Rajesh and Rama Soni, a Dubai-based couple in their fifties, embarked on a unique adventure by travelling 17 countries by road over 83 days. Battling weather conditions ranging from minus 5 degrees to 35 degrees, they sampled various foods, encountered diverse cultures and people to reach their destination in London. They shipped their Nissan Extrem to Mumbai and started their journey from Hyderabad, travelling through India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and various European countries before reaching London. They drove the car onto ferries whenever a country’s land mass ended to cross over water bodies and continue their journey.
Rajesh and Rama believe that a certain level of fitness is necessary to embark on a tour like this. Rajesh, the co-Founder of Blue Chip Real Estate, is a cyclist, while Rama does not miss her daily walks. The couple was inspired by meeting a couple in Turkey who were travelling for a year and a half, prompting them to plan their adventure. Their tour took them to villages, hamlets, small towns, and cities, where they spoke to people about the importance of education. Despite facing a lack of variety in food, they were able to find vegetarian options in the countries they visited and kept an open mind towards trying new foods.
Throughout their journey, Rajesh and Rama encountered kindness and hospitality from strangers, which left a lasting impact on them. They believe that as one grows older, it is important to prioritize hobbies and live life to the fullest. Their next big trip is planned for either Australia and New Zealand or Africa. Overall, the experience of travelling to various countries by road has taught them valuable lessons about kindness, flexibility, and the importance of living life to the fullest at any age.
