Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 11

4 March 2026 – Homeward Bound Captain Ephraim dropped us at the airport, only about half an hour away, and we caught our 7:00 am flight to Mumbai. We landed at 3:45 pm and were met by Dipak. On the way we stopped for snacks at a restaurant and then went to visit Mama in…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 10

3 March 2026 – Farewell to Nakuru, Back to Nairobi After breakfast and checking out, we began our return drive to Nairobi with Don. On the outskirts of Nakuru we visited the Shree Jalaram Aradhna Dham Temple which was built in the late 80s before bidding farewell to Nakuru. We made another brief stop in…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 9

2 March 2026 – The Most Emotional Day We had a full day in Nakuru, and after breakfast Don drove us to search for the place where I was born. In those days there had been empty spaces around. Now everything was built up. Still, I managed to guide Don to the rough area. We…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 8

1 March 2026 – To Nakuru, with a Detour Through Kikuyu After breakfast and checking out, we were delighted to see that Don had come again. He had driven all the way from Voi and was now going to take us to Nakuru. We were genuinely happy to see him. During the safari we had…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 7

28 February 2026 – Nairobi and Ramesh’s Search In the morning it was time to leave. After breakfast and checking out, Don dropped us at Voi railway station for our onward train journey to Nairobi. At Nairobi Terminus we were met by Captain Ephraim, who took us to the nearby Grand Argyle Hotel close to…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 6

27 February 2026 – Tsavo East and Voi After a lovely breakfast we checked out and headed towards Voi with Don in the safari vehicle. After about an hour’s drive we reached Voi Wildlife Lodge. At reception there was a Ganesh temple, where we offered our prayers before settling in. After a short rest, we…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 5

26 February 2026 – The Railway, Tsavo, and the Echo of History The next morning we set off very early at 6:00 am by van for the Mombasa SGR terminal. Our hotel kindly prepared takeaway breakfast boxes for us, and the drive took about forty-five minutes. At the station we went through security checks, printed…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 4

25 February 2026 – Mombasa: Hansa’s Childhood City The next day we hired a private van driven by Saidi for a full Mombasa tour. We left after breakfast and, after about an hour’s drive, entered the city. That first feeling on arriving in Mombasa was unforgettable. The sight of the people, the traffic, the red…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 03

24 February 2026 – A Day at Leisure on the Coast Our second day was spent relaxing at Leopard Beach Resort. Sometimes, to reconnect with a place, one must simply sit within it and let it work on the senses. We enjoyed the beautiful jacuzzi, swimming pool, and sauna, and later took a long walk…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 02

23 February 2026 – Arrival in Kenya, Arrival in Memory At 2:00 am, we boarded an Indigo flight from Mumbai to Nairobi, and from Nairobi we took a short Kenya Airways connecting flight to Mombasa. By then the journey already felt surreal. For all four of us, Kenya was not just a destination but a…

Visiting Kenya 2026 Day 01

Visiting Kenya in 2026 A Journey Back to Our Beginnings By Mahesh Karadia Some journeys are holidays. Some are adventures. And some are something much deeper: a return to one’s roots, a reopening of memory, a conversation with time itself. Our visit to Kenya in February and March 2026 was exactly that. It was not…

Dwarka Day 04 Of Our Road Trip

Day 4: Final Stop: Virpur – The Land of Service Our last major stop was Virpur, home of Jalaram Bapa. The temple is known for its tradition of feeding everyone—no donations, no conditions. Sitting and having prasad here was a humbling experience, reminding us of the power of selfless service. Journey Summary Total Distance: ~1221…

Dwarka Day 03 Of Our Road Trip

Day 3: Dwarka – The Kingdom of Krishna We reached Dwarka late evening and checked into Hotel Dwarika. After a restful night, we began exploring this sacred city. Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka, believed to be Lord Krishna’s kingdom, holds immense spiritual importance. The Dwarkadhish Temple stands tall with its magnificent architecture and vibrant rituals. Witnessing the…

Dwarka Day 02 Of Our Road Trip

Day 2 Morning: The Curious World of Alang The next morning, we explored Alang—the world’s largest ship-breaking yard. But beyond the ships lies a fascinating marketplace. Warehouses lined the roads, selling everything imaginable—furniture, machinery, tools, crockery. It’s a treasure hunt for bargain lovers. We could’ve easily spent the entire day here, but after a couple…

Dwarka Day 01 Of Our Road Trip

Dwarka–Somnath Yatra 2025: A Journey of Faith, Roads & Memories 30th January – 2nd February 2025 Team: Mahesh, Hansa, Bharti, Vinay & Prits (our trusted driver) Day 1: From Navsari to the Sea Route Adventure Our journey began on a relaxed afternoon as we left Navsari at 12:45 PM, heading toward Hazira Port near Surat.…

Sri Lanka Day 10-22 Oct 2024

Day 10 – 22 October 2024 Homeward Bound By 22 October, it was finally time to begin the journey back home. We flew into Surat, where an Urbania van awaited to take us onward toward Gujarat. Late that night, we stopped at Shital Restaurant for dinner — a moment that brought both nourishment and nostalgia…

Sri Lanka Day 09-21 Oct 2024

Day 09 – 21 October 2024 Slowing Down and Small Adventures The following day became much quieter. While the others spent time enjoying the beach and exploring Candolim, I stayed back with Hansa and Jay. Later in the day, we ventured out in search of crutches — a simple task that somehow evolved into a…

Sri Lanka Day 08-20 Oct 2024

Day 08 – 20 October 2024 A Day at Dom’s Café and an Unexpected Mishap The next day was dedicated entirely to relaxation. We spent hours at Dom’s Café shack by the beach, soaking in the laid-back Goan atmosphere. The sound of waves, chilled drinks, laughter, and endless conversations created the perfect setting for a…

Sri Lanka Day 07-19 Oct 2024

Day 07 – 19 October 2024 Goa Beckons The following morning, we flew from Mumbai to Goa and checked into Hyatt Place in Candolim. After the cultural richness and scenic beauty of Sri Lanka, Goa offered a completely different energy — relaxed, carefree, vibrant, and sun-soaked. Candolim Beach welcomed us with swaying palms, beach shacks,…

Sri Lanka Day 06-18 Oct 2024

Day 06 – 18 October 2024 Farewell Sri Lanka – And an Unexpected Turn Toward Goa Our final morning in Sri Lanka began with another wonderful breakfast at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala. But this breakfast came with a delightful surprise. To celebrate Sarla’s 60th birthday, the hotel staff presented a beautifully decorated cake, turning our farewell…

Sri Lanka Day 05-17 Oct 2024

Day 05 – 17 October 2024 Relaxing by the Beaches of Bentota After several days of travel and sightseeing, Bentota offered us the perfect opportunity to slow down. Our stay at Cinnamon Bey became a welcome pause in the journey — a chance to relax, recharge, and simply enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka’s southwest…

Sri Lanka Day 04-16 Oct 2024

Day 04 – 16 October 2024 From the Highlands to the Coast – Pinnawala and Bentota The following morning brought a dramatic change in scenery. Leaving behind the cool mountain climate of Nuwara Eliya, we slowly descended toward Sri Lanka’s warmer lowlands. Our first major stop along the route was the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.…

Sri Lanka Day 03-15 Oct 2024

Day 03 – 15 October 2024 Sacred Temples, Waterfalls, Tea Country and the Highlands of Nuwara Eliya Our first full day in Sri Lanka began in the sacred city of Kandy. One of the highlights of the morning was our visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa…

Sri Lanka Day 02-14 Oct 2024

Day 02 – 14 October 2024 Delayed Flights and a Warm Sri Lankan Welcome The following morning tested our patience. Our flight to Colombo was delayed by nearly four hours, turning the airport wait into a long exercise in endurance. Yet spirits remained high, and the excitement of travelling together helped the hours pass quickly.…

Sri Lanka Day 01- 13 Oct 2024

A Celebration Across Continents: Sarla’s 60th Birthday Adventure Introduction October 2024 became far more than just another month on the calendar for our lively group of family and friends. What began as a reunion soon transformed into an unforgettable journey across bustling cities, sacred temples, misty mountains, tea plantations, tropical beaches, and spontaneous adventures. At…

Road Trip in Rajasthan 15 Feb 2023 Day 05

16/02/23 — Back to Jaipur, Forever Changed Our final day was a long reflective drive back to Jaipur. Between chai breaks and quiet naps, we realized something: This wasn’t just a tour. It was connection. Final Thoughts This Rajasthan road trip gave us: Royal forts and sacred lakes Blue cities and golden deserts Luxury hotels…

Road Trip in Rajasthan 14 Feb 2023 Day 04

Mehrangarh Fort — Guardian of the Blue City High above the desert plains of Jodhpur, perched dramatically on a rocky hill called Bhakurcheeria — “the mountain of birds” — rises the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Its commanding presence has watched over the region for more than five centuries. The story of Mehrangarh begins in 1459 CE,…

Road Trip in Rajasthan 13 Feb 2023 Day 03

13/02/23 — Ajmer & Pushkar: Sacred Stops on the Road to Jodhpur Morning wheels rolled toward Ajmer and Pushkar. Driving to Ajmer was 135km that took us about 3 hours. Soon after, we reached Pushkar 15km and 40mins away. Pushkar — Where Myth, Water, and Devotion Meet Tucked quietly into the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan,…

Road Trip in Rajasthan 12 Feb 2023 Day 02

12/02/23 — Jaipur: Royal Grandeur & Pink City Magic Sightseeing began in Jaipur, where Rajasthan wears its crown proudly. We stood in awe at Amber Fort, peered through the honeycomb windows of Hawa Mahal, and wandered royal corridors inside City Palace. Kanubhai soaked up the history at Jantar Mantar, while Jay and Sarla hunted the…

Road Trip in Rajasthan 11 Feb 2023 Day 01

From Gujarat to the Golden Sands Our Epic Rajasthan Road Trip (11–16 Feb 2023) By Mahesh Karadia Some trips give you photos. Others give you stories for life. Ours began on 11/02/23, when we drove from Navsari to Surat and onward flight to Jaipur— and from there climbed into our Tempo Traveller van, officially launching…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 09 June 09 2019

With our unforgettable European adventure slowly drawing to a close, we began our return journey towards Calais for the ferry crossing back to Dover. Although there was a slight sense of sadness knowing the trip was coming to an end, we were also filled with satisfaction and wonderful memories from the many countries, cities, and…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 08 June 08 2019

After leaving the peaceful surroundings near Geneva, we embarked on yet another demanding but exciting journey across Europe. This leg of the trip involved an impressive 842-kilometre drive that took us nearly nine hours, travelling through changing landscapes, motorways, and countryside as we made our way north towards Belgium. By evening, we arrived at Holiday…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 07 June 07 2019

Our next day was spent exploring the elegant and cosmopolitan city of Geneva, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland and an important global centre for diplomacy, banking, and international organisations. Nestled along the shores of the stunning Lake Geneva and surrounded by the majestic Alps and Jura mountains, Geneva offers a perfect combination…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 06 June 06 2019

After two enjoyable days in Barcelona, it was time to continue our European adventure with one another long drive of the trip. We set off early in the morning for an 809-kilometre journey that would take us nearly eight hours, travelling north through breathtaking landscapes towards the French–Swiss border near Geneva. The drive itself was…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 05 June 05 2019

Our second day in Barcelona was dedicated to exploring this vibrant and colourful Mediterranean city, famous for its stunning architecture, lively streets, beautiful beaches, and rich Catalan culture. After breakfast at the campsite, we made our way by tram into the city centre — a comfortable half-hour journey covering around 20 kilometres. Travelling by public…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 04 June 04 2019

Soon after breakfast — and after cleaning the chalet thoroughly to Meera’s exacting standards — we set off on yet another long drive, this time covering 446 kilometres towards the vibrant city of Barcelona in Spain. The journey took us around six hours, with beautiful scenery along the way as we crossed the border and…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 03 June 03 2019

Our Spiritual Journey to Lourdes Our visit to Lourdes turned out to be one of the most moving and spiritual experiences of our European journey. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is world famous as a Christian pilgrimage site visited by millions every year. It became sacred after a young girl, Saint Bernadette…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 02 June 02 2019

In the morning, we drove to the nearby Circuit de la Sarthe, hoping to catch some thrilling 24-hour racing action. Unfortunately, much to our disappointment, there was no racing scheduled that day. Luckily, the adjoining museum was open, and it more than made up for it. We spent a wonderful few hours admiring the incredible…

By Kontiki To Lourdes Day 01 June 01 2019

After Kontiki’s epic London to Mumbai overland adventure in 2016, our beloved motorhome was parked safely at our home in Navsari, Gujarat, where it rested like a seasoned traveller waiting for its next calling. But wanderlust never stays asleep for long. In 2017, Kontiki roared back to life for another unforgettable road trip — this…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Final Reflections

Final Reflections This road trip gave us everything: History at Dholavira Mystery at Kala Dungar Royal elegance at Mandvi Faith at Somnath Peace on the shores of Diu Most importantly, it gave us shared memories — laughter in the car, long silences on open roads, and moments that didn’t need photographs to be remembered. Gujarat…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 06

Diu — Beaches & the Shivling by the Waves From Somnath, we continued 90–100 km (2–2.5 hours) to Diu. Diu’s beaches are gentle, calm, and unhurried. But the most touching moment was visiting the Shivling on the rocky shore, revealed during low tide. No walls, no bells — just Shiva, sea, and sky. It felt…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 05

Somnath — Faith by the Sea On our return, we drove 430–460 km (9–10 hours) from Dholavira to the sacred Somnath Temple. Standing proudly on the edge of the Arabian Sea, the Somnath Temple is far more than a place of worship — it is a symbol of unwavering faith, resilience, and spiritual continuity. For…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 04

The Road to Heaven & 🏛️ Dholavira From Bhuj, we drove 220–230 km (4–5 hours) to one of the most extraordinary places we have ever visited — Dholavira. The Highway to Heaven The final stretch — often called the Road to Heaven — cuts through white salt pans of the Rann of Kutch. Sky and…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 03

Vijaya Vilas Palace & 🌊 Mandvi Beach From Bhuj, we drove 65–70 km (1.5–2 hours) to the elegant Vijaya Vilas Palace. Surrounded by gardens and facing the sea, the palace felt serene and timeless. Just a short drive away were the beautiful shores of Mandvi — wide, clean, and uncrowded. After days of dusty roads,…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 02

Bhuj — Palaces, Ruins, and Stories Aina Mahal — Echoes of a Royal Past Our first deep dive into Kutch’s heritage was the Aina Mahal. Though parts of it now stand in ruins — especially after earthquakes — the palace still whispers stories of grandeur. Walking through cracked walls and faded mirrors felt like stepping…

Road Trip to Kutchh May 2017 Day 01

From Desert Civilisations to Sacred Seas Our Gujarat Road Trip: Navsari → Kutch → Dholavira → Somnath → Diu Some journeys stay with you long after the road ends. Our road trip across Gujarat — undertaken a few years ago with my wife Hansa and our dear friends Shobhanaben and Monica — was one such…

By Kontiki to Goa 21 Mar 2017 Day 06

Day 06 21 Mar 2017 Over the last few days, we covered most of the famous tourist spots in both North and South Goa, soaking in the sights, sunshine, and laid-back spirit of the place. Eventually, it was time to head back to Mumbai, where we bid an emotional farewell to Kontiki at the shipping…

By Kontiki to Goa 20 Mar 2017 Day 05

Day 05 20 Mar 2017 We hired a private cab and travelled to Dudhsagar Falls. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point, so we continued the journey in specially designed off-road jeeps, crossing rivers and rough terrain along the way. After a short trek, we reached the magnificent falls. We spent time swimming…

By Kontiki to Goa 19 Mar 2017 Day 04

Day 04 19 Mar 2017 We decided to drive around and explore more of Goa’s coastal gems, sampling local cuisine and enjoying laid-back moments at beach shacks and cozy restaurants. Our first stops were Calangute and Baga beaches. They were busier and more crowded, but still enjoyable for a change of atmosphere. From there, we…

By Kontiki to Goa 18 Mar 2017 Day 03

Day 03 18 Mar 2017 We spent the entire day unwinding on the beach — swimming in the warm, clear waters, enjoying soothing massages, sipping chilled beers, and indulging in delicious food. Candolim Beach was peaceful and pleasantly uncrowded, making it the perfect place to relax. While walking through the streets of Candolim we also…

By Kontiki to Goa 17 Mar 2017 Day 02

Day 02 17 Mar 2017 After a quick breakfast, we were back on the road. We shared the driving, though Pratik took the lion’s share behind the wheel. He quickly adapted to India’s chaotic yet charming traffic, navigating bustling towns and winding mountain roads like a natural. Despite its size, Kontiki handled the terrain beautifully.…

By Kontiki to Goa 16 Mar 2017 Day 01

After Kontiki’s epic London-to-Mumbai road trip in 2016, the trusty motorhome was parked at our home in Eru, Navsari quietly resting after its grand adventure. Then came March 2017, when my brother Raj, his wife Pushpabhabhi, their son Pratik, and daughter-in-law Meera arrived in India and stayed with us at Kshitij Bungalows. Pratik had a…

Road Trip to Goa 18 Jul 2013 Day 05

Day 05 – The Journey Home All good things must come to an end. After an early breakfast, we packed up and began our return journey, retracing the same route back to Navsari. The drive felt shorter this time—perhaps because our minds were full of memories: rain-soaked mountain roads, lively beaches, laughter, and the simple…

Road Trip to Goa 17 Jul 2013 Day 04

Day 04 17 July 2013 – Culture, History, and a Birthday Surprise This day was dedicated to exploring Goa beyond its beaches. We began with Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built to guard against Dutch and Maratha invasions, it also housed a freshwater spring that supplied passing ships—hence the name…

Road Trip to Goa 16 Jul 2013 Day 03

Day 03 16 July 2013 – Beaches, Markets, and a Bit of Racing Having our own car gave us the freedom to explore. We set off toward Anjuna Beach, but along the way, something unexpected caught our eye—a go-karting track. Naturally, we couldn’t resist. The karts were a little worn, but that didn’t dampen the…

Road Trip to Goa 15 Jul 2013 Day 02

Day 02 15 July 2013 – Slow Rhythms of Goa The next morning, Goa worked its magic. We woke late, unhurried and relaxed—exactly as one should in this coastal paradise. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we wandered down to the beach. The monsoon drizzle meant fewer crowds, giving the shoreline a peaceful charm.…

Road Trip to Goa 14 Jul 2013 Day 01

Day 01 14 July 2013 – Into the Monsoon: A Road Trip Begins In June 2013, just as the monsoon clouds rolled across western India, our journey began. My daughter Shital and her husband Shiv had just completed an ambitious round-the-world backpacking adventure, and India was their final chapter. While they were visiting us in…

Backpacking Part 7 Closing Reflections (Around The Globe 2012-13)

Closing Reflections – What the World Gave Us Our journey didn’t end with fireworks—it ended quietly, with gratitude. From South Africa to India, the road reshaped how we see the world—and each other. We learned that kindness exists everywhere, that home is something we carry together, and that the world rewards openness. This journey lives…

Backpacking Part 6 India (Around The Globe 2012-13)

India – A Kaleidoscope of Faith, Color & Contrasts India didn’t ease us in—it ignited every sense at once. Traveling by train, car, and bus, we immersed ourselves fully in its rhythm. Mumbai – The Pulse of a Nation Mumbai welcomed us loudly. From the Gateway of India to Marine Drive’s evening calm, the city…

Backpacking Part 5 Malayasia & Singapore (Around The Globe 2012-13)

Malaysia & Singapore – Where Traditions Meet Tomorrow From Australia’s coastlines, we moved into Southeast Asia—where cultures overlap and ancient traditions meet modern ambition. Malaysia – Markets, Mosques & Living Green Kuala Lumpur introduced us to Malaysia’s rhythm. The Petronas Towers glittered above the city, while the Batu Caves grounded us spiritually. Bukit Bintang buzzed…

Backpacking Part 4 Australia (Around The Globe 2012-13)

Australia – One Month of Coastlines, Cities & Color If New Zealand slowed us down, Australia picked up the pace. Sun-soaked, social, and effortlessly cool, one month along the East Coast delivered iconic cities, dramatic coastlines, and underwater wonder. Melbourne – Culture, Coffee & Coastal Roads We began in Melbourne, a city rich with creativity…

Backpacking Part 3 New Zealand (Around The Globe 2012-12)

New Zealand – Four Months on the Open Road After the intensity of South America, New Zealand arrived like a deep breath. Wide-open spaces, slow travel, and the simple freedom of the road transformed what was meant to be a short visit into four unforgettable months living out of a campervan. This chapter wasn’t about…

Backpacking Part 2 South America (Around The Globe 2012-13)

South America – Two Months of Rhythm, Ruins & Raw Wonder If South Africa was where our wanderlove took root, South America was where it exploded into color, contrast, and unforgettable intensity. Two months. Multiple borders. Endless bus rides, border crossings, and landscapes that often felt unreal. This chapter carried us across jungles, salt flats,…

Backpacking Part 1 South Africa (Around The Globe 2012-13)

South Africa – Where Wanderlove Took Root (1 Month) Every great journey has a beginning, and for us, South Africa was far more than the first pin on a growing world map. It was where marriage, freedom, and adventure merged into a single unforgettable chapter—where our shared life on the road truly began. Fresh from…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 14 of 14

Farewell – The Final Leg of an Unforgettable Journey As the ferry pulled away from France, we sat quietly, reflecting on the incredible journey we had just completed—13 unforgettable days, 7 countries, over 3,000 kilometres, and a million memories. Motorhoming isn’t just a way to travel—it’s a way of life. Since 1979, I’ve lived this…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 13 of 14

Day 13 – August 28th, 2008 – Au Revoir, Europe After breakfast, we checked out, paying 65 Euros for our one-night stay. Though we’d been to Paris many times, we still managed a quick sightseeing spin, just to say hello—and goodbye—to this iconic city. Truth be told, Paris needs a week, not a few hours,…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 12 of 14

Day 12 – August 27th, 2008 – Long Drive to the City of Lights We checked out of Frejus, paying a steep 276 Euros for two nights, and hit the road at 8:00 a.m. It was our longest drive yet—875 kilometres to Paris. With just a couple of quick stops, we reached the Bois de…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 11 of 14

Day 11 – August 26th, 2008 – Glamour and Beaches After enjoying the campsite pool and a hearty breakfast, we set out for Monte Carlo—a playground for the rich and famous. The sleek yachts, luxury cars, and the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo exuded opulence. And in a special highlight, we managed to arrange a Ferrari…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 10 of 14

Day 10 – August 25th, 2008 – The Tower and the Coast After a quick breakfast of toast, omelette, and tea, we checked out of Camping Flaminio, paying 163 Euros for two nights. Our first stop was Pisa, around 350 kilometres away. We reached the famous city by early afternoon. There it stood—The Leaning Tower…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 9 of 14

Day 9 – August 24th, 2008 – Roaming Through Rome With only a single day to explore Rome, we knew we had to make every moment count. After a filling breakfast, we caught a nearby train into the city. Rome, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, deserves at least a few days—but we…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 8 of 14

Day 8 – August 23rd, 2008 – From Ferraris to Roman Ruins After three blissful nights at Ca’Savio, we checked out, paying 145 Euros, and set our course for Maranello—home of the legendary Ferrari. The drive was around 196 kilometres, and anticipation filled the motorhome. For any automobile enthusiast, this was sacred ground. The Galleria…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 7 of 14

Day 7 – August 22nd, 2008 – A Day of Leisure After days of non-stop exploring and long drives, we finally took a break. Camping Ca’Savio was too inviting not to enjoy. The weather was warm, the beach golden, and the facilities top-notch. We lounged by the pool, strolled along the beach, and simply soaked…

Exploring Venice: Day 6 of 14

Day 6 – August 21st, 2008 – The Floating City of Venice We set off by boat to the magical city of Venice, a place with no roads—only canals and boats weaving between more than a hundred small islands. The history here is tangible, etched into every stone and shimmering reflection on the water. Strolling…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 5 of 14

Day 5 – August 20th, 2008 – Venice Awaits After breakfast, we checked out of our lakeside haven, paying 39 Euros, and set our sights on Venice—345 kilometres away. Our destination: Camping Ca’Savio, a campsite that felt more like a five-star resort. Swimming pools, restaurants, shops, and a beautiful beach with golden sands—this place had…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 4 of 14

Day 4 – August 19th, 2008 – To the Waters of Lake Como   With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Lauterbrunnen, paying 173 Swiss Francs (about £92) for our two-night stay. Our next destination was Lake Como in Italy, just 240 kilometres away—but the route took us through twisting Alpine roads and countless tunnels,…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 3 of 14

Day 3 – August 18th, 2008 – At the Top of Europe Morning came early, and what a morning it was. Birds chirped, waterfalls flowed, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. After showering in the communal facilities and preparing a hearty breakfast, we sat under the awning enjoying the crisp mountain air and…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 2 of 14

Day 2 – August 17th, 2008 – Rolling into Switzerland Dawn had barely broken when two of us quietly took the wheel and resumed the drive while the rest of the crew remained fast asleep in their bunks. There was still a long stretch ahead—roughly 760 kilometres to Lauterbrunnen. Around 7:00 a.m., we stopped at…

Exploring Europe by Motorhome: Day 1 of 14 – The Journey Begins

On the 16th of August 2008, we embarked on a nostalgic tour of Europe with my family. Our adventure commenced with meticulous preparations, loading up our Suntour 6 berth motorhome with essentials such as fresh water, food, soft drinks, beers, wines, throwaway barbecues, a toolbox, and, of course, our clothes. The six of us, comprising…

David & Jo Latham

In December 2007, my wife Hansa and I were on a journey back home from New Delhi, first by flight to Baroda, then by road to Navsari. Upon arrival at Baroda airport, our friend Malav picked us up, and as we traveled along National Highway 8 towards Navsari, we came across an intriguing sight—a green…

France Day 04 in VW Campervan 1992

Day 4 – Homeward Bound After breakfast, we checked out around 11am and began our journey back towards Calais. We had plenty of time, so we stopped occasionally to relax and enjoy the drive. Reaching Calais around 4pm, we still had time before our 6pm ferry, so we drove around the town exploring the harbour…

France Day 03 in VW Campervan 1992

Day 3 – Paris, the Eiffel Tower and Camping Life The next morning began slowly and peacefully. After warm showers in the campsite washrooms, Hansa prepared egg on toast with spicy masala tea — a breakfast that somehow tasted even better while camping. The children spent the morning running around the open fields teasing their…

France Day 02 in VW Campervan 1992

Day 2 – The Magic of Euro Disney The next morning, we drove to the park early. Nothing could have prepared us for our first glimpse of Euro Disney. The colourful buildings, cheerful music, spotless streets, and smiling Disney characters created an atmosphere unlike anything we had ever experienced. At the time, a one-day Euro…

France Day 01 in VW Campervan 1992

Our First Adventure to Euro Disney in Cassandra – Summer 1992 There are some journeys in life that stay with you forever. Not because they were luxurious or extravagant, but because they were filled with excitement, family laughter, and the thrill of discovering the world together for the very first time. Our summer trip to…

California Day 07 December 13 1984

Day 7 – Thursday, 13 December 1984 An Unforgettable Ending Before returning the motorhome, we carefully washed and cleaned it and filled the diesel tank at a nearby gas station. Then came the dramatic ending to our wonderful holiday. During peak afternoon traffic, around 4:00–5:00 pm, the motorhome suddenly broke down while we were stopped…

California Day 06 December 12 1984

Day 6 – Wednesday, 12 December 1984 Calico Ghost Town and the Journey Home After saying goodbye to vibrant Las Vegas, we began our journey back towards California. Along the way we stopped at Calico Ghost Town, an old silver mining town preserved from the Wild West era. The children were especially excited exploring the…

California Day 05 December 11 1984

Day 5 – Tuesday, 11 December 1984 The City That Never Sleeps We spent the day exploring Las Vegas more thoroughly. Walking through the city felt like stepping into a giant entertainment world filled with bright lights, enormous hotels and nonstop activity. The casinos were dazzling inside, each designed to create a sense of luxury…

California Day 04 December 10 1984

Day 4 – Monday, 10 December 1984 Journey into the Desert – Anaheim to Las Vegas At around 9:00 am myself, wife Hansa and kids Nitin and Shital set off once again, this time heading east towards Las Vegas. The long desert highways were very different from the forests and coastline we had experienced over…

California Day 03 December 09 1984

Day 3 – Sunday, 9 December 1984 Coastal Drive Back to Anaheim We began our return journey around 8:00 am because Kanubhai needed to return to work the following morning. Instead of rushing straight back, we decided to take a more scenic route through parts of coastal Southern California. The drive through Santa Barbara was…

California Day 02 December 08 1984

Day 2 – Saturday, 8 December 1984 Exploring the Giants of Sequoia National Park We spent the entire day exploring the breathtaking beauty of Sequoia National Park. Nothing could truly prepare us for the sight of the enormous giant sequoia trees. Standing beneath them made us feel incredibly small and insignificant beside nature’s ancient giants,…

California Day 01 December 07 1984

California Adventure in a Motorhome – December 1984 In December 1984, we embarked on one of the most memorable family holidays of our lives — a classic American road trip through California and Nevada in a large six-berth motorhome. What made the journey even more exciting was that it was my very first experience driving…