das leben geht vor

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This website – an introduction

Germany, May 2023

„Das Leben geht vor!“ (Life comes first) – This is what my first boss told me, when I needed a day off work for travelling. I was 17 at the time and lived by this sentence ever since. 

This website is a project, a diary, a writing pad for me and my development, at the same time an interface for my family and friends. And last but not least: A small public space where I would like to share and entertain, inspire and motivate. May I invite and introduce: Dear readers, these are the countries of my trip, this is my perspective, these are my experiences, images and feelings. I promise that I’ll be honest and that this won’t be perfect. 

So let’s get started. I have thought about this journey a thousand times and now it is actually happening. With a bachelor’s degree, a converted van, a few savings, basic knowledge how to fix a car, and a smile in my face, I am ready to go towards Central Asia. Now. Here we go.

Maria

I was born in 1999, grew up and lived in Germany for most of my life. Curiosity is my fuel, I tend to be restless, always active and in movement. I would describe myself as energetic and adventurous with a love for being outdoors.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in German Literature and Social Sciences from the Humboldt University of Berlin. Currently, I work as a copy editor and content writer, freelance and remotely. Here`s more information about my work.

Fred

In May 2020, I exchanged my savings for a used construction van, which now goes by the name Fred. At the time, the car had only been driven a bit more than 100,000 kilometres and was in a great condition. A good catch. I then converted it into a camper with a lot of love and even more help from people who were much better with tools than I was at the time.

Within three months, we insulated the empty cargo space, added a roof window and furniture. I then adjusted a lot of things myself before this trip: a diesel heater, water tanks with a basin, storage space, a roof rack, etc.

By now I’ve been living in this car for quite some time and I wouldn’t want to change it – despite the lack of space and a few more or less minor issues along the way.

Vedi

Vedi used to be a stray dog. I found him in January 2024 and took him in. Breed, age, origin – unknown. The little man turned out really well. He is very friendly and gentle, though he gets a bit anxious sometimes if being touched too much. He is the most wiggly and jumpy dog I’ve ever met.