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As some of you may know, in 4 weeks I will be taking off for a summertime adventure. I’m making a pit stop in Iceland (more on that later) on my way to the UK where the journey of a lifetime will kick off. I’ve mentioned the Mongol Rally in passing before but more to do with fashion dilemmas than anything else.
It’s true, I may not seem like the likeliest of candidates to participate in such an undertaking as the Mongol Rally but that is precisely one of the reasons I’m doing it. I actually have a huge adventurous spirit, bigger than many realize, and this sort of challenge is really going to feed my soul. Yes, I’m doing all my prep work just like my teammates, ie, visas, travel doctor, international license, medical insurance, etc. But these things are just small preparations.
Here are some of the things that wake me up at night AND conversely, other things I’m NOT concerned about with regard to the Mongol Rally that even surprise me!
Concerns
Packing in only a backpack for almost 6o days and having clean clothes.
Bug bites. Mosquitos LOVE me. This may have been my #1 concern before going to Cambodia.
Shaving my legs or lack there of…when it’s hot and I’m donning shorts, well no one likes fuzzy gams.
Getting my hair dyed pink and having it stay that way for the entire adventure.
Finding amazing treasures. In doing some research it appears I’m going to like some of the fashion I find along the way. Currently coveting these from Mongolia.
Having my border booty confiscated. Not only am I bringing it overseas in a “not on the up and up” kind of way but one of my teammates already got his stolen out of his checked bags. It’s a REAL problem.
Staying connected via internet access. I’m not one to go long without being in touch. I will probably have a breakdown if I cannot be connected fairly frequently.
Anti-Concerns
Where are we sleeping every night? I have zero clue and this would not usually be the norm for me.
The lack of a return plane ticket home. Besides when I moved to NYC with a one-way ticket, I have never traveled without a return ticket or a hard return date. PS – it’s exhilarating. Like a story with no known ending.
Driving a stick shift on the wrong side of the car. I figure, eh…I will work this out. I drove a stick for 3 years.
Border crossings & border patrol. There are some tales out there that should concern me. BUT if the border guards look like Mr. Moscow, I’m a happy girl. I don’t know. I’m not a trouble maker in these kinds of situations.
Immunizations. I try to be prepared and even when the travel doctor suggested I get Hep B vaccinated in case I need a blood transfusion due to an auto accident, I was like, that’s not going to happen. I got the vaccination anyway!
The fact that my visas will cost me at least 5 times more than my share of my rally car. Car $200 Visas $1000+. Who cares, you only live once and the Mongol Rally is just that kind of adventure.
Making up bullshit dates and forms in order to secure visas. Hello lying…it seems this is par for the course, so I’m not going to worry. Apparently, Consulates accept false info just fine.
Anyway, it’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind adventure. It will likely turn out that I haven’t even thought of the thing that I should be most concerned about with regard to the Mongol Rally. There is really no preparing for it. Soooo I’m just gonna roll with it!
UGHHH, blood transfusion!! We will not allow an auto accident to occur. It just can’t, I haven’t even thought about that. Bleckkk.
I liked reading this 🙂 It’s getting me excited!! We are going to have a blast and be silly and have fun. I think I’m most worried about where I’ll be going to the bathroom, but I guess it’ll make a good story. 😉 The Internet thing is going to totally be an issue…actually, that’s a bigger concern than the bathroom…seriously, though.
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted…Music Monday: Daylight.
I too am excited about the fact of having no return ticket booked from Mongolia. It will certainly make for a better story.
@Erin I got the bathroom situation all sorted. One of the things I plan to buy is a…………..shovel, you know.
I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS OMG!!! Seriously, I cannot wait to follow your Mongol Rally adventure 🙂 And I Love that you’re dying your hair pink!! <3
Karisa recently posted…Trashy, Guilty Pleasure Beach Reads: The Ultimate Guide
Lola I’m seriously impressed and jealous in equal measure! You know we all about being inspired by famous historical and modern adventurers so your forthcoming trip resonates with me.
Good luck and hope its every bit as exciting as it should be!
Carol x
Lauren lauren lauren, this is going to be an incredible journey for you – you have wanted to do this for a LONG time and I am delighted I will be able to see you in the UK before you leave. And follow this journey along VERY closely. Everything will be fine – and you will get what you need from this.
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…Why is hiring a car such a painful part of the travel experience?
Argh, how exciting! This is my kind of adventure.
I can’t wait to see your pink hair. I’m so jealous of blonde ladies who can go for the pink!
Monica recently posted…Everything you need to know about a holiday in Dominica
Wow I can’t wait to read about this, have fun!
Becky Padmore recently posted…10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway
This is your best (funniest) post yet. I am proud of you Lola for exploring new horizons, totally out of your comfort zone. Packing only one backpack for 60 days would totally freak me out as well. But those Mongolian boots do seem to be worth it, lol. Can’t wait to follow your tracks!
This sound like an exciting adventure. Even though you are ready with the vaccine, I really hope you don’t get in a situation where you need a blood transfusion!!! You got yourself a new follower.
Aldo recently posted…Spent: Looking For Change (Documentary)
we are seriously most excited to see THE HAIR!!! and also beaucoup des photos with mr. moscow’s twinnies around russia. let the adventure begin!!
the lazy travelers recently posted…no travel required
I CAN NOT WAIT to follow you on this adventure. It’s going to be an amazing trip full of some crazy shenanigans that ONLY Lola can conjure up. 🙂
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What an amazing adventure! Really looking forward to reading more about it – LOVE the pink hair!! Not many that can pull it off and have it look so fun!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) recently posted…The Ljubljananjam Food Tour, Slovenia
This is an adventure you will be telling your grandchildren about and they are going to say , “Nana is the coolest!”. You will see and do things you never dreamed of and I know that Lola dreams BIG. I wish you safe, happy and amazing travels my dear xoxo.
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