This European Life - An Open Travelogue

[Delibes]

Hello everyone,
My name is Miguel, I am 23 years old, a citizen of Spain and I will soon be starting a solo expedition from the United States to the southernmost tip of Argentina. I am a Mercedes gearhead, but for this expedition –being on a tight budget- I have bought is a 1994 FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser, which I will soon start modifying as a living cell for my travels.

For the longest time I have been lurking the IH8MUD forums for a while, trying to decide on the expedition rig –classic FJ60 vs. FJ80 discussions-, and I think I have picked wisely. In a whiff of idealism I wanted to travel in my 1984 W123 Mercedes wagon, but the poor turd proved too rusty to be anywhere near safe on bumpy roads!

Since I graduated college, I started writing a blog called "This European Life", where I narrate my travels and my thoughts on where life takes me. I call it an open travelogue because I am always looking to meet fellow travelers wherever I go!

It is a pleasure and an honor to be part of this community of offroaders and adventurers –yes, there is a grassroots National Geographic feel to it-, and I hope to meet many of you wherever my wheels take me!

http://www.thiseuropeanlife.com/

 

[Delibes]

In this episode of This European Life, I say goodbye to my peeps in California, become a trucker for a few days and sleep with a statue! Lots of peoples, landscapes and curiosities in this lengthy post across five states!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE
Drive-Bye: Western Edition

 

[Rockets2000]

Nice pics Miguel! You have a good eye and great writing style. Look me up if you pass through Houston.

 

[Delibes]

Nice pics Miguel! You have a good eye and great writing style. Look me up if you pass through Houston.

Wow, cool! I most definitely might stop by. A friend of mine needs a transmission for his Jaguar and I also need to test the "overlander".

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I always feel awkward about asking for money from others, but this is the time to do it: I have officially started fundraising through the Indigogo platform. Take a look at the many perks that I will be awarding!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE
PanAm Prep: Fundraising

 

[Delibes]

No expedition is ready without some serious thinking on what to do and what no to do on the perfect vehicle.

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE
PanAm Preparation: Vehicle Planning

 

[Delibes]

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. In this installment of my travelogue, the King of Spain writes me a letter to wish me luck in the expedition!

This European Life: Royal Blessings



On a side note, the second installment of my online car series is up!

 

[Delibes]

On this week's installment of my blog, I get two more replies from the offices of two very inspirational figures, Ewan McGregor and from Peter Jackson!

This European Life: From both sides of the World

 

[Delibes]

This week, my adventures as an occasional car transporter, the beginning of the trip preparations, and the MONUMENTAL disapproval by my beloved family. Read on!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: The Silence before the Storm

 

[Delibes]

In this new installment we have maps, a shakedown trip, and a world-wide GPS.

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Three Roads

 

[Delibes]

What I wanted to write as a silly Facebook status update turned into a full-blown blog post. Departing from the usual PanAmerican preparations, I would like to share an incredibly revelatory dream I had last night... and yes, there's a G-Wagen.

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Expeditioner's Dream

 

[Delibes]

Keeping good health is one of the most important parts of any long journey. In this post I discuss three health-related preparations.

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Healthy as a Horse

 

[Delibes]

Here's a thread that many of you will enjoy: THE BUILD POST. I have been saving a few pictures from the (rushed) construction of the expedition vehicle and have ordered them all together in this one blog post... Enjoy!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Building a Home

 

[Delibes]

The Mercedes has been fantastic for these last thousand miles. I am currently writing from San Luis Potosí in Mexico, and here's everything that has happened so far!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: And I Will Drive One Thousand Miles



If you want to see ALL the pictures other than the ones on the blog, scroll to the bottom of the post to gain access to the exclusive online album!

 

[Delibes]

On today's post, I detail the journey from San Miguel Potosí towards León, Guanajuato, San Miguel Allende and Morelia. Unbelievable architecture, rich gringos and chaotic traffic are all part of this exciting blog post!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Spanish Colonial Galore

 

[Delibes]

New post! My adventures chasing my grandfather's legacy in Mexico city, as well as my re-acquaintance with an old friend and a special on Frida Kahlo!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Three Names in Mexico DF

 

[Delibes]

AUG. 31st Update: Wow! I have been featured in the website "Drive the Americas"!

 

[Delibes]

The long-waited second half of my Mexico City journal. Two police encounters, a sculpture that resembles Humphrey Bogart, and even more traditional delights are part of this week's update!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Oh, On to Oaxaca!



On a separate note, I took a stab at automotive journalism and wrote an article on 10 great coupes for college. Check it out!

 

[Delibes]

The road from Mexico City on to my month-long stay in Oaxaca. Ancient pyramids, apocalyptic landscapes, steep mountain roads and an unexpected job offer are all part of this post full of adventures and good luck beyond belief!

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: The Road of Good Intentions

 

[Delibes]

There will be an update to the blog very soon. I just opened the Export section for those who would like me to send them some stuff along the way, anything from coffee to car parts. I would like to raise as much money as possible to fund a trip to Cuba and take a look at their classic jalopies, including a mysterious 300SL Gullwing that lies somewhere in the Eastern part of the island...


ThHIS EUROPEAN LIFE: Exports



This may actually turn into a very serious business trip. If I manage to find a buyer (do you know anyone?), I may be able to save it and get it out with enough persistence and maybe some bribes. This thing just cannot sit there and rust to death. There are other treasures that I will document as well, but, for now, I estimate I will need $400-$500 to hop over and stay for enough time and run all over looking for automotive curiosities.

 

[Delibes]

Despite having access to fast internet, I haven't written for a while on my blog, so I have added a new submission to the "articles" section on my top ten regrets about my USA experience and opened the "Export" tab on the site. Not much has been happening in these last weeks other than the fact that life is relaxed and comfortable. This post narrates my daily life living and volunteering in Oaxaca, and it involves CUPCAKES and a BABY.

THIS EUROPEAN LIFE: My Life as an Oaxaca Receptionist