Trans World Expedition

It was nice stopping for few days in Houston. We arrived Thursday, relaxed Friday, worked on the truck Saturday, and explored some more the city on Sunday.

On Friday, we said good-bye to our French friends who were going back to Paris for vacation. They let us their apartment, so we were able to rest for few days, do some laundry, and have a shower every day (yes, even French people need a shower once in a while).

After I sent a message asking for help on a Land Cruiser message board, I quickly got an invitation from Brett and Greg, and we met at 10 a.m. at Brett’s house, in a northeast of Houston.

That was nice to really see the power of an internet community, and feel that behind all these electronic messages, there are people who are here to help out, and just enjoy spending time finding solutions. I said in the past that this trip would make me smarter. I have to add that it will also make me a better and more generous person, given all the help I already got, so early in the trip.

Brett quickly isolated the brake problem to the rear right emergency shoes, frozen by rust. Some WD-40 seemed to have settled the problem, but I will keep an eye on the issue, especially when I’ll be back in more humid climates.

It also seems that we were able to fix the engine light problem, most likely due to a carbon-covered sensor. So far, the light didn’t come back.

Amy, Brett, Kristen and Nadia after a day working on the truck

I can’t thank these guys enough, along with Amy, Brett’s wife, who cooked some delicious burgers and hot-dogs while we were working under the rain.

Back in the city, we tried to go back to Blancos to get some more cow-boys action, but the bar was closed. After getting a beer in an average dive bar, we went to bed, exhausted, as usual.

On Sunday, we went to see the Lakewood Church, to see the famous worship service of pastor Joel Osteen (thanks for the tip Gwen).

We got pizza, walked through the under-estimated and surprising city of Houston to see the Rothko Chapel and the Menil Collection.

A drink in the Montrose area, and we were back home. We have to be up at 4 a.m. to go to New Braunfles in Texas, close to San Antonio. Up there, at Wimberly 4×4, we will pick up some ARB equipment (more on that tomorrow).

Good night all! And thanks for the love Houston.

At 8 a.m. after a night in the luxury of the Super 8, we were back on the road again, continuing an expedition that should really be called a race. I can’t wait to pass the border, to be able to relax a little bit more. Eventually, I hope to drive only 3 or 4 hours a day, and spend the rest of the time exploring the surrounding, meet people, read and take time to live.

Shortly after noon, we arrived at the West Brook High School, in Beaumont, Texas. We were here to meet with students who chose to learn French. The High school is the largest of Beaumont, a city of 100,000. We arrived just in time for lunch, and shared a spicy (not so spicy according to our hosts) gumbo, along with students and teachers of the school. After that, I met with two large groups of students, and answered some questions about the expedition.

What I really like is to insist on the fact that anyone can do what I chose to do. This is one of the goals of the trip, to show that you can save up some money, and go in an amazing adventure. It doesn’t need to be all round the world, but even 6 months around Mexico can be incredible by itself.

We were behind the wheel after a couple of hours, and set cap on Houston, where Gwenaelle – an old friend from France – and Max, her fiancé, were waiting for us. We decided to stay there few days, since we had to work on the vehicle, and reorganize the load in the back.

In the morning, from the hotel, I posted a message asking for mechanical assistance in the Houston area on the IH8MUD forum. When I checked the answers in the evening, I saw that few people volunteered for help, and after a phone call, we planned to meet up with local Land Cruiser experts on Saturday.

We went for a Thai diner with our friends, and for drinks in Blancos, to hear some Texas country music, and watch local dancers. That was great, and I recommend the place to anyone passing by the city.

Exhausted, we enjoyed again a night in a real bed.

Answering high school students questions

What I really like is to insist on the fact that anyone can do what I chose to do. This is one of the goals of the trip, to show that you can save up some money, and go in an amazing adventure.

Kimberly, Mitchell, Andre, Adrienne and Miss Jones — Kimberly, Mitchell, Andre, Adrienne and Miss Bedford

It doesn’t need to be all round the world, but even 6 months around Mexico can be incredible by itself.

After a couple of hours, we were back behind the wheel, and set cap on Houston, where Gwenaelle – an old friend from France – and Max, her fiancé, were waiting for us. We decided to stay there few days, since we had to work on the vehicle, and reorganize the load in the back.

Exhausted, we enjoyed a night in a real bed, again. In the next few days, we plan on visiting San Antonio, and then go south and cross the Mexican border for more adventures.

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Thanks for the love Texas!

Following the coast