Rochelle and Nick
Views
From Drive the Americas
Name
Rochelle and Nick
Hometown
Durham, North Carolina
Reason for taking this trip
ADVENTURE! We love to travel, and since we are both self-employed, we have packed up our businesses for 2009 to ramble around. I am looking forward to keeping only a few essential possessions, becoming fluent in Spanish, and being open to new experiences everyday.
Why did you decide to drive?
Driving allows us to explore the Americas at our own pace. It also reduces hostel / hotel costs since our Toyota 4Runner is modified with a bed platform, fridge / freezer, dual battery with an inverter, and a tailgate with installed cutting boards that is perfect for cooking.
What type of car did you drive?
A 1988 Toyota 4Runner
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Yes - Nick has installed a sleeping platform in the rear, which allows for gear storage underneath it. The hard top has been replaced with a canvas top, and a metal cage was welded to the back (for security purposes). He built a new center console, outside light fixtures, a winch, and various gauges to monitor the engine and other systems. We have on board air and a rear air locker.
We are running 35 x 12.5" tires. You can read about our modifications to our Toyota on our website see below.
Did you take along children? If so, names and ages.
No.
Did you take along pets? If so, names.
Our pit bull, Domino, is rambling with us.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
I am using most of my savings for this trip, and since I own a graphic design business, I am able to keep some client work on the road. Nick restored historic houses in Durham, which are now being managed as rentals, allowing him to earn a bit of income while we are away
How long do you plan on traveling?
For 1 year.
Where do you plan on driving to?
We departed from Durham, NC and drove over 10,000 miles in the U.S. visiting friends and family. We then entered the Baja peninsula, where we rambled for about a month. After Baja, we ferried onto mainland Mexico and proceeded south. We plan to keep exploring until we reach Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
Some reactions have been supportive, but I was surprised to hear so many horror stories and pessimistic comments from friends, family, and acquaintances. At times I give in to these "tales" and get a little anxious about certain aspects of the trip, but for the most part, I am happy researching what needs to be researched and preparing for the worst (even though I don't expect the worst)! My website has definitely helped my friends and family to understand what a wonderful opportunity this has been.
I hope that our documentation of the trip will encourage others to take a different perspective (and most importantly, a first-hand account) on travel in third world countries - the media and hearsay can be quite discouraging.
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country? How much Spanish? Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel? If so, where and for how long?
Nick and I both speak Spanish, but not fluently. We can definitely order a meal and book a hostel with little trouble. We both wish to come home as fluent speakers. We have not planned to take classes but to talk as often as possible in Spanish.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
I still crave the street food throughout Mexico - Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico is a wonderful artisan town that should not be missed. Diving in Utila, Honduras, was an amazing experience, and our upcoming journey from Colon, Panama, to Cartagena, Colombia in a sailboat will surely be an unique route to retrieve our truck in Colombia.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
Roadblocks. We were stopped by a group of armed Zapatistas in Mexico who closed off a portion of the road in protest. It forced us to add hours of driving time to our route. In Mexico and Guatemala, we were held up in traffic several times due to manifestations, which consist of protesters who block major roadways in demonstration. Drivers who are stuck waiting in a line of cars usually get out and mingle, because these manifestations are just a fact of life. It gave us opportunities to meet others and practice our Spanish, but the unexpected delays were frustrating at times.
What was the worst border crossing?
The border crossing from Entrerios, Guatemala, to Corinto, Honduras was by far our most time consuming crossing. If you plan to drive into Honduras, I suggest another entry point. However, Paso Canoas, Panama was the first border crossing in which we had to resort to bribes.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
1.) Be prepared to maintain your vehicle frequently. Bring extra parts, tools, and a working knowledge of your vehicle. 2.) The connections that you make along the way will be the best travel guide you can have. Most of our route is based on others' recommendations along the way. In fact, we did not even bring a guidebook! Let your Lonely Planet collect dust on a shelf somewhere and practice your Spanish with the locals. 3.) The trip sounds more daunting than it is. Driving from the United States to South America is easier than it seems!
Would you do it again? I would definitely like to have a similar trip in another part of the world!
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip? If so, what is the address?
