Reise
We cruised along the spectacular coastal road – curve after curve revealed a new postcard-perfect panorama. The sea sparkled in the afternoon sun, and we just couldn’t get enough of the view. As the day came to an end, the setting sun painted the sky in warm hues.
The next day, we covered a good stretch of road, stopping only briefly for a juicy burger and to refuel. Everyone admired our 🐸, and for a change, we were served coffee at the pump.
Even though we asked about card payment in advance, all our cards were declined – so we had to withdraw more cash 💸.
Crossing the stylish bridge, we made our way back into Europe and continued on to Bulgaria.
#roadtripvibes #vanlifeeurope #coastalviews #lifeontheroads #travelmoment #backtoeurope
After enjoying a relaxed breakfast together with Gülce, Orkan & Jeron we hit the road and followed the stunning coastal route. It wound picturesquely along the sea, dipped into forests, and twisted through rugged mountains. Our next overnight spot was hidden away in a secluded bay – a small, quiet place filled only with the sound of the waves.
#vanlife #coastaldrive #hiddenbay #ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇʟᴏᴠᴇʀs #roadtripvibes #seasideescape #offthebeatenpath #panoramaroute
We found a dreamlike spot – perched on a cliff with a stunning view of the shimmering sea.
In the evening, a Turkish couple around our age joined us. The vibe was just right from the start: we swam, chatted, fished together, spotted dolphins, and shared a meal.
As so often, saying goodbye felt hard – so we simply stayed another day.
Later, a friendly motorcyclist from the Netherlands rolled in – and he stayed too.
It turned into a wonderful evening full of stories, laughter, and good vibes.
These are the moments that make traveling so special. 🌊✨🐬🌅
@orkanvaran: We are looking forward meeting you in january 🤩.
#travelmagic #vanlifemoments #cliffsidecamping #dolphinsighting #sunsetvibe #lifeontheroads
In Sinop, we strolled along the impressive old city walls, towers, and the historic prison. Afterwards, we went on a culinary shopping spree, picking up handmade manti and freshly baked pide straight from a stone oven. A true feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
#sinop #turkeytravel #foodlover #mantı #pide #culinaryjourney #oldtownvibes #travelturkey
The skid plate – a shaky candidate for weeks – finally gave up today.
Just after we had left our dreamy overnight spot in the bird sanctuary, we heard a loud crack – it had torn off on one side.
Christophe was just getting into his “mechanic outfit” when a helpful man stopped by.
Not five minutes later, we were in a courtyard with a warm-hearted family – tea in hand, tools at the ready.
And before we knew it, the thing was back in place.
What can we say?
You Turks are simply amazing! 🙌🇹🇷🤩
#vanlife #overlandlife #turkeylove #roadsidehelp #thankyouturkey #overlanding #vanlifediarie #travelmoments #realtravel
Back again in our beloved country – Merhaba Türkiye 🇹🇷!
The border crossing was quick, greeted by warm smiles.
The weather wasn’t great, which made four Iranian women even happier when we offered them a ride. @_elaahe_mohamadi_
Just like in Armenia and Georgia, we kept meeting fascinating people – locals, hikers, adventurers.
In Trabzon, we spent the night at a shopping mall – a familiar spot from our journey out.
We topped up our SIM card, did a bit of shopping, and enjoyed some delicious food.
Before continuing the next day, we treated ourselves to a frappuccino and took care of some shop-related stuff.
Following the coastline, we chugged along to a dreamy overnight spot in a bird sanctuary.
#vanlifeturkey #travelstories #overlanding #coastaldrive #Trabzon #birdsanctuary #roadtripadventure #digitalnomads #travelvibes #travelcoupledestinations
On our way to the Turkish border, we made another stop at the hot springs – the exact same spot we had visited before. We loved alternating between the steaming pools and the cold river.
This place seems to specialize in screw-making and modifications. Last time it was for Miri & Tobi @rtwriders, @moto_miri, this time for Mr. 🐸.
One evening, we got unexpected company: a cheerful group of Georgians showed up, and before we knew it, we were partying until 2 a.m.
We had actually planned to leave earlier… but as so often, we stayed longer than expected.
Eventually, though, it was time to say goodbye to Simone and Uwe. Thank you for the unforgettable weeks we got to share @simoneh2507 and @polifoto2911 😘. Who knows, hopefully we’ll meet again next year in Türkiye.
#hotsprings #vanlifeadventure #georgiatravel #goodbyefriends #vanlifemoment #travelbuddies❤️ #vanlifediaries
On our way to the overnight spot, we treated ourselves to a good burger. Along the way, we were amazed at how quickly the landscape changed. Our campsite could just as well have been somewhere in the western USA: wide-open views and a peaceful location right by the river. Inga went for a short walk around the area.
The next day we headed to Gori – not exactly a beauty, more like a relic of the past. The city is mainly known as Stalin’s birthplace. His oversized legacy is celebrated in a surprisingly uncritical museum that feels more like hero worship than historical reflection.
But our stopover had a very different purpose: we just wanted to quickly stock up on supplies at the local market.
#roadtripdiaries #overlanding #vanlifeadventures #gori #StalinMuseum #travelmoments #nomadlife #epiclandscapes #rivercamp #exploringgeorgia
Mtskheta – the ancient capital and still the spiritual heart of Georgia – almost like a mini Jerusalem. Christianity was declared the state religion here as early as 337 AD, making it one of the first countries in the world to do so!
Our visit began at an active nunnery. While photography inside was forbidden, the atmosphere was buzzing: a bishop was blessing everyone with a ceremonial “pompom,” bread, fruit, and sweets were handed out, and the sound of nuns' prayers filled the room. People stood everywhere – there are no chairs in Orthodox churches.
This is also the final resting place of King Mirian III and Queen Nana – the royal couple who, with the help of Saint Nino, brought Christianity to Georgia. Their tomb lies outside in a small chapel.
In the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – where the robe of Christ is said to be buried – there’s even a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. No wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and even mentioned in the national anthem.
We ended the day with a stroll through the charming old town, full of character and lovely houses.
#mtskheta #georgiatravel #unescoheritage #orthodoxchurch #svetitskhoveli #culturalheritage #roadtripgeorgia
We leisurely chugged through the mountains – winding roads, breathtaking views, pure freedom. The road followed a turquoise-blue reservoir, and right there we found our sleeping spot with a view of the lake.
The water was just too tempting – so we jumped in more than once.
Not far away lay the Alanuri Monastery, which we visited on a walk through the area. The magical evening sun bathed the ancient walls in golden light.
#ananuri❤️ #ananuri #vanlife #roadtripvibes #lakeviewcamping #mountainescape #travelmoment #goldenhourmagic #monasteryviews
We camped above a river – right on the edge of a cliff. To cool off, of course we jumped into the water, but the current was pretty strong.
The sunsets looked like paintings – always a bit different, but beautiful. Like most nights, the sky above us was crystal clear and full of stars – absolutely breathtaking. One evening, we even saw the Starlink satellite chain.
Each day, the pack of dogs around our camp grew larger – and, as usual in Georgia, shepherd visits were included.
One goat was particularly curious – maybe a bit too curious. It bravely climbed up the stairs to Mr. 🐸, peeked inside… and tumbled headfirst down. Luckily, it was totally fine!
One night, a seriously beat-up car stopped by – cracked windshield, front and rear bumpers missing – but the driver handed us two bottles of wine and schnapps through the window. Georgia, you box of surprises!
One thing that puzzled us: on one hand, we met incredibly hospitable people, but in shops and other places? Not many smiles, friendly gestures, or words – people seemed rather reserved.
We used the apples we were gifted the other day to bake a cake.
And one day, we rode the motorbike off-road through the Caucasus mountains and straight across a riverbed.
#vanlifegeorgia #overlandingadventures #caucasusmountain #sunsetvibe #wildcamping #shepherdlife #georgianhospitality #ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇʟᴏᴠᴇʀ #roadtriptales #georgiatravel #travelmoments
In Telavi, we visited the Batonis Tsikhe fortress, once the seat of King Erekle II.
Just a few steps away, we came across a true witness of time – a 900-year-old plane tree.
To our surprise, we even stumbled upon a Hofbräuhaus in authentic Bavarian style – right in the heart of Georgia!
Next, we dove into the vibrant bustle of the local bazaar and rediscovered a true culinary gem: the delicious sunflower oil (made by roasting the seeds before pressing them) we first encountered during a wine tasting. 😋
To top it all off, we treated ourselves to a mouthwatering shawarma.
#telavi #georgiatravel #culturalheritage #localmarkets #offthebeatenpath #travelmoment #ancienttree #foodietravel
Today’s journey took us to the Ibero Winery, where we immersed ourselves in the ancient tradition of Georgian winemaking. During a fascinating tour, we not only learned about the famous clay vessels called Qvevri, but also felt the passion that goes into every bottle here.
Afterwards, a festive, traditional Georgian lunch awaited us – accompanied by aromatic wine, fruity liqueur, and a strong shot of chacha. Everything was delicious, so of course we couldn’t leave without taking a few bottles with us.
We sat on a terrace overlooking the sun-drenched wine valley, with the peaks of the Caucasus rising in the background.
Luckily, we didn’t have to move an inch – we stayed overnight at the winery.
A truly perfect day in Georgia’s most beautiful wine region.
#kakheti #georgianwine #qvevri #winetasting #travelgeorgia #winelovers🍷 #culinarytravel
In Lagodekhi National Park, we set out on impressive yet demanding hikes to hidden waterfalls. At the smaller waterfall, we were welcomed by the mouthwatering smell of grilled meat: a Georgian family was barbecuing shashlik and kindly offered us two delicious skewers. We returned the favor with cookies.
We set up camp on a lush green meadow just outside the park, with a stunning view of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. As night fell, we heard wolves howling and watched fireflies dancing through the grass.
On our final evening, a man on a scooter stopped by and gifted us wine and homemade chacha. An hour later, he returned with strawberries and apples – completely unexpected, as most Georgians we’d met before were much more reserved.
The second hike took Inga to an even higher waterfall. The ranger we had met the day before invited her for a drink at a stylish A-frame resort. He confirmed what we had only guessed the night before: yes, those were indeed wolves we had heard.
#lagodekhinationalpark #lagodekhi #hiddenwaterfall #caucasusmountains #georgianhospitality #vanlifeadventures #wildcampingadventures #hikinggeorgia #naturemagic
After all the dust, the bumps, and the excitement of the national park, it was time for a break. Just below St. Elia Monastery, we found the perfect retreat: quiet, remote – a place to breathe again.
Nature, however, stayed wild:
Right in front of us, a spider wasp stunned its prey and dragged the spider away. And finally – from a safe distance – a snake that thankfully slithered in the right direction. 😉
The steep climb up for sunset was absolutely worth it: From the top, the view stretched far across the barren landscape – it almost felt like we were already in Azerbaijan.
We sat, enjoyed, talked, philosophized – and eventually made our way back to basecamp under the soft glow of our headlamps.
#wildgeorgia #naturemoments #travelpause #sunsethike #remoteretreat #dedoplistskaro #monastery
In the wild east of Georgia, near the Azerbaijani border, not only the tracks but also the 🐸 reached their limits. Deep ruts, rocky climbs, and muddy riverbeds shook us to the core and really took a toll on the frog. The already damaged skid plate took another hit. It's still holding – but it definitely needs welding soon.
Simone and Uwe ran into trouble too: a leaky diesel line forced an unplanned repair stop. Thankfully, a good dose of improvisation and technical skills saved the day – because relying on outside help out here? Not an option.
We came across a stranded 4x4 whose emergency call was flat-out denied. The driver was beyond grateful when we were able to give him a jump start.
In the midst of this barren, rugged landscape, we set off on a hike – and had our permit checked by border police. Two little dogs found us along the trail and ended up sticking with us, guarding our camp loyally through the night.
The landscape in the park kept changing – we even passed through groves of wild pistachio trees.
Back in civilization, we treated ourselves to the same delicious döner we had already enjoyed on the way in – even tastier the second time around!
#offroadadventure #noroadnoproblem #pistachiotree #vashlovaninationalpark #doglife #bushmechanics #adventuretravels
In the coming days, we’ll head into the Vashlovani National Park. Since it’s very remote, we had a few things to take care of first: applying for a permit for the park, getting clearance from the border police, filling up the tank, stocking up on water and groceries…
At the market, we met a friendly young man who spoke French. We also had a "Döner" that was surprisingly delicious.
Then we continued to a former Soviet military airfield, where we explored the area and spent the night. As if on cue, a thunderstorm rolled in.
To top it off, several rockets were fired into the sky and exploded. It looked like they were launched from Azerbaijan.
The next day, a shepherd visited us with his adorable foal.
Some of the bunkers are still used by local farmers for storage. We met a few who couldn’t close the heavy doors anymore—so Christophe and the 🐸 jumped in to help.
#airfield #sovietrelics #roadtripmoments #travelgeorgia #thunderstormvibes #thunder
We set up our camp right in front of Eagle Canyon. With perfect thermals, we headed out along the upper edge of the canyon. From there, we had a spectacular view of the show in the sky: vultures, eagles, and other birds of prey silently circling above, carried by the wind, rising effortlessly into the heights. On the opposite cliff face, we spotted their nesting sites – a constant coming and going.
Later, we dared to descend into the gorge. The landscape was breathtaking – just our kind of place. We were already looking forward to a refreshing dip. But reality hit hard: the water was murky and filled with trash, the banks littered with garbage. Any desire to swim vanished instantly. We had never seen such a sad sight – a natural paradise suffering at the hands of humans.
#eaglecanyon #birdsofprey #vanlifeadventures #wildnature #canyonviews #ecoawareness #protectnature #vanlifegeorgia #hikingadventures👣
Things got wild once again: kingfishers darted through the bushes, a hoopoe strutted elegantly along the path, and a large hare calmly hopped right across our way. We even spotted a herd of water buffalo – though by then, we had already traded the wilderness for civilization.
Our 🐸 was less relaxed: the tank was nearly empty, and the incline too steep – not enough diesel was reaching the engine. Christophe got to test his pump, and thanks to Simone and Uwe generously sharing some diesel, our 🐸 purred like a kitten again.
We spent the night next to an old castle. A horse stood tied up there – in 30°C heat, with no water. Thirsty, it drank the 10 liters we offered it in one go.
Next, we visited what might just be Georgia’s most charming town, with an unmistakable Italian flair. Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the country’s largest wine-growing region, it’s surrounded by a 4-kilometer-long city wall and an impressive 23 defensive towers.
It was touristy – and hot! So, naturally, we restocked our beer supplies 🤣.
#sighnaghi #sighnaghicityoflove❤️🇬🇪 #travel #overland #kurzhauber #georgia
Today we headed into the semi-desert in the southeast to visit the David Gareja monastery complex.
Founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David, the churches, chapels, and monks' cells are carved directly into the rock.
A place suspended between sky, stone, and border tensions – as part of the complex lies in Azerbaijan. We were watched closely by soldiers.
#davidgareja #georgiatravel #cavemonastery #offthebeatenpath
Dreamily remote by the lake and surrounded by the glowing red rocks of the Red Rocks, we set up camp.
Inga laced up her hiking boots and circled the lake before exploring the Red Rocks the next day – a true highlight!
Luckily, the trail wasn’t marked by 🐍🐍 this time, but rather by 🐢: two curious tortoises waddled straight toward Inga – one even made it all the way to her shoe. The freshwater turtles, on the other hand, were very shy. And then Inga even found a shell – a silent witness to a long-gone tortoise.
The colors of the rocks were strongly reminiscent of the Painted Desert in the USA – hues of red, orange, brown, yellow, and violet, as if nature had been painted with a giant brush. The sunset was spectacular, and the blood moon rising later on was just as impressive.
At night, we once again heard the howling voices of jackals – a familiar sound since our time in Turkey. Pure wilderness.
#redrock #paintedmountains #turtles #wildcamping #offthebeatenpath #desertcolors #wildernesswhispers #vanlifemoments #naturelover❤️
We were heading offroad to the red rocks, aiming for a secluded lakeside spot. Should’ve been a simple trip – but a collapsed bridge threw a wrench in our plans. Giving up? Not our style. So we scouted a new route.
It turned out to be quite the detour, so we camped overnight before continuing the next day. Then, deep in a narrow river valley, it happened: Mr. 🐸 scraped the rear end. The skid plate bent upward and one of its mounts tore.
Ironically, we’d almost left that thing at home – we had a feeling it might cause trouble. But on European roads, it’s mandatory…
On video, it all looks pretty tame – but as always, the steep climbs are hard to capture on camera!
#offroad #offroadingvideos #offroading4x4 #4x4 #4x4trucks #offroadadventure #offroadcamper #offroadtruck
In Alaverdi, the Soviet past is still very much alive – especially around the old copper mines. The buses, however, are part of the modern public transport system.
That was it for the monasteries – for now. Our final stop: the impressive Haghpat Monastery, of course a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, we recharged with some delicious shashlik, a beloved Armenian national dish.
Then we rumbled on toward Georgia – and "rumbled" is the right word. Just after crossing the border, the country welcomed us with roads that took the concept of "potholes" to a whole new level.
Welcome back to Georgia!
#haghpat #alaverdi #unesco #unescoworldheritage #sovietheritage #travelcaucasus
From this beautifully located overnight spot, we had a fantastic view.
One morning, a sow trotted by with her whole gang of piglets – a very special kind of breakfast visit! 🐷
In Armenia, it feels like you stumble upon a monastery every ten minutes – and yet each one has its own unique charm.
Sanahin is our second-to-last, but definitely not the most inconspicuous. On the contrary: this venerable structure has made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The name Sanahin roughly means: “This one is older than that one!” – a cheeky dig at the neighboring Haghpat Monastery.
Which one was really built first remains unclear to this day.
But Sanahin was far more than just a place for prayers and chants. In the Middle Ages, it became a true think tank: a school for calligraphy, science, medicine, and philosophy.
#sanahin #monastery #vanlife #rundhauber #travel #travelvibes
Our hike led us to a cave and then to the enchanted Kobayr Monastery, spectacularly clinging to a cliffside. Along the way, we stopped in a quaint village – the pastries there were absolutely fantastic.
You wouldn’t believe what grows along the trail! 🤣
Later, we also visited the cathedral in Odzun and the Horomayr Monastery.
#kobayrmonastery #horomayr #odzun #vanlifeadventures #hikingarmenia #vanlifers
On our way to a dreamy mountain campsite high above the canyon, we made a delicious stop at what can only be described as a true foodie temple. We stocked up on mouthwatering treats – especially the pastries and cake, which were simply divine!
We also passed through a remote Russian village where time seemed to stand still. Life there reminded us of the Amish in the USA – simple, traditional, and deeply rooted. That’s where we met Anna (@dogskidscatsvan) and her family, fellow overlanders who had made this quiet village their temporary home.
The entire drive wound through a breathtaking gorge, following the course of a wild, untamed river.
At our campsite, we were greeted by a small travel group who spoke some French and kindly offered us juice, cookies, and napkins.
Big thanks to Uwe for the awesome 🦎 photos!
#debed #overland #armenia #vanlifediaries #rv
At a peaceful spot overlooking Yerevan, we met up with Simone and Uwe (@simoneh2507 and @polifoto2911 ) again. Of course, the reunion was celebrated properly: the sun was shining, the drinks were flowing and we let our souls unwind.
Suddenly, a few uninvited guests showed up – led by a rather self-confident bull who fiercely defended his herd. No room for negotiation! We quickly retreated into Mr. 🐸.
Our next camping spot was by Armenia’s largest lake, Sevan lake, framed by gentle hills and endless skies. We had just gotten cozy when another animal parade passed by: cows, sheep, horses, and goats – once again led by bulls who clearly had a problem with overlanders. One of them made it very clear: This is my territory! But he didn’t quite dare to take on Mr. 🐸.
The herders in Armenia ride through their flocks like laid-back cowboys – on horseback, of course.
#vanlifeadventures #unexpectedvisitor #bullattack #wildencounters #nomadlifestyle #camperlife🚐 #cowboyvibes #vanlifeeurope
We stayed a few days in Yerevan, as there were a few things to take care of. Mr. 🐸 got an oil change and thanks to Vladimir ( @vladimir_rimvb )the exhaust pipe was treated to a brand-new flex piece. Our side trip to the Russian embassy turned out to be a total flop—as expected. Of course, we explored the city, a mix of Soviet charm, pink tuff stone and trendy restaurants.
One evening was particularly special: together with Artyom and Natascha (@artyomkhozyainov), we devoured our way through the local cuisine in a charming little restaurant, enjoyed some delicious Armenian wine and had great conversations. We ended the night in an excellent cocktail bar. A perfect evening all around.
#yerevan #armenianwine #overlandadventure #kurzhauber #cityexploration #armeniancuisine
Inga once again made use of Christophe’s practical drop-off service: starting at one monastery, she hiked through a stunning canyon to reach the next. Along the river, countless blue butterflies fluttered by her side – a truly magical trail.
Less magical: the night before, she had read that some local snakes are described as "aggressive creatures with deadly venom." So when the (for once well-marked!) path suddenly led out of the canyon, she followed it at first. But once at the top, she realized – wrong way. She wasn’t looking for a village, she wanted nature… so back down into the gorge.
The turnoff was barely visible – overgrown, dry, and clearly prime snake territory.
The first big brown snake didn’t faze her too much. But after spotting two more and when one actually came towards her on the narrow path hugging the slope – her sense of adventure quickly gave way to pure survival mode. Turning back? Not really an option – she was already deep in it.
So she gathered all her courage, stomped loudly back through the brush – and ended up counting seven snakes she actually saw. She heard at least twenty more.
To make things worse, people had apparently dumped trash and dead animals into the canyon from above. Inga stumbled upon skulls and jawbones and parts of the trail reeked of decay. 😵💫
Inga finds snakes fascinating – just not when they’re flicking their tongues next to her hiking boot. Total horror! So you can imagine her relief when she finally reached the monastery – where Mr. 🐸 and Christophe were already waiting for her.
#hikingadventure #snakeencounter #wildtrail #adventurehike #butterfly
This awesome lost place was one of the most ambitious scientific projects of the Soviet era. It was used to study cosmic phenomena like supernovae and active galaxies and was one of the most sensitive radio telescopes of its time. Embedded in the ground, it impresses with a diameter of 54 meters.
The incredibly well-preserved control center was fascinating.
As of today, there are two new scientists in charge of the facility 🤣
#lostplace #radiotelescope #urbanexplorations #astrophysics #abandonedplace #spaceresearch #urbex #sovietheritage
We spent the night overlooking Yerevan at the archaeological site and visited the fortress, the church, the bathhouse, the water reservoir and more the next morning. The fortress was being renovated using a rather adventurous crane.
The site was picturesquely nestled in the mountains, surrounded by dramatic gorges.
On the way to the beautiful Tegher Monastery, we saw an old woman working in a field. When she gestured to show her thirst, we spontaneously stopped to offer her fresh water and a few cookies.
At the monastery, where we also spent the night, we hiked to the Radio Optical Observatory.
In Armenian Apostolic churches, it is customary for women to wear a light headscarf when entering—a sign of reverence. Scarves are available at the entrance for guests.
During our hike, we came across several caterpillars.
#teghermonastery #armenianhighland #amberd #visitarmenia #vanlife #overland
We spent the night at 3,193 m and set off before 7 AM from the frozen Kari Lake for our hike to the southern summit of Mount Aragats. We ascended 700 meters through a breathtaking snowy landscape. Along the way, we met a friendly Iranian and enjoyed stunning views — including Mount Ararat, once a symbol of Armenia, now located in Turkey.
When we reached the summit, we had it entirely to ourselves at first. Later, two Russians joined us. A dog accompanied us the whole way as if it were the most natural thing in the world. On the way back down, Christophe turned his jacket into a makeshift sled and zoomed down the slope, cheering with joy.
Back at the bottom, we watched people stacking snow blocks onto their car roofs — probably their fridge for the coming week. Since it was Sunday and the weather couldn’t have been better, lots of day-trippers were making their way up the mountain. We delayed our departure to avoid the oncoming traffic on the narrow road — a good decision: that’s how we met Natascha and Artyom, two Russians now living in Yerevan. Together, we had coffee in Mr. 🐸 and shared some snacks. We’ll probably visit them in Yerevan.
Just before leaving, we chatted with an Italian bike traveler and had a pleasant conversation with a local who lives by the lake (probably the only one besides the hotel/restaurant and the research station 😉). He invited us for tea and coffee. But it was already getting dark, Inga was struggling with a headache (possibly due to the altitude) and we still had to get down into the valley. With heavy hearts, we declined 😥.
#mountaragats #winterhiking #karilake #armenianhighland #frozenadventure #snowypeaks #summitviews #mountararat #overlandlife #vanlifestories
On our way to Lake Kari which is the highest point in Armenia accessible by car, we made a stop at the Armenian Alphabet Park.
39 massive stone sculptures, each a beautifully carved letter from this ancient script.
Of course, we struck a pose next to the first letters of our names and together at the letter “K.”
We continued through wide highland plains, passing a few scattered nomad camps (Yazidis).
Then, suddenly, the weather turned. A rainbow arched across the sky and above Mr. 🐸🌈.
#armeniaadventure #alphabetpark #ancientscript #stonelettering #nomadlifestyle #rainbowview
We took a sweeping detour around the majestic Mount Aragats when, just before a tunnel, an unpleasant surprise greeted us: a vicious speed bump!
How can you put something like that on Armenia’s main highway?
Bang! The exhaust pipe gave up and fell off.
Luckily, Christophe had the right tools on hand and, with practiced ease, screwed the thing back together.
We rolled on – this time with pricked ears and a cautious foot on the gas – heading toward Aparan, home to the region’s famous bakers.
In the middle of this otherwise nearly deserted mountain landscape, a lively building suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
There were baked goods, full menus, desserts, stuffed flatbreads, sweet and savory treats – and a steady stream of hungry people.
A culinary temple in the middle of nowhere!
We tasted our way through the offerings and ended up buying two loaves, straight from the traditional oven.
#roadtriparmenia #aparan #vanlife #fixit #foodie #bakery #localfoodlove
Christophe dropped Inga off at the starting point of the hike. The trail followed the edge of a plateau, led through a valley, passed a lake, and ended at an Urartian inscription from a king proudly boasting about his conquest of the region.
Although the hike officially ended at the monastery, our overnight spot wasn't far – with a stunning view of Mount Aragaz (the highest mountain in Armenia) and the monastery, which we visited the next day. A woman sang a prayer just for us.
#armeniahiking #monasteryvibes #armenians #armeniansinger
We stopped in Armenia’s second-largest city – although “large” is relative, as it felt more like a charming, walkable town. The khachkars, still hand-carved to this day, are a symbol of Armenia and can be found everywhere.
The market was fantastic, and we stocked up on all kinds of delicious treats. The bakery with its massive flatbreads (lavash) was especially cool – and so tasty!
A surprise awaited us at the supermarket: local beer straight from the tap! That was definitely unexpected.
#gyumri #localmarket #visitarmenia #travelarmenia #ontheroad #overland
A Chilean motorcyclist @huidobrosinfrenos paid us a visit. He had already traveled 250,000 km on his Honda.
Before crossing the border into Armenia, we had still to try the georgian national dish.
Also, we got stopped by the police for the second time, and Christophe had to take a breathalyzer test… of course, 0.0‰ – which seemed to surprise the officer a bit.
In Armenia, we relaxed and worked surrounded by nature, next to a small stream. In the distance, herds of sheep and cows passed by.
#overlandtravel #adventurerider #motorcycletraveler #digitalnomadlife #vardzia
We had another amazing overnight spot – right across from and at eye level with Vardzia. This 1,000-year-old cave city was once home to 50,000 people. At its peak, there were 2,000 rooms spread over 13 levels – all carved straight into the rock.
Sadly, an earthquake destroyed many of the chambers, but what remains is still awe-inspiring: a labyrinth of tunnels, ancient churches with frescoes dating back to 1184–1186 (photos sadly not allowed – thanks, Google!), a pharmacy, a bakery, a blacksmith’s forge, a bridal chamber, and countless wine presses and cellars. No surprise, since Georgia is considered the cradle of wine, with a proud 8,000-year tradition.
Unfortunately, we picked the worst moment to visit, and the weather wasn’t exactly on our side.
#vardzia #cavecity #GeorgiaTravel #hiddengem #travelbackintime #historicsite #roadtripadventures #vanlifemoments
A dreamy road wound its way along the river and brought us to one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia.
At the top, we were rewarded with sweeping views over lush green meadows and mountains.
Our overnight spot was quiet and peaceful, nestled deep in the mountains. Shepherds passed by with their cattle to reach a nearby spring. The sunset was spectacular.
Inga scooted over to a 10th-century monastery with impressive frescoes, still inhabited by monks today.
The last photo shows kompoti – a true Georgian classic! We already knew the green variety from the kind invitation.
#khertvisi #georgiatravel #mountainvibes #CaucasusMountains #sunsetmagic #wanderlust #peacefulplace
A short stop and a little hike to the Green Monastery. The atmosphere was magical.
We immersed ourselves in the historical heart of the city and explored the impressive Rabati Fortress complex: churches, synagogue, mosque, madrasa, hospital, museum, mighty fortress towers, and more. The entire area has been lovingly restored.
#greenmonastery #akhaltsikhe #rabatiFortress #georgiaTravel #culturalheritage #historyLovers
Borjomi is a spa town located in the Lesser Caucasus.
It’s known for its hot springs, a beautiful spa park and a mineral water bottling plant.
Many of the seeds for our Christmas trees 🎄🎄🎄 are collected here and exported to Europe.
Inga went hiking in the Borjomi National Park. The nature was stunning, the trails very steep, and the views absolutely fantastic.
At a cemetery, she discovered a ruined chapel. In its “courtyard,” there were two covered altars with holy images, crosses and more.
The cemetery looked quite different from ours: every grave is surrounded by a fence, has a table and benches, the deceased are laser-engraved or printed on the tombstones, and sometimes there are even bottles of schnapps standing next to them 😄.
#Borjomi #LesserCaucasus #GeorgiaTravel #BorjomiNationalPark #CaucasusAdventure #HikingGeorgia
Tskaltubo feels like a place lost in time: mysterious, bizarre, and a little eerie. All around, crumbling Soviet-era sanatoriums rise from between the trees and undergrowth, as if still waiting for their spa guests to return. We wandered through the ruins, past crumbling columns and overgrown corridors, feeling like explorers in a forgotten chapter of history. Along the way, we discovered fascinating photo opportunities amidst peeling paint and patina.
#vanlife #Kurzhauber #vanlifegeorgia #longtimetravel #fulltimerv #roadtrips #lostplace #tskaltubo
We scooted through Kutaisi and explored the city's sights: a 1,000-year-old church, the opera house, theater, parks, fountains, a cinema and more. We also went on a treasure hunt at the big Carrefour – our shopping cart overflowing with Georgian specialties, French delicacies 🥐🧀, and some basics. We treated ourselves to a deluxe fast food feast at Wendy’s – sometimes, you just need something deep-fried. We also strolled through colorful markets, taking in the lively hustle and bustle.
The long braids (Churchkhela) are made from threaded walnuts that are repeatedly dipped into thickened grape juice mixed with flour. This creates the typical chewy, glossy coating. This treat is a specialty in Georgia, Armenia, and parts of Turkey. We tried three different kinds.
#Kutaisi #GeorgianCuisine #Churchkhela #MarketMood #FastFoodFix #TravelGeorgia
This place was quite literally a hotspot. On the one hand, hot springs bubbled up from the ground; on the other, it was a magnet for overlanders from all over the world. No surprise then that we not only ran into Miri and Tobi again, but also collected a bunch of new stories.
Things got particularly curious when a completely unfamiliar couple @_vantime.dina_ approached us and said, “We’ve heard about you!” It turned out that mutual friends of ours, currently traveling in Canada, had told them about us—three months ago! Back then, we had randomly been in the same region of Turkey at the same time. And now, weeks and thousands of kilometers later, we suddenly stood face to face. The world really is just a village—especially on four wheels.
One sunny morning, we were relaxing in the hot springs when a hitchhiker from Poland showed up. “Could I maybe borrow some hot water for my porridge and tea?” Of course! We also charged his phone, lent him our dishes and chatted a bit about life on the road.
Barely ten minutes later, four German policemen walked by. They had camped at the hot springs, were on a peacekeeping mission in the region and asked if we had a bit of coffee to spare. Naturally!
Around noon, a cheerful Polish travel group showed up. They wanted to have a picnic and casually borrowed our table. Later, the head of the group—mayor of a village right at the Belarus border (where we’d been in 2023)—invited us for a glass of Georgian wine.
It felt good to finally give something back. After all, we’d been invited countless times over the past few weeks—now it was our turn to give.
We had a great time with Miri and Tobi in the hot springs, modified and adjusted some screws for their motorcycle, shared food and drinks, made funny pictures and enjoyed some good conversations.
Thanks, @rtwriders for the great time!
#HotSpringsAdventure #RoadTripEncounters #LifeOnTheRoad #TravelCommunity #WorldOnWheels #UnexpectedMeetings #GiveAndReceive #OverlanderLife
We had originally planned to drive along the Turkish border towards Armenia. But a closed mountain pass (There’s still so much snow!) threw a wrench in our plans.
On our way to Mtirala National Park, a friendly man spontaneously invited us. As soon as we sat down, his daughter magically produced Georgian coffee, chocolate, pickled feijoa and homemade juice. Communication was a wild mix of hands, feet, smiles, and Google Translate – and we even picked up a few new Georgian words. The script is truly peculiar and completely unreadable for us.
At the national park, we had a reunion with Herbert. We’d met him in Batumi and arranged a lovely hike together here. Rhododendrons were blooming and growing everywhere.
#roadtripadventures #GeorgiaTravel #unexpectedhospitality #mtiralanationalpark #rhododendronseason #overlanding #travelstories
We parked right behind the runway at the airport. You really couldn’t get any closer—unless you had a boarding pass. The planes thundered directly above us and Mr. 🐸. Luckily, jets weren’t taking off every minute, otherwise we would’ve felt like we were stuck in a permanent loop of Top Gun.
From here we cruised leisurely along the long promenade by the Black Sea, heading toward downtown Batumi.
#Batumi #planespotting✈️ Vanlife #BlackSeaVibes #TravelMoments #TopGunFeeling #CoastalCruise
Batumi really surprised us!
The city made quite an impression: dazzling skyscrapers with a futuristic look, places of worship from various religions packed closely together and in the old town, narrow streets and stylish restaurants.
At noon, we met Miri and Tobi from @rtwriders. They were passing through on their motorbikes. We exchanged tips on routes, overnight spots and more.
And in the evening? The seafront promenade turned into a stage for a spectacular water and light show – perfectly synchronized to a wide range of music. We stood there in awe, barely able to believe we were in Georgia.
#Batumi #visitgeorgia #BatumiVibes #GeorgiaTravel #CaucasusJourney #CityLights
Rize – our last stop before the Georgian border – was originally just meant to be a practical break: get a few things done, make some copies and move on. But, as so often, things turned out differently.
At the copy shop, we were not only warmly welcomed but immediately invited for a glass of çay. The highlight followed shortly after, when we ended up at Sadettin’s “chill location.” The afternoon flew by, and in the evening a feast was served: fresh fish and grilled peppers, a sort of fish patty, salads, bread, and raki – lots of raki. Afterwards, there was a quick stop for ice cream and a visit at Mr. 🐸, before we eventually went to Melek’s place.
After a traditional Turkish breakfast, our paths parted and we headed for the Georgian border.
@melekgunesgoktug and @sadettin_cillioglu a big thank you for your unforgettable hospitality ❤️
#UnexpectedEncounters #TurkishHospitality #Rize
#RoadToGeorgia #TravelSurprises #LocalVibes #RakiNights
#ÇayTime #RealTravelStories
Our journey continued along the Black Sea coast. On the way, a Turkish man stopped us on a four-lane road. We thought something was wrong with Mr. 🐸, but he just wanted to know where we were from, where we were headed and so on. Small talk in Turkish – right in the middle of traffic. There really wasn’t any other way in that moment 😉.
The Turks aren't too particular about personal space and before we knew it, he was affectionately patting Christophe’s cheek, as if he’d been part of the family for years.
We’d had a similar encounter once before on the highway near Izmir, though that time we were on the motorbike. A man stopped us, asked politely if we smoked and if we might have a cigarette for him 😂.
We reached Turkey’s tea-growing region and spent the night by a river, surrounded by endless tea fields. Naturally, a little hike in the area was a must.
#tealovers #chailover #blacksea #BlackSeaCoast #TurkishTea #RizeTea #teafields #rivercamping
After a long drive across the vast Anatolian plains, we found a perfect spot to sleep by the Kırkinler Rocks.
Between the rugged cliffs, we explored weathered altars, ancient Phrygian and Roman tombs, churches, chapels, and living quarters carved into the rock. A large cistern was located on the outside.
We were the only visitors and the museum guard invited us in for tea. A little later, two of his grandnephews joined us. One of them lived in France, which helped bridge the language barrier.
Inga went for another short hike in the surrounding area before we continued to the next leg of our journey.
#Kurzhauber #TurkeyAdventures #PhrygianHeritage #AncientRuins #OffTheBeatenPath #VanlifeTurkey #KırkinlerRocks #HistoricalSites #RockCutArchitecture #CulturalEncounters #TravelMemories #ExploreAnatolia #SlowTravel #NomadicLife #RoadtripDiaries #HiddenGemsTurkey
Since we’re only allowed to stay in Turkey for three months and want to keep a 10-day buffer for our return—just in case—it’s now time to cross the country from coast to coast!
One last stop at “our” waterfall. The same place we splashed around just a few days ago – we made sure to enjoy it one more time, including a lovely reunion with Yvonne & Michel.
And then: Action! Suddenly, the road was closed for the “Tour of Türkiye.” In a flash, a whole pack of well-trained calves sped past us. It felt like a touch of the Tour de France in the Turkish countryside!
Mustafa joined us as well and we spent a cheerful farewell evening together. Until we meet again...♥️
#touroftürkiye #bicyclerace #köycegiz #waterfall
Our hike took us to the turtle hospital and fortunately, the patient list was manageable: only six shell-bearers in treatment. Most had unfriendly encounters with boat propellers, nets or plastic waste. Here, they were lovingly nursed back to health, spoiled with treats and then released back into the wild. We gained fascinating insights, learned a lot about shell care and turtle rehab.
Afterwards, we continued on to the famous Iztuzu Beach – essentially the maternity ward for turtles. The nests there are cordoned off and marked.
Before heading back to Mr. 🐸, we took a dip in the sea ourselves, played in the waves and treated ourselves to a well-deserved bite to eat.
#iztuzuplajı #iztuzubeach #karettschildkröte #karettakaretta #turtle #turtles
From Dalyan, we chugged through the lush delta, past a lake and up the mountain via winding roads through forests. At 400 meters, we found an overnight spot that was perfect. Below us lay Iztuzu Beach, where the endangered loggerhead sea turtles come to lay their eggs. A hotel had once been planned here, but luckily, the turtles won and construction was stopped. That’s why it’s actually not supposed to be possible to wake up to this view.
We treated ourselves to a juicy piece of meat, drank some beer and just couldn’t get enough of the scenery.
And since the early bird doesn’t just catch the worm but also the best views, Inga hiked up to the radar station at dawn. She was rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views. What a fantastic place!
#iztuzuplajı #dalyan #viewfromthetop #views #vanlife #kurzhauber #offroad #sunrise
To get to Dalyan, we had to take a ferry. It was so small that no one else could fit on it besides us. A private transfer! Dalyan itself was quite touristy, but the impressive rock tombs left us in awe.
@simoneh2507 & @polifoto2911 Thanks for the photos and videos 😘
#dalyan #tombstone #lykia #ferry #ferryride
It was wellness day.
We strolled leisurely to the “wellness temple” (calling it a temple might be a bit of an exaggeration).
The first adventure wasn’t long in coming: the mud bath! We carefully waded into the pool – the bottom was... let’s say, something to get used to – and thoroughly smeared ourselves with mud.
Then we sat in the sun and let the muddy layer dry.
To cool off, we jumped into the lake – a refreshing treat.
To round off the day, we sank into the warm springs and relaxed in the bubbling water. A thoroughly successful wellness day!
The sign was definitely justified – turtles everywhere! On the way to our sleeping spot and back, we encountered several of these leisurely little travelers.
#sultaniye #mudbath #wellness #relaxtime #relax #relaxing #mudmask
While on the road, the washing machine worked so well that we were able to hang up our clean laundry. Afterwards, we swam under the waterfall and even the next morning we used the cool water to refresh ourselves. On the short hiking trail, we encountered a crab and a turtle. We also spotted some frogs.
#köycegiz #waterfall #crab #swimwaterfalls #overlander #visitturkey
We spent a whole week at this incredibly beautiful spot near Marmaris. First down by the water, later higher up with a stunning view, together with two couples who spontaneously followed us to this place.
From here, we went on three motorbike tours through the landscape, dove into the crystal-clear sea, waded through the water to the offshore island, let our minds wander, paddled on the SUP, Christophe launched the drone into the sky, we played for hours and did laundry in our washing machine.
A wild horse family paid us a visit, and in the evenings, we sat and marveled at the spectacular sunsets and the starry sky. When two vehicles got stuck in the sand, the men helped out.
#marmarıs #datça #naturcamping #stargazing #skyphotography #skylovers #inthemiddleofnowhere
Our tour of the Hisarönü Peninsula began with a little detour – we had actually planned to go straight to a waterfall. Instead, we found ourselves in a sleepy little village. Gülsah, a friendly local, came up to us and before we knew it, we were sitting in her garden with freshly picked oranges and steaming tea. @gulsahaydogddu Thanks for your hospitality. Her father then pointed us in the right direction and this time, we made it!
We explored the gushing waterfall and even stumbled upon an old water mill.
After that, we visited three charming little towns and continued on a breathtaking scenic road with stunning views of islands, peninsulas, and the sea.
At one particularly beautiful lookout point, we planned just a quick stop. But when we spotted stools in a tree – yes, really – we spontaneously decided: picnic break! So there we sat, surrounded by nature, with a perfect view and big smiles on our faces.
The honey museum was unfortunately closed, but along the way, we saw plenty of stands selling the region’s famous pine honey. The roads here are a dream for motorcyclists – winding along the coast and over mountains, simply fantastic.
#hisarönü #marmarıs #motorcycletour #hospitality #selimiye #bayır #bozburun #i̇çmeler
We visited Old Datça and Datça, where a spa experience awaited us: a small lake with a fish pond, where hungry little nibble fish enthusiastically swarmed our feet. Pedicure deluxe – no appointment needed.
The road there? A dream of winding curves, stunning views, and beautiful nature.
#datça #nibblefish #marmarıs #motorcycletour #visitturkey🇹🇷
But the absolute highlight in Yalikavak? Without a doubt: paddling with dolphins! The others had SUPs, and Christophe got to test Yvonne and Michel’s drone. He captured the magical moments from the air. The dolphins came close to us, and we watched them leap out of the water — even a mother and her calf. Simply indescribable!
#KurzhauberOnTheRoad #Kurzhabuer #roadtripturkey #DolphinMagic #SUPAdventure #DroneMoments #LifeOnWheels #VanlifeTurkey #WildlifeEncounters #LivingTheVanlife #TravelWithPurpose #Vanlifediaries #ICFootprints #OldtimerOnTour #AdventureAwaits #HomeIsWhereWeParkIt
We rode the motorcycle to Gümüşlük, Ortakent, Bodrum, Göltürkbükü, and Torba. The peninsula is heavily developed and geared towards package tourism. The igloo (photo 2) used to be a water cistern. You can find structures like this all over the peninsula. We were very glad to have our base in the quiet northwest corner.
#bodrum #bodrumgümüşlük #ortakent #göltürkbükü #torba
"Tomorrow we're heading off..." — we've said that more than once over the past few days. And not just us — two other German couples who were staying at this place with us said the same. Because honestly, there were plenty of reasons to stay just one more day. And then another. And another...
The sense of community was fantastic. Plenty of sunshine, great vibes and a campsite that felt like a little slice of paradise, just for a while. We laughed together, played crossboule, speedminton and board games, swam in the sea, went fishing, baked, explored the area on foot, opened some beers and had long chats about traveling, vehicles, and life on the road.
#vandwelling #yalıkavak #travelmates #travelstyle #traveladdict #traveldiaries
We spent a wonderful day at Lake Bafa. We marveled at a large seaplane and the ruins of ancient Heraclea ad Latmum, which could be found on an island, in the village and along Inga’s hike. Throughout the hike, Inga was accompanied by a lovely four-legged companion. The view from the Five Finger Mountain of the lake, the village, and the surrounding landscape was breathtaking. Along the way, they even caught some turtles in the act!
The hike ended on the road leading back to the village. Inga was just debating whether to walk or radio Christophe to pick her up (we had to return via the road anyway, as camping by the lake wasn’t allowed), when a car stopped next to her. A man asked if she’d like a ride. She accepted the offer, though she had to leave her furry companion behind with a heavy heart. Shortly after, she was even invited for tea. So there she was, sitting with four Turkish men: one spoke German, one Dutch, one English and the fourth only Turkish. Multicultural vibes!
We cruised through Milli National Park on the motorbike, wind in our faces, salt in the air. Time and again, we were treated to breathtaking views of shimmering turquoise bays. We strolled along the beach and hiked from one dream cove to the next. Along the way, we encountered a fox and wild boars roaming free. One wild boar was so curious that it came right up to us. Whoa! Christophe got a little too close and made contact with its snout – but he was lucky 🤣 ... nothing happened.
#dilekyarımadasımilliparkı #vanlifestyle #wildboar #milliparkkuşadası #kurzhauber #roadtripturkey #roadtrip🚗 #fulltimervlife #lebenimwohnmobil #travelturkey #mercedesla911 #expeditionsmobil #weltreise
On this beach, many locals and overlanders gathered. That’s how we met Simone & Uwe and what started as a casual acquaintance turned into three wonderfully relaxed days filled with great conversations 😘.
One day, a fishing competition took place in our neighborhood. Emre, one of the anglers, invited us to join him and his fellow sportsmen for dinner. Later that night, he picked us up again for a midnight snack. We were treated to a delicious lentil soup—a true blessing after all the beers and schnapps.
Somewhere between "late at night" and "early in the morning," we finally crawled into bed, full and content.
@emretuluoglu @buldan.tayfun and the others: Thanks for the great invitation, hospitality and company!
#pamucak #beachvibes #beach #beachlife #hospitality #overlander
Selçuk was our starting point to explore the treasures of the surrounding area. The town featured a stylish mosque, a large market and an old fortress. Just a few steps further lay the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, once one of the most important churches of the Byzantine world. And then there was the sorrowful remnant of one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Temple of Artemis, once an architectural masterpiece, now reduced to a single, lonely column.
In Tire, we set out in search of the caravanserai. As we wandered aimlessly through the streets, we stumbled upon a building that seemed to be a tourist information center, a cinema, and a museum all in one. Perfect! Inside, we met a friendly man who told us that the tourist office had long since closed. But he didn’t leave us alone and gave us directions to where we needed to go. Then he took it a step further: Would we like to visit the local museum? He invited us in and it turned out to be a real highlight, full of fascinating stories and lovingly presented exhibits.
Sometimes, you find the best places when you’re actually looking for something completely different.
#selçuk #tire #visitturkey #roadtripturkey #roadtrip #rvlife #tiremüzesi
We took a motorcycle tour through the mountains to Şirince.
Thanks to Nuri, we learned about the Lokma tradition (last photo). In memory of a deceased person, fried pastries are given away in the city, usually at a market. A sign indicates who is being commemorated and how long ago they passed away. The sweet donuts taste delicious.
#şirince #lokma #roadtrip #vanlife #visitturkey #ägäis
In Ephesus, we realized how empty all the other places had been so far. We strolled along the marble streets, past columns, countless tourists 😉, temple ruins, and intricate mosaics. The Celsus Library was incredibly impressive with its magnificent façade – the most stunning structure of all.
The second photo shows Nike, the goddess of victory. She was often depicted as a winged woman symbolizing speed and success. The logo of the brand Nike is inspired by one of her wings.
#ephesus #visitturkey #roadtrip #roadtripturkey #vanlife #kurzhauber #fulltimetraveller #fulltimervliving
Finding the right fuel cap was quite a challenge. But with Nuris help, we finally managed it! Since we wanted a second spare nozzle as well, we had to wait a few days for the additional cap.
No problem! We used the time to enjoy life with Nuri: sipping tea in town, hauling home an energy-efficient and eco-friendly washing machine (okay, it was a barrel, but who’s being picky? 🛢️😆), having a curtain made for Mr. 🐸, fixing up a backpack and a jacket, cooking together and Christophe introducing Nuri to the secrets of video editing. There were also long conversations and walks with Nuris gang of animals.
@Nuri: Thanks for your help, recommendations and the wonderful time together!
#hospitality #roadtrip #roadtripturkey #rvnomads #digitalnomadlife #nomadlife #nomadlifestyle
Before we returned to Nuri, Demircili was our last stop. But even in the midst of this beauty, we kept encountering an unpleasant problem: trash.
For us, it's a given to leave our campsite and its surroundings cleaner than we found them, collecting bottles, plastic packaging, and other discarded items.
Along the roadside, there are regularly placed open dumpsters, unlike at home, where they are hidden on private properties. This makes it easy for us to dispose of the waste properly.
#beachvibes #ports #demircili #naturelovers #campspot
Another dream spot...
Christophe maintained and serviced Mr. 🐸.
Inga hiked another part of the coast and found our next camping spot.
On the second day, a Russian Bulli also made its way here. A friendly couple got out, and we chatted for a while. Travelers are a rare sight in Turkey. So far, we’ve met: French people at one spot, Belgians (actually Turks) in a supermarket parking lot and now the Russians. That’s it!
But honestly — 90% of these dream spots all to ourselves? No complaints from us.
#çeşme #roadtripturkey #kurzhauber #vanlife #rvlife #beachlife #beachday☀️ #beachvibes
Now that we have switched sides of the peninsula, we can enjoy spectacular sunsets. This view enchants us every time anew.
This place was simply perfect: a dreamy setting, plus a stable Greek network that allowed us to stream, work, and sync effortlessly.
A little paradise!
#çeşme #roadtrip #visitturkey #vanlife #rvlivingfulltime
We had the usually crowded holiday destination almost to ourselves during the off-season and were able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Everything was stylishly and modernly designed. The sun was almost too generous with us. It's hard to imagine how hot it must get here in the summer!
Our overnight spot was so central that we explored the city twice – in the evening when the lights sparkled and the alleys became cozy, and during the day in a completely different light.
#WohnmobilAbenteuer #çeşme #TürkeiEntdecken #VanLife #overlanding #overlander
#ReisenMitDemWohnmobil
#TürkischeKüste #rvliving
#CampingInDerNatur #roadtripturkey
#RoadtripTürkei
#LebenImWohnmobil #AbenteuerUnterwegs #NaturErleben #Wanderlust #EntspanntUnterwegs #TürkeiReise #CampingLeben
#FreiheitAufRädern #EntdeckeDieWelt #ReiseMitUns #WohnmobilLeben #TürkeiRoadtrip
In glorious summer weather, we continued exploring the peninsula and were repeatedly rewarded with nice views. But then, a mishap: while refueling, the attendant didn’t properly secure the tank cap – and just like that, it was gone! Now we have to take a detour via Izmir on our way back to get a replacement. Better get two, just in case…
At Ilıca Inga ventured into the sea. First, she enjoyed the warm water of the hot springs, a pleasant 35–40 degrees Celsius. But later, she became bold: together with another woman, Emine, she swam out into the cooler, open sea – a refreshing contrast!
#ılıca #kurzhauber #hotspring #vanlife #roadtripturkey
From the very first moment, we felt welcome at Nuri’s place. We cooked and ate together, had lively and interesting conversations and got along splendidly.
Nuri showed us around his area and took us to places we probably would never have discovered on our own.
During our tour, we visited a market, strolled along the promenade and through the town, enjoyed stunning views, and drove through vineyards and artichoke fields.
We were able to do our laundry at his place and use his Wi-Fi.
He gave us tips for our onward journey.
Nuri, you are a fantastic host. Thank you for everything! ♥️
#roadtripturkey #hospitality #urla #vinyard #vanlife #visitturkey🇹🇷
In Izmir, we were warmly welcomed. We had chosen a parking spot outside the city in a park. Even before we parked, a guy shouted, "Come eat!" A group of five friends was grilling and immediately invited us to join them. They also admired our vehicle, and suddenly everyone burst out laughing. Our license plate says "Come drink" in Turkish.
We took the motorcycle to Izmir and explored the city, including an elevator ride, the Bazar and a boat trip. 😉
When we left the spot, a family gave us homemade cookies and muffins as a gift.
We can’t emphasize enough how friendly the people are here. ❤️
#turkey🇹🇷 #travelturkey #vanlifeturkey #vanlife #i̇zmi̇r #rvlife #kurzhauber #mercedesla911 #roadtrip #roadtripturkey #fulltimervlife #geliç #hondaxr125l #friendlypeople❤️ #hospitality
We visited the Red Hall and set off on foot the next morning for the five-kilometer climb up to the Acropolis. Once at the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and the archaeological site. As we slowly made our way down through the ruins of ancient Pergamon, we were particularly impressed by the Temple of Athena and the steepest amphitheater of antiquity. Such a fascinating sight, made even more striking by the silence of the almost deserted site.
We met @wangjl321 and had a nice conversation with her for a while. Together, we explored another part of the historical site.
Back down in Bergama, we strolled through the streets, let ourselves be tempted by the aromas of Turkish cuisine and enjoyed delicious streetfood.
Just as we were settling in for a relaxed evening, we received a message from Erdogan. He invited us for tea in his container. We changed our plans, visited him, laughed a lot, and were treated to hearty Poğça pastries.
The next morning, Erdogan came to see us. This time, we wanted to return the favor and served coffee and snacks. His generosity and hospitality touched us deeply. Moments like these never fail to amaze us, reminding us how much people can give from the heart.
#akropolispergamon #pergamon #bergama #vanlife #vanlifeturkey #kurzhauber #hospitality #rvlife #visitturkey🇹🇷 #roadtrips #roadtripturkey
From Ayvalik, we drove onto a peninsula and found a parking spot in a beautiful bay.
Inga explored the peninsula and in the afternoon, Jay & Cemre passed by on a Honda—exactly the motorcycle we had initially wanted to buy. They let us take a short ride, then marked travel advice on our map and we served coffee.
The next morning, first, the police showed up, then Nuri arrived with a bread for us. We invited him for a coffee. His holiday home was not far away, right by the sea. We had another coffee at Nuri’s holidayplace. He lives near Izmir and invited us to visit him there as well.
What wonderful encounters in this amazing place!
As we left the peninsula, we saw flamingos.
#hospitality #vanlife #roadtripturkey #ayvalık #küçükköy #kurzhauber
On Alibey Island, we found a fantastic spot: a small private beach with a breathtaking view of a tiny island, where the ruins of an old monastery stood.
Inga hiked through the national park in the heart and north of the island. In the south, she explored old Greek mills, a harbor, and a charming village.
Christophe went fishing, and we sat outside, enjoying ☀️ 🌊
Izzet, a friendly local, came by while hiking, and we spontaneously invited him for a coffee. He spoke good German because he had lived in Germany until the age of ten.
The sunrises and sunsets were wonderful.
#alibey #kurzhauber #roadtrip
Spring is here! 💮🌺🌸
We hiked through olive groves and forests to the Altar of Zeus. Along the way, we were accompanied by blossoms in vibrant colors—so beautiful.
Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a stunning view over the city and the coast.
From the Altar of Zeus, our path led us down into another former Greek village. A creative community of artists saved it from decay, restoring the old buildings with great dedication.
#adatepe #zeus #spring
Until 1923, Greeks still shaped life in this village and the present-day mosque was once a church. However, with the forced resettlement, people exchanged their homelands: the Greeks left the village and moved to Lesbos, while Turkish families from there settled here. The traces of the past are still visible—especially in the impressive Greek architecture, with its characteristic stone houses that continue to define the charm of the place.
In a small, lovingly designed museum, we experienced the art of olive oil production. We followed every step of the process—from pressing the olives to the golden final product. In addition to the fragrant oil, they also produced handmade olive oil soaps here.
#ayvacık #oliveoillovers #roadtripturkey #kurzhauber #küçükkuyu #adatepezeytinyağımüzesi
We stood in a bustling harbor, watching the daily life of the fishermen.
The scent of salty sea and freshly caught fish filled the air – so we bought some directly from the trawler. We were also drawn to the surrounding area, where we visited the last fortress built by the Ottomans. This is also the westernmost point of Asia.
#babakale #roadtripturkey #kurzhauber
Today, we traveled even further back in time.
We first immersed ourselves in the museum, exploring fascinating artifacts from the past. Then, we found ourselves among the ruins of Troy, imagining how this once-great city once stood.
#troy #travelturkey #rvnomads #roadtripturkey #roadtrip #vanlife #rvlife #dwelling
From our overnight spot with small boats, we moved to one with massive cargo ships🚢🛳️⛴️.
With a view of the world's longest suspension bridge 🌁🌉and the sound of the ocean🌊, working feels much easier👨💻. In between, we admired and tracked ships.
We visited historically significant sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula. During World War I, fierce battles took place here as the British, French, Australians, and New Zealanders fought against the Turks. Over 100,000 men lost their lives in these brutal clashes.
For the Turks, this is a place of great importance because Kemal Atatürk successfully led his troops here, defeated the Entente powers, and later became a national hero and the first President of Turkey 🇹🇷.
#gallipoli #worldwar1 #atatürk #suspensionbridge #roadtrip
Visiting newly emigrated Chinese in Serbia ♥️🐉🥟🍚㊗️🤩!
It was an adventurous, delicious, and fascinating experience. Their hospitality was incredible. Abby and her husband spent 2-3 hours carefully preparing each meal and we weren’t allowed to help. They spoiled us with authentic Chinese food & snacks and insisted that we sleep in their beds.
We strolled through their village together, visited a friend, and played Kniffel 🙃.
After three days—though they wanted us to stay much longer—we took them with us to the south of the country. They aren’t allowed to own a car yet but were eager to explore Serbia.
Such an unexpected, eventful and funny time ☺️!
#hospitality #chinesefood
We rolled into the city center along the Sava River. The city is very interesting, definitely worth seeing and has amazing buildings.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, there was a China Lights exhibition.
At the fortress, we met a Chinese couple who had emigrated to Serbia and invited us over. Today, we're taking them along in the 🐸 and driving to their place. We're excited! 😊
#beograd #serbia #capitals
We spontaneously met travel friends from home at a beautiful spot on the Rhine near Karlsruhe and spent two days together.
Our snowhike in Switzerland was simply fantastic. The weather was super warm ☀️, we could have hiked in t-shirts and the view of the snow and the surrounding mountains was phenomenal!
#kurzhauber #rhine #swiss #snow