Ideas in Progression

A digital space where music, travel, and storytelling converge.

Tag: unusual

  • Not your Average Playlist: Monkey3

    Not your Average Playlist: Monkey3

    Monkey 3: Switzerland’s Cosmic Stoner Rocket Ship

    Some bands just click for me instantly. You’ve got that weird Swiss outfit from Lausanne who’ve been blasting through psychedelic desert rock since 2001, and honestly, they deserve way more attention than they get. Monkey3 (sometimes written Monkey 3) aren’t your typical four-piece—they’re building vast instrumental soundscapes that feel like scoring a film nobody’s made yet. Two decades in, they’re still firing on all cylinders, releasing proper albums like 2024’s Welcome To The Machine.

    This lot don’t bother with vocals most of the time. Why fuck around with singing when you can just let the riffs do the talking?

    Who’s Actually In It

    The core lineup’s held together through the bullshit for most of their existence:
    Boris plays the guitar
    Walter on drums
    dB on all sorts of things with keys
    Jalil is the bass master at the moment

    Where They Come From Sonically

    They’ll namecheck constantly these: Kyuss, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd—which is basically holy trinity status for stoner psych. But they’ve also thrown 35007, Jane’s Addiction, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC into the mix.

    What It Reminds You Of

    If you’re trying to pitch Monkey3 to a mate who hasn’t heard them, say this: Samsara Blues Experiment, Karma to Burn and early Kyuss. Long tracks that breathe. Riffs that loop and evolve rather than punch you in the face.

    Five Tracks You Need To Know

    Alright, here’s where it counts. These are the essential cuts:

    1. Watching You (feat. John Garcia)

    ▶️ Watch “Watching You” on YouTube

    2. Kashmir (feat. Tony Jelencovich)

    3. Once Upon A Time In The West

    4. Rackman

    5. One Of These Days

    My Verdict: If you’ve ever liked anything heavy, psych-adjacent, or just appreciate a band that plays longform instrumental jams without apology, Monkey3 are worth the investment. They’re not chasing trends, they’re not selling out, and they’re still putting out great records.

    Give ’em a listen. Make it loud!

    e.

  • Ars Gratia Artis: Where to Start From

    Ars Gratia Artis: Where to Start From

    Maurizio Nannucci – Where to Start From

    If you’re anything like me and constantly find yourself staring at a blank canvas (or screen, or wall, or life itself) wondering where the hell to begin, this book is worth keeping nearby. It’s not a how-to guide in the traditional sense, which is probably why it works so well.

    Nannucci, as those in the know, has spent decades wrestling with questions that artists quietly ask themselves in the middle of the night: What comes before the work? Can starting point ever truly exist? The answers aren’t neat, and thank for that.

    My one-line comment on Goodreads was “Visual freedom” – which sounds like lazy shorthand until you sit with this book for a bit. What Nannucci offers isn’t permission to do whatever you want (that’s too easy). It’s something sharper: a framework for thinking about beginnings without being paralysed by them. The text is spare, the images do the heavy lifting, and the whole thing moves with a quiet confidence that most art books lack.

    I won’t pretend this is light reading. But it’s also not the kind of book that treats you like you need explaining. There’s an honesty to it – a refusal to oversell the process of creation or wrap it in inspirational bullshit. That alone earns respect.

    For anyone working in visual arts, design, or just trying to make sense of their own practice, this sits comfortably on the shelf alongside the books that actually stay relevant.

    Five stars, hands down.

    Til next time!

    e.

  • Ars Gratia Artis: Moebius

    Ars Gratia Artis: Moebius

    Moebius drew entire universes, and I’ve got some of them on my shelf

    Right, let’s get something straight from the off: Jean Giraud — better known as Moebius, or “Gir” when he felt like slumming it drawing cowboys — is easily one of the finest illustrators who ever picked up a pen, and I will hear no arguments. I have several of his books at home, and every single time I open one I find something I’d swear wasn’t there the previous time. It’s not magic, it’s just a man so obscenely talented that his linework apparently keeps evolving between readings.

    Where it started (for me, not him)

    I used to think Moebius was “that bloke who did the weird French space stuff” and that his western work was the “boring” warm-up act. Then I actually sat down with Blueberry — the series he drew as “Gir” alongside writer Jean-Michel Charlier from 1963 — and had to eat every word. It’s gritty, atmospheric, and real, decades before “gritty” became shorthand for grimdark nonsense. The man could draw a wind-swept face like nobody’s business. What surprised me was how restrained it is compared to his science fiction — proof that his wild imagination was a choice, not a lack of control.

    The good stuff, i.e. all of it

    Then there’s the other side of his brain. Arzach (1976) — a wordless saga about a bloke on a flying pterodactyl that manages to say more than most trilogies. Le Garage hermétique (The Airtight Garage) — dreamlike, unhinged, and brilliant. The Long Tomorrow, his noir-parody collaboration with Dan O’Bannon (yes, the bloke from Alien), which basically handed a visual blueprint to half of cyberpunk. And The Incal, his 1981 collaboration with Alejandro Jodorowsky, is still one of the great cosmic lunacies of the ninth art. My personal soft spot is The World of Edena (started 1983), which he wrote and drew himself — it begins as two spacemen and a Citroën and drifts into something quasi-philosophical about dreams and gender. It shouldn’t work. It absolutely does.

    Oh, and he drew Silver Surfer: Parable for Marvel in 1988, scripted by Stan Lee. Two issues. Legendary. That’s the kind of flex most artists can only dream about.

    The films (because you can’t avoid it, nor should you want to)

    Here’s the part that genuinely rewired my appreciation. Moebius’s fingerprints are all over cinema: Alien (1979) — those iconic spacesuits? His. Tron (1982) — that whole luminous digital world? He shaped it. Time Masters with René Laloux, Masters of the Universe, Willow (1988), The Abyss (1989), and Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element (1997) — the flying cars, the cityscape, all of it soaked in Moebius. There’s even Star Wars-connected territory via the ill-fated Jodorowsky Dune project, which, having failed spectacularly, quietly fertilised half of modern sci-fi anyway. Heavy Metal carried his work to the States, and Hollywood came calling shortly after.

    This is where I changed my mind about him: I used to file him under “comics artist.” He’s really a world-builder who occasionally took jobs in comics because the pay was nearby. Every time you watch an alien hive, a neon grid, or a taxi weaving through a vertical future, you’re looking at ideas he drafted first.

    My humble opinion on Moebius works:

    Ten out of ten. Buy the books. If you see an Edena collection going cheap, buy two and send me the spare — no, I’m joking. Mostly. He died in 2012, but unlike a lot of legends, he never stopped drawing, and it shows: the man produced so much that new collections keep surfacing like archaeological finds.

    My reading list recommendation if you fancy starting: Blueberry to see the craftsman, The Incal to see the madman, The World of Edena to see the philosopher. Same pair of hands, three completely different brains.

    Enjoy!

    e.

  • Just Because… Philip Larkin

    Just Because… Philip Larkin

    This Be the Verse 

    They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
    They may not mean to, but they do.
    They fill you with the faults they had
    And add some extra, just for you.

    But they were fucked up in their turn
    By fools in old-style hats and coats,
    Who half the time were soppy-stern
    And half at one another’s throats.

    Man hands on misery to man.
    It deepens like a coastal shelf.
    Get out as early as you can,
    And don’t have any kids yourself.

  • Beyond the Postcard: Exploring Sri Lanka

    Beyond the Postcard: Exploring Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka: Where Asia Shines

    Several years ago, I found myself stepping off a flight into Colombo, little knowing what awaited me. What I discovered was not merely a holiday destination, but an experience that would linger in my memory long after departure.

    COLOMBO: FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER

    The capital city greeted me with unexpected charm.

    Contrary to any preconceived notions about South Asian urban chaos, Colombo struck me as remarkably clean and organised. There was an orderliness to everything that belied its vibrant energy. But more than the infrastructure, it was the people who made the deepest impression.

    Everyone I met on the streets sported a nice smile.

    A CULINARY ODYSSEY

    The local cuisine also proved to be very interesting to me. Sri Lankan food is a right mix of flavours and aromatic spices.

    I liked the rice and curry – not the single curries you might know, but several small varieties served alongside steaming rice, the kottu roti: chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meat, and the hoppers: bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, perfect with a soft-boiled egg nestled in the centre.

    SPIRITUAL HORIZONS: THE TEMPLES

    No exploration of Sri Lanka would be complete without acknowledging its sacred heritage.

    The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy stands as perhaps the most revered Buddhist site on the island, housing what is believed to be Buddha’s actual tooth.

    Then, there’s Ruanweli Dagoda in Anuradhapura, one of the tallest ancient stupas in the world, its golden dome gleaming against the tropical sky – a testament to over two millennia of continuous worship.

    Finally, the Galle Fort Dutch Reformed Church reminded me of the island’s colonial complexity, where Christian heritage sits alongside Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

    THE TEA CULTURE: MORE THAN JUST A BEVERAGE

    During a visit to the tea plantations I learned that Sri Lanka’s tea industry traces back to 1867 when Scottish planter James Taylor established the first commercial tea garden in Knuckles District.

    Before that, coffee dominated cultivation until devastating blight destroyed entire crops. The locals turned to tea – and they never looked back.

    Today, Ceylon Tea remains a global gold standard, grown at high altitudes across the hill country.

    SIGIRIYA: ASCENDING AN ANCIENT KINGDOM

    Sigiriya (sometimes pronounced Sirigia as many locals do) is a fifth-century rock fortress that rises nearly 200 metres above the surrounding jungle, a marvel constructed during the reign of King Kashyapa.

    He built his palace atop this massive column of rock following a bitter succession dispute – either brilliant strategy or madness, depending on which chronicler you read. Climbing to the summit involved navigating ancient water gardens, fresco galleries (some surviving paintings still visible), and mirror walls once polished so reflective the king could see his own reflection.

    From the top, the panoramic views across the central jungle were simply magnificent – green canopy stretching endlessly, broken only by other rocky outcrops piercing the horizon like islands in an ocean.

    ELEPHANTS PARADING THROUGH COLONIAL HISTORY

    Back in Colombo, I witnessed the elephant procession – a rare treat in the heart of the city. Watching these majestic creatures adorned in ceremonial decorations moving through streets lined with palm trees created a moment of pure magic. They represent much of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and religious significance, particularly in Buddhist tradition where they symbolise wisdom and royal power.

    PRATICAL ADVICE FOR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

    One crucial piece of advice for anyone planning their Sri Lankan adventure: negotiate tuk tuk fares firmly before boarding. Some drivers expect tourists to arrive unprepared and will quote astronomical prices upon reaching your destination. Be clear about the amount upfront, preferably using your hotel to help verify reasonable rates.

    THE VERDICT: ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED

    Would I return? Without hesitation, and sooner rather than later. Sri Lanka offers everything a discerning traveller seeks – authentic cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, culinary adventures, historical depth, and human warmth rarely matched elsewhere.

    Seven or eight days barely scratches the surface. Yet even in that brief window, Sri Lanka revealed itself as a nation of extraordinary resilience, beauty, and hospitality.

    Go. See for yourself. You’ll understand why many call it Paradise on Earth.

  • Work Independent Location = Freedom (and don’t let anyone tell you different)

    Work Independent Location = Freedom (and don’t let anyone tell you different)

    Right then. Let’s get straight into it, shall we?

    Since I stopped making my bosses rich – you know the ones – paying for their goddamn mansions, yachts, bling-bling and fucking supercars – my life changed radically. Like, proper radically. Not the “let’s have a glass of wine after work” kind of radical. The “I’m actually living my fucking life” kind of radical.

    And here’s the truth nobody wants to tell you: the 9-to-5 job isn’t a ladder. It’s a trap. A fucking golden cage where you trade your sweat and blood for someone else’s mortgage, their kids’ private school fees, their next holiday to the Maldives while you’re counting pennies for the train fare to see your mum.

    What the Hell did I Lose by Leaving?

    Nothing. Absolutely nothing worth keeping.

    No agendas – written or otherwise.
    No more rat race – waking up at 6am for a commute that feels like a death sentence.
    No more useless meetings where you discuss scheduling another meeting to discuss the last meeting.
    No more micromanagement telling you how long your bathroom breaks should be.
    No more fake colleagues who’ll talk absolute shite behind your back while licking the boss’s arse in meetings. You know them. We’ve all had to deal with them. They’re everywhere.

    The Truth About Freedom

    Now? I can work from anywhere. Anytime. Whenever I bloody well want.

    Wake up at 11? Fine. Work till midnight on Tuesday because the vibe’s right? Perfect. Want to take three days off to visit Iceland just because? Fuck yes. Nobody’s watching. Nobody’s caring. Nobody giving me a guilt trip about “team culture.”

    Because here’s the thing they don’t advertise in those glossy recruitment brochures: your time is YOUR TIME. Not a company asset. Not quarterly productivity metrics. Not shareholder returns. Yours.

    So, Where to Start If You Are Still Stuck?

    Move your ass. Literally. Research the hell out of it. Look up independent work ideas. Learn about working from home. Look into what everyone’s banging on about now: digital nomad. Whatever you call it, it’s real, it’s happening, and it’s available if you’re willing to put in the effort.

    To give you a few concrete examples – yeah, I learned quite a few languages along the way – so, translation work keeps the lights on. Video editing? Same. Subtitles? Yep. Online courses? Right on! When you ready, passive income is the key. And don’t put all the eggs in one basket; use various platforms. All of these together put the bread and the butter on my table. No bullshit. Just actual work that pays actual money.

    It took time to figure it out. Had some shitty months early doors. But now? Now I’m actually free. And it’s the best decision I ever made.

    Get Organised and Fire your Boss

    Seriously. Get your fucking ass organised. Make a plan. Start building the skills that mean you control the income stream, not some middle manager who thinks sending a passive-aggressive Slack message is leadership.

    The world doesn’t owe you a stable job anymore. But it does owe you opportunity if you’re prepared to grab it with both hands and stop waiting for permission.

    Stop letting someone else live like a king while you struggle to pay rent. Stop pretending you don’t hate every minute of your day. Stop accepting the narrative that this is just “how things are.”

    They’re not. You can change them.

    Get your own business running. Build your own client base. Create your own schedule. Live your own damn life. On your own terms!

    Freedom’s out there. You just have to bloody well take it.

    Drop the corporate leash. Your life, your rules. 🖤

    Success!

    e.

  • Not Your Average Playlist: Secos & Molhados

    Not Your Average Playlist: Secos & Molhados

    Secos & Molhados: The Glitter, The Guile, and The Greatest Flash-in-the-Pan Brazil Ever Produced

    Some bands burn out. Some fade away. And then there are the ones that detonate like a firework in a dictatorship — bright, brief, and impossible to unsee. Secos & Molhados were the third kind.

    Formed in São Paulo in 1971, right in the teeth of Brazil’s military regime, they were the band that turned their rock mix of folk and prog into a political act without ever handing you a manifesto. They wore face paint, stacked heels, and more eyeliner than a Soho pub crawl, and they did it all whilst fusing MPB, fado, folk, psychedelia, and progressive rock into something nobody had quite heard before — or since.

    They released two era-defining albums, imploded, and left a crater in Brazilian pop culture that still echoes. That’s not a failure. That’s punk before punk had a name for itself.

    The Members

    The classic lineup — the one that mattered — was a power trio with a supporting cast:

    • João Ricardo — founder, main songwriter, acoustic guitarist, and harmonica player. The brains of the operation. He formed the band, wrote most of the songs, and was the only member who stuck around after the first two records. Some people start bands; João Ricardo started a religion with a three-year shelf life.
    • Ney Matogrosso — vocalist, provocateur, force of nature. The man whose falsetto could shatter glass and whose androgynous stage presence made Bowie look almost understated. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a walking scandal in a country governed by generals. After the band split, he became one of the biggest solo artists in Brazilian history.
    • Gerson Conrad — vocalist, composer, and second guitarist. The quiet engine of the trio, who co-wrote and co-sang alongside Matogrosso before stepping out of the spotlight post-breakup.

    Backing them up were a rotating crew of session hands and guest musicians: John Flavin (guitar), Willy Verdaguer (bass), Marcelo Frias (drums), Sergio Rosadas (flute), plus a special appearance from Zé Rodrix lending pipe organ to the debut.

    From 1974 onward, João Ricardo was the sole constant. Various musicians cycled through the later records, but the magic was always the original trio. Nobody pretends otherwise.

    Discography

    Six studio albums. Two masterpieces. Four curiosities. Here’s the lot:

    YearAlbumLabel
    1973Secos & MolhadosMCA
    1974Secos & Molhados IIContinental
    1978Secos & Molhados IIIPhilips
    1980Secos & Molhados IVPhilips
    1988A Volta do Gato PretoDisco Ban / Polygram
    1999Teatro?JR

    The debut and its sequel are the holy texts. Everything after 1974 is João Ricardo carrying the flame — sometimes brilliantly, sometimes unevenly, but always stubbornly. Calling every album Secos & Molhados for the first four was either the laziest branding in rock history or the most arrogant. Either way, it’s perfect.

    There are also live albums, EPs, and numerous compilations floating around — the most notable being O Melhor de Secos & Molhados, which is exactly what it says on the tin and the ideal starting point for newcomers.

    Influences

    Strip back the glitter and you’ll find a frankly bonkers stew of source material:

    • Glam rock — David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s T. Rex were the lodestars. The androgyny, the theatricality, the sheer don’t-give-a-damn of it all came straight from the Ziggy Stardust / Electric Warrior playbook.
    • Tropicália — Os Mutantes blazed the trail for Brazilian psychedelic rock, and Secos & Molhados walked straight down it, albeit in higher heels.
    • MPB and fado — Brazilian Popular Music and Portuguese folk traditions gave the band a harmonic and melodic vocabulary that British or American glam acts simply didn’t have. The fado influence is particularly audible in the mournful, minor-key ballads.
    • Experimental, prog and folk music — The band’s stated manifesto was to be open to everything: Latin rhythms, Portuguese folklore, psychedelia, hard rock. They meant it.

    The result was something that sounded like Bowie at Carnival — and that’s not a comparison you can apply to many acts.

    Similar Bands Around the World

    If Secos & Molhados are your gateway drug, here’s where to go next:

    In Brazil:

    • Os Mutantes — The godparents of Brazilian psych-rock. If you haven’t heard them, start with their 1968 self-titled debut and work forward.
    • Casa das Máquinas — Rougher, more hard-rock-oriented, but cut from the same 70s Brazilian rock cloth.

    Around the world:

    • David Bowie — The obvious touchstone. Early-70s Bowie — Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane — is the closest spiritual relative.
    • T. Rex — For the strut, the riffs, and the belief that pop music could be both ridiculous and profound.
    • Slade — For the unabashed, stomping, face-painted rock nonsense that somehow becomes immortal.

    Five Essential Songs

    Start here. Then disappear down the rabbit hole.

    1. Sangue Latino

    The opener of the debut album and arguably the band’s signature song.

    2. O Vira

    A traditional Portuguese folk dance reimagined as glam rock thunder.

    3. Rosa de Hiroshima

    The centrepiece. Based on a poem by Vinicius de Moraes about the victims of Hiroshima, this is Secos & Molhados at their most haunting and humane. Listen to it here: Rosa de Hiroshima — YouTube

    4. Flores Astrais

    The standout of the second album. Psychedelic, hypnotic, and gorgeous.

    5. Amor

    Short, sweet, and sneering in equal measure.

    The Aftermath

    The original trio lasted barely two years. Two albums. Then Matogrosso walked, Conrad stepped back, and João Ricardo was left holding the name.

    But here’s the thing: those two records sold over a million copies. In a military dictatorship. With a lead singer who performed in kaftans and makeup and sang in a register that made conservative Brazilians swallow their tongues. They headlined Carnegie Hall in 1974. They proved that Brazilian rock could be simultaneously experimental, commercial, and politically charged without lecturing anyone.

    Ney Matogrosso went on to a legendary solo career that spanned decades and dozens of albums. João Ricardo kept the Secos & Molhados name alive through the 90s. Gerson Conrad largely withdrew from the limelight.

    But for one blazing, glorious moment in the early 1970s, they were the most exciting band on the planet — and if you don’t believe me, go and put on Sangue Latino at full volume. You’ll hear it soon enough.

  • Nomadic Life: How, Why and When?

    Nomadic Life: How, Why and When?

    By Someone Who Said Fuck Enough

    The How

    Right then. Here’s the blunt truth: I sold everything. And before you jump to conclusions – I’m not homeless. I’m houseless. There’s a difference, innit?

    Having a physical house doesn’t make sense anymore when you’re living on the road, moving through cities, breathing in experiences instead of dust collecting in unused rooms. But you still need that bit of paper trail, don’t you? The state loves its paperwork. I’ve got a fiscal address because apparently, the taxman must be fed even when you’re running free. Some battles you lose before you start.

    But I kept the car. Oh yeah, absolutely. That tin beast is my ticket across Europe when the trains are cancelled or too expensive. House-sitting? Pet-sitting? Need wheels. Plus, it holds all the bits you actually need when you’re living out of packing cubes.

    The When

    Let’s not bullshit ourselves – the nomadic lifestyle isn’t for everyone. I know it. I’ve seen people try it and crash spectacularly back into the consumer rat race. So, check down if you qualify for this nomadic lifestyle and start whenever you like. The sooner the better.

    Here’s why I qualify for this particular madness:

    My sanity and I, we’re on the same wavelength. That’s rare, ain’t it? No children hanging off my ankles demanding stability. We can work online – the internet’s our office, the whole damn planet. Material things mean fuck-all to us anymore. Social status? Laughable concept. Vanity was something I left burning in the rearview mirror a long time ago.

    The Why

    Simple, really: freedom. The bloody right to decide what matters.

    No more tight agendas screaming at us every five minutes. Days don’t matter. Time doesn’t matter. What matters is waking up and choosing where you go, who you meet, what you do, without asking permission from a boss or a mortgage company.

    That’s freedom, mate. Raw and unfiltered.

    The Tips

    Listen up, because this part’s practical:

    Donate. Repurpose. Sell. Make peace with stuff leaving your life. I created a WhatsApp group with family and friends – bloody genius idea, honestly. Worked like a charm. Some things sold, others went to good homes, and yeah, some ended up properly discarded. Not everything deserves a second act.

    Embrace minimalism. Or existentialism, whatever floats your boat (there’s more on that in another piece I’m hammering out). You’ll be shocked at how much garbage you’ve been carrying around for “just in case” moments that never come.

    Keep watching this space, yeah? I’m about to drop my nomadic minimalist method – in small packing cubes, err… articles, hah! Sometimes the tech fails but the mission stays solid.

    Collect memories. Not things. 🚐💨

  • Off the Beaten Tracks: 1000mods

    Off the Beaten Tracks: 1000mods

    My take on 1000mods – Desert Dust & Amplified Reverie from Corinthian Rock

    There exists something rather remarkable about bands hailing from obscure places yet carving out significant space within the global heavy music landscape. Enter 1000mods, stalwarts of stoner and psychedelic hard rock from the rural village of Chiliomodi in Korinthia, southern Greece.

    Though sources trace their genesis to 2005, it was summer 2006 when childhood friends solidified into the three-piece force we recognise today.

    Nearly two decades on, this Greek powerhouse has become an undeniable staple of the international underground circuit.

    Sonic Signature

    What distinguishes 1000mods within stoner rock’s crowded terrain is their refusal to settle into mere riff-repetition formulas. Dani G. anchors vocals and bass, Giorgos T. delivers guitar work oscillating between precision and fuzz, and Labros G. drives relentless percussion. Together, they produce a wall of sound considerably larger than three individuals should reasonably achieve.

    Essential Listening

    • Vidage – Their trademark fusion of melodic heaviness with cosmic atmosphere
    • Low – A masterclass in slow-building tension before eruption
    • Electric Carve – Perhaps their most recognisable anthem, peak Stoner-era execution
    • The One That Keeps Me Down – Emotional weight beneath the fuzz
    • Road to Burn – Live intensity captured in studio form

    What should you expect from 1000mods

    If your tastes incline towards My Sleeping Karma’s cosmical approach, Truck Fighters’ swagger, Monkey 3’s atmospheric density, or Mothership’s blues-soaked sludge, neglecting 1000mods would be a mistake. Two decades of consistent output and unwavering commitment mark them not merely as participants—but architects shaping the scene’s trajectory.

    In short: your speakers will thank you. (your neighbours maybe not so much…)

  • Road Trip Journal: The Seven-Week Nordic Odyssey (Part 1) The First Attempt

    Road Trip Journal: The Seven-Week Nordic Odyssey (Part 1) The First Attempt

    So, we finally did it. After years of planning, we packed the car, strapped a tent to the roof, and pointed our headlights north. Our goal? A seven-week epic from Austria to Tromsø, Norway.

    The grand plan was ambitious: traverse northern Germany, hug the east coast of Denmark, catch a ferry across the Skagerrak, and drive deep into the Norwegian Arctic. Once we reached Tromsø, the script would flip. “Team B” would take the wheel for the final leg, while we flew back to our home base in Tirol.

    But as any seasoned traveller knows, the map is rarely the territory. This is Part 1: The First Attempt. Spoiler alert: It didn’t go exactly to plan.

    The Gear: Survival of the Fittest (and Coziest)

    We weren’t just winging it. For a seven-week stint in the Nordic chill, our setup had to be bulletproof. We stripped the car down to essentials, prioritising warmth and efficiency:

    • The Shelter: An easy-pitch tent (because nobody wants to wrestle with poles in the rain).
    • Sleep System: Winter-grade sleeping bags paired with inflatable cushions and camping bed frames. No cold ground for us.
    • The Kitchen: Full cooking facilities and a portable fridge to keep the provisions fresh.
    • The Secret Weapon: Meal prepping. To save time and sanity, we organised two menus a day and bagged all ingredients into seven separate, sealed packs—one for each week. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, sorted.

    The Road: Rivers, Sheep, and Lighthouses

    Our first night was a warm-up in Germany, pitching up beside a river. The facilities were spotless, the vibe serene, and the location perfect. We liked it immediately.

    As we pushed north, the scenery shifted. The rolling hills gave way to the hypnotic, flat expanses of Denmark. We encountered long stretches of road with no curves and almost no traffic—a driver’s dream. But the real stars of the show were the locals: the sheep. We saw more sheep in a week than most people see in a lifetime. And yes, the lighthouses were everywhere, standing sentinel along the coast like silent guardians.

    Denmark: Wind, Wit, and Welcome

    Crossing into Denmark brought a few specific lessons for the uninitiated:

    • Dress Code: Bring appropriate clothes. It’s a flat country, which means it’s also a very windy country.
    • Language: Don’t panic if you don’t speak Danish. You can navigate the entire country speaking German or English with ease.
    • The People: Friendly, attentive, and helpful. Whether in stores, supermarkets, or at the campsites, the Danish hospitality was a highlight.

    The Bitter Truth

    Then came the call.

    On our second week, just as we were finding our rhythm, my doctor rang. My monitored condition required my immediate attention back in Austria. The dream of reaching Tromsø in one go had to be paused.

    It was a bitter pill to swallow. We packed up the tent, folded the camping beds, and turned the car around. The freedom of the road clashed violently with the reality of health. But life goes on. We aren’t giving up; we’re just hitting pause. We’re heading back to Austria to sort things out, with the intention of picking up the thread in one week.

    The journey isn’t over; it’s just entering a new chapter.

    Coming Up: More on the return leg, the medical detour, and how we plan to finish the job in Part 2.

    Want to see the sheep, the lighthouses, and the campsites? Check out the photos on my Instagram.

    Safe travels, and keep the wheels turning.