It has finally arrived! A fresh pack of snow announcing the start of winter in Finland. Our fingers started freezing while preparing and packing the car, meaning its definitely time to head to our next destination.
Today Jasmin received the last vaccination with a shot for Polio. We have had 5 stabs each in the arm to prepare our immune systems for the roads ahead. The most important being the vaccine against yellow fever, which is a requirement for acquiring visas to certain countries in Africa. You get a nice booklet as proof.
Today Jasmin received the last vaccination with a shot for Polio. We have had 5 stabs each in the arm to prepare our immune systems for the roads ahead. The most important being the vaccine against yellow fever, which is a requirement for acquiring visas to certain countries in Africa. You get a nice booklet as proof.
In July we booked 2 weeks to Finland to find a car for the trip. We looked at the Nissan Patrol, new Toyota Landcruisers, Toyota Hilux, Nissan X-trail, a Honda CRV, but there was always something wrong. Usually there was a major oil leak somewhere. We finally came across a Landcruiser 80 from 1990 in very good condition. It drove good, it felt good and it wasn't even leaking any oil! There was one catch though, it has driven 630.000 kms! Apparently its normal in Finland and knowing it was maintained well (the son of the owner was a Toyota mechanic) we decided to buy it.
Over the last 3 months the car has gone under a major transformation and service. Only thanks to a very helpful brother and colleague we have managed to turn the whole car inside out, replace what was necessary and put it back together. It is now ready for a new adventure.
Over the last 3 months the car has gone under a major transformation and service. Only thanks to a very helpful brother and colleague we have managed to turn the whole car inside out, replace what was necessary and put it back together. It is now ready for a new adventure.
We quit our jobs, the rental contract of the apartment came to an end and the car was good to go. We drove to Ähtäri to meet family and friends, attend to a beautiful wedding and put the finishing touch to the car. Before we knew it we were standing in snow.
Tomorrow will be the start of the next stage of our trip of about 3.000 kms. We shall visit friends in Helsinki, pass the Gulf of Finland by ferry to Tallinn, visit friends in Tartu, go to the Auschwitz concentration camp to finally end in The Netherlands and prepare for the next leg of the trip. Let us know if you have any tips for things to see or do along the route by writing in the comments or sending me an email. Check the route page for updates!
Tomorrow will be the start of the next stage of our trip of about 3.000 kms. We shall visit friends in Helsinki, pass the Gulf of Finland by ferry to Tallinn, visit friends in Tartu, go to the Auschwitz concentration camp to finally end in The Netherlands and prepare for the next leg of the trip. Let us know if you have any tips for things to see or do along the route by writing in the comments or sending me an email. Check the route page for updates!