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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 Leggi altro
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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Al roads lead to Rome..

    27 luglio 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    As the sun rises over italy and reflects in the the Tyrrhenian sea, we receive the wakeup call of the arrival at the harbour of Citavecchia.
    We got up and spent our last tokens on a small breakfast. Just in time to brush our teeth and pack our stuff.
    After a lot of passengers calls, now it's our turn!
    I was a bit worried if the old lady would be able to get up the ramp out of the bow of the ship. But she took the hurdle as a young girl at the playground.
    We were the last to abandon ship. That means the last ones going through Italian police and customs. But they were very interested in Lieske. So we entered Europe without any problem.
    ..
    First stop. Supermarket. What a difference! Loads of products and big as a football field.
    We only need water, fruit, bread and Nutella!
    Now we are ready to go!
    ..
    On our way to Roma.
    ..
    As our Lieske is not welcome in the city of Rome. (Their loss)
    We looked for a campsite near the city centre, from were we can take the bus, train or metro.
    And we found one.
    Stupidly, sleeping in the car is far more expensive than getting an luxury cabin..
    Why? .. nobody knows..funny people those Italians.
    We were set and done around 13.00h but it's to hot to move.
    We waited till 16.30h as we took of to the train station and got into the city Center.
    ..
    As it is/was my birthday today, we finally went for diner and had a lovely evening.
    ..
    Tomorrow...Vatican city, and more of Rome.
    ..
    Let the games begin!    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    When in Rome....

    28 luglio 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The early bird gets the worm.. so we got up at 6.30. But oh.. it was so difficult to get out of bed.
    Somehow we managed to get out, and after a sober but healthy meal, we took the 08.09 train to Station Roma S.Pietro. and walked up to an almost empty Saint Peter's Square.
    Decided to visit the world largest church, the "Basilica di San Pietro".
    Short: very impressive. Got a ticket for the vault, and stroled around the church's gold.
    ..
    As we thought it would be time to go to the Sistine Chapel, it was sadly sold out. So we bought a ticket for tomorrow.
    We want to see, the work of Michelangelo.
    Nothing more left to do than having a morning coffee, and a walk into the city.
    As first stop, we aim for the Trevi fountain.
    After that, the Pantheon.
    Time for lunch and a walk along the river the Tiber.
    It is a beautiful city. The only downer was/is the hot sun. Luckily we found a shady place were we stayed a small hour to relax and do a little nap.
    We are lucky with less tourists as normal.
    I did not expect Rome to be such a beautiful city. It's quite easy to see that this was the Center of the Roman Empire.
    Walking slowly into the direction of the station Termini. Enjoying the little streets, eating an ice cream, and walk in and out churches and shops.
    Nika needed socks... I bought myself some linen shirts and trousers.
    When in Rome..
    Had a Indian curry and headed "home".
    Shower and bed awaits!
    Tomorrow, it's another's Birthday!!
    Nika turns 19!!    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Birthday child.

    29 luglio 2020, Città del Vaticano ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today it's my daughter's birthday.
    And it is a promising day.
    Although we started with a ly-in and a easy breakfast, we were in the city of Rome around 10.00.
    And already choking hot. The plan was to go and see if we could visit the Colloseum.
    We got out of the train at the Roma Ostiense, and took a walk. Had a glimpse of the Therme di Caracalla, and the San Saba neighbourhood. At the Circus Maxima, we took the right turn to the Colloseum.
    We cancelled our visit, the heat and the thought of standing in the burning sun was not appealing.
    We skipped that dance.
    Turned around and I had a nice idea of visiting a secret.. but as we passed a nice coffee bar, we could not resist. Coffee for me, a orange juice for the lady. And of course a brownie with cream.
    It's a birthday!
    After this rest, we could feel our feet and legs. The 20km of yesterday are not worn of by the night.
    We arrived at the secret, well known to everyone.. but. It was closed. The cleaner who was working there let us in anyway. Maybe he could see we were in despair..

    The mouth of truth; Bocca Della Verità.
    It's situated at the entrance of a church, and as we were true tourists, we took a peek at it also.
    What a gems this city hides.
    We also wanted to see Isola Tiberina and so walked over Ponte Fabricio.
    As we had an appointment with the Pope's treasures at 17.00h, we walked into the direction of the Vatican city.
    But humans need food to go on. So stopped at a nice restaurant for lunch. It turned out to be spaghetti.
    We arrived at the appointment a small hour early. So we sat down on the stairs of Via de Tunis, I had a little nap, and Nika fed the pidgeons. Made a whatsapp call to Renata, and as we were showing her the neighbourhood, it was time for the Musei Vaticani.
    Maybe we did not plan this very well, as it was HUGE!.. What a rich collection of all you could want to see. It is truly a place full treasures. And all in almost perfect condition. We did not see all. We did not have time.
    And in a way.. I came for the Sixtine Chapel.
    So in a way, we ooh't and ahh't through the never ending hallways into the direction of our goal.
    Was it a disappointment? No. I think you have to see this. Once in your life. But take your time to see the other art. Maybe those are even more important or rare than the work of Michelangelo.
    Sadly in the Chapel there was a bunch of copyright policeman, so don't try to take pictures.
    Out into the field, have a rest and a coffee, we left. Tired and satisfied.
    On the end of our day, we took the time for an big tasty ice cream. As diner!
    Train, walk, shower..sleep.
    Tomorrow (today) we leave for the city of Grosseto. Half way up to Pisa.
    But the heat.. It's almost unbearable..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Too hot to handle.

    30 luglio 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We had to leave before 10.00.
    As we get into Lieske we immediately missed our airconditined room. ;)
    Today we wanted to get to Grosseto.
    A more than 2 hours drive.
    But First we have to get back from were we came. Citavecchia.
    One thing. Italians can't drive. We can.
    As expected, Lieske behaved like a real lady.
    So we safely arrived... not in Grosetto.
    The heat is really terrible. So we decided to take a look for a place in the shade, and preferably next to water. So ..this place popped up. Found it on a 4x4 camp a night website. And it's ok.
    Not for long, as there are no toilets or showers. But just for the night.
    The idea of standing in this heat some were in the city.....
    About the heat. Maybe we complain too much. But the reason we left in February on this trip, was just about this. We wanted to avoid the heat of summer.
    And now.. to be honest, we had a discussion about just leaving Italy, and go up north. But it does not matter so much. Just a few degrees.
    Its 37° burning sun, and no place to hide.
    You can't do anything from 11.00 till 20.00
    At least.. We can't.
    I will spare you the details of how I look. As I am embarrassing my daughter.
    But I don't care.
    Pictures can be sent by private mail. ;)

    If we survive the night, tomorrow an other 200km to Pisa.
    Want to see that clumsy building.

    Sweaty night!    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Pisa with bad pizza

    31 luglio 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    We arrived at a quite expensive campsite just outside Pisa, to be exact, just a click from Piazza dei Miracoli.
    The place were all the tourist go.
    So we go too.
    Had time enough to go and see for a first visit.
    Decided to have a pizza in one of the side streets, but that was not the real deal.t
    Bought tickets for the first admittance at 09.00.
    Did some needed homework, and..
    Up to bed!
    But this was easier said than done.
    Mosquitos, heat and mosquitos again...
    So it was a rough night.
    ..
    We survived! With some less blood and extra itch.
    ..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Discovering the well known

    1 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After a restless night, the alarm went of at seven. Had a boiled egg and warm Nutella for breakfast...if you might want to know.
    We set of for the tower visit at 08.00 and arrived well in time. First in line. That's to my liking.
    Got instructions and a 1mtr buzzer.. and of we go.
    I have to admit.. this was a good workout.
    The experience of walking this leaning tower was special. The view quite nice.
    There was not much time. As we were hunted down again for the next load of climbers.
    After this, we visited the basilica, and noticed that we did not buy tickets for the Baptisterium. So. Got my phone and credit card to correct this.
    After a nice rest on the first floor of the Baptisterium, our phones fully charged, we went off into the city.
    Nice place. Narrow streets and beautifully buildings.
    Hunger kicked in, so a panini was ordered.
    They did their best to make us a vegetarian one. And with success.
    Walked around until we found a nice shady park, in which I laid my head down again to have a rest.
    After this it was time for an ice cream.
    Decided that this was Pisa. And headed back to the campsite.
    Gonna take a shower and an easy meal.
    Bought on our way home a mosquito net to cover the site windows, so we can leave them safely open this night.
    Hopefully this will work.
    Tomorrow. We will aim for Florence.
    I do need to check the gearboxoil level. But I can't get underneath. Maybe.. one day..
    ...    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    It was not meant to be.

    2 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We left Pisa, and my brother tipped me to go and visit Lucca.
    So. What would I tell him if I did not go?
    So we had to. It was just a small diversion from our route to Florence, and nothing to do anyway.
    And indeed. It was a charming city.
    We had a short but lovely morning in this cosy city.
    But our main aim was Florence.
    As we were spoiled by the "human"camping in Rome, we decided to spoil us again..
    Especially after the hot baking sun and blood thirsty mosquitoes in Pisa.
    Airconditined, a fridge,toilet an bathroom.
    And of course a good bed.
    As I just closed my eye's it was 19.30.
    Time flies when you fall asleep..
    ..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Firenze in un giorno.

    3 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    As we had spoiled a day by just sleeping, we had to make up.
    So. 5.30 it's decided. Before it gets too hot, and we need to sleep again.. ;)
    Got out and tried to get bus tickets at the reception. Although it a 24/7 receprion, this was not applied to the purchase of bus tickets.
    A bit disappointed, we took of to the bus stop. We will buy at the driver.
    And, just as probably everywhere, it was not possible to buy at the driver, due to Covid.
    So our day started with a 'illegal busride'
    Got out some were in Florence, and walked to the Piazza del Duomo to see the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The landmark of Florence.
    We could have visited the bell tower, the church, the Baptisterium and a lot of musea.
    But we did not. We just walked around the city, had coffee, walked some more and had some more coffee.
    Visited Ponte Vecchio and climbed up to Piazalle Michelangelo.
    Had a nap in a quiet park, and a lunch.
    We walked for almost 12 hours. Close to 20km and at least, I was getting tired.
    It's a great city, it's an expensive city, it a a luxurious city. And they know it.
    If you intend to visit the musea, and go shopping with your unlimited credit card, you can easily fill a week.
    Luckily we went early, as the day was progressing it became very busy. Maybe even a bit too busy.
    So we decided had seen enough.
    Thanks, birthplace of the Renaissance.
    We enjoyed our stay.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Lazy....again.

    4 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We left Florence. And to be honest. Driving up to Bologna or even Padua or imagine Venice...
    I am just not ready for it..;)
    So we found a lovely campsite in the hills between Florence and Bologna.
    Thinking about a quick visit to Bologna tomorrow morning and drive till almost Padua/Venice.
    We need to retrieve one day. As we want to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart and it is only open in the weekend.
    So coming weekend we will be in Venice, and have one week to complete the journey through Austria and part of Germany.
    We planned two days for Venice.
    On paper our plans look ok.
    So. For now. Enjoying the silence and the fresh mountain air.
    Have a diner tonight and than....
    Sleep well!
    Although.. I hope so. Because the hill we have to climb out of this campsite is very steep. So maybe...
    We have to stay. Forever..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Flying Dutchman

    5 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We traveled as planned.
    Lieske took the campsite hill as a pro. And we made a nice tour through the "mountains" .
    The road even took us into the clouds.
    Arrived at Bologna.
    Nice city. With nice galleries to walk under.
    Visited the "two towers" and Piazza Maggiore.
    As we are a bit city tired, and still have a few to go, we did not stay longer than just this, and a coffee break.
    We took of in to the direction of Padua, as I heart a stupid sound from the rear.
    As soon as the traffic situation allowed, I stopped. An to my amazing I noticed that, again the 5 wheel bolts had come loose. This time, I noticed in time.
    ..
    We looked for a nice spot to stay, and found a farmers campsite in Monselice.
    Nice place, very friendly people, and had a slow afternoon.
    As now the evening sets in. Also the mosquitos. Ahh..we missed them so ..
    Tomorrow, a quick view at Padua, and than, of to Venice.
    The last city on our Italian bucket list.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    What is it?

    7 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Yes. We made it to Venice.
    But we had a little stop at Padua.
    I had to. As the real Lieske had taught me an riddle, if I had lost something. And that had everything to do with a strange guy in Padua.
    So we payed him a visit. And as it looks, also the town of Padua is quite nice.
    ..
    We arrived at noon in the suburbs of Venice, were we found another campsite. Booked for three nights, as we thought could use two days for exploring the city.
    But is it a city?
    ..
    We were able to take the bus already in the early afternoon to have a sniff.
    It became more than that, but the real deal was today.
    Strolled around again for more than 12 hours..again, and did a small 20km .
    Saw a lot.
    And as we navigated through the city yesterday, today we had the city play us.
    Just walked around in this maze of small streets who ends in the water.
    But don't you dare to take of your shoes and dip your feet into the salty water... the local police will order you not to. Sadly.
    We had a lunch ..a diner.. a sit in and a "take a look at others".
    And we decided that we do not know what this city is.
    Is it a city or a "open air museum"?
    Is it a city or a themepark? A collection of architectural art droped into the sea.
    A reserve?
    We miss .. at least I miss, the humm of a living city. The sound of life,
    Maybe because there are no cars?
    Or maybe because the real Venetian citizens are hard to find?
    Although it is a city you must visit, and we will just not see it all in two days, -we will not even come close,-
    it does not feel as a city.
    And that's a pity.
    So ...What is it ..
    Maybe we will discover it tomorrow.
    Our last day in Venice, and probably one of the last days in Italy.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Watch your tongue ...

    8 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    As Venice cost me my shoes, we took the ferry line 1 this morning up to the last stop before Lido.
    We marched, enjoyed, and wanted to buy loads of stuff, for which we wanted to return, but never found the shop again.
    What can we say.
    Again we walked around for more than 12 hours, took 23 km and a break now and then.
    Still very confused about the status of this place.
    I keep it to an open air museum. Were you should watch your tongue... because there are more people around who understand what you are saying as you ever thought!
    Came "home" late and tired. Tomorrow..
    The Alps Awaits..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Jump into the Alps.

    9 agosto 2020, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Now.. we are having a break before we take the jump into the mountains.
    Hope to reach a campsite around Villach within two hours.
    Here we go!

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    The good old campsite feeling

    10 agosto 2020, Austria ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Yesterday we took the jump into the Alps.
    Although it was not a jump, more a slide.
    I feared it would be more like the Spanish Pyrenees, but it was almost flat sliding between the mountains.
    So in this case... a man suffers the most by suffering that he fears...
    But... we are only on 1/3 still some road to come.
    As real dare devils we are thinking about getting the Felbertaurn route. But.. I think we will keep on the main road to Salzburg tomorrow.
    We might get a fine from the Austrians, as we drove into the country on the motorway without paying the road tax. We passed the first opportunity and turned around, back into Italy, and go back again, but now stop at the border to buy the sticker.
    As we moved on, we saw the cameras just before the place we turned.
    But hey.. We will see.
    We run of the first campsite we visited at this Ossiacher See, as it was a chaos and very, very busy.
    But it seems that it was busy everywhere.
    As the place we are now, resembles the "I don't want to go there places" in Spain or even Italy. Maybe they are even worse.
    As there are many Dutch and German guests.
    Although, this morning we had refreshing swim in the lake, a short walk along the hillside and a lunch in Ostriach.
    Now... we are just lazy again.
    Paid the highest bill ever for two nights.. and tomorrow we are off to Salzburg.
    Hope the road won't have to much fun in making us to climb.
    However a little bit I won't mind.

    Maybe have a swim later tonight, otherwise for sure tomorrow morning.
    For now..
    Hopefully we sent the next message from Salzburg.
    Mozart... here we come.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Mozartkugeln

    11 agosto 2020, Austria ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    The slide throug Austria continued.
    Mainly because we kept on the safe side. We did not encounter any problem at all. There were moments that I was a little bit sad not to be forced to climb in its first gear.
    We did fairly nice slopes and many tunnels.
    I thought to feel the driveshaft trembling at high.. lol... speed. But could be imagination.
    But it's bearing is already worn out since the discovering of this problem in Taghit, Algeria.
    Spare part is in the boot. But ...I hope we will make it home without having to repair it "on the road".
    But we will see. Maybe...
    So we arrived safely in Salzburg.
    And at least I am very surprised about this city. Did not expect this.
    It's an classic -old- city, open, inviting, clean and relaxed.
    Tomorrow we go to visit the castle and the modern art Museum.
    Today, we just walked around and had a snack.
    It's almost so clear what we missed in Venice.
    It's a living city. Cyclists, cars, traficlights, people with a mission, shops of all kinds, playing children and "real people"
    The city vibe, the humm. Life.
    Maybe more tomorrow, otherwise.. see you in München.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Grüß Gott!

    12 agosto 2020, Austria ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Started slow. But early. As we did not have any food stored away, this was going to be a day of spending!!
    So we started of with a nice Austrian breakfast Dutch style.. ;)
    Relaxing start of the day. We booked tickets online for the Festung Hohensalzburg Burcht, were a lift brings you up the mountain were the castle has been build over the more than 1000 years. It's one of the biggest, still remaining castles in Europe... they say....
    Many nice spots and stunning views.
    Also stunning prices for a cup of tea.
    We kept ourselfs to our program, and left around noon, to go down into the city and have lunch.
    As professionals in seeking food, we found a great place with good food. We will not want you to be jealous and spare you the details.
    On with the planning. The "Museum der Moderne".
    Again on a hill. We love panoramas...
    Stroled around the museum, and stayed for almost four hours.
    As we were down to earth, we discovered that we still did not try the MozartKugeln so..
    Quickly bought a few and sat down with a coffee to swallow those things down.
    Now the day was coming to an end, and Nika had seen a nice "Mr Lee, fresh food".. so we closed our tour with a great , and fresh Asian dinner.
    Tomorrow.. (today) we head for München.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    An end to a dream.

    13 agosto 2020, Germania ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today, we left the city of Salzburg, and headed for Germany. Especially Munich.
    As we wanted to cross the border, the customs, waved us to stop. As I stopped, the officer said: "You can continue your journey, but I wanted to say you have a nice car!..."
    ..
    Welcome in Germany.
    ..
    The climbs we had to do were far more worse than straight through Austria, but Lieske might be old, but not yet done.
    ..
    We needed to go to Munich and visit the ADAC, this organisation issues the "carnet de Passage" which we would have needed for Iran.
    But as corona F#$@ckt our journey real bad, we will not make it to that destination anymore.
    So by personally delivering back the Carnet, it's a formal end to a dream.
    Lieske will probably never touch Iranian soil.
    ..
    The ADAC was realy friendly, and ensured us that the deposit money will be released within a few days.
    ..
    As this done. And it was a serious day anyway, I decided to visit the concentration camp memorial of Dachau.
    This camp was the bleu print for all camps build by the Nazis during and befor the second World war.
    Impressive and sad.
    We should never forget.
    After this "moment of sadness " we looked for some happy stuff, and found it in a nice piece of "apfelstrudel mit Eis und Sahne"..
    As life goes on...
    Now.. heading for a campsite.
    ...
    Tomorrow.. Stuttgart.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Oil stains on Holy Ground.

    14 agosto 2020, Germania ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    We drove 237km in five hours along German country roads.
    Now we arrived at the walhalla for Mercedes Benz car lovers.
    We are at the doorstep of the museum.
    Tomorrow morning we intend to drive her up until the front entrance...
    Just to show her of.
    She deserves it!
    And for sure...she will mark her spot!
    ..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    There is no heaven.

    15 agosto 2020, Germania ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    ... we did the "heaven for Benz lovers".
    It started a bit lets say.. awkward.
    As, however warned, Nika did not like the fact that I really did drive the old lady up until the main entrance.
    Nika does not like to show of.
    But I do.
    So this "we do this together tour" became a lonely walk in the dark.
    But as things go, in the end....
    So. Now to the museum.
    We really liked it, and I think it's worth a visit.
    Except...
    I missed the cars I came for. Or even hoped.
    .

    It was an exhibition from luxurious and exclusive cars. So I missed the "normal vehicles who made the History of Mercedes Benz .
    I lied if I did not see any W123, but only one 300TD in expo Travel. And a coach an coupe on a trailer in "transport"

    But not any W110, the type as Lieske or even not one!!! W114/W115 the type who saves their ass.
    ..
    Also in the department of "life savers"
    Not one ambulance from the type w110 , w115 or w123. A missed goal.. at least for me.
    ..
    Anyway. We were right in time, going in the morning, as there was quite a row as we looked outside to our Lieske, who got a visit from two Dutch cars.. a range rover and a defender.
    ..
    We stayed for more than 4 hours.
    As we left, we thought it would be nice to go to the Television Tower of Stuttgart..
    (Something like the first concrete tower in the world??)
    Had a coffee and went to the campsite.
    Did not want to go into the city, as the.roads are quite crowdy, many traficlights and... hills !!
    .
    We did a walk into the neighbourhood were we had diner and came home in fear of a thunderstorm. But it just missed us in a mile.
    Now..
    Heading for a place along the Rhine.
    ..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    The Banks of the River Rhine.

    16 agosto 2020, Germania ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Driving on secondary roads from Stuttgart to Mannheim.
    Found a nice spot along the Rhine.
    Forgot it was Sunday. So all shops closed.
    Good excuse to eat a non vegetarian curry wurst...

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Seduced by the Siren

    17 agosto 2020, Germania ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Following the stream down to The Netherlands we were seduced by the beauty of the Rhine valley.
    So we stopped at Sankt Goar and found a great campsite up the hill on the opposite side of the famous Loreley.
    Typical .. always ending up on the wrong side..    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Back to my Roots

    18 agosto 2020, Olanda ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Missed us ??
    I can imagine.
    Germany is not really the country you would think about to tell great stories.
    However it is a good country for a long or short break.
    After Stuttgart we did roadtripping Germany. We avoided motorways and took the long way "home"..
    We encountered some beautiful landscapes, however they did resemble the sceneries from my youth, I could enjoy them.
    We started of with a go to the Rhine bank around Mannheim. Camping along the river.
    After this we wanted to see the famous Loreley, and had found a geourges spot on the opposite hillside of this famous rock.
    We camped at a small but beautiful site at Sankt Goar. Reaching it, was quite a struggle for Lieske, as it was engaging first gear and go!
    Our -suppost- last day in Gemany went a bit different.
    As we were heading for a nice spot at the Rursee. We encountered a very, very steep climb. Not to go to the lake, no. That was down.. but going it up the next day!
    So we skipped that site. And looked for another.
    Here is were the trouble started. All sites were full.
    As The Neterlands were only 45km away We decided to go there..
    But also here.. We tried three campsites, and all no vacancies.
    So...
    Only one thing left.
    Back to my roots.
    Simpelveld. It was on our planning. But just a day later.
    As the word was out, my brothers and sisters reached out.
    So we had a nice coffee , a drink, and a really nice diner, all at different places!
    We slept on the parking in front of Jos
    His house. Not, that we were not allowed in, but we want to enjoy Lieske as long as possible.
    Now..

    It's breakfast time!
    On the streets of my birthtown.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    How slow can you go..

    19 agosto 2020, Olanda ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Slow is trending!
    So we join the flow.
    Visited my family and showed Lieske around.
    We drove up to Roermond and visited my oldest brother and his girlfriend.
    Enjoyed a real nice evening with a good meal and even better company.
    We will have a sleep on his couch.    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Home stretch

    19 agosto 2020, Olanda ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today we will cover the last km to a place called home.
    We will travel slow, as we will avoid the motorway. Again.
    This will be the final part of this roadtrip.
    A bit sad about what we might have missed, but verry happy for the time we had.
    We will leave here around 13.00h and hope to arrive home around 17.00.
    Hopefully Renata is waiting for us!    Leggi altro

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Memento mori

    26 gennaio 2021, Olanda ⋅ 🌧 1 °C

    Post No.100.
    I was always waiting for a good moment to end our trip and have a good use for number hundred. This might be the moment.
    Today, the 26th of January 2020, we left my village of birth in the south of The Netherlands, Simpelveld.
    We did not go there just to say goodbye yo my family, but we went there for a special reason.
    As many of you know, we went there to say goodbye to my brother Jos, who was terminal ill and fighting for his life. The prognosis were very bad. So our goodbye would probably be a final one.
    Jos was my brother, best friend and back-up for almost all my life. Leaving on our trip was a difficult decision. We went with his blessing.

    How our trip went, you might have read this in our post here or on Facebook.

    On the 26th of 2021, my brother died.
    He had to give in and lost this battle. 64 years old.

    Today, Monday the first of February 2021 we had our final goodbye.
    Shed our tears, holded on to our loved ones for comfort.
    All comes to an end. A life. A journey.
    ..
    Salute!

    I want to end with the words of a friend from Algeria, who posted, unknowing of our loss, the following:

    "on te levant le matin, rappelle-toi combien précieux est le privilège de vivre, de respirer, d'être heureux"*

    Marc-Aurèle

    (*When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege  it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.)    Leggi altro

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    Fine del viaggio
    1 febbraio 2021