HAPPINESS

If there is a word fit to define the party at Lorneza’s it is: happiness. It seems incredible but now happiness has become an integral part of Desert Therapy everywhere and all the time, whether in the desert, city, sea or home. It only takes an occasion to get together and instantly the atmosphere transforms, like magic. Bad moods, worries, sadness pass and we find ourselves laughing, reaching out to one another, because no one is afraid of showing who they really are without reserve, as they lived in the desert. There are no conditions, age differences don’t matter: and the young ones even joke with those who could be their grandparents with spontaneity and joy, and together they plan new travels and get togethers. Topics of conversation never lack that is for sure and everyone is welcome. It is wonderful to know that an idea born in the desert to have people walk with me, has also turned into this. I see the happiness in their eyes, they are well, living a peaceful moment together, and this is not a small thing. It really gives me a lot.

DESERT THERAPY PARTY

Big preparations for the party tomorrow evening in the workshop of Lorenza, one of our travel friends who is allowing us to use her creative space to get together with most of the participants of the diverse editions of Desert Therapy. It will be a splendid occasion to meet new friends and to exchange holiday wishes in happiness and peace, with the desire to see each other again and to reconnect, as happens every time we get together. Therefore tomorrow I will return from my white refuge, where I have been isolated in order to write of my adventure with Fabio, and return to reality. It was a week of full emersion in the desert, with a strong emotional impact that brought my thoughts back to walking with my blind friend and relive the excitement of our unforgettable journey. And the party tomorrow will be the perfect epilogue to a special week.

Virtual Journey

The moment has arrived which I have been putting off, waiting for and at the same time dreading: I am working full time on the new book which tells of my adventure with Fabio. The long pause on the blog was not due to laziness, but the demands of writing again. I don’t suffer from writer’s block, actually it is the contrary, I have so much to tell that I fear I wont have enough space. I am completely immersed in it: with my mind there, in the middle of the desert and I am retracing step by step the journey, to relive every moment as if it were the present, feeling the fatigue even physically. To do this I have to isolate myself, stay alone and be with my thoughts, reconstructing every moment of the challenge. For a few days I decided to leave everyone and hide myself in my little retreat in the snow, to remember the special moments. Also Fabio is working and his writing, very different than mine, is from the point of view of a blind person living a life changing experience. The alternating of our testimonies is fusing together so well and the result is better than my most optimistic hopes. And thus….we go forward!

Always moving forward

Every day is filled with new surprises: this is the great magic of life, that it never stops surprising us. It seems incredible but every time I think I have hit rock bottom, and can’t recover from difficult situations, then, around the corner there is a new surprise that gives me the energy to go forward, the desire to continue on a path that seemed too difficult, the desire to start fighting again, to get involved, in one word: return living. The signs are often different, but they are unambiguous and always come when we least expect it. It could be an unexpected friendship, an unforeseen opportunity, a new love, all situations that change our lives, and the trivial suddenly become special, unique, living for the moment. We should never deny the gifts destiny offers us: they are the unrepeatable moments that will never happen again. We should learn to accept them fully, with gratitude and joy. These are the gifts life offers us, which will remain forever enshrined in our story and which will accompany us on the journey that still lies ahead.

So much news!

It has been a very busy and important period that just ended for me, and often there was not enough time to follow everything…
In addition to the evening in Casale, there were two TV appearances on Telenova with Cesare Cadeo on the program “Passo in TV” and participation yesterday on the program of Licia Colo "Alle falde del Kilimangiaro." They were important and demanding, but also gave me a lot of satisfaction. Hundreds of emails, many to ask information about our trips and naturally I needed to respond to them and all in a short period of time. But not only: yesterday, on the program, I announced that next fall the book I am writing with Fabio will be released, thus I have a few intense months of work ahead in order to meet the deadlines decided on with my editor. I have already started escaping from the city and take refuge in the mountains or other places close to nature by myself, so that I can return in my mind to those days of walking and fatigue in the desert, to relive moment after moment, every instant of our challenge, so that I can transmit in writing the intense emotions that we experienced and the difficulties that we overcame in the 15 days we spent together. Day after day I will walk mentally in the sand, in the footprints of our path together, guided by memories that hand in hand came about spontaneously. It will be a journey inside the journey, intense, tiring but strong: a new challenge to overcome.

Evening of...travel

It was an interesting evening last Thursday at Casale Monferrato where art, travel and good taste fused together with great balance and charm. Caterina, a skilled creator of jewellery and the organizer of the event, chose the charming Hotel Candiani as the place for the meeting with the public, hosting not only me but also Lorenza, one of the women of the last Desert Therapy. An artist of great depth, while travelling in Egypt gave the desert a few of her “souls”, wonderful works of art that she brought with her, and she told us about her travel experience with great enthusiasm. A great crowd filled the room, which was lit by dozens of candles, jewellery and works of art, and a sweet soundtrack completed the mood: the perfect setting for Desert Therapy.

Gift to the Desert

During the last Desert Therapy in Egypt, I brought with me an object that for a long time was part of my life and which I was particularly attached to.
From when I became in possession of it, it was always close to me, but I knew that its destiny was to remain in the Desert. And this is how if was.
At camp three, my favourite camp and the most loved by those who experience Desert Therapy, under one of the numerous pinnacles that surrounds our tents, I left my gift to the Desert. I wont deny that I had an emotional moment when separating from something that has accompanied me for a period of time, but knowing that I was performing a gesture already written in my destiny, gave me great serenity. The sand accepted it and now will hold it, forever. The roots that connect me with the desert that I love so dearly, with this gesture are even stronger: we have a little secret that only we share. It is my gift, to thank it for the special and unforgettable moments that it has given to me until today….

ALWAYS MARVELOUS

Also the 5th Desert Therapy was a great success. Our six travel companions, all truly exceptional women, were marvellous and they lived this experience in the best way possible, even with extreme heat unusual at this time of year in Egypt and the sand storm that invaded out camp two nights in a row at camp 3. The desert wanted us to know its truest aspects, and they, the wonderful women with their sense of humour, enjoyed all of it without giving up or ever showing signs of suffering, enjoying the ever-changing scenery. The full moon and the stars illuminated the night and Max, nick-named the “Cuddle-ator”, spoiled and accommodated our guests, even creating a shower in the middle of nothing, which they all appreciated. Hassan, our chef, as always was up to the occasion, with his delicious and abundant meals, while Solah, the beduino who has now become part of the family of Desert Therapy, won the hearts of the women, with his gentle presence and calm. Joy, laughter and moments of great emotion filled our journey, described as “exceptional” for the special atmosphere spontaneously created between the participants and the great attention to details that always takes place in Desert Therapy. We parted with the promise to see each other again soon and to organize an evening with all our friends that have travelled with us up to now. The desire everyone expressed to the shooting stars was to return soon together in the desert: to find again and share the peace, joy and happiness.
Also this time Desert Therapy confirms a splendid success!

Here we are!

In a few hours we will leave for the seventh edition of Desert Therapy, the fifth in the White Desert: how wonderful!
Six new friends will join the family of Deser Therapy, and as always, it will be Max’s and my job to guide them and pamper them, step after step.
By now I should be able to keep my agitation under control preceding the departure, but I can’t: every time it is like the first time, and the thought of the returning to the desert gives me goose bumps of joy. To return in that place is like going home, my home that protects and comforts not only myself, but also and above all to my companions. Most of them have asked me to remember them, when we are there, between the sky and sand, the great nostalgia, wishing to return there soon. We will think of you dear friends, I am sure that the thoughts will come, remembering the precious and unforgettable moments we shared, in the heart of Our Desert.

In the Mine

The assistance in these hours to rescue the miners of Chile, inevitably reminds us of our recent experience with our fellow Desert Therapy travellers in Bolivia, when we went into the mines of Potosi and we saw with our own eyes the terrible living conditions of the young men, sustained by the hope of discovering a vein of minerals that would change their lives. Coca leaves and 96 degree alcohol help them endure the terribly hard work for eight hours a day between dust and darkness, with the constant danger of a sudden collapse.
Personally, I never doubted that the Chilean miners would survive: after knowing the reality of men working in similar conditions, circumstances permitting, salvation was just a matter of time. Already accustom to a life of darkness and hope, people of their physical and mental strength can withstand a test that to others seems impossible. The labyrinth of tunnels, chasms, humidity and darkness that for us were almost frightening, for them is a daily workplace where they spend most of their brief, terrible lives in the hope of a better life.

Yogafestival

In Milan Saturday and Sunday at Superstudiopiù the 5th edition of the Yogafestival was held. Around 5,000 visitors filled the rooms, participating in yoga sessions, meetings with the public and seminars, and they came with a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity. Desert Therapy couldn’t miss it! Our meeting point with the public was received very well and many people came to visit us and learn about upcoming programs and dates of departures, impressed by the images of our promo which is now also online on the site. It was a challenging weekend but certainly a great satisfaction that enabled us to meet and get to know new people eager to recount their story, often searching for serenity, which can be hard to find in a city like Milan.
On Sunday afternoon, I participated in a very animated talkshow together with entertainers, politicians and journalists, during which I recounted my experiences in the desert and the new adventure of Desert Therapy. The conference room was packed: the audience attentive and interested, asked many questions and applauded many of our responses. It was a new experience, but definitely positive, both from a personal and professional point of view. Every time meeting with new people gives me the opportunity to discover a new and unknown reality. Thanks Desert Thearpy!

Always Moving Ahead

The echo has not yet faded after New Frontiers, which already is scheduling it’s next adventure: going to Egypt. Yep, Desert Therapy is starting its winter season in the White Desert and on the 15th we will return to the place that above all others give us peace and serenity. We are again in the frenzy of preparation, exciting but challenging. Every time the participants change, but the tasks are the same and are repeated time after time. There is curiosity to get to know our new travel companions, some of which we have already met at events with the public. It is always a surprise to finally give a face to a voice with which we have spoken for weeks and it renews the desire to continue the journey, difficult at times but rewarding, to bring people to the desert who would never take a trip of this nature. I find myself counting down the days until the start every time, like it is the first. I can already feel the caress on my skin of the light wind, sun, light and imagine the color of the sand that fills my eyes, the charm of our small camp with beautiful green tents and lanterns to show the way, the encounter with the priceless Egyptian staff, Solah the Bedouin with his camels, a silent companion, always smiling and ready to offer a cup of tea. The desert is there, ready to greet us as usual, quite and protective. And the magic is renewed again….and again….and again.

Mayor Moratti at New Frontiers

Sun, fun and a great desire to be together and share important moments: this was the second edition of NEW FRONTIERS that had the pleasure of hosting the Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, who mingled for a long time with the disabled people at the event. At the start, together with the Mayor, were also the Director of Sport and Health, Alan Rizzi and Gianpaolo Landi and at the firing of the starter, all hand-in-hand, we started to run with the members of many associations for the disabled, coming from all over Italy.
There were very emotional moments, but it was the great enthusiasn of the young people present that illuminated a clear day and not just the warm sun. The affection that surrounded those involved in an unprecedented sporting event touched even Moratti, who said that NEW FRONTIERS will go ahead so that in the future it can become a travelling event to involve other cities and to raise awareness of disability issues. It is evident the role of sport in the recovery of young people with disabilities, the primary objective of this event to which I have dedicated myself with all my energy along with many volunteers who worked and believed in NEW FRONTIERS, to the friends who have shared with us an unforgettable day and who, even at a distance, were close to us in thought. The appointment is next year, with a commitment to continue a path of solidarity, involving an increasing number of people, so as to not leave behind those who face difficulties. NEW FRONTIERS will be next to those who need help, a helping hand, an affectionate gesture. To give many smiles and joy to live.

Meeting in Piazza Castello

Tomorrow morning at 10.30 there is a meeting for everyone in Piazza Castello, to spend a great day together in solidarity dedicated to the disabled their friends, care-takers and athletes of various sports. For about 4 to 5 km we will walk in the center of Milan to share the great emotions of New Frontiers, this year in it’s second edition.
The press conference Wednesday was very intense when the Director of Sport for the City and the Region, Alan Rizzi and Cristina Stancari, spoke with enthusiasm supporting the event “of great importance.” “It is an honor for the city of Milano to host NEW FRONTIERS, it is an event that should be extended to other communities,” said Director Rizzi while Director Stancari praised our determination to continue this iniciative and gave her complete availability for organizing the next edition. The interview of Giusy Versace was touching, an bilaterally amputee athlete and our testimonial, who told the audience of her story as a disabled woman athlete. As for my part, I described the difficult journey that after a year and a half I finally realized my dream to maintain NEW FRONTIERS and at the end I gave the Directors, Giusy and Fabio, my desert companion, the race tops personalized with their respective names that tomorrow they will wear to walk together with lots of friends and to remember how important it is to sustain and help the disabled in athletics and in life.

How Emotional!

Tomorrow morning at 11 am at Palazzo Marino, there will be the press conference to present the second edition of the mini marathon for the disabled NEW FRONTIERS.
The Director of Sport for the City of Milan, Alan Rizzi and the Director of Sport for the Province, Cristina Stancari will be present, in addition to representatives of numerous associations for the disabled. An important presence is that of Giusy Versace, testimony of the event and bilaterally amputated athlete, that is still the 100 meters champion, who will be beside Fabio Pasinetti, with whom I crossed the White Desert of Egypt in 2008.
The Mayor if Milan, Letizia Moratti will be at the mini marathon Sunday, September 26 at 10:30 starting from Piazza Castello.
What can I say? Even the most optimistic expectations could not have predicted such success. Also this time, with a lot of work and dedication we have managed to create an event considered impossible. The numerous problems, for which we asked help and support, endangered the organization of an event which I have always believed in, that is completely dedicated to the disabled and helping them overcome their handicaps thanks to doing sport. The response exceeded all my expectations and tomorrow we will all meet together to give our testimony of a great initiative, dedicated to people with all types and levels of disabilities.
I want to express my great emotion, the joy and satisfaction of having been able to realize a dream considered impossible. A heartfelt thanks to whose who have worked so hard and believed in NEW FRONTIERS. Thanks to those who will be there and also to those who cannot, I’m sorry: you will miss an opportunity to share with us the emotions of an important and wonderful celebration of solidarity.

Many Surprises

The mini marathon “New Frontiers” has begun under the best expectations and everyday there are small surprises. The latest, very recently, was the confirmation that the Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti will be at the start, Sunday 26 in Piazza Castello. At the press conference September 22 at Palazzo Marino, the Director of Health for the city and for the region, Alex Rizzi and Cristina Stancari, will attend in addition to representatives of many groups for the disabled. Spreading the voice is working and every day we receive new support for the initiative. There are also numerous participants that are coming from the center of Italy to show their support: I remind everyone that all the funds raised will be given to help disabled participating in athletics. We are not lacking in volunteers either, who everyday offer to help us make the event possible, in the best it can be, guaranteeing safety for everyone. NEW FRONTIERS is becoming a great race of solidarity and is demonstrating that every barrier, also the most resistant, can be overcome thanks to the love towards those who are in need of help. There is still a lot of work to do, but no one is turning back: enthusiasm, generosity and great sensibility accompany our everyday journey and let us meet new friends and sponsors who like us share these feelings: for a hopeful future towards NEW FRONTIERS.

A nice thought

After responding to Yanni’s letter, the athlete who successfully crossed the Salar de Uyuni on foot, I went to see the website he gave me:
http://www.salar.artictoamazon.com/
which speaks of his expeditions. And what did I read? The complete story of the strange coincidences that made us meet two times! The tone of his words were rich with enthusiasm and also he was struck by the coincidences that brought our paths together. I gathered that at his departure, for the tension of the event, he forgot to take a photo together with me and that this thought had tormented him throughout his trip. When we saw each other again in La Paz, he realized that his desire could finally be met and he wrote that he was particularly touched by me saying: “Yanni, you still have the Salar in your eyes.” At the moment he thought I was referring to the great quantity of salt that he absorbed during the journey, but then he understood the true sense of my words and was touched. I am sure that the Salar will remain in his eyes for a long time, dear companion of adventure: sights like that are not easy to forget.

WHAT A SURPRISE!!

Destiny is strange: sometimes incredible things happen that we can’t explain. This is how it happened during the last Desert Therapy in Bolivia. When we arrived at the Salar de Uyuni, we found out that there was a man leaving to cross the desert on foot in solitary, attached to a small cart loaded with water, food and materials: exactly as I did in ’94. Yanni, this is his name, is originally from France and now lives in London. He knows me and says that he was inspired by my challenges to make his crossing, going and returning for a total of 360 kilometers. Also for him it was a nice surprise to meet me on the boarder of the Salar, the place where also I started my crossing, and emotionally I saw his preparation to start, in awe of the great desert of salt.
But the surprise doesn’t end here. At the end of our trip, when entered into the hotel in La Paz, we found ourselves in front of Yanni, who had just completed his successful crossing. Despite being endowed with a strong body and well trained, he was tired, but very happy. He took 9 days to cross the Salar and in his eyes he still had the expression of someone who had lived an exceptional experience. We looked at each other in a long silence, each knowing the thoughts of the other, then he said: it was a great challenge, not only physical, but also mental, I experienced something great, you can understand me. Then he hugged me.
In the morning, slid under the door of the room, I found a letter that said. “you are truly a special woman, thank you for giving me the motivation to face this challenge.” Thank you, great man and thank you Salar de Uyuni for the splendid gift you have given me: destiny is truly unpredictable.

Great Trip!

It is difficult to find words to describe the journey of Desert Therapy in Bolivia, it will be the participants themselves to express their impression shortly on the site. We can only say that the expectations were highly exceeded by the reality. In only a few days we experienced so many emotions we were all surprised. From the marvellous camp on the Salar de Uyuni, a unique experience, with yoga sessions by Lauren, to the lagoons with incredible colors. From the highlands surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Real, to the incredible drop into the still active mines of Potosì. From the visit to an Incan cemetery at night, to Titicaca lake and the ruins of Tiwanacu. Every moment of our journey brought new ad spectacular scenery that only nature can offer. It was undoubtedly a challenging journey, we were always at altitudes between 3,500 and 4,500 meters, but the climate was favourable to us and we did not suffer the cold we were expecting. And the sun with the sky always clear and the full moon in the evenings made the unique landscape even more evocative.

The problems regarding the road blocks were solved and transportation with SUVs was not a problem, though it almost made us call off the trip. The group always proved to be able to face each situation and even some discomfort due to the high altitude was faced with great serenity.

The staff of Desert Therapy manage with great dedication and professionalism every situation and the maximum comfort was provided where possible.

We left with a promise: to meet together again soon for another trip. We are already working on new itineraries: other deserts are waiting.

Eve...of tension

Only a few hours till our departure for Bolivia, but for the first time the night before truly made us suffer. The situation is that for 10 days in the Latino country there has been a block of the streets to access Potasi, the region where the Salar de Uyuni is located, ended in the past few hours and the news reported by Farnesina and local papers were not encouraging. With this situation, yesterday evening during a meeting with all the participants, held at the last minute, we decided to postpone the departure by a few days in order to see if the issue would be resolved. The priority of Desert Therapy, which is mandatory, is safety and therefore if we had not been assured that everything was back to normal, even it would cost us a lot, we would abandon the trip. The disappointment could be seen in everyone’s eyes, however, common sense and the strong connection between the group prevailed and we left with a toast and an agreement with Daniele, who is in constant contact with the Italian Embassy and the Bolivian correspondent, to keep an eye on the situation. This morning the news came: an agreement was finally reached and the roads were reopened: we can go! Within minutes everyone was notified and shortly we will all meet in the airport, including the participant from Rome, who we had stopped at the last minute. Thanks to the good spirit and a little luck Desert Thearpy can go forward. Serenity, mutual trust and professionalism, coupled with a great sense of friendship that unites us, proved that difficult situations can be faced and resolved. A heart-felt thanks to all our friends who will travel with us: you are truly wonderful and have demonstrated your readiness to face together this journey of Desert Therapy: special….like you all!

Always higher!

It is true: Desert Therapy knows no limit and this time will go to the top of its story. On the 17th of August we will leave for Bolivia, where in 1994 I crossed on foot, in solitude, the mythic Salar de Uyuni, which had never before been crossed in solitude. With us there will be nine friends, most of whom have travelled with us to Egypt and Corsica. Desert Therapy proposes to retrace the same deserts which were the protagonists of my challenges, and the Salar de Uyuni is the second in order. The emotions of finding myself again in the presence of this most fascinating and incredible place are great, and to share these feeling with the closest friends of Desert Therapy will be wonderful. For two weeks we will travel through the high plane of the Andes and the unreal colored lagoons. We will have the privilege to walk and sleep on the salt lake, thanks to the permits that exceptionally we were able to obtain. Everyday will be a new adventure, rich with emotion and breath-taking scenery, to pass in happiness and serenity: in the usual and proven style of Desert Therapy.

The desert teaches: To Love

It is enough to listen to the daily news or watch the people everyday that we encounter on the street to realize that love has become very rare. How sad! And to think that it only takes a little to improve our quality of life. Love, that is real, genuine and deep is born spontaneously, without expecting anything in return, and give you joy and strong emotion. Those who know love can be recognized at once: their gaze is clear, their smile is sunny and they transmit serenity to those around them. Love is able to create other love, slowly spreading and involving those who are lucky enough to have people in love near to them. Humans, animals, plants, natural environments: all can be objects of love and they are easy to love! The desert teaches also this: it is a place where you instantly receive a great charge of positive energy, where everything is spontaneous and natural, where human beings learn to find their soul and love for themselves, for others and for life.

New Frontier: A Great Reality

It seems incredible, but also this time we have done it: New Frontier, the mini marathon dedicated to the disabled started last year, will continue its journey. The Councillor of Sport and the Province of Milan have confirmed their support for the second edition which will start from Piazza Castello Sunday, September 26 at 10:30 am.
We are working day and night to guarantee the event, with proceeds going to charity to help disabled people practicing sport, a big turnout and support of those who want to be closer to people who everyday fight for quality of life. We invite everyone to spread the word and register through the website: http://www.nuovefrontiere.eu/ where in the next days it will be possible to find updates and news.
Any help, even the smallest, is welcome. Disability organizations are receiving the communication and greet it with great enthusiasm. We are waiting for you: New Frontier is becoming an important reality that aims to bring together many people with heart in a race of solidarity and love.

The Desert teaches: To go forward

Above all others, it maybe the most difficult test: to have the strength not to give up in the face of difficulties that often catch us unprepared, and to continue on the path of our lives without stopping, overcoming every obstacle with determination, determined to move forward, always. How many times is it tempting to give up, to say “enough, I can’t take anymore!” It is easier to stop, so you avoid suffering, you can lay in limbo for a quiet life, devoid of difficulties. But in this way you also say good-bye to strong emotions. You give up the chance to get involved and to live dreams, to strive and know how it feels to win something in which you believe in to the end, which is worth all the trouble and pain in the world. The desert teaches this: to look forward, not bowing your head, not giving up in the face of pressure from those who would stop or divert us from the road ahead: as the tortuous, difficult and full of obstacles it is always better than a convenient path: that without a doubt would be safer, but also terribly dull and boring!

Unforgettable

It is difficult to find word sto describe the wedding that Lauren and Max organized: it was surprise for all. The first word that comes to mind is “unforgettable.” Even just Saturday, when all together we reached the old Rifugio Torino we realized it would be special.
Relatives and friends of the bride, coming from the USA and Australia, immediately connected to the other guests: it was two days of great fun and happiness in an atmosphere rightly called the eighth wonder of the world. The weather conditions fulfilled any request: even the rainbow, requested by Lauren before sunset, and the mountains highlighted the natural spectacle, captivating everyone.
The next morning everyone present was toughed when the bride and groom, accompanied by two guides of Courmayeur, met on the glacier, and came together to reach the Mayor who came to welcome them at the terrace of Punta Helbronner at 3670 meters, where the marriage was filmed by television news of RAI 1 and there were journalists and photographers. It was the first wedding in high altitude, with the incredible backdrop of Mont Blanc, on a clear sunny day, where the highest mountains of Europe seemed to be painted. Lauren, who wore a lovely white dress made by her mother, looked like the Snow Princess beside Max, dressed in grey, very emotional. They were surrounded by the affection of their best friends and afterwards a special happy hours typical of Valle d’Aosta. In groups led by the guides everyone experienced the thrill of walking on the glacier to see crevices close up, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps. They party ended in Courmayeur where guests removed their mountain clothing and dressed elegantly, greeted Lauren and Max all saying the same thing: thank you for giving us such a fantastic experience, unforgettable. Any wedding after this will seem trivial!

Almost here...

The countdown has started: Sunday Max and Lauren are getting married!
There is a lot of excitement for the two and for the families: it will be a wedding outside the box, celebrated on the Glacier of Mont Blanc, at over 3,600 meter, by the Mayor of Courmayeur. The ceremony is reserved for a select number of guests, as the bride and groom wanted, and it will happen after a night spent together in the old Torino Rifugio, kindly made available by the City Council and reserved only for us, where guests will experience the thrill of celebrating in a historic context for the two, connected to their climbs of the Monte Bianco. Framed by the tallest mountains in Europe: a breathtaking panorama, between crevasses and eternal snow, where nature is experienced at its highest level, reminding us how important it is to know, love and respect it. The same words that bless the union of Max and Lauren.

The Desert teaches: Love Nature

The summer is the perfect time to live in contact with nature and to planning your holidays with this objective could be a memorable experience. You can choose places rarely visited by the sea, the mountains or on a trip, forgetting the traditional destinations and what is popular, away from the bustle, where you can find yourself surrounded by beautiful natural environments that convey great energy. Long deserted beaches with crystal clear water, hiking trails on which you don’t meet anyone for hours, travel routes away from resorts full of confusion and loud music: to free our thoughts and enjoy the beauty of what is around us, in quiet. Of course we must give up some comforts: beach chairs and umbrellas are replaced by a towel lying on the sand just steps from the water and the parties have as guest stars the sound of the sea, as the backdrop to your thoughts. Sleeping in a shelter in the mountains does not lack anything from the most exclusive hotel, and all the grandeur of nature helps us understand how small we are, to find our true size, to let us know our limits, to feel real and authentic, aware that the important things are always the most simple, wherever we are.

The Desert Teaches: To save memories

The life of each person is full of memories, sometimes happy and sometimes sad. There are important memories, those that change your life, for the better or worse and those that make us feel a few moments of calm or upset depending on the mood of that which we choose to recall. The more distant in time, the less they involve us emotionally even though the memory remains intact. Some, however, we would like to forget forever, but we can’t: memories are the bricks with which we build our existence, that have made our lives unique and unrepeatable and can not be erased. They are preserved forever in a room in our hearts and they remain there, to remember the path that led us to become the people we are. Unlike animals, which live only in the present, men are given memory, and we should not forget to use the past and our past experiences to help us manage the future. The desert taught me to take manage every moment of excitement, joy and sorrow. To remember who I am and to indicate the path that awaits me, step after step, to improve myself as an individual and to always have new memories to cherish.

Get togehters

Getting together with friends you haven’t seen for a long time is always a wonderful experience, but this time it was truly special. Valle d’Aosta was the setting of this second meeting of the famous holiday staff team: a large group of girls and guys who in the 80s and 90s created the history of the tourist resort in the Maldives as entertainers, athletes and divers, who all came to the gathering to share memories and unforgettable moments of a period that marked all of our lives in a profound way. Oscar was the doctor in the resort for many years, and I with Max a child then, went with him, and I worked as a diving and snorkelling instructor. Each time we returned to the Maldives, it was like coming home. Then to find myself with these companions in the mountains for the weekend was a thrill. All of our lives have taken different paths over the years, but the enthusiasm and spirit have remind the same. They are all character of great depth, very simple and kind, sharing a passion for their work to entertain and have fun. After so much time since we have seen each other, like magic, we recreated the atmosphere of friendship and complicity with them as if time had stopped. We talked, played, sang: in a helicopter we flew over the Monte Bianco summit and in the evening we ended with a big party in a pine forest at a private cottage in Val Veny, where glaciers and mountains were the backdrop to dinner and music, dancing and fireworks. A heartfelt thanks to the organizers, we have found genuine friends, and with genuine simplicity and spontaneity, always shared great moments of joy and serenity, then and now.

The desert teaches: To be protagonists

The desert is a great teacher about life, and one of the most important lessons it teaches is for every individual to be the protagonist of their own existence. Living in contact with a place so particular, opens the door to perceptions often latent and unidentified that everyone has within themselves, but often for various reasons, can not reach. Discovering that all of us can be actors on the stage of our own life as long as we would like, gives us a great sense of security and power. The concept of power, in our society, is increasingly associated with appearance rather than actually being: people are considered powerful who have money, who frequent certain places and bend the will of others. Fortunately, everything in the desert doesn’t have value: powerful is he who puts himself in the game, who fights to achieve their goals, who humbly relates with others, who respects the feelings of others and takes care of those who suffer, who doesn’t fear the unknown and can make an important turning point in their lives at any time, without fear of loosing privileges and certain that they wont leave anyone behind. Often the price is very heavy, but the ability to fully live your life day after day, in absolute freedom, has such a high value that no wealth can buy. Anyone who learns to live as the protagonist is authentic, calm beyond comparison, who knows how to love unconditionally and is loved by all.

Desert Therapy Party

Despite the light rain, the evening organized on Max’s terrace for all our friends who participated in the different editions of Desert Therapy was a great success. We were lucky: the tent used for the event and the weather which gave us a hand and the dinner prepared by Lauren was as always wonderful, while it was the happy hour prepared by Roberto, Claudia’s husband and exceptional barman, that was really exceptional. Twenty-two guests, some of which just came back from Corsica, to celebrate the wedding of Lauren and Max and the next trip to Bolivia in August. Daniele, with his normal calm and professionalism, gave advice to those who wanted to know how to prepare themselves for this unique journey. And as always there was much joy and happiness to celebrate together again until late in the evening. We also showed the final version of the Desert Therapy promo: an emotional few minutes where our thoughts returned to the White Desert, were we meet each other and where our deep friendship was born. The journey will continue, we look forward to sharing many more happy moments and many future projects: with passion and enthusiasm as always.

Simply Wonderful!

We just returned from our first edition of Desert Therapy in the Des Agriates desert in Corsica. An environment of rare beauty, was the setting for a journey in which we walked a long path, on cliffs overlooking the sea, alone, in the midst of Mediterranean bushes, perfumes and flowers of all kinds. Camping on the deserted beaches that have nothing to envy from the Caribbean, was fantastic: to share with the group of friends who attended the trip, this a path where simplicity was the main element, made everything easy, even the nights of rain in a tent were lived in a spirit of adventure and good humor was never lacking.
Everyone worked to make this first Desert Therapy at the sea unforgettable, and leaving after having shared so much was difficult as always. We will see everyone again on the 19th at Max’s, to tell all those who weren’t there about the magical days spent in the most beautiful natural environment imaginable: Desert Therapy this time was very successful and the route in Corsica become a new appointment to experience nature in freedom and with great serenity, as always.

Great sense of freedom

A night of rain. The sea just a meter from our tents, but the beach was wonderful and empty. The Ferrino tents have held up very well. Last night our aperitivo and dinner made by Daniele were truly delicious. I must highlight the great collaboration of the group and the extreme happiness. Today we will walk only two hours to reach Ostriconi. Our trip will end today. I will always remember this marvellous solitude and the great sense of freedom.

Fishing...miraculous

Monday 14 at 11 pm

The weather is clear, the sun is warm and the views are beautiful. Optimal conditions for walking as we did for 4 hours until lunch, which we ate on Ghignu beach. The obligatory swim. And here the miraculous catch, where Max returned to shore with a giant octopus. For dinner, grilled fish and the champagne given to us by Claudia’s husband. There is great joy and we are all happy; especially Benedetta for her first night in a tent, after having overcome her fear of vertigo on the way to the sea. Desert Therapy works, as always!

The adventure begins

Sunday 13 at 7.40pm

After a night on the ferry the arrival immediately launched us into the atmosphere of Corsica. You could say…a mix of everything. Only a short distance to the entrance of the desert where on the first day we are planning to walk 6 ½ hours. The sun was shining this morning, while it rained upon our arrival at camp. There are no words to describe how beautiful and wild this place is. The scents and aromas are beyond our expectations. Everything is in bloom. Now we are on Saleccia beach, where we will spend the night. We went swimming at sunset, with the sun re-emerging to shine on the clear, cool water. We are ready for an aperitivo, and a great dinner on the beach. There is only us.

The desert...in Europe

Friday 12 at 7 pm

Whoever said that to find the desert you must go to places far from Italy? The desert is much closer than you may think. Therefore last Friday we left for the north of Corsica where you can find the desert Des Agriates. Locked between Capo Corso and Balagna, the desert des Agriates is a hostile and mysterious area. For 35 km, the path offers different lunar horizons: catching the eye, desert mountains, and in the distance the golf of St. Florent. Nothing to disrupt the view: you can count the houses on one hand. We travel along side: the same happiness, thanks to the protection of the coastline, which are fully preserved, without any construction. Peace and quiet assured along the “guarded” passage, with its strips of coastline only a few yards wide, in some parts or even for an entire day

Ready to go!

Only 3 hours till our departure for Corsica and everything is finally ready.

This time we embark on a new adventure and even the preparation was much different than our usual for the White Desert. We must take with us all the material to make camp on the beach and to cook: Max and Daniele will have a lot of work to do: in addition to alternating walking with me and the group, they must also organize the reinforcements that can only arrive by sea with a boat we will rent. It will be emotional to inaugurate a new journey and to sleep on the spectacular beach near the water, under the star-filled sky. We will experience a week of complete relaxation, and good company, as always with Desert Therapy. You can find updates on the blog: don’t envy us too much!!!

A Wonderful Party

In the magical setting of the Valentino Castle, yesterday evening in Torino I celebrated the 140^th anniversary of Ferrino, the company that has always followed me in my excursions as a sponsor. There were about 400 guests, who came from all over the world to remember the journey of this company leader in the outdoor sector that has always enthusiastically supported all initiatives related to sport and adventure.

We, testimonial athletes, were asked to recount our journey of adventure and I, the only woman of the group, spoke of my journey with Fabio and Desert Therapy. At the end, there were big hugs and lots of emotions as the candles were blown out on the big cake, surrounded by friends, with pleasant music and a striking dance performance were held in the courtyard, surrounded by the beautifully lit castle. A truly memorable evening to emphasize a common path that continues over time. Thanks to the great Ferrino Family!

Conference in Zurich

The conference organized by ASRI, the Swiss Association for Cultural and Economic Relations with Italy at the University of Zurich, to which I was invited as a reporter on Monday, was a meeting of great considerations and notable interest. Before me, in past editions, were the most famous people in politics, culture and journalism, but the interest aroused by the story of my achievements and Desert Therapy was, according to Dr. Solari Bozzi the organiser of the evening, a very special moment, warmly welcomed by the audience, despite the cold climate of Zurich.

It’s always a source of pride to discover that what I am pursuing with great effort and commitment is appreciated by all, and every time that I encounter new people I gain energy to continue the path of Desert Therapy: I realize that I am helping a lot people regain their balance and serenity, giving value to my existence.

Desert Therapy Leaves Again!

It is official: June 11th Desert Therapy leale to start its new itenerary: The Agriates Desert, in the north of Corsica, considered the most spectacular and wild part of the island.

It is a path that we will face for the first time, we decided to share this adventure with a few fellow travellers, who like us desire to have a new experience. We will live for a week between the desert and the sea, because at night we sleep with our tents in little bays of sand that have nothing to envy from Caribbean beaches. We will be alone and the support of a transportation boat will take all of our material, food and water, allowing us to walk just with a little backpack, in the style of Desert Therapy to enjoy the wonderful beauty of this fantastic place and to experience the same emotions that Desert Therapy has always given us.

Max and Daniele will be there on staff to ensure maxium comfort to Denedicta, Bruna, Doriana, Claudia and Roberto. They have already been with us to the White Desert and will be with us on our next trip to the Salar de Uyuni in August. And as always I reserve the privilege of walking with our friends to share with them conversation, thoughts and the silence of the desert.

Two places are still available: to participate in an unforgettable experience and enter into the big family of Desert Therapy.

Speaking to twenty thousand youth

Friday evening in Piazza del Duomo, there was the largest gathering of the youth of Arcidiocesi in Milan who, during the summer, animate and serve as leaders in their oratorio (church youth groups) and on retreats to children and kids of the parishes, also present was Cardinal Tettamanzi. I was invited there to give my testimony of my life dedicated to the desert, in front of a crowd of twenty thousand people, silent and attentively listening to my story, who often burst into spontaneous applause, while on the big screen they showed images of Desert Therapy. I was able to offer a small but significant contribution to helping young people find their own way and this was an emotion that reached the depths of my soul. I was in the heart of my city, in front of thousands of kids talking about the desert, while a spectacular sunset made the backdrop, and the cathedral behind me was light by a choreography of colored lights that were constantly changing: I really experienced a moment of infinite joy.

At the end the Cardinal wanted to shake my hand, thanking me for the message of love that I was able to convey to young people: I hope that each of them find a way to face the deserts of their lives with the same determination and serenity that accompanied my steps, day after day.

Freedom

Freedom is not walking in the sand along the beach barefoot, lying on a lawn or wearing little clothing. This is feeling free. True freedom is born within us, it is in our DNA and accompanies us all our life. Often free people are considered eccentric, and are distinguished from others for their life choices, which are sometimes considered extreme or crazy.

It is very hard to be free in a society made up of conventions and stereotypes, where there are codes of behaviour that influence our choices. But those who are born free can recognize their true path and go forward in spite of everything, at the cost of fighting, suffering and disrupting their lives, not fearing the consequences and not accepting a safe life, appropriate and sterile. Like animals kept in cages, those who are free suffer when imprisoned and a part of them dies. The orca, one of the most intelligent marine mammals, suffers when it is forced into captivity. Even if it seems to accept this imprisonment, you can see its depression by the folded dorsal fin, the pain of having lost its freedom. In humans, the eyes are a sign that reveals suffering, but people who are born free and never give up hope, sooner or later are able to break these chains.

Gatherings

It has been a week full of gatherings and Desert Therapy has been the main topic. I spoke to a different audience each time, and they were all interested in my experiences and the new project. It was a great satisfaction to know that while talking about the desert, I was entering into their hearts.

A few evenings ago the happy hour at Claudia’s was, as always, special for the quality and for the friendliness of the hosts. It was also an opportunity to talk about our next trip to Bolivia, which will include many of the protagonists of the first and second editions of Desert Therapy as well as new friends. They are all excited and eager to live this experience together in the Salar de Uyuni.

Some of them already decided to participate in our new proposal, between the sea and the sand, that will be in Corsica in June, where for one week we will cross the Desert de Agriates, one of the most beautiful areas of the island. We will sleep in our tents on stunning beaches, reached on foot, pampered by an exceptional staff, as always in the style of Desert Therapy.

Desert Therapy: New Entry

The meeting on Friday evening at the sports store Ttrek (former refugio Roma), in San Giovanni organized together with Ferrino, marked a new step forward in the journey of Desert Therapy. In fact, after the Cordrignani Store in Milan, this became the second official store where participants can buy materials for the trips at a special price and get assistance and advice from qualified personnel. David, the owner, together with his partner, organized an evening dedicated to my challenges in which I presented Desert Therapy. Public interest filled the room, and the presence of Anna, from Desert Therapy 1, who wanted to participate in the event and give her testimony was important. At the end she was surrounded by many people who wanted to know all about her experience in the White Desert. Desireè was also there, who will come with us to Bolivia. She is very excited for the experience that awaits her, to soon meet her fellow travel companions, many of whom have already travelled with us, and be welcomed into the family of Desert Therapy!

Sports and good spirits

Last weekend Max’s hockey team, the Red and Black Devils, took part in a tournament with teams from Austria, Germany and Switzerland at the Sesto San Giovanni Ice Rink.

It was an opportunity to enjoy two days of real, clean sport, where enthusiasm and passion were the main focus of the event. It was not important to win or lose, but to spend time together, play and have fun.

In the evening there was a fun and delicious dinner on the ice (which was obviously covered for the event) with all the teams that participated, and then anyone who wanted could go skating on the rink.

Obviously I couldn’t miss it. I have always followed the athletics of Max and to find myself again amongst some of the guys Max has played with for many years was touching.

But the thing that surprised me the most was the sensation of peace and freedom I felt skating with them. It has been several years since I have put my skates on, but to hear the sound of the blades on the ice again, to feel the fresh air on my face and realize that my legs could find the right rhythm again, even after the big dinner, freed my mind of worries and gave me a great sense of serenity. Who knows: maybe it exists……….Ice Therapy!

The desert teaches: Loyalty

Loyalty: a term increasingly less used, that in a society defined as “civil” is almost unknown. A handshake used to be sufficient to close a deal or to keep a promise. But today everyone talks a lot about promises and they are regularly unmet. And that means false hopes, it creates illusions and unnecessarily wastes time for people who actually have intensions to honor their promises.

My mind returns to the desert, where the rules are strict but observed by all, where you speak little, where a glance or touching hands establishes a lasting agreement, when there is still respect for each other, no matter race or religion: where loyalty is still an important value for the men who live in and love this place in which time seems to stand still but can teach us a lot.

Good Music and Happiness

Yesterday evening was wonderful, meeting up with good friends to listen to the performance of Savino Cesario, a mythic guitarist, who with his group entertained us and brought us much happiness.

We have spent unforgettable years with Savino, together in the Maldive Islands, where Oscar was the doctor for a village and I lead scuba diving and snorkelling. Savino instead, was an animator, and what an animator! Every evening he was able to get everyone involved with his guitar and with his likeable personality. He progressed and today he is a celebrity who works with the biggest names in entertainment, but he is still the likeable guy that we have always known.

Our friendship is one that has lasted over time, and we see each other every chance we get: sometimes for dinner (Savino is a wonderful cook), other times to hear him play, each time is different and exciting, letting you forget your small and big everyday problems: Thanks Savino…until next time!

The desert teaches: Balance

The search for balance was essential for me to accomplish my challenges in the desert. The ability to confront myself, to overcome the difficulties in the environment, to adapt to situations of human endurance without getting caught in despair, knowing how to evaluate each unexpected event with detachment and rationality, these are the moments that, more than anything else, come to mind when I think of the long days of loneliness and fatigue. The desert taught me to be comfortable with myself and with what surrounds me, to see people for what they are really worth and not for how they try to appear, not getting involved emotionally. It is very difficult to find the right balance, but it helps you overcome barriers you didn’t think possible. Often life puts us infront of complicated situations, in which one feels they are bumping into impassable walls. I learned that trying to knock them down is wrong: it consumes too much energy and you loose the clarity needed to get the situation under control. It is better to evaluate other possibilities with serenity and learn to manage your emotions, if you want to be comfortable with yourself and others: in the desert and in life.

Emotions

Today during an interview with Radio Città di Bollate I got to talk for a long time about my challenges in the desert. It is rare to have the hour to describe what happened during the weeks of solitude and relive the deep emotions that I experienced during those days of thinking, remembering and often suffering. It was truly exciting. I relived it like a film, moments of great joy and great sadness that were my adventure companions day after day and I believe I was able to transmit to the listeners how much I experienced and how I managed to finish challenges that were seen as impossible, thanks to the great love and passion I always dedicated to the desert.

I am sure that if we face challenges in life with joy and positivity, every day, there are unexpected surprises for us and we will have the satisfaction of realizing our dreams, also the most unlikely.

Staying in shape

We should always take care of our bodies. Especially as we age, it is essential to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. As all doctors agree, exercise is also good for the mind and helps us unload tension.

It is difficult after a tiring day of work to think of engaging in athletics. Then laziness takes over. Instead we must try, remembering that bodies are wonderful machine which should be cared for and respected. Personally, I have always practiced sports and still do, with good results.

When the Faculty of Sport Science at the University of Milan carried out a series of tests before my last challenge, the doctors determined that my physical age was twenty years less than my true age compared to the normal population. Imagine that according to their studies, the average physical activity of a woman over forty is caring shopping bags! Perhaps it is worth getting out of our seat and starting to move: you risk being part of a depressing statistic!

The desert teaches: Solidarity

Solidarity is a mandatory rule in the desert and should be applied everywhere. Nature in its most severe should be lived with great awareness. Being supportive of those in difficulty is a behaviour that arises spontaneously when we approach out limit. Climbers, navigators, and explorers, made great gestures of solidarity, while in everyday life we see more and more the tendency to retreat into a shell, forgetting those who live near us. Many people are convinced that the world revolves around them and devote all their time only to themselves, without bothering to take care of others around them. Caring for others is challenging: it requires an emotional balance and an uncommon willingness, but sometimes it only takes very little. A few words at the right moment to a friend in need, knowing how to listen, giving an affectionate hug to someone sorrowful, making a kid smile or telling an elder: “I am here, beside you.” Little things can brighten up even the most grey day for those who are suffering, and can be provided by those who open their hearts.