FRIENDS ALL OVER THE WORLD...THIS POST IS FOR YOU :-)

"The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a motor racing for women only which takes place each year since 23 years in the Moroccan desert, and it based on a unique concept: an off-road navigation race in which the speed is not a success factor and in which eco-driving is valued.
Thus, to win the race, you have to travel the least number of kilometers and be able to use old-fashioned navigation tools such as a map and a compass, electronic systems such as GPS being prohibited. Rankings are determined by adding up the kilometers and the winners are the ones who totalize the fewest kilometers without calling the assistance.

The Gazelles receive every morning their road book. This document often only mentions the geographical coordinates of the checkpoints and the finishing line. With their map and their compass, each team traces the itinerary and takes the road: they can choose to bypass the mountains or to cross them, to go through the dunes or to avoid them..."

This was just the first info I receveid on the Rallye since I joined the group!, and the opportunity to participate in the Rallye Aicha Les Gazelles had always fascinated me!!!!

And this year things changed ....In late September an email from Brigida (training manager for our branch) arrives: all employees are invited to submit their applications for participation to the Rallye. Among the candidates there would be two Gazelle to represent Italy at the next contest .Approved by Luca (my boss) at the end, I send my application and from there begins the little path within the branch for the chosen representatives of the two !

Following the three stages to choose the participants:

1 . interview with a participant at the 2013 Rallye2 . group activities animated by a psychologist3 . individual interview with the psychologist

We finish the steges on a Friday afternoon , and at 7:30 pm the phone rings: it was Alessandro (Human Resources ) , and he had an answer to give me: Valentina and I have been chosen to represent the Italian branch to the Rallye ....

Obviously the first thought , once established my participation , was that the choice of name!Which one?What would evoke ?In which language ? English , French or Arabic ?Well ' ... first of all I would write my name and that of Valentina in Arabic and we would use the stickers to decorate our car  قالانتينى و روسيلقيى
Ok I know, it is better if Aïcha (my Arabic teacher ) see it, maybe we are sure to be understood!

According to Valentina and me, but also our MD is agree, the name must remind the italian affiliate...but obvisuly no project name!!!

Trying also to find something in internet, ...a typical flower ( the rose too trivial) or a typical italian animal to add the word "desert" .... too difficult!

But a survey inside the affiliate was lunched to help us in this very diffcult moment....

Several names were voted and suggested:

Le Vespe
Gazzelle in fuga
Pink panthers
e poi ovviamente ne sono arrivati diversi
Rose del deserto
Gazzelle nere
Le berbere burbere
Marrakech express
Gazzelle rosse

 ...so everybody tried to give us their support!

and the winner is....

GAZZELLE IN FUGA: ready to race!

Our navigation and steering training will take place from February 02^nd to 10^th, 2014 in Marocco.

And with the the calling mail, also a list supplies to bring on the training course was sent:

•  Very warm clothes: t-shirts, a fleece jacket or pullover, a parka, a scarf to protect you from the sand, a cap, comfortable trousers, a good pair of canvas shoes (such as Pataugas) or Hi-Top sneakers, woolen gloves,
•  Sunglasses and sun block,
•  Sandals for shower,
•  Toilet bag to be suspended (useful for shower),
• Toilet paper and tissues,
•    Wet-wipes for body and intimate wipes,
•    Towels and wash gloves,
•    Some useful medicine (for headaches, Imodium…)

OK...EVERYTHIG IS REAL....

I'M WAITING TO START THIS EXPERIENCE!!!!

KISSES