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We are back in Turkey! This marks our return to the first non-European country we visited when starting our adventure, 21 years ago. Same truck, same country, same people, same weather. Given the country's vastness, we are now filling in the blanks – places that we either skipped or that weren't on our map back then. At the same time, we are revisiting some sites and citites to see how things have changed over the years.
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Cappadocia in winter — 21 years ago, the first hot-air balloon company had just started its business here with only one balloon. This time, we counted 100 balloons (and that's in winter – imagine in summer).
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Driving into Erzurum was an immediate déjà vu when it started snowing – just like 21 years ago. This time, we had time to explore the remote NE corners of Kars and Ani, and got to see way more than just one hot-air balloon in Cappadocia.
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In our previous newsletter, we briefly touched up on the upcoming Kickstarter for our first English book, and we'll delve into that below because we have good news!
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We also talked about the persistently troublesome gearbox issues. It's expected from a 40-year-old vehicle that has been used as a daily driver on dilapidated roads worldwide, and we hold immense respect for where the Land Cruiser has taken us.
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Here's the good news: after a couple of cold weeks in a workshop in Northeast Turkey, Coen got the problem fixed!
With the great help of some awesome people:
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- Suat Çelik — local think-thank and logistic wizard
- Osman Bozali — the man of plans and big breakfasts
- Euro4x4parts — the people of much needed parts
- Rocco — the guru for missing vital last-minute parts
- Ferhan Isuzu — the guy of hard work
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We found a donor BJ60 gearbox in Ankara, fitted our overdrive to it, and are now enjoying a smooth driving sensation again after many years. Ready for another 20 years of adventures?
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Thirdly, we mentioned the crowdfunding campaign for our Dutch book. We are thrilled to announce that we achieved 128% funding, and are currently preparing the book for print.
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Winter is wreaking havoc on the Anatolian plateau, so we decided to move our home on wheels south to the Mediterranean coast for a more pleasant climate. Here, we're enjoying sea views and balmy days while working on another book and several magazine features.
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Kicking of: Forever Off Track
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Our Kickstarter campaign for our first printed English book launched yesterday, and it is truly special:
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Our special edition of Forever Off Track includes 32 pages filled with lively color photos, and will be personally signed by both of us.
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However, we can only bring this unique edition to life if we gather enough funds to cover printing and shipping costs.
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How we plan to achieve this, along with great rewards for you, can all be found on the Kickstarter page.
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The Coffee Flashback
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Twenty years ago, we crossed into China's westernmost – now troublesome – province of Xinjiang. Our first local breakfast consisted of salty tea, nuts, dried small fish, and dry bread. Coen, always eager to try new foods, embraced the experience. In contrast, Karin-Marijke stuck to her coffee and scrambled eggs. It was probably some form of over-expired freeze-dried coffee, but coffee nonetheless. Otherwise, that day would have started off on the wrong foot, as fellow coffee addicts will surely understand.
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By the way, both Turkey and China are integral parts of Forever Off Track. How things have changed: at that time, Erdogan was the promising new leader of a country aspiring to join Europe, while the Xinjiang province was experiencing a detente.
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Help in Cambodia's Jungle – Book Sample from 'Forever Off Track'
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The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen's remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out of their comfort zones, deal with fears, explore the beauty of the world, and embrace a life of full-time nomadism. This story is a sample of their journey through Cambodia. …
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Curfew in Pakistan – Book Sample from 'Forever Off Track'
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The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen's remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out of their comfort zones, deal with fears, explore the beauty of the world, and embrace a life of full-time nomadism. This story is a sample of their journey through Pakistan. …
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Overland Reunion – How Do I Sign Up?
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The yearly Overland Reunion, what's it all about and where do you sign up? Find all information and sign-up form here.
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Overland Reunion – How Did it Start and How Does it Work? + Sign up
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Each year, an Overland Reunion is organized in the Netherlands (Twente). What type of overland event is it, for whom, and how to sign up?
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What’s next?
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Classic Pinewood checkered wear at Cappadocia — Turkey 2024
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For those interested in joining us at our Overland Reunion during the first week of May in the Netherlands, don't forget to sign up (see the blog post mentioned above). We would love to see you there.
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And for those who have been asking for a book for years, we hope we are finally fulfilling your wish.
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So, check out the Kickstarter campaign and pre-order the book. It would be our privilege to sign it for you.
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