I set off for Heathrow airport with that usual mix of excitement and trepidation that accompanies a new adventure. I was excited at finally being able to do something I’d been dreaming about doing for the past four years and thrilled that I was doing it for such a great cause.
The nerves were kicking in too, though; I had mangled my toe a few weeks previously and was worried that I’d lost any semblance of fitness my few training excursions may have built up.
I’ve been lucky enough to have had the experience of being thrown into some testing conditions with a bunch of strangers before and, as I spotted the odd sky-blue, UNICEF emblazoned t-shirt floating around the terminal and slowly gravitating towards the bar, I felt a rush of knowing excitement at what was awaiting us in the Namib Desert.
© Stefano Buliani
The sense of camaraderie and achievement that this kind of adventure engenders is both priceless and unforgettable.
Even so, I was surprised by how things panned out. In fact, looking back on it all, now that the desert dust has settled and the blisters have subsided, surprised is the one word that sums the trip up best for me.
I was surprised by how well and efficiently such a disparate group of backgrounds and ages came together and surprised by the organisation and comfort of a trip through some of the most barren and inhospitable terrain on the planet.
© Stefano Buliani
Despite having spent hours peering at photos of Namibia online, I was surprised by the stunning scenery and surprised by how, over a slight ‘undulation’ or around the bend of a volcanic rock-strewn valley, the landscape could change so dramatically. I was surprised by the amount of fun had swapping stories around the campfire and by some of the local sports we were introduced to.
Most of all, though, I was surprised by how much of an impact visiting the projects had on me and, judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, on the whole of the group. The joy and enthusiasm of the kids was contagious and their intelligence and drive was incredibly heartening.
Children at a primary school during our visit. © Stefano Buliani
Every part of this trip was unforgettable, made even more special by the great team from Across the Divide, the local team of Faan and Kobus, the ebullience of Alyrene from UNICEF and by every single one of the individual trekkers who, altogether, made such a fantastic team.
One thing that didn’t come as a surprise was that I want to make this type of trek a regular feature from now on and I can’t encourage anyone thinking about doing the same enough!
Thank you to all of you who made this such an incredible, unforgettable trip.
Cyrus took part in our recent fundraising trek for the children of Namibia. If reading Cyrus's blog has inspired you, read about our 2012 trek to Mount Kilimanjaro.