Is a trip along the Silk Road in a Euro VI expedition vehicle somewhat like organizing one’s own Icarus Flight? Some mountain ranges – like the Caucasus and the Pamirs – are very high, bearing the possibility of falling deeply. The former literally, due to its steep slopes and gaping valleys. The latter metaphorically, because of the lack of oxygen at altitudes above 4000m. The Karakum Desert is overwhelmingly vast. Although less famous, it’s one of the biggest deserts in the world. But, we have gained some experience with these kinds of challenges and we’re eager to go. Our biggest concern is indeed about traveling to remote areas with a technologically complex vehicle.
Traveling remote areas with a simple vehicle. Crossing Lac Maider between Merzouga and Tagounite – Morocco
The first thing many people ask when planning a journey like this is: “Are you sure it’s safe?” Although such questions comprise a true concern, especially while being on the road, I always get the feeling that it somewhat expresses a worldview based on a lack of fundamental trust in mankind. Of course, we think about safety while traveling. We weigh up the pros and cons about visiting regions like the south of Turkey close to the Syrian border. We inform ourselves about the actual situation in Dagestan. We are careful in cities. Especially about questions like where to park the truck and at what time to go or how long we might stay on the same spot. But we do not do all of this on a basis of distrust. It’s rather with normal carefulness, or to facilitate a search for optimal conditions.
At the moment, we have an emerging overall picture of our route taking place from April until August 2019, while at the same time leaving many possibilities open. Some spots we really want to visit, other things of interest will undoubtedly pop up along the way. Keeping in mind the total distance of approximately 25,000 kilometers, it feels as if Greece will only be our starting point.
It is not clear yet if we will travel west or east of the Adriatic sea.Through Italy would be the fastest way. But what’s the meaning of fast on a journey of about five months? The idea is to leave Chronos at home, and let Kairos decide. Once on the road with our camper, we will go to bed when it’s dark and wake up at dawn. Can anything be more natural?
The possibility of once again taking the ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa is appealing. A ship casting off ropes is a strong symbol, just like the heaving sea between you and home. It somehow feels similar to performing on stage as a musician, a dancer or an actor: as soon as you come from behind the scenes there’s no way back. In both situations it means navigate or drown, play or die.
On the other side of the Adriatic reside nice memories of Albania, which we crossed two summers ago. When we left for Albania, people raised the same question: “Are you sure it’s safe?” The more people doubt Albania as a safe travel destination, the longer it will stay one of Europe’s best kept secrets. So, please, don’t tell anyone.
A major concern is about the truck. The Iveco Daily 4×4 is a very capable vehicle, but we’ll be heading to some regions where diesel isn’t always easily available, not to mention the quality of the fuel. It can be contaminated by sand, water, or whatever sellers mixed it with on the black market, especially in Uzbekistan. It may contain way too much sulphur. Even at filling stations, one cannot always be sure about the official quality of the fuel, especially in border regions where fuel is likely to be smuggled from a neighbouring country.
In the end, it seems that the preparations for the journey have become a little bit weird. There is far too much focus on the intricacies and possible problems of the Euro VI vehicle and the almost complete lack of service points than on the journey itself. It’s about time to focus again on the real adventure of overlanding on the Silk Road, the encounters, the scenery and the culturally interesting places ahead.