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ABOUT THIS BLOG

In the summer of 2009, Nicolas Rapp decided to take a break from his Art Director job at The Associated Press to attempt a one-year overland travel around the world in a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. He was back in New York in February 2011 after traveling 15 months and 37,000 miles.

Visited countries

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MONTHLY ARCHIVES

THE ROUTE

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  • Following the coast

    Posted on November 21st, 2009 Nicolas No comments
    Louisiana swamps

    Louisiana swamps

    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.

    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.

    Answering high school students questions

    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.

    cakeAfter 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.

    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.

    At Blanco's, checking out Texas music

    At Blanco's, checking out Texas music

    dinerWe 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 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.

    Welcome signs at the school

    Welcome signs at the school