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.