The content of this post is an adaptation of an original text written by Guy Laliberté.

Sunday, September 20, was a very special day. My father, Gaston, turned 80! Happy birthday dearest dad!

I woke up that morning feeling slightly stuffed up, which worried me. The doctor reassured me by explaining that this was a normal consequence of sleeping upside down. Phew!

My day was relatively quiet so I took this opportunity to work out and do some interviews with my film crew. Each time they come and see me now, they have to get their temperature taken, wear a mask and keep a distance of at least 2 metres. Not the warmest of get-togethers, but quite amusing!

I had another relaxing sauna in the evening and a good glass of wine. I tried to listen to how I was feeling deep inside and noted that what made me happy was my ability to concentrate and prepare myself mentally. And even though everything I’m living right now is very stimulating, I feel very calm and at peace.

Jeff, Max and many others never hesitate to share information with me and I’m all ears when they talk. They tell me to walk a lot, eat well, rest well and so on. During my spare time, I watch films and documentaries on space to fully absorb myself in this environment and atmosphere.

I’m so very much looking forward to the coming week. I’ve been told that it’ll be a relatively quiet one since it’ll really only get busy starting Friday. It’s crazy to think that in 9 days, I’ll be taking off. I truly am living a dream! What’s more, in such a desert as Baikonur, I’m reminded of the importance of water once again. And so, fulfilling this dream will take me a step further in reaching another objective: raising everyone’s awareness about this precious resource.