The Long Way Round

In just a few days, we'll pick up our EXRV (experienced recreational vehicle), which had travelled around the world earlier this year with 17 of its siblings, a giant world trip for which this vehicle was initially and explicitly built for. It's the Land Rover of RV's.

For us, this has been a dream come true, although we do not consider ourselves to be the typical target audience for RV's. You know, the elderly couples with their huge motorhomes who even drag their cars behind and prefer to stay in camping parks for months.

Yes, we love to roam over the continent (and the islands) to discover remote places; yes, we prefer road trips to long flights, but it has never been our mission to adapt an RV-lifestyle. For us, it is a tool for adventure, to get outside.

And "Peter Förster", as we call our new motorhome after the name of the driver of the world-rally, is a different one. It has genuine adventure in its veins, it is not bacteria-free, it even smells like ruggedness. The powerful Renault engine with already 20.000 km-tested muscles, has experienced some harsh conditions on its way through countless countries of Europe, Central Asia and the USA.

It's higher than the usual camper, the bottom completely coated and sealed for river crossings, all windows covered with mosquito nets. There are no loose parts in the interior, and yes, it even produces its own electricity. Now equipped with a new bike rack, we can take up to 3 bikes with us. It's versatile, stingy and reliable.

So, what are we up to? We'll do exactly what Peter Förster is built for: Travel around the world! - The long way round.

I stole the title of this blogpost from Evan McGregor, the scottish actor who travelled around the world on a motorcycle with Charlie Boorman, what an epic edventure. I read his book, which inspired me last April, as we camped through the eastern holidays in UK's Lake District. Lake District in March, as you might imagine, with its snowy summits, rainy and cold weather is only for hardcore campers (and mountain bikers). (here are some pictures)

Well, the title might be stolen, but the idea, albeit its recurrence, is indeed still genuine.

The first serious test for our world trip for is due in October 2009: We are planning a trip to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile) next year, Peter Förster will be shipping to Buenos Aires late September, as we plan to stay 3 weeks there.

I can't wait.