Winter ferries are useful things but I wouldn’t recommend going from Iceland to Denmark via Faroes unless you have a fear of flying or like to punish yourself. Maybe in summer it would be nice when all the amenities are open and the seas less choppy. We arrived so late we couldn’t see anything of the Faroes apart from a chip shop.
Needless to say we eight Vikings rocked up in Denmark very happy to be on land. It took a day or two for the swaying feeling to subside.
Our original plan of over landing from Iceland to South Africa was scuppered after speaking with the Icelandic police and making the news. The truck was supposed to be legal and following European rule (which is different from Icelandic law) but Garry didn’t want to take any chances so put us on a train to Copenhagen on the 9th January and then flew us down to Malaga on the 10th.
We made the most of it in Denmark, visiting the main highlights. We ate falafel sandwiches then met some locals (Jonatan’s friend) and spent an evening in a smokey but quaint bar. I got the boys to try a shot of lasagne to see what it was like and was quizzed on all kinds of Scottish customs. Danish people are some of the friendliest people. I guess when you’re drinking Xmas beer it makes you happy.
In the morning we walked around town, first eating a vegan sandwich in a cute little cafe. It had a big bed to hangout on and a purple chaise lounge which I sank into. We passed the canal which had an Amsterdam feel about it, Christiania Palace, and the Stock Exchange building which had a beautiful dragon tower.
You can’t visit Copenhagen without seeing Christiania the green light district. It’s so colourful with street art grafettied everywhere. There is a no photo policy inside but I got a few on the skirts. The art gallery was closed but there were cafes and shops selling Christiania merchandise.
Denmark sent us off in a snow storm while we waited to board the plane. Gudbjorg the second Icelandic girl met us at the terminal making us seven Vikings on our way to Spain.
Twelve days were spent hanging around Spain. The trucks fuel pump broke a couple hundred kilometres north of Malaga. Two more were sourced and shipped from the UK (Bedford parts are only available in UK). One to fit and one spare.
We made the most if it going on a “free” walking tour the first day (11th January) which was interesting and recommended.
€1.85 bottles of cava were sourced, drank and fuelled a dance party on the beach. Hard nut kiwi Tom got a bit cold so I lent him my purple hoody. He looked a bit like Tinky Winky from the Teletubies. The 12th was spent playing on the beach in the morning trying headstands, handstands, yoga and meditation. Followed by a visit to the classical art gallery with Travis and Martina.
Jussi from Finland joined the group and we made a day trip to Gibraltar in two hire cars. I drove the four hour round trip and impressed myself at negotiating the narrow winding roads up the big rock. I got to eat curry and hang out with monkeys, what more could I ask for?!
The monkeys were all over the cars and when Martina opened her bag one dove in and made off with her shorts and a slice of garlic bread! We saw caves, tunnels, cannons, helicopters, the castle, the view from the top, I fully enjoyed the day.
The 14th January Travis and I went exploring with an aim to get to the top of the hill so he could do his dance routine with the views over the town (he’s making a compilation from lots of different locations). We eventually made it and explored some quaint little streets and the castle at the top. Another afternoon playing on the beach and a BBQ at the hostel.
On the 15th a few of us visited the Picasso museum which was awesome. We had audio devices which helped understand the paintings. Then seven of us hired bicycles and explored to the end of the promenade. Eating olives and drinking Sangria.
I got to eat Indian food again and drink happy hour cocktails which resulted in playing some games back at the hostel to get to know everyone better.
The 16th started well with games on the beach, bat and ball, handstands and yoga. In the evening all but two of our Vikings had arrived with young Lukas from Germany, sweet Shani from South Africa and Birmingham (UK), energetic Tom V from French Canada and mad Bjorn from Norway. Tour Leader Frazer put on a free bar for us at the hostel so 13 new friends and I drank till it was time to go dancing. It’s a little hazy after that!
I got far too happy hence Sunday 17th was spent recuperating all day between the hammock and my bed. I’m very grateful to Maria and Gudbjorg for getting water and tucking me in bed. We had a group dinner in the evening as Spanish Gloria and German Christian arrived to complete our set of 16.
The 18th was spent buying emergency supplies to last two weeks in case we break down in the middle of nowhere. We bought far too much pasta and olives but hopefully we’ll not need it and we’ll enjoy these things towards the end of the trip. After we played volleyball on the beach, Jussi and I bet each other who could last the longest without alcohol. The winner would get a nice meal out bought for them by the loser. We are both confident!
A collection of us hired cars again on the 19th and drove into the mountains. We stopped in Rhonda where there is a giant gorge slicing the town in two with a rather impressive bridge across. We watched the view while a lady played her harp.
Shani’s Mums friend has a finca which we found filled with adorable puppies:
Horses:
Beautiful views and a gorgeous pool:
An impressive collection of vegetables and a cuddle puddle of cats:
It was raining somewhat on the 20th so I drew and wrote until it cleared and we played volleyball on the beach. The 21st we taxied over to the campsite to meet the truck finally.
Then the 22nd we drove to a second campsite in Tarifa where we caught the ferry to Morroco on the 23rd.
So far the group is getting on well and it’s interesting to see us work together on group tasks. There’s certainly a huge opportunity for growth on this trip. Patience and compassion being key lessons for me. Will we all last half a year together? Will the 36 year old converted truck make it to our final destination in South Africa. Questions only time will tell.
betsybluetoes 