The idea

The idea of travelling is not new

If traveling is learning, then I’m slow to understand because I’m almost 30 years, I still don’t want to stop. So either the training is longer than expected either I must resign myself to be an eternal teenager.

It’s been years that I’ve moved from side to side, that I see pals moving around the world, that I hear these improbable stories on TV or seeing incredible images that abound on the Internet, and well, what the hell, I want to do the same.

So I thought (for once). What do I like? What makes me want to move? What I could make me run for miles?

The idea of climbing is not new

The answer was easy. I’ve experienced lot of hobbies, I have practiced many sports, but one of these things remained intact: Rock Climbing. Climbing cliffs, put on my harness and go hang a quickdraws are actions that always make me thrill.

It improves the sense of balance, makes shoulders stongs. Good for the body but also good for the spirit: I have never felt such a peacefull feeling after completing a route, in any other sport. A complete sport but also a state of mind. I don’t remember of climbers that left me a bad memory. Instead, I met a lot of friendly and close to nature people.

And this is the best point: Nature. Overcome the cliff, riding the vertical walls, taking advantage of an unfriendly environment. Most of the time, climbing is practiced in paradisiac sites: Mountains, cliffs and rocks. And often at the top of the route, wonderful panoramas…

That’s it, I’ve got my leitmotiv

Now, I have to choose the destination. There’s southeastern Asia the biggest hippie-tourist destination of the moment. U.S. also offer many route and legendary spots. One can hear of fantastic routes in Madagascar or South America …

But sometimes by looking too far, we won’t see what is in front of your eyes. The cliffs of Provence are those who hold my shivering legs on my first climbing time. Southern France has an impressive number of rockc climbing spots. Spain is also a good destination with its pleasant climate and legendary spots. Croatia is the new playground for climbers. And we hear of routes in remote areas of Turkey or Morocco …

The idea of mediterranean is not new

Here’s my destination: The Mediterranean. The Mediterranean tour. Thus, I could go through 3 continents, meet different people, discover new cultures. The sea that was for a while the center of the world, that saw the birth of civilizations that changed the world. But it’s also a common point between countries, religions, cultures which are very differents. But also common point among men enjoying the good things and I like that. The sunshine and culinary specialities: The maghrebian Couscous, italian pastas, turkish kebabs , tapas from Spain …

Unfortunately, what you want is not what you can. Drive around the Mediterranean is not so simple and as my project progresses, difficulties arise: border between Morocco and Algeria is closed, diplomatic problems with Libya, the conflict in the Middle East … It appears to me that this idea is more complex than I expected. In order to avoid problematic areas, I thought of using through boats, but it’s really expensive this way. I decided to review my roadmap for
a trip around Europe

OK, I have my leitmotiv, my roadmap, I just miss a way to do that. How to make this trip possible?

The modern thoughts would tell me to use a durable transportation and respectful of the nature like walking, bicycle or public transport. Ideal way to meet local and respect ecological requirements. Unfortunately, it seems difficult to carry both my belongings, my bed, my kitchen and my climbing equipment for hundreds or even thousands of miles. The ideal solution for my project is the Volkswagen van.

The idea of the VW is not new

What better thing than to be able to move with his house? These are simple arguments that convinced me: moving with his bed, sleeping anywhere (almost) and having enough storage capacity.

Also, the T3 are handy and quite small for campers. Their high floor allow them to go in many places. The engine is common and universal and so may be repaired everywhere, even in the middle of Bulgaria (I hope!). Finally, their face is so cute. Personally, I always felt the charm of these vans with their popup roof.

Now I’ll tell you what happened in reality.