Sarah Marquis donnera une conférence/débat à Londres le 17 octobre 2009

lors d’une journée événement de la Royal Geographical Society.

Download the programme / Téléchargez le programme

 

PRESS RELEASE TEXT

Explore new Territory at ‘Hidden…Outback’

Simon Calder, one of the UK’s best known travel writers and presenters, actor and adventurer Charlie Boorman, and broadcaster Sandy Gall, will be among the experts going beyond the guidebook to discover the secrets of Australia’s Outback Northern Territory, in the first of a new series of ‘Hidden…’ travel events taking place at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) on Saturday 17 October.

Held at the RGS-IBG in London, ‘Hidden… Outback’ will present a series of inspiring sessions for the informed traveller; beginning with a live satellite link to Darwin, where Sab Lord of Lords Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safaris will give a unique insight into the region and offer his top-tips for the Northern Territory’s Top End.

With speakers including journalist Stephen Bleach and solo walker Sarah Marquis, who has journeyed 14,000km through the Outback on foot, this day-long event of lectures, panel discussions and workshops will uncover the personal passions th

at lead seasoned travellers time and again to this geographically remarkable region.

From canoeing the Katherine River with adventure traveller Amar Grover, following the Jatbula Trail with walking expert Christopher Somerville, or discovering the magnificent indigenous art of the region with curator Rebecca Hossack, the event will explore the Territory from the verdant tropical North of Kakadu National Park, to the vast Simpson and Tanami Deserts of the Red Centre.

Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to consult the panel, who will suggest what to see, where, and when in this sparsely populated area: home to the world’s oldest living culture and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock).

With expert recommendations and practical advice on everything from solo-trekking and train journeys to local Aboriginal culture and gap-year ideas, ‘Hidden… Outback’ will be accompanied by a photographic exhibition and special offers on travel books, maps and kit, making the event a comprehensive source of information on travel to the region.

31 août - Aéroport de Singapour

Je suis assise dans un grand fauteuil au cuir blanc confortable. Le regard dans le vide, je laisse mon esprit vagabonder seul avec ces centaines d’humains qui s’agitent aux alentours.

Un capuccino laisse échapper une douce odeur rassurante.

Je suis comme saoûlée par cette Asie,

Elle m’a volé la magie que pouvait sécréter les simples mots Katmandou – Bangkok – Saigon – Vientiane...

Elle m’a donné la senteur des multiples, de la différence, de l’indifférence.

J’y ai perçu la fatigue du mouvement de l’autre,

la puanteur du cycle de la vie,

La profondeur du sacré,

la non-valeur du temps...

le temps des valeurs.

Avec encore toute cette douleur d’ASIE dans le fond du regard, mon avion touche le sol suisse en début de matinée.

Aujourd’hui, je glisse avec lui sur une Suisse si polie qui sent bien bon...

Mon coeur sourit tandis que je quitte l’avion pour mes montagnes.

Mon humeur est légère et positive,

Riche du fond de l’oeil, je garde en moi ces pérégrinations asiatiques qui me permettront d’y puiser un échantillon, le moment venu, pour rassurer mon esprit...

Bon vent à vous tous

 

----- english translation by Heidi Etsell -----

Checking out the Asian locations comes to an end

August 31^st sep – Singapore airport

I’m sitting on a big, comfortable, white leather armchair. As I stare into space I let my mind wander alone amongst the hundreds of hectic humans.

A soft reassuring aroma wafts up from my cup of cappuccino.

Asia has made me kind of dizzy…

It has stolen the magic that the simple words Kathmandu – Bangkok – Saigon – Vientiane once evoked for me…

I experienced the feeling of fatigue from the movement of others,

the stink of the cycle of life,

the depth of sacredness,

the non-value of time…

the time for values.

With all this “pain of ASIA” still in the back of my mind my plane touches down on Swiss soil early in the morning.

Today I glide along with the plane on this so well polished and nice smelling Switzerland.

My heart is smiling as I leave the plane and head for my mountains.

My mood is light and positive.

I keep these Asian peregrinations inside me. When needed I will able to dip into these experiences to reassure my mind…