Truck Love

The vibe running through everyone on the truck after the first month of travel is simply electric. Although I expected to find some people on the trip that I could relate to (you have to be of a certain frame of mind to sign on for this kind of trip to begin with!), I never expected the group to work so well together. From the oldest to the youngest, and including the crew, we have all found something to like about one another, and it is due to everyone on this trip that the banal problems that do arise are dealt with swiftly, and quickly become irrelevant.

Budapest:

After a long days journey we ended up in a glorious little campsite on the outskirts of Budapest. We used the trekking tents for the first time, and nestled in amongst the trees. With no real plans in mind, a few of us left the campsite early the next morning for a wandering tour of the city. Even in the rain, the twin cities of Buda and Pest both provided a beautiful backdrop. Across the bridge into Pest, along the banks of the river and past the houses of parliament, with a stop along the way for hot chocolate, provided a good days entertainment.

Prague:

With three nights set aside for Prague, we were able to give the city our full attention. The rain followed us all day from Bamburg, and after a wet night we were ecstatic to see the spring sunshine burst through the clouds. Crossing the Charles Bridge into the old town, we set out for the castle. With magnificent views out over the city, and the story of the city to entertain us, we spent a few hours touring the castle. In the afternoon meandering through the streets and getting thoroughly lost occupied most of our time, but discovering the different sides of the city was wonderful. Headed out for a group meal and then a few of us headed for Prague and Europe’s biggest nightclub. The boys had an impromptu shower in the clubs waterfall, and made it a memorable night.

Next morning, and it was back into the city for more exploration. Climbing the cathedral tower proved once again to be a strenuous but rewarding experience, and the views out over the red rooftops were simply amazing. A quiet night saw us all ready for the big drive into Hungary – next stop, Budapest.

London to Bamburg:

With a final glance around my room, I’m ready. After months of anticipation, its finally here. April 15th. A normal Tuesday for millions of Londoners, but for the 23 of us it’s the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime. Today we leave for Darwin – overland.

As Penelope – the enormous blue truck that will be our home for the next six months – is to meet us in Dover, we all clamber aboard the awaiting bus and hit the road. London is putting on a show for us as we head out of town – sunshine! - and it is with some sadness that I farewell my home of the past 12 months.

With nerves and excitement consuming the group we get to Dover. Penelope and Pete, our intrepid leader, are waiting for us. Having the group all together for the first time is exhilarating, and after the short ferry ride across the channel we are on mainland Europe and en-route to Belgium.

Upon arriving in Tournai, we are all given a crash course in the procedure for setting up camp. By the end of the six months we will be absolute pros, but for the moment it’s quite amusing watching everyone trying to be helpful. Penelope has so many hidden secrets – I’m sure some of us will never discover them all!

After a freezing night (throughout which the radiators in the bathrooms were utilised to there full extent), we are loaded up and on the road to Cologne. Arriving in camp by mid-afternoon – a beautiful little spot on the banks of the Rhein – we set up tents and hit the tourist trail. Catching the tram in was a lesson in German efficiency, and after being told off in German for standing on the automatic steps (we assume), we arrived at Cologne’s main attraction – the Dom Cathedral. It’s spires towering over the rest of the city, we set to climbing the 509 steps to the top. The views made the effort worthwhile, and the dinner awaiting us on our return exceeded all expectations for the second night running.

Following the river into the city the next day in brilliant sunshine was beautiful. A day spent wandering the city streets and then it was off to a traditional German beerhall for dinner, where Andrew set the bar for food consumption by devouring a 1.4kg pork knuckle – solo.

Due to new regulations regarding Penelope, we wouldn’t be able to go to Vienna, and so instead were heading for a German town called Bamburg. Although slightly disappointed that we would be missing Vienna, Bamburg is a town steeped in history, and was a pleasant surprise. The cobblestoned streets, and picturesque setting made for a nice stop. After sampling the local beer – smoky, with an almost bacon-like aftertaste – most of the group headed for a night on the town.

Six weeks to go!

Well, with only six weeks to go until the big journey home, I think I'm almost organised. I've been a human pincushion, I'm completely kitted out, and all I've got left to do is wait. I think this is going to be a long six weeks!