Long Weekend

Finally a few days of relaxation! After an intense period of presentations and events, we just wanted a weekend break in nature, before resuming next week with the usual hectic pace of other important appointments and rich in meaning where I speak.....looking to center myself to face the next few days before Christmas, although this year the atmosphere can’t really be called gay. The crisis affects everyone and there is an obvious concern about reports that come into our homes and that lead to inevitable changes in the lifestyle of each of us. But as always happens, every negative situation also has its positive side: we'll be at home more, to enjoy the company of our loved ones, and we will dedicate the time to rediscover the Christmas holidays with moments of simplicity, often forgotten for so long. Teaching the little ones to having fun with little while we all learn to appreciate the essentials and to rediscover the value of small things, just as we learn from the desert.

Smiles and happiness

How much positive energy there was at the recent evening book presentations! Both at Cenate Sotto, where the whole town came to celebrate their most famous citizen, Fabio, and at Treviso. At Cenate, the Palaincentro was filled with a welcoming audience who were touched to hear our voices telling the story from the book-on-tape to begin the evening, which ended with a unique poetry reading of the love of Catullo accompanied by musicians. In Treviso rather, the event, was organized in an impeccable manner with photography of the expedition by Renato Vettorato, that joined the book presentation and the inauguration of the photography show, very carefully planned and superb quality, showing Fabio and I in the Egyptian desert. There was also the presence of the radio, television and many photographers. The restaurant “Perchè” hosted us to a wonderful dinner, where sponsors competed to offer the 200 guests their best products, accompanied with very high quality wines. The atmosphere inspired by the desert, with sand decoration, was extremely refined and the public was very interested in both in my expeditions and in the Desert Therapy trips. At the end of the evening we had a unforgettable toast opening a giant bottle of champaign made just for the event: the bottle was the color of sand and the beautiful label was an image of us in the desert.

Evening in Fossano

Yesterday evening in the picturesque setting of the Castle Fossano Acaja there was a new presentation of the latest book LOOKING BEYOND THE DUNES written with Fabio.
Bruna Stecca, organizer of the meeting and a dear friend, was a person who has traveled the world and has twice participated in our travels Desert Therapy: together we both walked in the desert of Morocco and then in Corsica. A great lover of literature, her enthusiasm made yesterday’s meeting in Fossano very special. The room was full and the audience fascinated by the story of my last adventure with Fabio, who this time was unable to be present to describe "his" desert. The audience saw pictures of the crossing and had many questions addressed to me at the end of the meeting, which extended well beyond the agreed time. Many were also curious to learn more about our travels and Max explained in detail all the features of Desert Therapy. The evening ended with a final toast of course dedicated to the Desert!

Despite everything......

It is difficult to be calm in moments like these, when uncertainty surrounds you. Every day the news overwhelms us with tragedy, without a doubt true, but often manipulated to make the stories more dramatic. It seems that all is going to waste, we are always waiting for new developments in the world of politics and in everyday life. Around you see only sad faces, no one smiles, everyone seems enclosed in their thoughts, not wanting to communicate with others. And it is the circumstances like this that we need to have the courage to overlook, to open ourselves to others, with a kind gesture, a word, a smile… In the desert it happens naturally, each time: let’s try to make this happen also here, letting our thoughts become positive, our hearts light, our faces less tense and distant. Certainly we can’t change the course of events, but we will feel better, ready to face everyday life with more trust and calmness. As the desert teaches us, the great mystery of life.

What an evening!

There are no words to describe the presentation of the book that was held last night at the marvelous theater at the Institute for the Blind, filled with many people who wanted to come, to show Fabio and I their friendship and support.
There were many friends from Desert Therapy coming from all over Italy bringing their testimony of the trips and becoming emotional retelling of their unforgettable experiences together in the desert.
Fabio described his experience with words that touched the hearts of all present and hearing the recording of our voices on the book-on-tape with the lights in the room turned off was a very moving moment. Wonderful as always Maurizio di Maggio, the voice of Radio Montecarlo, made the audience laugh and applaud, and then gather around us for dedicated copies of the book. It was an unforgettable evening, organized very professionally by Max and documented by Oscar, the official photographer. The desert once again gave us moments of magic that will remain in the minds of all.

48 Hours!!

Only 48 hours until the presentation of “Looking over the dunes” the book I wrote together with Fabio about our challenge in 2008. For me it is my 3rd book and the other day when I finally got to hold a copy of the book in my hands, I felt the same emotions as with “Deserts” and “ Silence of the Sand”. In addition to the desert I shared with Fabio also the writing of a book and retelling of our long tiring days crossing the sand together. We shared moments of great fatigue but also others of intense joy, always facing them with the desire and determination to go forward, despite it all. As before, also this time retelling about the days of the crossing was like doing the challenge again, step after step. But there was something new: the book on tape that Fabio and I made with our own voices, a dialogue that expresses the intensity and the tension of those days and nights in the desert, how we were able to go forward on a challenge full of obstacles, physical and psychological. The presentation is fixed for Thursday, November 10 at 6pm at the Institute for the Blind in Milan.

My favorite flowers

My favorite flower has always been the plumeria. Perhaps because of its shape, essential and simple, or maybe because usually they grow in tropical places, but every time I find one I cannot resist their charm. And in the garden by my hotel room in Bahariya, I found them by surprise. A plumeria plant in full bloom that seem to be there just to welcome me. The flowers were smaller than those that usually grow in tropical climates, but the shape is unmistakable. I think of it as another gift from the desert, a kind thought that brought me a smile and joy. It takes little to be happy, and seeing them in the oasis in the middle of the desert was the cherry on top of the cake that made my two days there between the two wonderful trips of Desert Therapy even more special, making the experience unforgettable.

How I miss the desert!

Now we are back after nearly 20 days spent in the desert. For the first time we had two groups, one after the other, and we stayed in Egypt the whole time. While Max returned to Cairo to meet our new guests including travel and other things, I stayed for two days alone in the Bahareya oasis to enjoy a little rest between bathing in the warm thermal waters and having relaxing massages. I took advantage of writing the screenplay for the documentary on the desert in Corsica and continued to breathe the air of the desert.


We were lucky this time to meet such very special people. Both groups, one of eight and the other of ten people, were very nice and we all enjoyed ourselves. The desert has given birth to new friendships destined to last over time and has given us once again an unforgettable experience. It has only been a few days, but I am already missing the company of my new friends and especially the desert. We are already planning new trips, as it is hard to stay away from that special place for a long time: when you meet it, it captures your soul and you are unable to leave it.

Sigh of relief

It 'done! The book is finally completed, and in a few days also the audiobook will be finished and then finally I can dedicate myself to our next departure to the White Desert.
Yes, we return again! This time with two consecutive groups and thus I will have to stay there for two weeks: I can’t wait!
A few nights ago, at the pizza party that we organize every time before leaving, we got to meet some of our fellow traveling companions. They were all very nice and cheerful, as the people always are who decide to come with us. They immediately connected with each other and are eager for this experience which is absolutely new for almost everyone. We explained exactly how the trip will take place and there were many questions on their part: Max explained that we will have with us a satellite device, as usual, and on the site our path will be traced every day and we have mentioned some of the wonderful surprises that await them. The presence of Oscar in the first group was very welcome news: this time we will have the doctor with us!
And now we are focused on preparations: to ensure our fellow travelers all the pampering and attention that Desert Therapy gives to its guests.

Last Stop

A few more hours .... and the draft of the forthcoming book "LOOKING BEYOND THE DUNES" will be finally completed.
The last editing of the text, adding a few sentences here and there, last-minute doubts: just as always. It's always very emotional to give life to a book, although this time it was written by four hands, along with Fabio. And then there is also another innovation: for the first time my book is being made also into an audio book, since the work is also aimed at readers who are blind. We decided to record it with our real voices and the effect is certainly very emotional. Inevitably, bring life to the book has touched our hearts and my thoughts return there, in the middle of the desert with my partner that I love so much. Fabio was amazing: he managed to find a way to read the text using a particular computer program and retell our adventure with his own voice. Behind the scenes of the demanding production work, followed with great professionalism by Maurizio Camponovo, was our cameraman and photographer in Morocco, and the result exceeds all expectations. The market for audio books in Italy, unfortunately, is rather limited, while abroad, it is widespread. It is not a product intended only for those who cannot see, but can also be used by people that, for work, spend a lot of time in the car, from children with dyslexia to the elderly who because of diseases such as stroke have difficulty reading.
It's always a great satisfaction to give life to a book: this time it's even more so because it's a whole new experience shared someone who, due to a very serious disability, found in this location new emotions and lots of positive energy.

Mission Accomplished

We returned last night from the Desert des Agriates in Corsica where we walked for four days to create a documentary for television. It was a particularly challenging course because of the load we had to carry on our shoulders. Our backpacks, filled to capacity with food, water, tents and all you need to set up camp, weighed more than 28 kilos (65 lbs.) for Max, while mine was around 22 kilos (55 lbs.). Fabrizio our cameraman, carried all the material for filming, which was just as difficult to transport and the heat helped to make our walking very much like one of my desert challenges. It seemed like we were engaged in one of my adventures with team no limits, however, this time I also had to devote time to filming, which took priority over everything. The weather was beautiful and the sea was always calm and incredibly transparent. The nights spent in our tent on the beaches were very humid and there was the totally unexpected presence of large amounts of mosquitoes, which complicated matters further. But the unexpected visit of a fox the first night and the memory of those silences, in contact with nature, lit by a beautiful full moon we miss so much already.
This Mediterranean-desert is truly fascinating and I hope to return again next year with Desert Therapy, to relax and to enjoy it, making it known to those who, like me, love nature in its most authentic and wild sense.

Return

We're back to work after the long summer break. But it was not only a vacation! We have planned programs for the coming months and the most important news is regarding the release of the book on November 3rd and two Desert Therapy trips which will start on October 7th and 15th in the White Desert in Egypt. And then, the last important change: we return next Tuesday in Corsica in the mythical Agriates Desert, where we will film a documentary for television. For four days we will walk with backpacks loaded to capacity with food, water and material to retrace the trail that will take us from Saint Florent Ile Rousse. This time we will be only in three: me, Max and Fabrizio, the filmer in the beautiful landscape of the north coast of the island to accompany viewers in exploring the wilderness of the only recognized desert in Europe. We expect it to be difficult, but also an exciting adventure: we will write again once we return, to tell you the details of this new experience.

Time for Vacation

Here we are: the Summer is here and immediately we think of the holidays ahead. Some have already left, others will leave in the coming days, but others remain at home to enjoy the tranquility of the metropolis that now, for a few days, will turn into an oasis of peace even if in the past few years something has changed. The deserted city under the hot sun that all of us remember, is no longer a reality, as many choose to take holidays during the year and remain at work in August. Excellent choice for those who can afford it: you can now enjoy the benefits of less crowded resorts at lower prices and higher quality services. And then, when everyone leaves, you can really enjoy the city: you discover unknown corners, pleasant rooms that you have never sought to visited before, you meet people who are more relaxed than during the rest of the year. And then we wonder if this is not the real vacation: a place to live in a different spirit, in which we live and work, and to see it with new eyes: it is not alone in the desert where one finds themselves, also our city can become the place where we seek peace. A friend and accomplice of our prosperity. So ..... happy vacation at all!

Memories

Each of our lives is made of memories. Whether good or bad, they are still part of our lives and take us along the path that unfolds before us, day after day. Some are diluted over time, they lose their importance and end up being forgotten, while others, the important ones that have contributed to a significant turning point in our lives, remain engraved in us and seem as alive as when we experienced them. And we often recall these episodes that have given us special moments of great joy and have helped us to find the energy to face new challenges with greater determination and to avoid repeating the mistakes that have made us suffer. Thinking of the desert, the unique moments that this place can give, every time is a burst of well-being: these memories resurface with great ease, and just recalling the memory, and reliving the magic and everything suddenly becomes easier. Hold tight to your most beautiful memories, they help us smile again, even in the darkest days.

Great results!

Great results from our Koa who just returned from the world championships in Paris, where he was awarded second place overall in his class, while the world champion title went to his father's brother, a Swedish Great Dane, like him. It was a competition within the family, giving great satisfaction to the breeders and owners.
The presence of Koa also aroused a great interest: he drew a lot of attention and was photographed a lot, both by other breeders and by the public that by this point already known him for his very respectable track record.
Our mutt is able to sense the atmosphere of competition and has impeccable behavior even when he is in a crowd, thanks to Max who trained him very well and to Marina the breeder, who leads him perfectly and with which he has established an excellent relationship. As a reward, he enjoyed a well-deserved nap in the long journey back home. Great job Koa and good luck for the future!

Rally of the Giants

The rally of Great Danes held Sunday in Boffalora Ticino was such a show! There were the most beautiful examples of the four categories: harlequin, black, tan and blue, in addition to many young dogs and even puppies.
The competitions were held for most of the day and again this time Koa made us proud by winning his category. But not only that, but two of his female puppies were awarded the first and second place as the best in show among the puppies. A great satisfaction for everyone, but more than that we all enjoyed a beautiful day outside, with a toast in honor of the winners and Marina Salmoiraghi, breeder and owner of Dei Cinegetica where Koa comes from. His next destination- the world championships which will be held Thursday, July 7 in Paris. Almost an impossible goal, but ... we are all cheering him on!

Heat

The heat has arrived, as happens every year in summer. We all said in May that it seemed autumn was suddenly here, but now that the temperatures have risen for a few days, we're already complaining. Yet even the past summers were hot, and then you could not even rely on tech support that today helps us deal better with the heat. Air conditioning is now present everywhere, both in the car and the office, and even companies dealing with apparel are investing in finding new solutions to help provide maximum comfort in high temperatures.
In my deserts I was able to test specific items, especially the new technical materials, light and breathable, provided by sponsors who followed me over the years to support my expeditions: I am currently followed by Ferrino, who has launched its new line Highlab. I have always preferred natural fibers such as cotton and wool, even though over time I learned to appreciate the latest technical fabrics, practical and very light indeed. Recently, however, I have been able to test samples that I use in the evening underneath clothing in cold weather or during the night in tents, which is made of merino wool, a lightweight and extremely comfortable products REWOOLUTION. It was a pleasant surprise and a welcome return to the past!

Thoughts....

There are moments in life where it is hard to understand what is happening.

Suddenly there is a lack of references, of certainties, everything is put into question by events that occur without warning.

Sometimes they are difficulties in interpersonal relationships, other times it is news about the health of loved ones, or perhaps problems at work. In each of these cases one gets the impression that the world has suddenly turned it’s back on us and we struggle to find the balance that before we took for granted. We are confused, we do not know what to say or what to do, it seems that everything we do is misunderstood, every word out of place. They are moments that we will probably all go through, the important thing is not to give up, to react and regain the confidence that allows us to take back our lives.

Let's look in the mirror and talk out loud to the person that we see reflected, reminding them that they are the center of our existence and that at all times that image, it’s dignity, the confidence built over many years must be protected. Learn to select the thoughts, to find even in negative events the strength to go forward, to protect that person, which we have before us and it deserves all the respect and consideration that it has earned throughout life. Give it a smile and look to tomorrow with optimism: something good will happen.

New Project

Desert Therapy never stops! We just returned from Corsica and we are already working on the next trip which will last two weeks at the end of this summer and that will take us to a very special place. After the unforgettable experience of last year in Bolivia and the Salar de Uyuni, this time in August we are going to Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan to walk in the sand of the Gobi Desert, accompanied by a small caravan of Bactrians camels, which are massive and powerful, known for their double humps and coat of long, thick hair, much different than the camels which we are used to in the African deserts. We will sleep in the charming and comfortable yurts of nomadic herders and with our jeeps, we will move every day to see new sights and places rich with history. To complete our tour will be a stop in Moscow, a city not to be missed. It will be a unique journey, not following the beaten paths of normal tourism, but rather in the style that sets us apart, as always, with luxury and originality. With us there will be historical travelers of Desert Therapy, who have now become great friends and who have accompanied us on all our trips and do not want to miss even this "first".

24 hours of Solidarity

In our latest challenge together yesterday, for the first time I shared with Fabio a new adventure. Sunday morning we ran together in the last part of a 24 hour relay event in Milan, organized by the Institute for the Blind in which he participated as an athlete and me as his guide. United only by a short piece of rope for an hour we ran the competition path six times in North Park running about 9 km, finishing at 10.30. I trained to participate in the race, even though he was obviously more prepared: Fabio has been participating in marathons for years and has a very good time, but this time our race was not against the clock but in favor of solidarity with the aim of helping Blind athletes pursue sports.

It was great to meet again, even if it was to run and not to walk in the sand burdened by the weight of the backpack as we used to do together when we crossed the Egyptian desert to the oasis of Dahkla.

At the arrival, we shared the usual hug and lots of joy, to the applause of the audience with Oscar, who documented the event in photo and video, that we will soon see on the site. Finally we shared a delicious lunch at the home of Fabio and Oriana: where we spoke at length about our book due to come out in November. It was an opportunity to meet up and spend a lovely Sunday together, and participating in outdoor sports made it even more real and authentic.

Beautiful!!!

We are back from Corsica! It was a very special journey and the support of our wonderful sailboat helped to make it unforgettable.

We walked for three days in the wild Desert des Agriates located in the northwest part of the island and at night we slept in our tents on the best beaches in the area. The weather was good and we alternated from trekking to swimming in the sea. The days of sailing were really fantastic.

The group was cohesive and the time flew by spontaneously, with laughter and great moments of relaxing and sunbathing. We were spoiled as always: the food was excellent and plentiful and we did not lack anything, with the happy hours on board and some toasts after dinner tightened our new friendships made along the way and celebrated Desert Therapy, that again this time was able to give us moments of great serenity.

The next appointment is in the desert: Stefania, one of our guests will be in Egypt in October to walk in the White Desert with us and Luisa, another woman who traveled with us in Corsica, has already traveled there with us last year. It is always exciting to find ourselves sharing new experiences together and in this respect Desert Therapy is truly magical.

Off on a New Journey!!!

We have arrived on the eve of a fresh start with Desert Therapy: destination .... Corsica!


Tomorrow at Bocca di Magra we will embark on our beautiful sailboat to reach Saint Florent and from there we start to walk along the path that will lead us across the beautiful Desert des Agriates. We will walk for four days between land and sea, in a unique setting that we crossed one year ago. This time, the presence of the boat will be constant and we will follow us in the coves where we make our camps. For a week, the ten fellow travelers will share with us the experience of Desert Therapy by the sea, which as always will be simple, but very luxurious. The diary will be posted daily on the site and you can also follow the path through the satellite tracking system that will remain as always on my backpack. Everything is ready: mask, fins and a bathing suit this time as well. Every day after our hike, we will relax on the beach where we will dine in the light of lanterns to tell of old and new travel adventures. Follow us and make sure not to envy us too much!

It is Finished!!!!!

Finally, the book is finished! It was tiring, but very exciting to daily commitment on the adventure in the Egyptian desert along with Fabio. We both have retraced, step by step, our journey and described the situations we experienced together, and told by me and by him at the same time is really exciting. Fabio was very good at describing his encounter with an environment completely unknown to him, the emotions of the encounter and the experience throughout the days, but the highlight was the discovery of the changes he personally experienced in the desert. His serenity, the security acquired in a short time, him feeling protected in an environment considered hostile, that he could not see, was an incredible change. When this happened two years ago, for me it was an extraordinary discovery, but then through the path of Desert Therapy, I discovered that it is not, that this happens regularly to those who came with me to walk in the desert, those who experience it in its most true and deep form. I look forward to November when the book finally comes out: I'm curious to see if those who read it will feel part of our emotions. The title? We are trying to decide in these days .................

Always writing!

The manuscript due date of the book is approaching and the excitement is increasing. I am in the process of closing the book and time seems to fly by, there is never enough time to finish everything!

Fabio sent me his work a long time ago, and I am now putting it together with my text, trying to avoid repetition in the narration of our journey. I'm satisfied even though I’m tired, and I really hope that this book will satisfy the curiosity of readers who want to know what happened in two weeks we spent crossing the Egyptian desert.

These days, because of the good weather, I'm working on the balcony and here I found a wonderful surprise. I discovered I was not alone: a pair of robins found an object hanging in the ideal conditions for their nest, and as I write I am accompanied by the comings and goings of parents intent on taking care of their little one, which I hear chirping in the container that has become their home. I cannot see them and I do not want to disturb or frighten them because it's beautiful to share the small space with them, as they are not at all intimidated by my presence. Each of us is dedicated to our work diligently without worrying about the presence of the other and it is wonderful to have the animals next to me especially at this time, I consider it a good omen. When I wrote "Desert", a family of owls was perched all the time on the tree outside my window. “Silent in the sand” I wrote with my lovely ferret, Baby, always on his knees. Now there are the robins to keep me company: thanks my fellow adventurer friends for giving me with your presence and so much serenity.

Happy Easter

Easter is late this year; we are already at the end of April and the warm spring brings thoughts of summer, and its days filled with light and the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Unfortunately, every year the traditions associated with this holiday are more and more abandoned, and it is turning into a frantic weekend of traffic, a holiday little associated with this very important event. Lent and Good Friday devoted to fasting, and then the party that features eggs, the symbols of Easter are almost forgotten, especially in large cities. Let's slow down our rushed pace, at least for a few hours, and may our thoughts return to childhood, when together with our family, we devoted more time to ourselves and to remembering the holiday that united us and taught us to cultivate and keep alive the value of tradition. I truly hope for an Easter full of peace and calm.

Great Job!

Great job our champion! Koa won again last Sunday as best male Great Dane and as best fawn Great Dane at the dog show which he attended giving great satisfaction to the breeder Marina and of course Max, the owner, proud of his creation.

And Koa? Always calm, not revealing any emotion, seems to ignore what is happening and poses for the lens of the camera in his proud and aloof manner. Or maybe he understands, and thus we hope it doesn’t go to his head! For us he is always the same Koa, full of energy and with a great desire to play and have fun, especially in the water, which is very strange for a Great Dane .......... but he is special also for this!

Wonderful evening

Saturday evening at the Cascina Commenda in Segrate AIDO, the Italian association of organ donors gave life to an event called SEGRATE WOMAN, an evening dedicated to women who have distinguished themselves for their commitment and professionalism.


Together with Marta Romagna, prima ballerina of the Ballet of La Scala in Milan, I was a guest of honor, and I told the large audience who filled the room of my challenges in the deserts, showing photos and video. For both of us the association wanted to give us a plaque in memory of the encounter. The evening ended with a performance of Jubilant Gospel Girls, a group of talented girls who enchanted everyone with moments of joy and enthusiasm.

Long Silence

The drafting of the new book is taking up all my time and I can not find room for anything other than writing of this experience with Fabio. Time passes quickly, and to retell what I experienced in the desert when we did the crossing together requires a lot of concentration affecting every moment and every thought. I always say that for me to retell a story effectively I must get back mentally into the desert to relive every moment: it's like walking along the same path again, and the fatigue at the end of the day is the same.


In this book, the difference is that it is the story of both of us: each has written of this experience in a different way even though the emotional similarities are obvious and to reconcile the narrative of both is not always easy. It is still a great adventure to create a book and to think we are passing on our thoughts is a great privilege.


And so.... we go ahead! With hard work but also with great satisfaction. And sorry if sometimes I go away................. but you know where to find me: I am there, in the heart of my beloved desert.

Libia

With great sadness and sorrow I am following the events going on in Libya, a country that holds a place in my heart for the wonderful experience I had in the Akakus desert exactly two years ago. At that time, invited by Libyans, I had the great privilege of walking in a wonderful place, with the aim of bring a message of peace to Africa, ideally combining the people through the desert. Unfortunately, the significance of that gesture has been removed by what is happening these days: there are only the memories of an unforgettable experience with people of great sensibility, that accepted me and followed me with competence and affection during the crossing, and it pains me to know they are experiencing a difficult situation in their country. My hope remains alive that in the near future, Libya can find its balance and political stability, to give everyone the opportunity to learn about its incredible natural and historical beauty and finally bring a smile to the faces of its inhabitants. They deserve it indeed.

A getaway with Koa

Yesterday at Max’s last league game of ice hockey in Lecco, we took advantage of the sunny day to stroll along the lake with Koa. Our little dog had so much fun and aroused great interest among the many people who filled the walking path, but what intrigued him more than anything else were the ducks and swans that would come close to him quacking. It was not easy to keep him from getting into the water to play with his new feathered friends, also because, unlike the majority of Danes, Koa loves the water. The lake was beautiful and the walk was a great opportunity to relax to release the thoughts that often fill our mind during the week. Early spring invites us to go out and get close to nature and we do not have to go into the desert to find it: it takes just a strip of beach on the water of a lake to enjoy moments of true serenity, which each of us has inside ourselves and must only ask for it to be revealed.

Happiness

One evening around the campfire in the desert of Morocco, one of the travel companions asked each of us what happiness is for us. The responses were different but the prevailing definition was to consider happiness as short or long moments on the path of life. It is utopian thinking to be happy for a long time, the characteristics of the term presupposes an intense emotion that can not last long. Inevitably it turns into peace, prosperity, or contentment, which are feelings we can have for a long time if we are able to handle them with care. Happiness is subjective, what makes a person happy is not guaranteed to work for another and each time the parameters can change depending on the circumstances. You can be happy for small things: a walk hand in hand, an affectionate gesture, an unexpected gift, a word spoken at the right time. You do not need big events to trigger strong emotions: many that night said that at that precise moment, in the desert, around a fire talking with friends, they felt happy. I wish for all of you to experience many moments of happiness, to feel alive and to give your lives an even greater value.

Carnival of Ivrea

Yesterday I spent a very special day with Max and Lauren. For quite some time they have wanted to go to see the Carnival of Ivrea, with its famous battle of oranges, but it never particularly attracted me. But it was a pleasant surprise. The ancient tradition that dates back to the first century has its own unique charm and atmosphere of genuine fun that is felt everywhere in the city, and all are involved. The parade, the main attraction of the reenactment, goes through the festively decorated neighborhoods where participants prepare for battle in costume, and there is a background of numerous enthusiastic viewers, with a great desire to be there and have fun. The Carnival, now almost forgotten in the big cities, retains its characteristics of celebration for all ages in the smaller towns. For several hours we were completely immersed in the atmosphere of a festival, which was never over the top, even in the most intense moments of battle, it made us feel like children again. Lauren, as an American experiencing the celebration in Ivrea said: this is the Italy I want to see, always different and to be discovered, this is the Italy that I love so much.

Everyday gestures

Whenever you return from a trip in the desert is difficult. Spaces are limited, the light is poor, you lack the warmth of the sun on your skin, the blue sky, the freedom to move and the desire to walk with an open mind for all thoughts. And you also the miss the company of new friends with whom you’ve shared every moment of the day with ease, greeting each other in the morning and wishing them a good night in the evening, moments full of laughter, joy and the desire to talk without the usual masks that we are forced to wear on a daily basis to defend ourselves. But then, day after day, the grief gives way to a great sense of wellbeing, often in difficult moments that pass through our days, just the memory of the desert helps us to find humor and serenity. This is the great gift of Desert Therapy: it teaches us to manage in a different way daily, to reduce problems and tackle them with determination, giving us the gift of simplicity without unnecessary complications. As it is in the desert, easy.

Our return

Unfortunately, beautiful things are always bound to end and this first edition of Desert Therapy does not disprove the rule. It was a very special trip for both the majesty and beauty of the natural environment in which we walked for four days, with our travel companions, who were great with the sympathy and fellowship that immediately manifested. It is true that most of them were veterans of Desert Therapy as well as newcomers who immediately understood the spirit of this particular experience and together we spent days of great joy and great emotion. The Moroccan desert is revealed in all its glory and to walk on the crest of the massive sand dunes that characterize it was a unique experience for all participants. As usual, we laughed so much, wanting to have fun and make room for thoughts and words that only the desert can manifest with great ease and simplicity. The pampering staff, the dishes prepared by our chef and the enthusiasm of friends who have chosen to walk together in the sand created a miracle and made an unforgettable experience. Needless to say, the thoughts of all of us is already to look at the roadmap for the next Desert Therapy: where are we going this time? Soon it will decide, for now let's hold close in my minds and hearts the images of the desert.

Eve of our departure

We arrived on the eve of this new adventure with Desert Therapy. Everything is ready (or almost), morale is high and the desire to return to the desert increases hour by hour. It will be a wonderful journey, Morocco is a country that can offer much to those who want to learn and explore opportunities to live it intensely and we will not fail. We will make sure to send a daily travelogue through our satellite phone, as mobile phones, luckily, will not have service for the four days we are crossing the desert. Compared to the White Desert this time the journey is more challenging, but the presence of a large number of camels is an excellent support for participants. We will have with us a guide that will tell us the story of this beautiful country and a chef of a hotel will be our renowned cook. What else could you want? Desert Therapy is known for its great attention to details: this time we will endeavor to make our trip an unforgettable experience. Follow us on the site, you can travel with us!

Close to the departure

Only three days until the start of the next Desert Therapy! This time the destination is the desert in Morocco, with its beautiful sand dunes in which we will walk accompanied by a long caravan of camels carrying all the material to make camp, and of course water and food. Ten friends will come with us, most of them veterans of Desert Therapy, such as Claudia and Roberto, who are on the fourth trip, for Anna and Doriana instead it is the third experience. Bruna, Gigi, and Antonio set off for the second time, while for Mara, Enzo and Bruno this will be their official baptism. With us, there will also be Mauritius, a professional photographer and cameraman who also is a lover of the desert, and will have the task of documenting the journey, and of course Max and Leda, who is replacing Daniel, busy at home to monitor the situation in Egypt, to their rightful the task of organizing the trip, with the care and attention we devote to our travelers. As always the desire to leave is so great, the desert is in the heart of all of us, who are in love with a place that always manages to amaze us and that this time will not disappoint us.

We are sad

The current situation in Egypt has saddened all of us on the Desert Therapy staff. Exactly one year ago, we were in the desert, happy to celebrate one of the participants Roberto, that turned 50 years old there. We would never have imagined what would happen in the meantime. In Egypt we have many friends, our driver, cook and Solah the Bedouin that accompanies the camels. We are in contact with them, and all are well, confirming that the problem is confined to the cities, but we are sad. I remember the many carefree days spent together. In March, two groups have already booked for the White Desert, but if the situation doesn’t return to normal by the end of this week, we reluctantly will give up the trips and postpone everything until October. For Desert Therapy, safety has absolute priority over everything and without sufficient safeguards we will not go.
In the meantime we are preparing to depart Feb. 18 for the desert of Morocco. It will be a first, to be attended by many friends who have traveled with us and who do not want to miss it. Obviously we are monitoring the current situation in this country who as of today is still quiet, despite the negative news that sometimes spread without any justification. We wish to visit all the deserts soon, and we hope that man's violence does not stop us from returning to the place we love and that has always given us such strong emotions. Inchallah ........

Our champ!

Great job Koa! Sunday at the international dog show in Milan he won first prize for best male Great Dane and the first prize for all Great Danes, finishing in the top seven in the "Best in Show."
The breeder Marina Salmoiraghi which led Koa during the competition, received many commplements and congratulations, rewarding her for the hard work and professionalism in which she has devoted himself for many years to the race of Great Danes.
And Koa? Quiet and not at all bothered by the chaos typical at these shows was very good and obedient, even if at the end of a new type of the fatiguing day for him.
Our champis now enjoying a well-deserved rest, between being pampered by Lauren and Max and a large bone as a premium to crunch.

Good News

Our Koa, the two year old Great Dane of Lauren and Max, has become a father! 7 beautiful puppies were born, identical to him, 7 little Sansoni, hungry and in constant motion. It is touching to see them moving around the mother, who is loving and patient as all mothers of the world, as they compete to suckle. It seems strange that animals destined to become so big and strong are so small at birth. The new dad probably did not even realize seven of his heirs were born, but for us it was an unusual event and we hope with all our heart that these little ones find loving families who give them affection and take care of them as it was for their father. Koa, in January, will attend an international exhibition in Milan: needless to say that we will all be rooting for him. Congratulations to the big dog! For us you are already a champion: sweet, tender and reliable!

Good Wishes

At the beginning of each new year, when we finish the celebration and vacations, the inevitable resolutions arrive for the months ahead. The first thought is to get back in shape and loose the weight we inevitably put on during the two weeks of holiday lunches and dinners, as we return to our normal routine at work with good intentions. We find everyone more tolerant, full of enthusiasm and new ideas, determined to make the new year truly special. There are many expectations, like a shot clock after a fateful midnight could really give a major turning point to our lives, but it is nice to think so. The enthusiasm and optimism is a sign of the will to live, to go ahead in spite of everything: what is to be expected in 2011? If I had a wish, I would ask for serenity. It is a word that encompasses everything you could want out of life: who is serene has the world in their hand, their expectations, and they can cope with difficulties without fear, they are comfortable with themselves and with others. Here is my wish for the new year: that each one of you can give yourself lots of serenity.

A serene 2011

In a few hours the new year will start and as always a look at what has happened in the past year is inevitable. Each of us, even for a brief moment, reflect on the good times and others that may bring pain or sadness. In any case what happened during the year that is now ending, adds a new block to our personal history, which still gives us new awareness and experience, useful for the future. Joys and sorrows are part of life and we can not do anything to change what fate holds for us, day after day. The only way that we are able to grow is to use our minds to live every situation with serenity, looking always for the positive even when that seems impossible. It is us who create our own joy: sometimes it only takes a little to change a negative mood, and to transform sad moments into opportunities to reflect, helping us to feel better and see the world with new eyes. This is my wish for the new year, to live every moment with serenity, smiling at those around us and to be ready to face the challenges that face us, whatever they may be, aware of the great heritage that we possess: to have a unique life, different from others, precious and always ready to experience new emotions, to enjoy it until the end. Happy New Year to all!

Merry Christmas

Maybe it is the weather, always ugly and rainy, or the crisis that has affected some of us very strongly, but the fact is, this year the atmosphere of Christmas is very different. I get the impression that it lacks serenity, the enthusiasm for little and big things; in the streets in these days you often see people sad, and very little smiling. Crossing a serene look is rare, it seems that everyone is living in their own world in which there is no room for others. It’s a shame: it is so easy to share with those next to you thoughts and emotions, and the joy of exchanging a few words with a stranger can touch hearts and make us feel good. The news that makes the front pages of newspapers and TV often is dramatic, it is true, but there is not just evil around us; many people need a smile and a gesture of affection and it is unfair to negate this for the few misfits. We teach our children to live with others, not to close ourselves in a virtual world of computers and electronic games. Life is outside, amongst people and not confined within the walls of the house. Christmas is the opportunity to give you moments of serenity, to be together, to talk and listen, to give and receive love, spontaneously, unreserved. Only then will you truly have a Merry Christmas.