A vision

I am often asked: "why are you doing this trip? Is it only for fun?", and answering these questions is difficult. For an adventurer there are always several reasons for going on adventures, and one is surely the pleasure he gets from doing what he likes. This is not a very honorable reason though, considering that many of the people asking (especially when on the road) are poor. It's like saying: "I blow thousands(of some money) out of my exhaust to please myself". What should I answer than? Are there more honorable reasons for my money-spending and driving in an unenvironmental car for thousands of kilometers?

Taking pictures will play a big part of my everyday life on
the road. This motif is from Awasa in Ethiopia.

 For me personally there are several reasons for going on this trip. One is of course to get the car to Madagascar, but considering the money it costs to get it there, one could easily buy a better car in Madagascar for the same money. One other is surely my desire to see the world, take great picture etc., but I hope that there is something more. I hope my trip can be something not only for myself, but something for the people I meet alongside the road as well.


I have a vision that I can create a positive energy around me. That I can be a blessing to the people I meet. Making a difference in there lives by talking to them, helping them along or exchanging gifts with them. I don't believe in giving people money for "no particulare reason". Not that the people don't need any money, but if you have been in (tourist)-Africa, you will know why. I believe in helping people in a more practical way. Spend some time with people, giving them a hand or lending them a tool for some reparation. Giving them a ride, or giving them money for a service they do me, like letting me camp in there town and eating at there table or joining me on difficult roads as guides.I haven't been to good at this on earlier trips, but hope to improve.

Hopefully I will meet some kids like this one.
Picture taken in Ambovombe-Androy in Madagascar.

In the end I will be doing this for me, with my money and my time, so it's not that different from everyday life really. I try to bring blessing to the people around me every day, but when I'm on the road I might get the opportunity to do it more than usual. I will meet much more people than I do when sitting in my study, and I will meet people in need. I hope (and think) that my time-schedule gives me time to see people and help them as good as I can, and if I really end up with a Defender, I guess there will be enough not chosen breaks as well =).