I'll have to admit that the blog has been left on the back burner for some time, what with all the sunny weather and cold beers going around, but with 22 days left until launch it's about time we informed our nearest, dearest why we might not be able to attend their BBQs for a few weeks.

As you might be aware Tom and I are traveling to Ulan Bator this summer in the name of adventure and charity. Frankly because a trip to Magaluf was, and always will be, out of the question. We will be driving roughly 20,000 miles through eastern europe and on via Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to reach our destination in Ulan Bator, only to turn back and drive all the way home through central Russia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. 

Seeing as we've been so quiet about our preparations, it's only fair that we bring you up to speed.

After months of deliberation and advice (Thanks to Mike and Dave Harries), we settled upon a Skoda Favorit estate. For those of you interested I'll write a bit later on why exactly we came to this decision, but in short, it boiled down to simplicity and access to spare parts. The last thing we wanted was a complicated electrical problem or broken, discontinued part halting our advance through the Gobi desert.

At the time of writing we've managed to secure visas for Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, although I haven't received my passport back yet, the organizers assure me that it will be with me before we leave. 

Other important documents like our Carnet de Passage are also comfortable behind us, all that remains is to pack the car with the essentials and push towards our sponsorship goal of £1,000 for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation.

 
I've also been taking a crash course in Russian from Charlotte Knight in the pub each Monday; it's amazing how far learning your p's & q's in the native tongue will change someone's mood.

Max 

London, UK

Air - infinitely more expensive in England. Max

Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Arrived very early and have a long wait in the car as it's raining and windy outside. Trying to get a few hours rest before check in. For future reference there is absolutely nothing open in Dunkirk late on a Sunday evening. Tom@

Flemish Region, Belgium

Bit more shopping done, but gutted the coffee place with Jamaican blue mountain is shut today! So instead a cappuccino and Belgium waffle! In another cafe. This is going to take weeks to pay off, but right now seems well worth it. Tom

Flemish Region, Belgium

Another day waiting is another day chilling in Brugge. Went gift shopping earlier but still got loads to get people. Found another little cafe for lunch, interesting 'american sauce' on my chips, no idea what it is! Haven't seen Max since he wandered off in the opposite direction this morning! Tom

Flemish Region, Belgium

Brugge is such a nice place, finding so many lovely small shops, antiques and chocolatiers, amazing cafes and tea rooms. Sorry to everyone who is expecting gifts - you have no idea how expensive this place is! I am however considering breaking the bank and buying a kg of Jamaican Blue mountain.... Txt Y or N to 07952524248 to help me make up my mind. Tom

Flemish Region, Belgium

Topped the car up, hopefully for the last time on the continent. The difference in price from Russian fuel is painful; but I suppose I'd rather pay stealth taxes than bribes. Max@

Venlo, The Netherlands

"Welcome to Nederland"

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

After last nights mental weather we stayed the night next to a mcdos, my snoring got to Max again so he spent the night outside (luckily rain had stopped) and we both awoke to freezing weather. Enjoyed a quick maccy bekkie in the morning before hitting the road again, aiming for Brugge. Tom@

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Adverse weather conditions disrupt traffic on the autobahn, even the Germans are down to 30mph. Max

Lower Saxony, Germany

Got lost again around Berlin's stupid ring road on the way out, then managed to get some sleep while Max drove for a few hours. It's amazing how cheap shell garages are here compared to the UK, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for a location specific Shell Tshirt or a prepackaged battered bratwurst just yet. In other news if anyone knows the frequency of BBC world service we'd appreciate a txt, so far we have opera and traditional Spanish music... Tom

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