater of Trecate where Antonio, one of the magnificent eight participants of the first Desert Therapy, ended the happy celebration with a wonderful spaghetti dinner offered to all the participants of the Photo Cinema Club that were present. There were many tears in our eyes during the presentation of the images that documented the trip we took in March. The characters, everyone, together with me told the public how they lived these days and what changed in them after they experienced the desert. Again this time I confirmed what I had imagined happened and my desire to go forward with Desert Therapy is even stronger. I am sure that also the future participants will experience an unforgettable trip. And meanwhile the group is already planning another trip together: naturally in the desert!

Second Group of Desert Therapy

We are working on forming the second group of people who want to come with me in October to the White Desert in Egypt. We have received many requests and have some confirmations, showing that the fascination of the desert has struck again. It will be the story of the first group of participants, written in the Desert Therapy section of the website, or the spectacular photos that are on there site now and in the future, that are spread the word and continue to create more requests to join the group of eight that will depart on October 23. Oscar will be with us this time, as the doctor, providing more safety also for more timorous. We are working intensely to organize everything perfectly and to let our new companions experience a trip in the best way possible as with the magic of the first edition. The desert will do the rest.

Desert Therapy Meeting

Friday, June 12 at 9 p.m. there will be a meeting, open to the public in Trecate, at the Communal Theater in Piazza Cavour for the first official meeting of Desert Therapy.The film project of Antonio, one of the participants of the first edition in the White Desert of Egypt is going to been shown, and there will be all eight participants from this fantastic experience we had at the end of March, including Anna from Rome who will be with us. We will tell the public about our trip, the emotions and what the desert gave to us. We will see the images of one of the most spectacular places on earth and relive together the magical moments that have followed us. We will describe the Desert to those who have never been there and offer to everyone drive and desire to come to know it in person, to refind themselves and their true spirit. This is what happened to us, the first mythic group of Desert Therapy.

Fear of Flying

You can’t remain indifferent when facing the news that 228 people lost the lives on board of an airplane in flight from Rio De Janeiro to Paris. The images, the torture of the familiar, the daily news puts in front of us this great tragedy of the sky. This time, unlike for other tragedies, we live with not knowing the mystery that caused a very reliable aircraft like the Airbus 330 to sink into the Atlantic Ocean. And on all of the newspapers talk about fear of flying. My point of view is different: I would call it appointment with destiny, for some sign of the irrevocable last word, for others, like the two passengers that remained on land because one of their passports had expired, another chance at life. I do not want to enter in the figures which show that the air transportation is the most secure from the statistical point of view; I want instead to reflect; so how I am doing myself same in these sad days, together with you who read. More than a fear of flying, it is necessary to talk about fear of wasting real life pursuing a reality that does not belong to us and that instead take what comes to us daily as a model to imitate. I ask myself what I would do if I were one of these two “miraculously saved” passengers. Most likely nothing. I would not change my life that is already so full that will remain so. I think, without faking modesty, I am on the right track; a road once again traced from the desert, a road that I have traveled alone and that I wanted to retrace together with others on the first edition of Desert Therapy. A road that I want to cross again many more times as long as there will be people that want to share in these emotion with me. I am not afraid to fly, because I have still so much desire to live.

Here I am

Dear friends, I did not run away, I just disappeared for a brief pause after months of frantic activity!
Here I am ready to work, with lots of energy and desire to do many wonderful things, again together.
The task is to give life to the second edition of New Frontiers, the mini marathon for the disabled in Milan, that could also be taken to other places.
And then there is Desert Therapy, that continues to be a major success: the requests are numerous and we are already constructing the group whish will depart October 23.
June 12 we all have a date to see each other in Trecate: on the site you can find out the place and time for the meeting, don’t miss it!

Sponsors and the Desert

I spent four wonderful days in Sardegna participating in a conference for one of our sponsors La Roche Posey. The results were more than positive. They gave me the possibility to speak about the desert, my experiences, the fatigue, the thirst, the fear and the joys. I was able to see many time in front of me, interest, surprise, a little disbelief, but never boredom. We talked about Desert Therapy and I was able to notice once again, how successful this initiative can be and the approval of everyone. There was a lot of curiosity and many questions. And above all a great desire to participate. And this is what encourages me the most to keep going forward everyday, because seeing the response of others lets me understand this is right.

HAPPINESS

New Frontiers is finally born! We are happy to have finally given life to the first mini marathon for the disabled in Milan, something I greatly desired to do and for which I worked very hard even up to the last minute. We worked without a break, with the collaboration of everyone who believed in this project and demonstrated their support and help the disabled. We are far from the large numbers who attend the Stramilano, but we are trying and moving forward. The great joy and happiness created in the first edition of New Frontiers let me see that the objective was reached. It was a celebration, we crossed the streets in the city center with numerous disabled athletes who were singing, getting the attention the Milan people and of others, on the course where we went from the Arena to the Duomo and back. Even the urban police escorted us with bright eyes, announcing to everyone at the event that Director Landi has committed to repeat and suitably upgrade for the next edition in 2010. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together, to participate and for believing in this wonderful show of solidarity.

Ready to GO!

Today is the appointment for all at the Arena for New Frontiers, the first mini marathon for the disabled. The event will be at 3pm, to walk all together for solidarity. The weather is good, and it will be a day of celebration and happy memories. It is also Mother’s Day: another reason to come together and participate in something that helps those less fortunate. We will see you in a few hours!! And a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the mothers.

A Big Responsibility

Yesterday at Plazzo Marino the room was full for the press conference to present the mini marathon NEW FRONTIER. Director Landi expressed his hopes for a big turn out at the event in order to have another next year. The difficulty now is to get a lot of people to come to the Arena Sunday May 10 at 3pm to walk together in the city center. The director will also walk with Fabio and me to sensitize the public opinion to the conditions for disabled persons and to contribute to helping disabled youth participate in sports. To dedicate two hours to others is a small request that can do a lot of good. We are awaiting a lot of people to spend the afternoon together to celebrate and to guarantee a future of NEW FRONTIERS. (photo Colombo/Omega)

Press Conference

Today, May 5 at 11am in Palazzo Marino in Milan, there will be the press conference to present New Frontier, the first minimarathon for the disabled organized with the Director of Health from the Comune of Milan.
With Fabio and I, together with the director of Health Landi di Chiavenna, there will be many leaders and representatives of associations for the disabled. We invite everyone to give as much as they can as all of the proceeds go to benefit young disabled athletes who are participating in sports. The event will be Sunday, May 10 at 3pm at the Arena of Milan: we are waiting for all of you, it will be an afternoon of celebration to walk together for solidarity.

What Satisfaction!

This morning a marvelous e-mail arrived from Antonio, one of the participants of the first Desert Therapy, to the companions of the trip: it was emotional to read his words, in particular some of the phrases that I felt deeply were: “We move forward to all the beautiful things, to the wonderful memories, to the dearest friends, why is this? Because the desert cleaned us, the desert is in our hearts.”
“….we live here and it is here we must bring the desert. Not just in our minds but also in our hearts, only in this way can we confront our normal lives. Life is beautiful and we are fortunate!! Fortunate also to have met one another, to have experienced the desert and to have been accepted and be able to tell others about it.”What can I say? Also this time the desert has performed a miracle, even if before leaving I never would have imagined that it would be so completely successful. I am truly happy and have had a similar result myself. In these days, other people are sending in their requests to join our next trip in October: it is a blessing to everyone who experiences the desert with its intensity and with the enthusiasm of the eight who have already participated in Desert Therapy with us.

Friends

The first group of Desert Therapy has really been marvelous. They have all become very close friends, as you can see from the guestbook, and the joy of the days they spent together in the desert is evident in every email that arrives. They continue to share in the emotions of the memories and of the particular moments that accompany them daily and help them overcome difficulties with great enthusiasm and serenity. We hope to repeat this experience in the desert together and are already talking about the next trip, which will not be missing anyone. We only need to decide which part of the desert we will cross and then….go again, all together! The objective of Desert Therapy was completely reached: it happened exactly as I had dreamed and we are all extremely happy: thanks to the desert.

Mini Marathon

May 10th at 3pm at the Arena will be the departure of New Frontier, the 1st minimarathon for the disabled organized by the Department of Health and the Comune di Milano. For those who want to participate, you can choose to support the athletes by contactig us as soon as possible. For the participants, the registration is 5 Euro, a little backpack will be given at the start with a T-shirt and products from the sponsors, and at the arrival there will be medals for everyone. Remember that everything we earn will go to benefit the association Omero di Bergamo, which supports young athelets participating in sports. For all of those interested in participating as a sponsor for the event, you are invited to contact us by email before April 28 at the addresss listed on the site. Fabio and I begin with the Director Landi di Chiavenna, to go together towards a New Frontier.

The New!

The site is changing soon: After many years the moment of renewal has arrived. The new version of the site will be beautiful, with more attractive graphics and with new pictures for those of you who travel with us virtually and physically. Desert Therapy will have an important place, as is warranted after its great success, and we will work hard to guarantee quick additions and news of all the events that we have been following both recently and for a long time. We are waiting to hear your comments and advice, so that we can continue this journey together that will bring great new emotion to everyone.

Mini Marathon 10 May in Milan

This time it seems official: the mini marathon for the disabled will happen! The start is scheduled for the Arena of Milan at 3pm on May 10 (Mother’s Day). And what better way to celebrate, than to run for a few hours with those less fortunate? It will only be 5 km walking to go to Duomo and back and everyone can participate, disabled and not, in a race to financially support young disabled athletes participate in sports. In fact the proceeds will be donated for this cause.Fabio will also be there and together with the director of health Landi di Chiavenna and many other friends, we will walk to help sensitize public opinion to the world of the disabled. We are waiting for everyone, don’t miss it!!

We begin again

After a pause for Easter we have begun working again for the next edition of Desert Therapy that will return in October to the White Desert in Egypt. Many requests are already arriving and shortly we will release the dates for the trips. It will be beautiful to give other people the opportunity to live this experience which has imprinted itself on the compagnions which walked with us in the desert. We talk to each other often and the friendship that developed in the group is another gift that this atmosphere gave us as entered the desert for the first time. The testimonies of the group are full of emotion and memories. I have no doubt that the future participants will experience the same intense magic on this unique trip.

A thought

Those of us privileged to have had the fortune to go in to the desert with all of its beauty, in these days are disturbed by the thought of the victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo: our joy to have lived an exceptional experience, clashes with the tragedy that changed the existence of many families dramatically. Unfortunately, that is life: one part gives and the other takes. The experience of a life lived intensely makes me believe that each of us travel a road traced by destiny, that nothing and no one can change: I have never understood however why some of us are so blessed and others have to pay a price so heavy. We must bow to the will of the divine and hold in an affectionate embrace all of those who are suffering.

ARRIVAL!

How to define this first edition of Desert Therapy? Simply fantastic!! Every optimistic hope was surpassed, it was like living a dream where everything moved along naturally and perfectly. The group was really exceptional: Anna C. Anna M. Antonio, Cesare, Claudia, Pinuccia, Roberto, Silvia made this trip memorable with their enthusiasm and joy for entering the desert. Every moment of our days were full of serenity and well-being for all, with increased space and true happiness. They seemed to have already known each other and all fit together naturally and with spontaneity. The wonderful Italian staff: Daniele, Lauren and Max gave it their all. Also the Egyptian staff was great: for everyone it was a difficult challenge, but surely everyone worked with a lot of passion. But the truth, the main characters as always was the Desert that transmitted to everyone of us positive energy and a gift of the views that we will remember forever.Desert Therapy will leave again in October so, for those who want to come with us, be sure to reserve a spot for this great moment of emotion…….inchallah!

Leaving Tomorrow!

Finally we are here: tomorrow at 3pm we will depart from Malpensa to go to Ciaro for the first Desert Therapy. Together with me, Max, Lauren and Daniele, have all precisely done their homework so we can relax during the trip. The eight participants with us have the privilege to live this fantastic experience, five women: Pinuccia, Anna, Silvia, Claudia, Anna and three men: Antonio, Cesare e Roberto.
A very diverse group in every aspect: some of them want to experience the desert in a more simple, genuine mode, exactly as I have experienced on all of my trips, but completely safely. A trip in which we took great care of the details, in every respect, to make an unforgettable trip for our companions.Every day on the site you will find a diary and upon our return the photos of our crossing. Follow us , with good thought and with your hearts. Who knows what the days will bring for the characters in this magical experience: together with us for Desert Therapy.

Minus 2

We are now at the very end: only two days until we will depart and finally the bags with all of our materials to take to Egypt are packed. Before leaving, we still must do the last check one by one, to make sure that we are not missing anything. Max is very busy resolving the last minute problems, inevitable and unseen as always. He is working with a lot of passion for this first Desert Therapy, without his help and his advice I would not have been able to organize it. Also Lauren is giving her contribution,even though she must work all day, and she is very excited: because this will be her first time in the desert and she can’t wait to go! I also have a great desire to go, to relax in the environment and hear the silence again, that is true and profound. Even though I will not be alone, it will be a fantastic experience: walking with new traveling companions in a place that I love more than all other places, and reading in their eyes the same emotions, it will be fantastic!

minus 4

The awesome Ferrino tents have arrived that let you see the stars at night! We have reduced our luggage to a minimum, leaving room for all the material we must take this time, but will leave in Egypt for the next edition of Desert Therapy in October. We must take with us even the detachable wood poles to mount the large tent structure that will offer shade from the sun during the afternoon rest, which we can not find in Egypt. It is a very particular tent, thought of and donated by Roberto, the owner of Codrignani Sport, a shop connected with Desert Therapy where the participants have gone to find everything they need for the desert. At our camp in the desert we will have everything necessary to live this magical experience in great serenity.

Minus 5

The time is passing, rapidly………and there is still a lot to do! Only 5 days until we leave, the material is (almost) ready, the friends coming with us are all walking in their hiking shoes to break them in for the desert and also the clothing has all been chosen with care. The temperature will be between +35 degrees during the day and +10 degrees at night. We will not have to worry about being cold at night, unlike in November, when Fabio and I had a problem with the cold. We will not have to carry a lot of weight on our shoulders, and it is easier to organize the backpacks: with one bag more there is always space. We will walk mostly in the morning, when the air is fresher. We should arrive at camp around 1 and after lunch organize our time in a way so that we can enjoy the panorama of the desert and take pictures or video the images to take home, everything to bring health and total relaxation.

Minus 7

In one week we will leave for Desert Therapy. There will be seven days in which the staff together with me, will be working hard to make sure we do a good job. It seems almost that I am reliving the last experience with Fabio: materials are spread out everywhere, sponsors are giving us everything to make this trip to the desert with the eight participants truly incredible. Also Wild Roses, known for their technical clothing, have joined us and have decided to donate to our travelers high-quality thermal clothing for facing this excursion in the desert. Everyone will truly enjoy this Desert Therapy, it was born under the best hopes and every day we are adding something new. A fantastic adventure awaits us!

Minus 9

There are only 9 days to go until we depart for Desert Therapy. The materials that we will bring are ready, except for a few things we will get directly from Ciaro. With us we will take the beautiful tents that Ferrino has given us so that we can see the stars as we rest through the transparent top. La Roche Posay has decided to offer every participant a kit of their products to protect our skin from the dry environment of the desert. With the GPS provided by Garmin, we will be sure that we always find the next camp. We are working very hard to gaurantee all of our companions in the desert will live this experience with great serenity: as it should be in the desert.

Tragedy Avoided

Incredible! Yesterday morning Lauren was going to work in the center of Milan. Athletic, as she is, for the first time this year she decided to go to work by bicycle. Right at piazza 5 Giornate, while she was stopped at a stop sign, a tractor trailer (what it was doing in the city center I don’t know?) suddenly turned to the right. The driver did not see her stopped next to him and Lauren was literally swallowed under the truck. A woman rapidly ran to stop the truck and other people helped to stop him, avoiding a tragedy. Lauren slipped away unharmed between the wheels of the truck, just a bit shocked, and all the driver could do was apologize. Needless to say, Lauren is now forbidden to go to Milan by bike. “Today I was very lucky” she said, “because my Angel was protecting me.”

First Meeting

It was a beautiful and emotional meeting with all the participants for the first edition of Desert Therapy. We met in a cascina, welcomed with a big fire place, where all of us together toasted to the birth of this new adventure, while Max gave everyone all the necessary information for the trip and the materials we will need to take to the desert. There were a lot of questions and much curiosity for the experience that will be unique. We are only a few days away from the departure and the preparation always seems to be more rushed. I believe that everyone will experience physically difficult days, but that they will surely be rich with enthusiasm, over-riding the difficulty. The staff is completely available for any necessary assistance and to make this experience unique.

The dream becomes a reality

Desert Therapy is officially born! The group of eight people that will go with me into the desert are definite and tonight we will meet with all the participants, before our departure March 28.
We will meet each other and we will give all the necessary information to face this adventure together.
The emotions of this waiting are palpable: the desert is waiting for us and everyone lives in these days with the expectation of the departure for an experience that will stay with us forever.

WELLNESS

Included in the many tests we did during Fabio and my crossing, one in particular has provided very interesting data. Every night we tested the temperature of different places on our skin, with an specific apparatus called a corneometer. The experiment was lead by Prof. Antonino Di Pirtro, a famous dermatologist, that has wanted to study the effects on the skin during the course of our trip in the desert. Therefore, the results were surprising: at the beginning the dehydration was evident and progressive, following almost right after, there was a variation, and the skin began to heal itself almost spontaneously. Prof. Di Pietro attributes this phenomenon to our initial psychological stress, that went away when we successfully overcome many difficulties and we could see the end was near. I think, however, it confirms what I have always believed: the desert does good for you and after a few days it brings wellness to all organisms, a concept confirmed in other medical tests which prove that the desert takes away the pain of other traumas. In the course of Desert Therapy we will extend this experiment with all who can participate: we are curious to see what the result will be.

BAD NEWS

Every day we are literally bombed with bad news: violence, rape, robbery, murders, making it seem that this is all that is happening in the world. But in the end is there actually good news? It is not true that there is no good news, simply the media does not speak of it because they are convinced that only talking about mourning and ruins will bring an audience. And therefore those who do good, who act with honesty, working all day, do not receive honors of the press. If it continues in this way, quite soon instead it will be these people who make the news, seeing the examples, and there will be more crooks and it will become more rare to find nice people.

Change of date

To organize ourselves for Egypt, the date of departure and arrival for Desert Therapy have changed, we will leave Italy 28 March and return 5 April 2009. We remind you that for the treat of this first expedition of its type in the desert, the availability of places are limited and no more than 8 people can participate. It will be a 360 degree adventure: that will change your universe and you will live the emotions first hand and you will be the protagonist of a very special event that we will build together step after step and that will help us prepare future trips into the Egyptian desert. Each of you who inquire for me to express my opinion, and our advise is to help us to make this trip an unforgettable memory.

Emotions

Thinking of the desert generates immediately memories of the emotions that this place gives you. The sound of the silence, the great sense of peace, the contact with the sand when you walk bear foot, the slow hot wind that accompanies you when you walk, are only some of the moments that just the name, “desert” brings to mind. Then there are the fantastic views: the morbid dunes, the pinnacles of white limestone between the ochre colored sand of the Egyptian Desert, the impression left from the trek as they often block the wind, the sky: cobalt blue in the day, shinning with stars at night. And the spectacular sunset and the moon rise, and the sunrise, with the sun that rises impressively to bring color to the dunes while the moon gently sets. Intense moments in which nature give you its best: it is sufficient to look around and appreciate the view that the desert gives you everyday, for whomever wants to know it.

The Crisis

The present economical situation is without a doubt difficult, however it is not necessary to live frighten from the often catastrophic predictions that the media daily throws at us.

The crisis is real and is under the eyes of everyone, but to loose and be beaten down in moments like these is pointless: we should react and not go under, this is the main rule. Each of we has the duty of reorganizing our actual style of life and becoming more essential. Certainly it is not easy for a generation that has gotten used to having a lot without difficulty, but we should know how to accept the reality and to react to it. Also in this situation the Desert itself is a great teacher: the rules that I learned during my experiences more than ever become present and important. Simplicity, essentiality, positivity, should be part of our newspaper. These values are inside of us and not outside. Whomever has the continuous need of showing material assets, is lacking security in themself. And in times like these it is important to become protagonists of our own existence and not to undergo what others decide. It certainly coast more toil, but those who will confront life with a grim expression and decide there are daily difficulties, will not be the winners.

First

Saturday evening Fabio and I received the Italy Mountain prize in Bergamo during the Orobie 2009 Festival Film, for our crossing in Egypt. Even if our environment was not the mountains, but rather the desert, the director wanted to reward us for having engaged in pushing our limit and doing a difficult test that cost to both of us much work and so much toil. Fabio was excited but even more so was Oriana, his wife, who naturally did not want to miss the gala evening. Even Oscar was with us, although he is still being supported by the crutches, because of the intervention of his knee a few weeks ago. As a former mountain climber he did not want to miss the showing of mountain films that were being rewarded and the numerous photographs shown to us.

DESERT THERAPY

Every prediction, even the most rosy is being surpassed by reality. There is really a lot of interest being provoked and it has even left me without time to work no the blog. Many people are interested in Desert Therapy and the staff are sharing in the enthusiasm, working very hard to gaurentee that this experience in the Egyptian desert will be repeatable. To share the magic of the desert with other people represents an important turn in my personal story, and I am certain that the memory of this adventure will remain unmatched among the memories of all my other travels.

Isn't he beautiful

Here it is finally, the little Koa: a photo taken one of the first few days, but he continues to grow right before your eyes! He is still very good and so incredable that he has not made a mess in the house, but always goes to the bathroom outside. He has a strong personality but Max is doing a good job training him, using the really helpful experience he gained from raising Puck. It is fundamental to teach him the rules now so that they can live with Koa all of his life: dogs this smart can become very troublesome to handle if not taught well. But above all he just wants cuddles, and how can you resist such a cute face?

Begining

A new week of work has begun, full of new things. Officially Desert Therapy is begining, where we will take you into the desert to live together an amazing, unrepeatable experience. From the 21st to the 28th of March whoever desires to do this extraordinary experience will be able to come with us. After a preliminary encounter we will depart for the White Desert in Egypt, the same that Fabio and I crossed in this last adventure together and we will walk in the magic of this place to re-discover ourselves and to know our own limit. The number of participants will be limited to 8.

Is Shape

We don't have any worries: Oscar has overcome the most difficult, criticle stage in his knee surgery, which was also the most painful, and has just began to work on the hard rehabilitation, whcih will change every week. His determination and desire to recover 100%, lets us know it will be an accelerated recovery. Now that he has overcome his worries about the intervention (like all doctors, who have fear when they themselves are facing an opperation), he is very relaxed and now looks forward to taking up again the sports that over time he has had to give up. We are looking forward to tomorrow when he will finally return home and gets to meet little Koa, the little puppy that just became a member of our family.

THE FAMILY GROWS

A new arrival in the Perrotti house! A few days ago the little Koa became a new member of the family. He lives with Max and Lauren, but we know he will be the center of attention for all of us. Koa is a Fulvo (tan) Great Dane puppy, two-and-a-half months old, weighing 17 kilos (38 lbs), wonderful and very smart, learning things right away and not dirtying the house. The name was chosen by Lauren and in Hawaiian means brave, which we will get to see if holds true shortly.
Welcome to Koa, they have many cuddles for you and a million adventures to do together. The big and wonderful Puck will be very happy that you are his successor!

Sorry for the Delay

In this period I have been a little late with the blog, like I have with the updating the site. The reason is not olny because of the very long vacation, but also simply because Oscar had an opperation the day after the holiday break to reconstruct his knee, which over time began to give him serious problems, and therefore the major part of the time we have dedicated to him, as seems right to do. He is still recovering and is awaiting a long period of rehabilitation that we must all help make him do to make sure he recouperates 100%. We are still awaiting new trips and adventures together. From today we will be newly working for you and shortly will let you know new news about New Frontier. Continue to follow us with the same affection as always!

HAPPY 2009

Here we are together again after a long pause for the Christmas celebrations, which this year were truly long. I wish you a happy New Year, that gives all of you the opportunity to realize your dreams. We are working on Project New Frontier: 2009 will be rich with fantastic news that we will shortly be putting on the site. I can tell you already that the desert will, again this year, be the main focus, truly magical and full of suprises that we will share together with everyone who wants to be beside us. Continue to follow us with passion as always and thank you from my heart for the affection that you have demonstrated in these days!