About Najib

The guy behind the swim is Najib Belhadi
Here is his swimming CV
http://openwaterpedia.com/index.php?title=Nejib_Belhedi
A remarkable and jolly man whose ideology of peace drives his work. His water accomplishments are legendary and nothing is too much for this incredible man.
He has built up an awesome reputation for getting things done and tomorrows swim is but one of many
He has written a poem about the aq which is below. It may not translate exactly but the core message of peace runs throughout.

"Neither the strong currents stop him,
Nor the wide sea immensity downs him,

Nor then the media would be unfair for him,
He continues his swim quietly and patiently,

He loves swimming for peace and it's a lifestyle with respect to nature as a principle for him,
Speaking by swim to express peace with the peoples is his ultimo goal,
Whenever he thinks, the sea waves dedicate a blue melody for him,

A big bang from the dark depth of the sea blesses him:
When large waves wake up, the breeze pools bend in reverence before him,
And never the tree hiding the forest!

It’s a question of ‘To be or not to be’ for him!
The Open Water Swimming Home is faithful.

They never forgets its free swimmers,
We see his arms thank the waves across each meter he swims.
It’s already a prelude to a new victory for him.

Moreover, with only his google, cap and swimsuit!
He believes with his companions to change the world for the better!

Mahdia is witnesses for the dove flying over her sea of peace!"

Preparation time for peace Swim

Ok we have 4 languages 10 swimmers coast guard and 3 separate Zodiac support boats and a large sailing vessel. The idea is to create a swimming heart. One team swims straight ie the slow ones ( incl me) then one team on the left wing one on the right. The wing teams swim faster and join the slow team to create the heart at 2 hours then 2 hours swim back.
Sounds simple. Then we need feeding water etc. should be fun.

Najib in full briefing mode attached

Day 2

Last night we met up with Najib and the Maltese team for the main swim tomorrow. This morning we had out first practice. The idea is to create a heart shaped swim with one team swimming straight and two teams covering the sides. It was as Najib calls it Water ballet not the Olympics. Many would not associate me with doing ballet. However we started and it seems to work.
Najib is an ex military officer who is completely devoted to Tunisia. An important message he gave me this morning was about the importance of political power. To paraphrase "a president should work for the country and then when he ends his term of office should take his trolley shopping at the supermarket He doesn't own the country he works for it"
Very appropriate
A great crew so far and a real team challenge. As Najib states, we need to be like Dolphins, effortlessly sliding through the water as a team
This is quickly turning into one of those many management exercises to synchronise 3 nationalities to take on a complex task. Great fun

Why we are here

The swim is to commemorate the Tunisian Revolution and is a swim for Peace. The event we are joining is only a very small part of the total swim of 1400kms along the entire coastline. It is, in a small way, an opportunity to show respect for the fundamental changes that have taken place across many countries.
For info on the Arab Spring there are many sites however here is one that is more appropriate about Tunisia
http://international.ucla.edu/cnes/conferences/tunisia/

A view from Hammamet Castle

Just testing wifi etc for main swim

Day 1

Struggled to find wifi. Had a great start to the Swim. 2 practice sea swims and one in pol this morning then a tour of Hammamet Medina (castle). Lots of shops etc and it seems the chat starter is for the salesman to say effectively "hi do you remember me . I am the waiter from your hotel" whih they aren't. But a polite intro at least. Easy exit from airport and the team is getting ready. Plan for the Peace swim heart changes by the hour but watch this space.
Feel very relaxed after a challenging few weeks.

Swim for Peace TEST

Just testing the links
Here is the News link

http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2012/05/22/sharks-and-sewage-await-lake-districts-gladiator/