“What would be your dream job if money didn’t matter?” This question has become a sort of parlor game question for most, but in truth it’s asking a far deeper question about the human condition. Why do people let money stand in the way of their dreams?
Working a typical desk job in Argentina, Franco Paltrinieri began to get the feeling that 9 to 5 life wasn’t for him, so he decided to forge a life that was. Despite naysayers made up of colleagues, friends and family he was determined to hit the road in his ’85 Volkswagen Type 2 bus. In defense of those who didn’t believe in the journey, and a testimony to Franco’s dream, his plan was to drive from Argentina to Alaska. That was nearly five years ago.
Franco has been to 19 countries in his trusty Volkswagen (not including a seven-month stint in Europe sans bus). He has lost his brakes numerous times and on one occasion coming to a stop just shy of a house/café. He has experienced a breakdown in the Andes Mountains having to hitchhike his way to help. He has navigated death road in Bolivia. He has seen crime and death firsthand. Yet, he has been touched by the generosity of others in every country he’s been. He has found a partner.
Olga Khrustaleva was working on her PhD at the University of Missouri when an extended break allowed her to, somewhat ironically, drive with friends from Columbia, MO to Panama. She would later find herself in Paraguay where she would serendipitously meet Franco. Olga would return to school, but take every opportunity to meet up with Franco as he made his way north before being able to join him full-time.
Working odd jobs along the way to fund the trip it was realized that instead of relying on the needs of others they could create a mobile business. The Type 2 bus would now take on a third role, joining bus and home, as a food “truck.” By selling Argentinian sandwiches and now merchandise along the way the duo is able to more quickly fund the trip. And when you’re driving a bus that tops out at 45 mph and has struggled up mountains at just 3 mph you need to take speed wherever you can find it.
In early March of 2017 Franco and Olga would cross the Mexico/US border into Laredo, TX. A grand accomplishment that alone feels a fitting end, but still some 3000 miles from their Alaskan goal if driving the most unswerving route, but life on the road is anything but unswerving. The plan is to head from Texas to Missouri where they will cater an event for Olga’s friends and then onto Colorado where Franco once lived.
While the side of the car does note Argentina to Alaska to reflect the original plan they’re already talks of Alaska to Russia and one day taking the bus to Africa. “I will be buried in this car,” said Franco laughing. To many more rutas salvajes or “wild routes,” our friends!
http://www.gasmonkeygarage.com/duo-t...olkswagen-bus/
Mas fotos:https://www.facebook.com/rutassalvajeswr/?fref=ts
Working a typical desk job in Argentina, Franco Paltrinieri began to get the feeling that 9 to 5 life wasn’t for him, so he decided to forge a life that was. Despite naysayers made up of colleagues, friends and family he was determined to hit the road in his ’85 Volkswagen Type 2 bus. In defense of those who didn’t believe in the journey, and a testimony to Franco’s dream, his plan was to drive from Argentina to Alaska. That was nearly five years ago.
Franco has been to 19 countries in his trusty Volkswagen (not including a seven-month stint in Europe sans bus). He has lost his brakes numerous times and on one occasion coming to a stop just shy of a house/café. He has experienced a breakdown in the Andes Mountains having to hitchhike his way to help. He has navigated death road in Bolivia. He has seen crime and death firsthand. Yet, he has been touched by the generosity of others in every country he’s been. He has found a partner.
Olga Khrustaleva was working on her PhD at the University of Missouri when an extended break allowed her to, somewhat ironically, drive with friends from Columbia, MO to Panama. She would later find herself in Paraguay where she would serendipitously meet Franco. Olga would return to school, but take every opportunity to meet up with Franco as he made his way north before being able to join him full-time.
Working odd jobs along the way to fund the trip it was realized that instead of relying on the needs of others they could create a mobile business. The Type 2 bus would now take on a third role, joining bus and home, as a food “truck.” By selling Argentinian sandwiches and now merchandise along the way the duo is able to more quickly fund the trip. And when you’re driving a bus that tops out at 45 mph and has struggled up mountains at just 3 mph you need to take speed wherever you can find it.
In early March of 2017 Franco and Olga would cross the Mexico/US border into Laredo, TX. A grand accomplishment that alone feels a fitting end, but still some 3000 miles from their Alaskan goal if driving the most unswerving route, but life on the road is anything but unswerving. The plan is to head from Texas to Missouri where they will cater an event for Olga’s friends and then onto Colorado where Franco once lived.
While the side of the car does note Argentina to Alaska to reflect the original plan they’re already talks of Alaska to Russia and one day taking the bus to Africa. “I will be buried in this car,” said Franco laughing. To many more rutas salvajes or “wild routes,” our friends!
http://www.gasmonkeygarage.com/duo-t...olkswagen-bus/
Mas fotos:https://www.facebook.com/rutassalvajeswr/?fref=ts
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