Travel story, in a nutshell
A magical and timeless journey, very enriching in terms of knowledge
We have lived over two years on the road in our Pavan. We have crossed Eurasia and Africa. After 40 countries crossed, 80000 km driven in nearly 800 days of travel, we confirm: it is a magical and timeless journey, very enriching in terms of knowledge. As a whole, it is difficult to describe what this trip is. If you've ever dreamed of being a small mouse able to see what's going on in other people's places, it's a close idea of what this trip is. A million little scenes lived in each day bringing new surprises. 800 nights in 800 "gardens", with different noises, lights and smells. The beauty in such a trip is that it stops people from their daily lives and they offer us what is best in them: curiosity, humor, generosity and openness.
From Eurasia et Africa : learning, learning, learning !
This trip is an incredible wealth of information. Traveling over the long term requires an insatiable curiosity, energy and great listening skills. The tool box we've gained will be useful to us throughout our lives, both personal and professional. Crossing a whole continent by the road help capturing the subtle evolution of peoples over the borders.
We have lived over two years on the road in our Pavan. We have crossed Eurasia and Africa. After 40 countries crossed, 80000 km driven in nearly 800 days of travel, we confirm: it is a magical and timeless journey, very enriching in terms of knowledge. As a whole, it is difficult to describe what this trip is. If you've ever dreamed of being a small mouse able to see what's going on in other people's places, it's a close idea of what this trip is. A million little scenes lived in each day bringing new surprises. 800 nights in 800 "gardens", with different noises, lights and smells. The beauty in such a trip is that it stops people from their daily lives and they offer us what is best in them: curiosity, humor, generosity and openness.
From Eurasia et Africa : learning, learning, learning !
This trip is an incredible wealth of information. Traveling over the long term requires an insatiable curiosity, energy and great listening skills. The tool box we've gained will be useful to us throughout our lives, both personal and professional. Crossing a whole continent by the road help capturing the subtle evolution of peoples over the borders.
How can we sum up these two years in few words ? Let's give it a try !
We left from the Balkans, with their shut faces hard but very tender hearts, and then crossed Greece and Turkey, where we enjoyed the markets and spices.
We left from the Balkans, with their shut faces hard but very tender hearts, and then crossed Greece and Turkey, where we enjoyed the markets and spices.
In the South Caucasus, we have learned about the past great Armenian empire and its current difficult situation; about the vivacity of Georgia as a regional economic hub, and its natural and cultural wealth. Baku, green capital of Azerbaijan, was built in the middle of a very tough desert, thanks to the oil boom.
Later, Iran has profoundly affected us with its history, its architecture and the kindness of its people. Wearing the veil for a month was an interesting experience.
Central Asia has been a complete discovery. Formerly home to nomadic tribes, it then became a key economic crossroads, on the Silk Road, dotted with architectural beauties (Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand). Dominated by Russia in the USSR, it has undergone profound changes for the better and for the worse and is now a quite forgotten area.
Uzbekistan has suffered a tremendous ecological catastrophy (Aral sea), but is blessed with important tourists flows, such as Kirghizstan (traditional houses, mountains ans lakes).
But Tadjikistan is quite left aside and victim of external pressure due since it is so close to Afghanistan. This situation endangers its ethnical balance. Some experiences have been very striking to us in this area, such as the horse fest in Murgab, at 4000 m high.
Kazakhstan, even if it is held by very strong hands, experiences a nice economic growth.
After this, we have been very surprised in Russia: we were afraid of corruption and red tape, but we have discovered a system that works perfectly well and a very warm and learned Siberian population.
In South Korea, we have been immersed in Asia. Once acquainted with the militarization on the coast (DMZ, North Korea), we have thoroughly enjoyed the succulent seafood and friendly Korean people.
Japan has on the one side fascinated us (for its temples, kitchen, sumo contest, onsens) and on the other has remained a mystery to us. At the forefront of technology, where creativity and boldness are king, Japan is yet full of habbits and procedures which sometimes slow down its daily operational efficiency and responsiveness to exceptional situations.
Once our car shipped by cargo, we have discovered Southeast Asia, starting with the splendid Thai beachs, fresh juices and curries.
We have met the very friendly Lao population in a green country full of water sources. In Cambodia, we have been very moved by the Khmer Rouge genocide and the resilience of Cambodians today.
Laos. The Mekong river.
The Burmese warm smile is unforgettable. As for the Vietnamese cuisine, it is impressively refined. Navigating between ancient civilizations (Sukhothai, Angkor) and religions (Buddhism, Hinduism), we have witnessed great traditional events (Chinese New Year in Penang, Malaysia, with its show of superb lanterns).
Once arrived in Africa, we have learned more about resistant peoples (Zulu facing the British), and the history of Southern Africa (Afrikaner apartheid). Slaloming between the most beautiful national parks in the region (Etosha, Chobe, Moremi, Hwange, Addo), we got familiar with a breathtaking fauna and flora, as well as majestic deserts (Namib, Sossusvlei) and legendary places (Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, Victoria falls, Great lakes region, Rift valley).
South Africa - Durban
Namibia - wild camping in the desert
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The South African 'braai'
Namibia, Big Daddy sand sune. Early hike in a very relaxing atmosphere.
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South Africa from above
Botswana, Okavango delta.
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Namibia - Etosha
Botswana, the national parks Moremi and Chobe bring you as close as possible to the animals. A safari of exception !
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Zambia, Kafue river. When a storm is coming, you'd better get ready !
Africa has been a real mental challenge for us (even though we had past experience in West Africa). The distance separating us from local people is more important than elsewhere. It takes time to accept these differences.
We enjoyed the Lake Malawi and tea fields in Milanje.
We enjoyed the Lake Malawi and tea fields in Milanje.
Mozambique gives an exotic touch to the traveler: Ilha de Mozambique is timeless, and hearing the singing accent Portuguese is pleasant.
Ilha de Mozambique, parked on the beach for 2016 New Year's Eve.
Tanzania, has a more solid economy, partly thanks to the development period under the former president Nyerere.
Rwanda has impressively stabilised and developed itself since the genocide.
DRC - Democratic Republic of Congo - has sadly been instrumentalised and therefore pushed to civil war for decades, since its soils are so rich in mining resources.
Relatively well recovered from the dictatorship of Amin Dada, Uganda is also under stabilization and growth.
Kenya, the local giant, benefits from a large scope of touristic assets but is also suffering from less safety. Since we had had the chance to visit many parks before, our visit to Kenya was quick.
Ethiopia is indeed a country apart from a cultural, religious and historical perspective. We had the feeling to switch to Northern Africa at that time. The festival celebrating the end of Easter was stunning.
Ethiopia - Simien mountains in the North West of the country.
Sudan is huge and very desertic. Sudanese people are extremely friendly. We found the pleasant feeling of loneliness in the desert under a magical starry sky.
Sudanese desert. All alone !
Even though there is a lot of police check points and presence in the country, we have appreciated a lot our stay in Egypt. The architectural gems of the Nile valley are breathtaking. We have crossed the Sinai from the south without pitfalls.
Visiting Israel has enabled us to get a small view of the situation in the Middle East.
The cargo ship with which we have crossed the Mediterranean sea to reach Italy was a nice and fresh 4-day break before arriving to Europe, where we met our family and friends. We are now based in Paris since the end of June 2016 until further notice.