A Journey Through Europe - Self-Discovery and Living Outside the Norm Part 1

Who I am and why I am writing this travel blog

I would like to briefly introduce myself; I am Nathalie, 51 years young, and this year I slipped into a depression. I am writing this blog to perhaps help those who lack the courage to break free from their unhappy existence. Maybe I can ease some fears about the unknown and help clear the thoughts of: 'I don't know how to do this', 'what if something happens?' There is a solution to everything, and everyone is capable of achieving anything if they just believe in themselves and dare to try. That’s all! And please let me make it clear, it’s not just about the money. It can, as it was for me, be done on a manageable budget.

How it all began......

The idea of living in a motorhome to explore the world - to expand my horizons - had long been germinating in me. In 2021, it finally came to fruition. I bought my first motorhome and terminated my apartment in Bochum. What was I to do in that city? I found myself asking this question more often. I hardly spent time in my apartment at all. Either I was working or I was in my 'old home' in the Münsterland, with friends and family. This first 'attempt', as it can be called, unfortunately failed due to the Corona crisis.

Now, four years later, the next attempt. With a job that consumes and exhausts me, after a relationship that I should have never entered, I reflect deeply on my life thus far. For months, again and again, and I constantly arrive at the same conclusion: living in a motorhome is MY life. A professional reorientation would certainly also be sensible. But right now, my priority is my journey and finding myself.

'Didi' enters my life

In August of this year, I found 'Didi' on the pages of a well-known vehicle sales site. After so many considerations from converting a van to various models and years, I settled on this 33-year-old gentleman, who unfortunately was not in the best technical condition, and I fell in love instantly.

Repairs upon repairs

Before starting my journey, however, everything was very bumpy, to say the least. 'Didi' spent a good 8 weeks in a specialist workshop and needed a whopping 3 attempts for the TÜV!

Once I was finally able to pick him up, the hatches and windows were not at all watertight, the water pump went on strike, and some water hoses decided to let a little water leak into the underfloor. Of course, this always happened when it was raining or already dark - or both. That was quite the test. Contrary to my own expectations, I managed to complete all the repairs.

The beginning of my journey

My journey begins now - finally! - rather unremarkably in the Münsterland/ North Rhine-Westphalia along the Dortmund-Ems Canal, in early December of this year. The motorhome is packed, or perhaps more accurately, decluttered. So many thoughts have swirled through my mind. What do I take with me, what will be stored away? What if I forget something?

Okay, let's be honest. What can one possibly forget that is absolutely essential, when all the important things, such as ID card, possibly passport, vaccination record, EU pet passport, some cash, clothes, dishes, and food are on board? Alright, some tools won't hurt, and diesel in the tank won't either. With a slightly euphoric feeling, the journey begins.

The first step is merely 112 km to just beyond Bonn. Quite sufficient for the first day. Knut, my furry companion, seemed to agree.

From there, it’s step by step further to Hamm (Sieg) with wonderful surroundings for hiking enthusiasts to Bad Ems, where I recommend visiting the Emser Therme, which I highly recommend. The nearby parking area at the yacht harbor is suitable for an overnight stay, with shopping opportunities and the thermal spa easily reachable on foot. There are certainly nicer parking spots, but this one is conveniently located.

The next day, I head directly to Koblenz on the Rhine for one night, parking right by the Rhine with a view of the equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm at the Deutsches Eck as well as a view of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and cultural center, which is beautifully illuminated around Christmas time. This place is certainly worth a visit in other seasons as well, especially in September during the grape harvest, although it may be quite crowded then.