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Roadtrip 2020
  • UtLieske OnTour
  • Loek Scheepers
  • Nika Scheepers

Roadtrip 2020

An old ambulance, a dad and his daughter, a 7 month journey through Europe, North Africa and a slice of Asia. Thats the epic roadtrip of 2020 Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 25, 2020
    Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Departed.

    January 25, 2020 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Today we left our hometown Koewacht. A few friends waved us of. How nice.
    Now we arrived safely at Simpelveld. Around 160km. Good for a slow start of our roadtrip.
    Tonight a family goodbye.
    Tomorrow the last kisses.. and.we hit the road for France!Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    The day it got real!

    January 26, 2020 in France ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    After an goodbye at Simpelveld, we arrived at our stop for tonight. Almost 5 hours drive.
    It was a challenge to get here. Lieske has to fight against the, sometimes, steep hills.
    But we made it.
    Now. Eat. Sleep. And tomorrow ..
    ..another destination.    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Three things and some extra miles.

    January 27, 2020 in France ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    Finally we arrived at Jean-Philippe's house. Our first couchsurf host of this trip.
    It was quite a journey!
    As we started up the engine this morning at Sézanne, the horn would turn itself on. So we had to disconnect them...
    We had a 354 km trip ahead. Lieske is a real brave girl.
    But hills are not the sunny part.
    I need to accept that if she does not go faster, she just can't...
    We need to take our time. 6 hours., she needed for the scenic route.
    During the first 100km, a fuse blew, because I wanted to test the horn, who, as you might remember was disconnected. Result: no wipers on the motorway... first stop: new fuse.
    Also a bit diesel dripping on the first injector. But hey. I drip too. Sometimes.
    As final test of my nerves...after Nika's driving.. 😎
    I forgot the tankcap after the last pit stop.
    So. I had te go back. A 40 km wasted. And a nice hill to climb.
    But as mentioned we are safe, warm and now waiting for our host. I can smell the food on the stove.
    Goodnight!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    The massacre of Oradour sur Glane.

    January 28, 2020 in France ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    Today we only drove 200km to the monumental town of Oradour sur Glane.
    It was wet and windy ride..
    The destroyed village of Oradour was impressive, it was unbelievable sad.
    Thinking about other places of this earth were this is real.
    Were today people have to live in the ruins of their homes, makes me believe that we need to do more to learn from each other and take care for the needing.

    We stay for the night. No use for pushing on.
    Going to cook our meal outside.
    And tomorrow,..
    Tomorrow we hope to pass Bordeaux. Than...the Pyreneeës. The barrier for Spain.
    Lieske will conquer!! 🤞    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    When geese fly the other way...

    January 29, 2020 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    ...we must be going into the right direction.
    I can't stop mentioning it enough. It is hard work. Keeping Lieske on the road. And not everybody on route is happy to see us.
    We drove a small 320km today in almost 5 hours.
    I am proud of Nika, who fought against the road raging French, and frantic Spanish and Portuguese truck drivers around the very, very,very busy road aroud Bordeaux.
    It was really a torture.
    But we survived.
    Picked a strange camper place in Morcenx.
    But our neighbours are funny. And really in for a chat.
    We noticed that the temperature is getting better. 15° And it was longer light. Hmmm. Or is it just imagination?
    Tomorrow we are going to try to crawl up the Pyrenees.
    Wish us luck!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1
    1

    Veni. Vidi. Lieske.

    January 30, 2020 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Before we accepted our fate. We wanted to be clean. So after a good smell at each other we decided to go for a shower on a truckstop at the " air l'Ocean Ouest".
    As real truckers.
    Of course I forgot my flip-flops - I hear my girl cry!- but.. If these would be the dirtiest showers we will ever see, I will sign for it.

    At 10.30 we we ready to conquer the Pyrenees, the hills I had bad dreams about.
    And yes. We were the turtle on the road.
    Trucks on our tail, rarely we on the tail of a truck.
    But..we made it! Our lady did it!

    And at the first Spanish pit stop, Lieske enjoyed the attention of the elderly, who nocked friendly on her wing to tell her how beautifull she is.

    We had an early stop at the entrance of a nature reserve.
    Enjoying the silence, and having a nice meal...
    in a minute ..

    buenas tardes mis amigos!

    (Btw .. this app thinks we are still in France. But hey.. it's wrong! ;))    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    CityCamping.

    January 31, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    As we left our nice spot in the early morning,
    we decided to visit some Spanish cities.
    We can slow down a bit and take all the time we need.
    Nika did her first km on Spanisch soil.
    Sadly she had to start with a "nice" climb.
    Just to get the right feeling..
    We did a nice 250+ km with one stop.
    Now we are on a parking lot in the city of Valladolid and hope to find some diner for tonight.
    And tomorrow.... another day.    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Hannibal,Columbus,Wellington..Ut Lieske!

    February 1, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Today we visited Salamanca. It is a realy beautiful city. Lots of tourist, but who cares if the surroundings are so impressive.
    Had some cake, and diner.
    You only live once.
    Got a campingplace today, because we wanted a shower, with flip-flops, and some washing needed to be done.
    Now... get some rest. Tomorrow a 280km drive.
    Into the heart of Spain.    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Olé Toledo!

    February 2, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Today we decided to take the inner roads to Toledo. One.of Spain's oldest cities.
    But we had some interesting climbs before we reached our destination. And don't mention the descends... 😰
    As we were traveling along the Guardia Civil liked Lieske so much, they wanted a closer look. But sadly the guy they stopped before us was more interesting.
    We arrived safely in Toledo. Did some sightseeing, and behaved like real tourists. It's going easier every day.
    I found some oil under Lieske, looks if it's from the steeringbox. Keep an eye on it. Might need to open it up and top some oil in. Never had that before...
    Anyway. Tomorrow. Alhambra. Although we need to buy tickets in advance, we just go there and see if they let us in. Otherwise ..
    We stare at it from a distance.
    Hasta Mañana !    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Caramba! Alhambra!

    February 3, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    If the real Alhambra is 200Km more south than you assume. You only can blame yourself for not planning your trip as you might should, but we would never have seen this real Alhambra. And meet all those lovely people who talk Spanish to us. An we just smile and say: si.Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Before we try again...

    February 3, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After the discovery of the beautiful town of Alhambra and his abandoned castle, we now know that that place is NOT thé Alhambra.
    (We were tiped of by the lack of tourist and the entrance fee)
    So. We travelled on. Into the direction of Granada. That should be the place to be. At least if you were looking for ..oh forget it.
    Glad we did not buy tickets.😋
    Finaly, we did some cruising south and ended up in Santa Elena.
    Saw the greasy hair of Nika and decided to get a camping read shower.
    But first...let's eat!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    We did it!!!

    February 4, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Sometimes. Like today. I envy the youth of my daughter. Yes. I might was able to go into town after the Alhambra visit.
    But my feet said no. We were parked on top of the hill, and again. ..No! I did not want to walk it up...again...

    So. Yes. We did it. Thé Alhambra.
    Was it worth a day's travel budget?
    Yes . It was.
    Quite impressive.
    As we have seen the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul many things reminded me of that.
    I think Alhambra was more impressive.
    But you have to see for yourself.
    Now. Goodnoodles, because we overspent, and stay on this parking, to pay the robbery in the morning. .. it's more expencive than a camping. But it has no facilities at all.
    Tomorrow another "wanna see".

    5 days left before we sail to Africa.    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    El Caminito del Loco

    February 5, 2020 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Oh today.. today it was again, such a day.
    We payed the heavy load of the parking fee and took of into the direction of the famous,
    El Caminito del Rey. As we were almost at our destination, the road was closed due to works.
    So, as satnavs do, it start to sending us back all the time. Hence we shut it down and we followed the old fashioned signs.
    But this sadly is not the strongest point of the Spanish. Or us reading them. But hey. Lets blame the Spanish! So after getting a bit suspicious about the distance we were traveling we stopped at a petrol station, and I ask the friendly man how to get there. My Spanish is wonderfull, so I understood immediately that we were of course. And quite a bit. I felt like Columbus who thought was in China...not... So again we followed our satnav into the wild.
    And wild it got. Little villages, small path, lots of bends and lot of gearing, breaking and steering. The only one who not complained was the old girl.
    (And Nika) ..
    Lieske did a great job. Slow, but very decisive to bring us to any point we want.
    Anyway.
    We arrived. But at the EXIT!..
    The entrance was on the other side of the hill.
    But.. no problem. We parked our lovely car, and took the bus to the entrance. 1.50 A person. And a 20min ride. Of we go!
    ..
    How sadly that we arrived just in time to see the gates close.
    And a ride back. 1.50 each.
    ..
    No El Caminito del Rey for us...
    ..
    We thought about staying the night, and try again in the morning. But as we checked the official site, we were only able to get tickets for Friday. And THAT was a bit late.
    So. One for the bucket list. (Renata?? Are you in?)
    ..
    And now?
    We drove another 100km down to the coast, and enjoy, like all others, the Costa del Sol.
    On a parking with a lot of real campers and us.
    The sea is next to us.
    And it's time for food!


    ..    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    As time is on our side..

    February 6, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We are only 5km away from the harbour were our ship will set sail to Algeria.
    Only a few days left untill we leave Europe and set our first steps into Africa.
    I am quite nervous. Nervous for what awaits us.
    But till that time. We booked a campingsite along the Mediterranean Sea, and relax.
    At least. We try.
    Going for a shower, do some washing and prepare.
    Prepare for the big jump.
    It's a rough sea. And I don't like rough sea and boats.. So I hope it will calm down.
    Take it as it comes.
    Salute!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Preparation for the big jump

    February 7, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Yesterday as we arrived we did our washing and had a shower.
    So today we could go to "discover" Almeria.
    Due to roadworks, -They love roadworks in Spain- there is no bus.
    We could pay the guy from the restaurant who is an alternative taxi, but hey. We are Dutch!
    So we walked. 5km. Over the main road. Probably safer than cycling. We see them coming!.
    We made it into town, but did not stay long.
    At first we checked were the ferry entrance was for Oran. So we have less trouble finding that on Sunday morning.
    We went for a sandwich vegetal at El Gato Negro. Never had such gorgeous tasty sandwich before! Might go there again tomorrow. ;)
    After this feast, we went to visit the chatedral of Almeria. A beautiful place. Build as A fortres to withstand the forces from abroad. Seen some holyman making bunnies on the wall.
    We also wanted to visit the alcazaba and the Andalusia Center of photography. But we saved them for tomorrow.
    And 5km back...

    As tomorrow we probably leave this campsite, La Garoffa, one of the oldest camping in Spain, to go and stand on a parking next to the ferry. Who wants to be late for Afrika?
    Tonight we will have diner at the restaurant, and I will drink my last beer.

    Now. Maybe we go and wash Nika's hair. Because the showers here are salt water, and her hair looks now a bit..hmmm. let's say funny.
    Anyway.

    Talk2youlater!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Morning headache..

    February 8, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Lieske had some morning problems today.
    I was not amused.
    She needed a second attempt and a runway to take the hill to freedom.
    But maybe I should not be to hard on her. Disappointed i was. ..a bit.
    Anyway. She brought us to the harbour today were we wait to embark tomorrow morning.
    A new continent! A new country!    Read more

    See translation
  • Roadtrip 2020

    Last night Europe.

    February 8, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Nervous as hell. All day.
    We parked Lieske at the harbour. Tomorrow morning we sail for Oran. But first I have to get the tickets in the morning.
    It's quite busy. Many travellers, with cars twice as high due to their top load.
    We are lucky ones. We can leave. Go into the city of Almeria and enjoy the last day in Europe.
    We did what we wanted to do yesterday.
    Visit the Andalusia photography gallery, with beautiful black and white photographs from the 1960 Spain.
    We spent quite some time in the alcazaba de Almeria. Wich offers great views of the city.
    Naturally I could not bear to leave Lieske too long alone. So we had to go back to visit her.
    As we checked her state, we were ready for a nice diner at a Moroccan restaurant.
    It was not as good as we hoped, but we enjoyed it anyway.
    Now I have to go and pee, again.
    I am so nervous.
    We sail for Africa!

    (Might be silent tomorrow, due to no internet access. But I will do my best)    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    No way back.

    February 9, 2020 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Last message from this side.
    We boarded the ship.
    What a different world already.
    Lieske caught many eye's, so also from the Guardia Civil. This time they waved us out of the row and had a good look at al the numbers (vin) and had some difficulty believing a "credit card" equals car papers.
    But Lieske blinked and shined, so who could resist. Although it took some time.
    Even the custom officer removed his anti-corona appliance to compliment us with our beauty.
    Tears in my eyes.
    We made the ship. Thinking of the struggle of my brother, my love at home, the things going to happen.
    The ship should have left already. But loading it takes its time.
    We confiscated our seats. 7 hours on the Mediterranean.
    So I hope we can relax and arrive safely in Algeria.

    وداعا    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Algeria!

    February 9, 2020 in Algeria ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Just to let you all know... We made it.
    Now.. we realy have to sleep!!

  • Roadtrip 2020
    11

    Feet up in Orán

    February 10, 2020 in Algeria ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    It was a long and intriguing day.
    Started with a wait for our friendly and comforting host at the front of the Sheraton Hotel of Oran. Who than brought us as quickly as possible to a telephone shop so we could, as modern people need, buy a simcard to communicate with the world again. Even navigation was a problem without!
    The traffic is ..let's put it easy.. another thing.
    It's a chaos but manageable. Now.
    We will see tomorrow as we leave for Tlemcen.
    We have been in the city of Oran and have been in the caring hands of Moussa, a cousin of Chafik, a man who witnessed the grow of the intention of this journey and the creation of Lieske during almost a year, only by messenger and Facebook, and I would love to visit and thank for all he did to make us believe in this.
    We were the only tourists in this city. So guess how surprised people are.
    Lieske is as always the showgirl.
    Many beeps, horns and thumbs-up. Selfies and pictures.
    At this moment. Lieske sleeps in a underground garage, and we are 6 high in a apartment, somewere in Orán.
    In need for a sleep, as this day was full of new and very intense meetings, talks and experiences.
    Busy, crowded, intens, sometimes terrifying but always kept safe by our new friends.
    Many thanks! Ali, Snoucy and Moussa!
    I am doing short to you, bu t i really need to sleep. One day, we will make up.
    Viva Algeria!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Hey man, We are in Tlemcen!

    February 11, 2020 in Algeria ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    After a real nice, but short stay in Oran, we had to continue our trip.
    I was a bit worried if Lieske could make the high ramp out of the underground parking.
    But just as always .. she did it. Easy. Were is my confidence?
    Anyway.
    Our next destination is Tlemcen.
    But before we leave we say goodbye to all the new friends we already met.
    Driving in Algeria is just do as you like. If there are traffic lights, you respect them. But not too much. Nobody is patient and all are in a hurry. Push, honk, go!
    So, sadly, Nika had still not driven Lieske on the African soil. But she will.
    Highway driving is ok. But city. You need eyes everywhere. Fun part: Our Lieske is not the slowest vehicle on the road! Hurray!
    Driving from Oran to Tlemcen (next to mis a EXIT or two, so you see quite some interesting hidden "gems",) means also regular police roadblocks. On this go, around 180km, we had 4 roadblocks, and in two of them, we were actually stopped and checked. Once only papers, second time also inside the car to see if we were just us two.
    But it is all friendly and easy going.
    I forgot to mention, that as soon as Lieske hits the road, almost everybody is waving, thumbs-up and honks at us.
    People take pictures and even film us as they drive by.

    Just before Tlemcen, we decided to take the side road into town and head directly for our new host Fatima.
    It's not as easy as in The Netherlands with fixed postcodes and street names. So we have a Google location, and take it from there.
    But as soon as we arrived, people come to show us were we should be, and in an blink of an eye, we are seated and threated as kings.
    After a welcoming lunch, a meet with Father, mother, brothers.. Fatima took us up to the famous Plateau Lalla Setti. Up with a cablecabin and have a beautiful look over the city.
    We had a nice walk around the park and wanted to go down. But sadly, the cable cabin was closed, so we had to take a taxi.
    Being with a female host, means looking at the Algerian society from -for me- another side.
    It's sure not like with the boys in Oran. Having a drink on a nightly terras or boulevard...
    I am typing this a day late.
    As after again a wonderful dinner, coocked with love and also vegetarian, we talked about our trip and the time we might need. So It was late as we went to sleep.
    Now I am awake. Nika is still asleep. I have to do some home work. ;)
    Goodmorning Tlemcen. Let's see what the day will bring!    Read more

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Nika's first challenge..to resist.

    February 12, 2020 in Algeria ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Without any explanation.
    ..

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Tlemcen is not Terneuzen.

    February 12, 2020 in Algeria ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    For sure they have no locks, nor a canal or even a river with mighty ships on it.
    But it has stolen my heart by being a rough gem in a unpolished crown. Our host and her family made us feel part of their lives. And made being in Tlemcen as being at home.
    Today we started nice and slow. Nika got couscous cooking lessons, and i witnessed the warmth of a caring mother again.
    After our lunch, we went for a small walk in the neighbourhood and found a stray puppy. What a cutie to take home..
    As Fatima returned from college, we went to see the El Mechouar Palace.
    You could say, Alhambra in small.
    It was so good to be there and just enjoy it all in silence and tranquillity. No one to be seen. Just us. Not good for revenue but...
    We also got a guided tour in the traditionel wedding dress exhibition.
    Now it was time to hop in a taxi again to go and see the historic Mansourah Mosque.
    Also a place were you feel to be the explorar instead of the exploited.
    Taxi hopping is a common thing so...here we go! Time for tea. And for me something sweet..;)
    Tea. Sunset, call for prayer and a good conversation. A gift.
    Darkness calls us home. Were we took a shower and got a last festive dinner.
    This family is so caring it is almost impossible to describe.
    As guests, we received a farewell gift. And all i could do was shed a tear, and give them our gift, a bag of "stroopwafels" the only Dutch thing, we could think of as we took of on this journey.
    Now. Our last night sleep, tomorrow step one into the direction of the Sahara.
    Maybe the main reason of this trip. And we only will stay there for a few days.
    But first things first.
    Tomorrow we are travellers again.    Read more

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