Andre and I were supposed to spend an hour in the tent which houses the airplane at Ouarzazate, but in the end we stayed there all afternoon. Hundreds of children and their parents had braved the sandstorm, covering long distances in the desert to come down from their villages in traditional dress, a striking sight in proximity to the carbon fibre of Solar Impulse.

Used to interminable book dedications and photo opportunities, we were absorbed here by all the intense facial expressions and smiles. Each was different, but all were alike in conveying a dream that reflected our own, a hope for the person’s own life, or that of his family, a desire to advance and to achieve future success. As much energy devoted to getting one’s child to a school as we devote to making our round-the-world flight. And we seemed to have bumped into one another, them and us, as if to give each other a bit of courage. A magical moment when, for a few hours, life seemed simple and natural, transcending the contrasts of cultures and religions.

They all thanked us for coming to see them with this strange bird, which they had been waiting weeks for, having first seen it on television. They were proud to be the destination for our journey. But for Andre and me, the journey continued... with every signature and every new encounter, as soon as our eyes met. I could never have imagined being able to receive such power from a crowd of visitors, whose language I often did not even understand. Gradually, as the time went by, it was me who started saying thanks to them...

But I also set about wondering how to ensure that this force, perceptible in a few, fleeting privileged moments in the rough and tumble of life, can be harnessed to make the world a better place? This power certainly exists, but it’s usually much diluted. How to make more people speak out in it’s favor? I have the impression that, more and more, this question will underpin the future actions of Solar Impulse.