During my 4×4 journey around the world, I realised that it wasn’t me who was organising the trip, but rather life itself.
From Slovenia to Greece
exhibition- Russia
December 22, 2019
From Greece to Turkey
June 11, 2020PART 1
Journey to the unknown
Although I was consistently given more options and directions, I felt as though I had lost control of my navigation system.
My plan was to visit ex-Yugoslav countries, head down to Greece, make a stop in Istanbul and Cappadocia, continue the route to Mongolia, and ship the car to Australia.
Everything up to Mongolia went smoothly with a few ‘hiccups’ now and then, but afterwards, the journey took a different turn.
Instead of surfing in Australia, I ended up learning long exposure photography in Vancouver, chasing the Aurora Borealis all across Canada, and discovering ancient ruins in Yucatán and Central America.
Not to mention swimming with dolphins and manta rays in Hawaii.
Taking some extra flights to Bangkok to join my photo team and my photography tutor, Mr. Gavin Gough, as well as finally getting an opportunity to meet the legendary Mr. William Albert Allard.
How could this happen?
Mišmaš all the way!
🤷🏼♀️🙅🏼♀️🙆♀️
I began my journey to Croatia, where the stunning Kolpa River flows across the border between Slovenia and Croatia. I took the chance to visit my grandparents in Kočevje to receive their final blessing before I set off and truly unleash my energy.
I spent my first night by the river where, as a child, I had picnics with my family. It was a perfect spot to start my journey into the unknown.
I’m excited to follow Samir’s wonderful advice and visit his uncle—Samir, who always knows the best recommendations for an enr Neron in Bosnia, healthy humor, and enriching experiences!
So, I did. Do you know what happens when Slovenians and Bosnians meet?
Not only was I capturing stunning landscapes, but Samir’s uncle, Neron, also recommended and took me to…
… at the end of the day, I was drinking Bosnian brandy, singing and dancing as I had never sung or danced before.
I felt the gipsy side of me. That is how Bosnia influences you. It extracts the natural essence from you.
Yugoslav brothers and sisters have never let me down. In fact, I have always found it difficult to leave their lands, except this time—I had no excuses. I needed to stick to my schedule and not extend my stay, as I didn’t want to get stuck in the mud somewhere in Mongolia.
I embarked on a long drive from Bosnia to Niš, facing relentless rain that only heightened my growing anxiety and fatigue along the way. Despite these difficulties, I continued, determined to reach my destination.
As I continued my journey to my next destination, Lake Ohrid, I encountered heavy floods that delayed my entry into the Republic of Macedonia. Eventually, I set up my campsite outside the city of Niš. I decided to call it a day when I realised that my mobile home was sinking into the mud.
Initially, I thought my imagination had no limits, and I was only afraid of the future 4×4 adventure. Very soon, I realised that in relation to my wild imagination, sinking had no meaning and I was facing reality.
This was the first time I was genuinely frightened; it nearly scared the living daylights out of me. (Excuse my language. I am not swearing…)
I nearly collided with my mobile home when the copilot leapt into the car and rescued it from “drowning.”
I faced a critical moment that challenged me with my greatest fear before entering Mongolia. I had heard from experienced off-road travellers that “it might happen quickly without you even noticing, and it can be really nasty.” Despite the discomfort of the experience, I was grateful for it, as it provided me with all the information I needed to continue my mission.
“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.”
I longed for the sun, the sea, and a warm welcome. I wanted one last blessing before entering Turkey. Please take me to Greece.
Here, my friends, this is where the new chapter starts…
Equipment: Mercedes G Pro, Canon, GoPro, Fuji instax, portable printer, Macintosh;
Mercedesbenz 👉Graz- Austria, Dream team car 👉Martigues- France, ORC 👉Stuttgart- Germany, Mixi caravaning👉Šentjur- Slovenia, 4×4 servis 👉Maribor- Slovenia
MAPS: Ex-Yugoslav countries @maps.me
How did you enjoy the journey so far?
Next stop: Greece 🇬🇷, Turkey 🇹🇷
Destination: Mongolia 🇲🇳