Surprises

It only takes a little to feel good. Sometimes only a glance, an unexpected smile, a frase that touches all, an unexpected phone call that brings good news. Or a sunny day after so many grey, cold days. And you discover the first buds, the daisies in the meadows that somehow seem to have sprung over night, the birds that chase each other more cheerfully than usually. Colors seem brighter, the outlines of things around us are defined. And then we ask: but how could this happen so quickly? In each of us lies the desire to enjoy the little things in life but often we are buried under a mountain of negative thoughts, accumulated tension of everyday problems that erase any emotion. Then something happens to remind us that we are still capable of simple emotions. And it is a wonderful surprise.

Animal Assassins

The news spread quickly around the world: An orca held for years in a water park in the United States killed its trainer.
Put this way it seems like an accident. But if the dynamics of the report are true, it is clear that this is not the case, and it was the will of the animal to kill the woman. It shows the great intelligence of whales and no doubt that years of captivity have made a mark on its equilibrium. I can not imagine what would happen if I were forces to live imprisoned for the rest of my life, and even though I feel deep sorrow for the terrible death of the woman, I can’t condemn the animal who reacted not out of instinct but with rational thought. Can animals become murderers against men? Certainly, but the responsibility is always due to the later unfortunately.

Wellbeing

Also this time the desert has made its mark. The friends from Desert Therapy 3 returned from this experience changed, regenerated physically and mentally, and happy. Each of them lived this change differently and the desert gave everyone completely unique sensations. In particular Roberto, who decided to celebrate his birthday with Desert Therapy, claims to have received the best birthday gift from this trip and can’t wait to return.

Actually it was he who gave us something of great value: a testimony of what I have always believed existed. The desert, an arid and hostile place for those who don’t know it, gives joy, happiness and love for life: little right?

NEOS AWARD

Yesterday at the BIT, I received the prestigious NEOS award, which is given each year by a group of travel and tourism journalists to a person who has distinguished themself in that field, for their contributed to the knowledge of travel with human, civil, cultural, ethnological and anthropology experiences.

The winners who have preceded me are highly respected, such as Fosco Marainai, Walter Bonatti, Ettore Mo, Bill Allen, Gianni Minà, Folco Quilici, just to name a few.

Laura Mulassano, a history journalist in this area, placed the Agedes gold cross around my neck, a jewel that traditionally represents the desert.

With me, besides my family, were Anna and Roberto, two of the participants in the last Desert Therapy who gave their testimony of the trip which just ended.

A heartfelt thanks to all.

Desert Therapy at the BIT

From today, the opening day of the BIT (International Tourism Exchange), Desert Therapy will be presented in a corner kindly provided by our sponsor Ferrino in Hall 10. Tomorrow there will be a press conference in the same place and then in the Libra room, followed by the presentation of the prestigious Neos prize that I was awarded by travel and tourism journalists. It is very beneficial for our initiative, and we are awaiting the public during the two days of the fair, Saturday and Sunday, to meet new friends and to give life to future editions of Desert Therapy!

Return from the desert

Here we are back at home after Desert Therapy 3.

The four friends that decided to live the emotions of this trip together with us in the desert were really fantastic. It all began to celebrate the birthday of Roberto, who chose the desert as the place to blow out the candles. And then it was a succession of emotions, discovery and joy. The weather, always very beautiful, gave us unforgettable sunrises and sunsets and days with a blue sky. We found Sola again, the beduino who accompanied our camels in the first edition of Desert Therapy and with him we walked, sang and drank the green mint tea.

Joy accompanied us the whole time, and our cook surpassed himself with delicious dishes. The camp illuminated by lanterns and candles was really impressive and a great calmness surrounded us. Desert Therapy was fantastic also this time.

READY!!!!

Here we are just before the departure. In Milan it is snowing and my thoughts drift to the blue sky and the warm sun of the desert that we meet in two day: we hope.
The travel companions of the previous Desert Therapy have written beautiful letters to our new travellers, warm wishes from the heart that have become a tradition which we read in the evening at camp when we are around the fire looking at the stars with a warm, sweet mint tea in our hand which was prepared by our cammellieri. And we will think about how far away the city feels with all its chaos and the sky which is always grey, cold and gloomy. And the desert with it’s magical silence that covers everything, the framing of our thoughts.