CATATAN PETUALANGAN CAR;LA PERROTTI

"The Safest Desert"
17/08/2008

"The Safest Desert"

Following her latest solo walk across the Desert, CARLA PERROTTI issues a call for Peace in Africa

World-renowned desert explorer, Carla Perrotti, whose daring desert explorations have earned her a global following, has gone where few humans have before: into some of the world’s most challenging deserts, alone, recently completed a historic solo walk across the Sahara’s Akakus Tadrark region in Libya.

Speaking to reporters as she emerged from the Libyan Desert, Ms. Perrotti said she was looking forward to the experience and that it exceeded her every expectation. She said that the Libyan Desert is one of the most beautiful and historic deserts in the world.

"It is full of ancient history. Everywhere I turned, I made one exciting new discovery after another: ancient writing on rocks and stones and remnants of extraordinary monolithic structures." The she declared,: "I am dedicating this experience as a token for peace for the people of Africa and others all around the world."

Ms. Perrotti credits her Libyan support team for the professionalism, attentiveness and care it provided her, helping her prepare for what in the past has been a gruelling and intense experience.

"The Libyan people are a very considerate, good-hearted people and my Libyan ground crew was exceptional. They helped make all the difference in helping me get across the desert safely - having made extraordinary preparations that allowed me to devote more time to enjoying the living history written across their incredible desert."

Ms. Perrotti told reporters the physical challenge was offset by the desert’s magnificent natural and ethereal beauty. "The heat was quite bearable. Probably the hardest part for me was carrying my backpack and all my camping equipment. At times I was quite exhausted, burdened by the weight of my supplies, but the precise preparations made by my Libyan team, and, of course, drawing on inner strength gained from hours of training and years of experience walking solo across the world’s deserts, helped me to carry on."

Libya’s Nadia Murabet, principal promoter of Ms. Perrotti’s latest desert exploit, provided additional insights into Carla’s persona.

"Carla Perrotti is an extraordinary woman, a citizen of the world who has left her dynamic footprint in many of the world’s most challenging deserts, including the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the Simpson Desert in Australia, the Tenere Desert in Niger, and the snake-infested Kalahari Desert in southern Africa.

"The Guinness Book of World Records recognises Carla as the first human being to walk across the China’s foreboding Taklamakan desert," Ms. Murabet said.

"As the 21st century continues to unfold, Africa will evolve into a more dynamic continent. Europe, Asia and the nations of the West are coming into a new consciousness regarding Africa, where the old ideas are dying and new ideas are on the rise. Africans in the Diaspora have a special role to play regarding the rebranding of the Continent.

"As the West adapts to a 'new Africa' that's taking giant steps into the millennium, Africa’s children in the Diaspora are the bridge builders between the worlds. And that is a wonderful mission to share in. Building living bridges between Africa and the world," Ms. Murabet added.

Ms. Perrotti remarked that people often tell her that what she does, crossing the desert solo, seems incredible. "That may appear to be the case, but I think everyday people in parts of Africa face challenges which are much more difficult. That’s why I have dedicated this desert walk to peace in Africa - and the cause of peace all around the world…"

As she trekked across the desert, she said she had the sun, the stars, and a beautiful full moon for company. "This was a truly wonderful experience, especially with my celestial friends travelling with me across the dunes. The Libyan Desert has so much beauty and I tried to absorb it all."

Asked what she personally gains from her desert explorations, without missing a beat, Ms. Perrotti replied: "The desert builds this extra-consciousness where I feel I’m absorbing nature’s beauty. The desert transmits so much serenity and positivity in its majestic solitude."

She said she finds a deep connection with the mysteries of the desert, adding that, from her experience, the Libyan Desert may well be one of the safest, most secure deserts that she’d ever crossed.

As she concluded her press conference, Ms. Perrotti expressed a desire to see more people make the same connection with the desert that she has.

"I would love for people around the world to have this wonderful experience."
She went on to say: "I believe the five deserts I’ve crossed, with the Libyan Desert being number six, allowed me to connect them all with an invisible thread of appreciation for the true beauty of our planet.

"My dream is to tie these threads together and unite the human race in a message of peace in Africa, peace all around the world."

(The Tripoli Post)