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Overland Journal Day 121-128: China Shenanigans and the Great Wall
China never ceases to amaze us. From an 80,000-person concert on a sand dune complete with a drone show, to eating grilled camel toes in a high-end restaurant with a car workshop owner, driving to the Great Wall of China with our own car and reflecting on life’s big questions with a Tibetan monk—every day brings the unexpected. This country and its people continue to reveal surprises we…
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Overland Journal Day 118-121: First Impressions of China (Xinjiang)
Our journey through China begins in the Xinjiang region, offering a fascinating mix of contrasts. While the state control often highlighted in Western media is undeniably present, we’re also introduced to a side of China rarely seen in headlines: mouthwatering cuisine, curious and welcoming locals, stunning landscapes, and an infrastructure that’s nothing short of impressive. These first few days are packed with adventure. Our car sustains damage while…
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Overland Journal Day 117: Border Crossing Into China
Overlanding China with our own car marks the biggest hurdle of our expedition, requiring extensive preparation well before our arrival. In addition to a visa, self-driving with a foreign vehicle means we also need a Chinese driver’s license, Chinese license plates, and a local guide accompanying us every hour of every day. The process began months ago back in the Netherlands, and now – on July 17, 2024…
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Overland Journal Day 110-116: Kazakhstan
With just one week left before we need to be in China, we cross the border into Kazakhstan—one of the world’s largest countries. A week is far too short to do it justice, so we focus on the southeastern region around Almaty, nestled between Kyrgyzstan and China. Luckily, this area is packed with incredible sights. We camp on top of the fiery red cliffs of Charyn Canyon, venture…
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Overland Journal Day 93-109: Kyrgyzstan
Just a year ago, while camping on a tundra at 4,300 meters altitude in Kyrgyzstan, the spark for this expedition was ignited. Now, we’re back in this breathtaking country—only this time, we’re driving our own car from The Netherlands. How surreal and exciting is that?! Our memories of Kyrgyzstan are so cherished that we were slightly worried reality wouldn’t live up to them. Thankfully, it more than does.…
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