This blog marks the half way point in our travels around Europe and an insight into the behind the scenes of our life on the road in ‘Big Karl’. For those who may not be rugby-mad readers, we decided to name our camper van ‘Big Karl’ for his lack of speed and mobility like his All Black props namesake Karl Tu’inukuafe.
We always had a desire to travel outside the realms of work to see what the other side of the world had to offer and it hasn’t disappointed us thus far. Nearly two years ago we made a plan to get our ducks in a row to enable us to travel for five months overseas. It wasn’t a very long two years as those close to us know, we were a juggling act with work, house renovations, courses all this whilst living apart in Wellington and Auckland. Combine that with an impromptu two month work stint to Washington, DC and a two week family tour of NZ from Christchurch to Auckland in the three month lead up to us getting on the plane and there were times we wondered if we would make it at all!
None-the-less we made it to the start line in August this year and it’s been a huge journey so far. We have managed to chew through a little over 8000kms, 11 countries, 4 ferry rides, 100 litres of red wine, 500 croissants and the good news is, we are only half way. However, behind the glam of all the photography, a new country every week and not having to wake up for work there are the behind the scenes life of ours on the road that have evaded the camera until now.
Like ourselves big Karl needs to be maintained in order to be our transport, kitchen, living space and accomodation for 4 months. On the daily, we are checking the fuel, water for domestic purposes, making sure the toilet isn’t going to overflow (again), there is enough power to turn a light or two on and the gas is at the ready for meal times; all this while trying to navigate on the wrong side of the road in a right hand drive, 3.5 meter tall rig, that sways like a hola girl above 100km/h. But from country to country, city to city, with the helpful hand of our smart phone apps we are able to toss up between campsites and amenity locations to keep the holiday rolling on.
So what have we learnt? Absolutely everything and still learning! We were complete amateurs when it came to camper van life, but being on the road now for 2 months we would not do it any other way, maybe a more stream line camper (but don’t tell big Karl this). But if the photos are enough to encourage you to travel don’t forget you can’t escape the daily chores of life.
C & D
Damien + Caitlin 