Gunther Holtrof &his wife Christine began their journey around the world in 1989 from Germany when the Berlin wallwas destroyed.If one asks them why such a journey was undertaken,they would say just for sight seeing.
Sofar they have covered 7.99,763 KMS in a Mercidez Benz vanThe African Land was their first targetwhen they started.
This journey is not yet completed.
Ginther was a German Pilot who was working for an Europian Airlinesuntil he reached the age of 53.
In the passport which was renewed from time to timethere are 200 entry-exit visa vstamps.He travelled from Sahara to Everest in his van.He named it "Auto".
this van had no significant breakdownin 22 years.journey.This van is 1988 model of Benz.The 3 litre Diesel Enginehad a power of 88HP.Though not a van with very high speed,Gunther says his van had a very strong&stable Engine.
The van carried 500 KG of household artickeson the top of it.This van has the beds for sleeping&a shower to take bath inside it.He had collected all the spares required to to run it including Shock absorbers to nuts&bolts.He had made any change basically in the van.
He travelled through Brazuk,Paris,Cuba,Iraq,KIasagastan,West
He hIndies,Alaska,Trinidad,Bolivia,America,Australia,NewZealand,Britain,China,Mangolia,Russia,Oakistan,India,Bangladesh&NepalHe had made just one change in the van.It was when the Meter reading was about to cross one lakhKM.The Binnacle which just 5 diget readinf,he approached a dealer&changed the meter to a 6 digit reading one.
The 200th Country he visited was Philippinesin 2012 June.The meter reading shpwed 7,99,763 KMs .
Tyhe expenses on travelwas considerably reduced by resortting to cooking in the van itself.He h&his wife slept in the van.The money this saved on food&accommodation was spent for Diesel&shipping of the van when required.
Just once during his travel he stayed with a friend in America.He had carried with him bedsheeis suiting different ckimatesHe had a hanging bed also which was tied on a tree with the other end on the van.
He had no Laptop or Cell Phoneto contact relatives.He had just one Film Camera.By7 carrying costly items he didnt want to attract thieves.The family people were contacted with help of Post cards.
He kept a duration of 8 months for each travel.Then returbed home for a few days&again started after a frw days.
Both Gunther&his wife had a son each from their earlier marriages.
Christine died in 2010due to cancer.Thereafter Gunther continued journey with his son.
If someone asks him why he had travelled all over the world his reply would be that for many years he saw rhe world from the sky in an aircraft&he wished to see the world from thye land.
Gunther always remembered journey to AfricaOnce a Giant Hippo came to the van.On another occasion a group of lions sorrounded the van.It was an unforgettable experience .But the Beasts left them alone without hurting.
His plan was to end the travel in 2010.But continued .&still continues.
When he calls it a day &return to Germany ,he is planning to hand over the van to the Benz Museum.
22 years he travelled.He is 72 years old noe.
One can not be sure how long he would continue to travel as the charm of travel never dies if one has interest &willingness for it.
Sreedharan Mundanat
12th August 2012
