📍 Location: Essaouira, Morocco

🗒️ Episode Notes: Good day! Waking up in Essaouira in our very Moroccan hotel set the tone for another adventurous day. Johan and I decided to explore the town in the morning before meeting up with Morris later.

We first wandered along the outside of the medina, where one side opens to the beach. Nearby, we discovered another walled area that included a cemetery — a reminder that not everyone gets to enjoy the view. Walking around, we found small workshops and utility areas where locals were hard at work with minimal tools.

Back in the medina, the intricate alleys and vibrant walkways were a delight to explore. I stumbled upon a small hairdresser shop and decided to get a quick trim — about 50 dirham (~$5). The medina offered endless discoveries: coffee stops, rooftop views, and charming streets where people live their daily lives.

Later, we visited the fishermen’s area outside the medina, where freshly caught fish was displayed for sale. There was lively activity, with boats arriving and locals negotiating space. Birds were a nuisance, and I even got lightly pecked, but it was all part of the experience. The square had music playing, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere.

After returning to the hotel, we met up with Morris and continued exploring the medina, enjoyed another meal together, and shared stories. Morris planned to head about 20 km down the coast to a surfing spot called City Kayuki, where he found a place to stay and maybe even a surfboard. We parted ways for the foreseeable future, enjoying the good company.

Another night at the Kasbah Hotel capped off a truly enjoyable day. Essaouira’s charm and rhythm offer a taste of life in Africa that’s different, vibrant, and unforgettable.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Morning exploration outside the medina, walking along the beach
• 02:00 – Discovering walled areas and local workshops
• 03:15 – Exploring the medina’s alleys and rooftops
• 04:30 – Quick trim at a one-person hairdresser (~50 dirham/$5)
• 05:15 – Coffee and tea breaks while enjoying the medina views
• 06:00 – Visiting the fishermen’s area, watching fish sales and local disputes
• 07:30 – Birds, music, and lively street activity
• 08:15 – Returning to the hotel and meeting Morris
• 09:00 – Evening exploration, dinner, and catching up
• 09:45 – Morris planning his next stop at City Kayuki for surfing
• 10:30 – Reflecting on the day’s experiences in Essaouira

📍 Location: Essaouira, Morocco

🗒️ Episode Notes: Good day! Waking up in Essaouira in our very Moroccan hotel set the tone for another adventurous day. Johan and I decided to explore the town in the morning before meeting up with Morris later.

We first wandered along the outside of the medina, where one side opens to the beach. Nearby, we discovered another walled area that included a cemetery — a reminder that not everyone gets to enjoy the view. Walking around, we found small workshops and utility areas where locals were hard at work with minimal tools.

Back in the medina, the intricate alleys and vibrant walkways were a delight to explore. I stumbled upon a small hairdresser shop and decided to get a quick trim — about 50 dirham (~$5). The medina offered endless discoveries: coffee stops, rooftop views, and charming streets where people live their daily lives.

Later, we visited the fishermen’s area outside the medina, where freshly caught fish was displayed for sale. There was lively activity, with boats arriving and locals negotiating space. Birds were a nuisance, and I even got lightly pecked, but it was all part of the experience. The square had music playing, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere.

After returning to the hotel, we met up with Morris and continued exploring the medina, enjoyed another meal together, and shared stories. Morris planned to head about 20 km down the coast to a surfing spot called City Kayuki, where he found a place to stay and maybe even a surfboard. We parted ways for the foreseeable future, enjoying the good company.

Another night at the Kasbah Hotel capped off a truly enjoyable day. Essaouira’s charm and rhythm offer a taste of life in Africa that’s different, vibrant, and unforgettable.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Morning exploration outside the medina, walking along the beach
• 02:00 – Discovering walled areas and local workshops
• 03:15 – Exploring the medina’s alleys and rooftops
• 04:30 – Quick trim at a one-person hairdresser (~50 dirham/$5)
• 05:15 – Coffee and tea breaks while enjoying the medina views
• 06:00 – Visiting the fishermen’s area, watching fish sales and local disputes
• 07:30 – Birds, music, and lively street activity
• 08:15 – Returning to the hotel and meeting Morris
• 09:00 – Evening exploration, dinner, and catching up
• 09:45 – Morris planning his next stop at City Kayuki for surfing
• 10:30 – Reflecting on the day’s experiences in Essaouira

📍 Location: Essaouira, Morocco

🗒️ Episode Notes: Good day! October 3rd marks our second day in Morocco. We started the day with a walk to pick up some engine oil for the vehicle — it’s always good to check that everything is running smoothly, and so far, our journey from the Netherlands has been going well. While walking, I noticed there’s still a lot of cleanup needed around Morocco, especially with plastic bottles scattered about, although some areas are well-maintained.

The goal today was to reach Essaouira. I didn’t know much about it beforehand, but I had heard good things. We followed the main road to stay on schedule, as we need to be at the south end of Western Sahara on time to comply with export license plate regulations. Some minimal tolls along the way helped us move faster.

In Essaouira, we had a contact to meet — Morris, an Englishman connected through Nathan and Medea. He’s spent time teaching internationally and was enjoying Morocco for a few months. We made it there in time to meet him.

Finding a hotel was a bit tricky because it was Friday night and there was a music festival in town. After a few tries, we were lucky to find a traditional hotel right next to the old town walls, Hotel Kasbah. It was very reasonably priced at around 500 dirham per night (~$50/€40) and even included breakfast.

Having Morris as our guide, someone familiar with the city, made all the difference. We explored the old town, enjoyed dinner, and caught up on stories about Medea and Nathan. Essaouira has a charm and ambience that Marrakech, full of tourists, can’t match. It was a fantastic day, and it set the tone for the adventures ahead as we continue further down through Africa.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Morning walk and vehicle maintenance check
• 02:00 – Observations on Morocco’s cleanliness and litter issues
• 03:15 – Traveling on the main road towards Essaouira and paying tolls
• 04:30 – Meeting Morris, an English friend and guide
• 05:45 – Challenges finding a hotel during a music festival
• 07:00 – Staying at Hotel Kasbah near the old town
• 08:15 – Exploring the old town with guidance from Morris
• 09:30 – Dinner and catching up on stories with Morris
• 10:15 – Reflection on Essaouira’s ambience versus Marrakech
• 11:00 – Preparing for the next leg of the journey through Africa

📍 Location: Morocco — from the ferry port to Mohammedia

🗒️ Episode Notes: Good day! Today was the long-awaited day — making it to Africa. Since we were close to the ferry departure point, we quickly realized that the entry wasn’t where we first thought. After a few twists and turns, some paperwork, and a couple of return trips, we finally got the confirmation needed for our journey.

Our ferry was heading to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the Moroccan side, but we wanted to land further east toward Tangier. After navigating a lineup of several ships, we boarded a smaller vessel — the same one I remembered from my first trip to Morocco back in the early ’80s. Onboard, we met France and Bert from the Netherlands, two motorbike travelers, which reminded me how much I enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories.

The ferry journey itself went smoothly, but arriving in Morocco was an adventure. The harbor was massive, and navigating customs and vehicle checks took patience. Vehicles were scanned six at a time, and we waited for our papers to be approved while exchanging some dollars for Moroccan Dirhams.

Once on the road, we made our way through Rabat, admiring its wide boulevards, embassy-lined streets, and attention to cleanliness. We drove along the coast, stopping in Mohammedia just before Casablanca. Along the way, we noticed numerous policemen stationed along the freeway, likely for a government motorcade — possibly even the king of Morocco passing by!

Overall, it was a thrilling first day in Africa, hugging the coast, seeing the water, and taking in the sights. There’s much more to come, and I’m excited to share it as life unfolds.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Arrival at ferry port, initial confusion about entry points
• 02:15 – Paperwork and confirmation for the ferry journey
• 03:30 – Choosing the right ferry to Tangier, not Ceuta
• 05:00 – Meeting fellow travelers France and Bert from the Netherlands
• 06:15 – Ferry ride reflections and remembering previous journeys
• 07:30 – Arrival in Morocco: customs, vehicle scans, and exchanging money
• 09:00 – Driving through Rabat and appreciating its boulevards
• 10:15 – Police presence and motorcade along the route
• 11:30 – First impressions of Mohammedia and the Moroccan coast
• 12:00 – Excitement for the adventures ahead in Africa

📍 Location: Algeciras, Southern Spain

🗒️ Episode Notes: October 1, 2025 — today we set our sights on reaching Algeciras. The goal was clear, but as always, the journey has its uncertainties. We discovered there are several ways to cross the Mediterranean, each with multiple ferry companies. The actual sailing only takes about an hour to an hour and a half, but most of the time is spent waiting and getting things sorted.

Driving through southern Spain was beautiful — toasty weather, mountainous areas, and some lovely landscaping along the way. We used a few toll roads to save time, and Johan’s experience with hotels really came in handy. We ended up staying at Hotel Reina Cristina, a stately hotel in Algeciras. Being out of season, the price was very reasonable and included breakfast.

For me, parking close and being able to walk into town is always important, but this time the priority was being near the harbor to handle any ferry logistics. We spent the evening getting everything ready for the crossing and enjoyed a relaxing night in a fancy hotel instead of camping.

Everything went smoothly on our first day of traveling together, and we’re now ready for the big leap: Africa awaits.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Setting the goal: reaching Algeciras
• 02:00 – Mediterranean ferry logistics: routes, companies, and timing
• 03:10 – Scenic drive through southern Spain, including mountains and sunshine
• 04:20 – Using toll roads to optimize travel time
• 05:00 – Hotel strategies with Johan’s experience
• 06:15 – Check-in at Hotel Reina Cristina: luxury, breakfast, and convenience
• 07:30 – Planning proximity to the harbor for ferry preparations
• 08:20 – First day of traveling together went smoothly
• 09:00 – Looking forward to crossing into Africa tomorrow

📍 Location: Alfas del Pi, Spain

🗒️ Episode Notes: Today I decided to slow things down and stay put in Alfas del Pi. It was a practical kind of day — refueling, restocking, and soaking in the small-town charm. I got lucky and found diesel at €1.30 a liter when most stations were charging €1.50 or more. Those small wins always add up when you’re on the road.

We also stopped by one of those Chinese stores that seem to have everything imaginable — it’s the kind of place where you can find anything from kitchen tools to spare cables. Having someone local who knows where to go really makes life easier here.

Mariana is staying behind to take care of things while Johan heads off for some travel time, and she’s even planning to get some painting done. I guess having the space to yourself helps with that.

I spent some time walking around town, enjoying its simplicity. Alfas del Pi has great prices, a tight-knit expat community — many from Norway escaping the cold months — and just enough activity to keep things interesting. We even played a game with metal balls, something like pétanque, that the locals love.

The weather’s been perfect — around 28 to 30°C — warm enough to enjoy the beach, which isn’t far from here. It’s been a calm and easy day before the big push tomorrow: reaching the very end of the European continent.

🎧 Key Moments:

• 00:45 – Scoring cheap diesel and small savings on the road
• 02:10 – Wandering through the all-purpose Chinese shop
• 03:20 – Mariana holds down the fort while Johan travels
• 04:30 – Strolling around Alfas del Pi and soaking in the local vibe
• 06:00 – Discovering the metal-ball game loved by locals
• 07:20 – Reflections on the Norwegian community and life balance in Spain
• 08:15 – Perfect late-summer weather and beach proximity
• 09:00 – Looking ahead to tomorrow’s milestone: the edge of Europe

📍 Location:

Valencia → Alfas del Pi, Spain

🗒️ Episode Notes:

Good day — it’s Monday, September 29th. I started the morning just outside Valencia in a little town called Real, where the narrow countryside roads made for some beautiful, careful driving. From there, I made my way into the city to meet up with my longtime friend Scott Perry and his family. I’ve known Scott for over 15 years — we met back in Seattle through real estate circles — and it was great to see him again, now living in Spain with his wife from Colombia and their young baby.

It happened to be what I’m calling a “snow day” in Valencia. The city was on alert because of heavy rain and flooding from the night before — schools and offices were closed, and driving was messy. After a great visit and coffee with Scott, I set off again, this time through some serious downpour.

My next stop was Alfas del Pi, a small coastal town about an hour and a half south of Valencia. That’s where I reunited with Johan, an old friend from my teenage years who’s joining me for the next month of the journey. He lives in Norway now and works in the plastics supply chain, but he and his wife Marianne spend time here in their apartment in a community filled with retirees from Norway, the Netherlands, and beyond.

It was a short driving day but a meaningful one — reconnecting with old friends, reminiscing, and preparing for the next leg of the adventure.

⏱️ Key Moments:

• 0:00 – Leaving Real, Spain: Enjoying the narrow, winding countryside roads near Valencia.
• 0:10 – Meeting Scott Perry: Catching up with an old friend from Seattle who now lives in Spain.
• 0:20 – “Snow Day” in Valencia: Unexpected storms and school closures due to flooding.
• 0:40 – Heavy Rain on the Road: Navigating difficult weather leaving Valencia.
• 1:00 – Arrival in Alfas del Pi: Reuniting with Johan, a lifelong friend joining the journey.
• 1:20 – Settling In: Getting organized, relaxing, and preparing for the next phase.

📍 Location: La Jonquera → Barcelona → Valencia, Spain

🎧 Episode Notes (First Person)

Good day — September 28th. What a day it turned out to be. The morning started at the hotel where Adriana, originally from Colombia 26 years ago, helped me out. My Spanish is rusty, but somehow we made conversation work — that in itself was a great start to the day.

After a quick coffee, I hit the road with one goal in mind: fuel up in Spain instead of France. Diesel prices can vary wildly in France — sometimes up to €0.40–0.50 difference per liter — and with two 90-liter tanks, that adds up fast. Spain’s prices are much more consistent, so it made sense to hold off.

I tried to stop for gas in a charming little town called Historico, but since it was Sunday, the station was closed. No problem — I topped off along the freeway and kept rolling south.

Driving through Barcelona was something special. I don’t think I’d ever been there before, and it was great to get a feel for the city — its energy, architecture, and the glimpses of the sea along the way.

By late afternoon, I made my way toward Valencia. About 40 km out, I stayed with Antoine and Stefan, a Dutch couple who’ve made Spain their home. Their place sits in an area that was hit hard by floods a year ago. The hillside behind their property collected so much water that it turned their driveway into a river, washing away part of a retaining wall — but they were lucky; the house stayed safe. Sadly, some of their neighbors weren’t as fortunate.

That night we sat around speaking Dutch, sharing stories, and enjoying the calm after a long drive. Beautiful weather, no rain, good people — it was exactly the kind of day that makes this journey so rewarding.

Thanks for riding along — more tomorrow.

🗝️ Key Moments

• [00:00] Morning coffee and conversation with Adriana from Colombia
• [02:15] Strategy for fueling up — avoiding France’s high diesel prices
• [05:10] Passing through the charming but closed town of Historico
• [08:40] Driving through Barcelona for the first time
• [12:30] Scenic route toward Valencia with glimpses of the Mediterranean
• [15:00] Meeting Antoine and Stefan — Dutch expats living in Spain
• [18:10] Hearing their story about surviving last year’s floods
• [21:00] Relaxing evening, speaking Dutch, and reflecting on the journey

📍 Location:

Toul, France → La Jonquera, Spain

🗓️ Episode Date:

September 27th

📝 Episode Notes:

September 27th was a long day on the road, waking up in a small but cozy hotel in Toul, France. Breakfast was basic but sufficient to start the journey south. I relied heavily on my Garmin GPS navigation, which I find fun—it gives me directions, but if I want to take a different route, it adapts immediately.

The plan is simple: just keep moving, because I have only two weeks to reach Mauritania. Toll roads in France made the journey faster, even though we paid about €100, it saved a lot of time. My route took me through Dijon, Lyon, and then toward Marseille, covering a huge stretch of France.

By the end of the day, I reached La Jonquera, a small town just over the Spanish border. I stayed at Hotel La Rera, which had a restaurant that wasn’t open, but that was fine since there was a nearby supermarket. The day covered about 863 km, making it one of the longest driving days so far. La Jonquera is mountainous and right after the border, which makes it less suitable for sightseeing on this trip, but it offers plenty of commercial services and campsites.

It was a challenging but rewarding day of travel, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead tomorrow.

⏱️ Key Moments:

• 00:45 — Morning in Toul, France
• 01:30 — Breakfast and Preparing to Leave
• 02:15 — Using Garmin GPS for Navigation
• 03:30 — Toll Roads and Route Planning (Nancy → Dijon → Lyon → Marseille)
• 05:00 — Long Drive South
• 06:45 — Crossing into Spain
• 07:15 — Arrival in La Jonquera & Hotel La Rera
• 08:00 — Reflection on the 863 km Travel Day
• 08:30 — Preparing for the Next Leg of the Journey

📍 Location:

Neumannsdorp & Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands

🗓️ Episode Date:

September 26th

📝 Episode Notes:

September 26th marked the first true day of departure from the Netherlands. I started the day at a campsite in Neumannsdorp, filling up on relatively cheap diesel before heading to GlobalCar NL in Oud-Beijerland to apply for my export license plates. Things moved smoothly: the team connected with RDW, exchanged the yellow plates for white ones, and I was ready to go after paying €150 for two weeks of third-party insurance—enough time to cover the 4,500km journey through Europe and into Morocco, including Western Sahara.

Before leaving, I made a quick stop at 4x4 St. Annaland to check out rooftop tents and off-road gear. I picked up a High Lift Jack—a crucial tool if you ever get stuck in the mud, though I hoped not to test it anytime soon.

By noon, I was officially on the road out of the Netherlands. Anticipating heavy traffic around Antwerp and Brussels, I took a route through Liège and Luxembourg, where diesel is cheaper than in Belgium, France, or the Netherlands. Construction and traffic slowed me down at times, but I made it all the way to Nancy, France, before needing to stop for the night.

I ended up at Hotel Lorraine in Tul, a charming spot right in town with parking and a restaurant nearby. It was a perfect first night on the road, and I couldn’t have been happier to finally be moving southward and into the adventure ahead.

⏱️ Key Moments:

• 00:45 — Morning at Neumannsdorp Campsite
• 01:30 — Filling up on Diesel
• 02:15 — Export License Plates at GlobalCar NL, Oud-Beijerland
• 04:00 — Exchanging Yellow Plates for White
• 05:00 — €150 for Two-Week Insurance & Route Planning
• 06:00 — Stop at 4x4 St. Annaland for Gear and High Lift Jack
• 07:30 — Leaving the Netherlands via Liège and Luxembourg
• 09:00 — Traffic and Construction Slowdowns
• 10:30 — Arrival in Nancy, France
• 11:00 — First Night at Hotel Lorraine, Tul