A Slow and Meaningful Start to Our Balkan Journey

After the wild ride of our off-road training last week, we’ve eased into our Balkan adventure at a slower pace. The journey ahead is long, and instead of rushing through, we decided to make time for something just as important as exploring new landscapes — reconnecting with friends and family.

Combating Travel Fatigue with Friendship

Long-term travel is exhilarating, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—one of them being travel fatigue. After following seasoned travelers like Yoda Travels, La Vagabonde, and Itchy Boots, we noticed a common struggle: the lack of deep, enduring relationships on the road. Constant movement can make it difficult to build connections, and after a while, the thrill of new places can be overshadowed by a sense of isolation.

To prevent this, we’ve made a conscious effort to reconnect with family & friends along our route. Our past careers have given us a network of people across different cities, and by planning at least one meaningful reunion each month, we hope to keep our spirits high and our journey rich with personal connections. This week was proof of how valuable that approach can be.

A Quick Stop in Karlsruhe – Books, Family, and Italian Delights

Our first destination was Karlsruhe, where we met up with my sister. She had promised us some travel guidebooks for Slovenia — a country we had unintentionally overlooked during our preparations. With our minds mostly set on Croatia, Montenegro, and beyond, Slovenia had been somewhat of a blind spot. But as we will soon realize, some of the best travel plans are the ones we never intended.

We found a peaceful camping spot near the Rhine River and spent the evening in good company. My sister picked us up, and we headed downtown for dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant. Conversations flowed as easily, and by the end of the night, we had fresh inspiration, and a sense of excitement for the road ahead.

Murnau – Old Friends and Mountain Views

After another six-hour drive, we arrived in Murnau, a small Bavarian town at the foothills of the Alps. Here, we reunited with Stephan and Claudia — two lovely people who played a pivotal role in my former business life. Stephan, my business coach, had become a close friend over the years, and spending time with him again felt like reconnecting with a part of my past that shaped who I am today.

We made the most of our 24-hour stop, soaking in the stunning alpine views from a beer garden, enjoying a nice dinner, and waking up to a breakfast that was just as memorable. Our truck was parked next to Stephan’s front yard, giving us a cozy and familiar place to rest before we continued our journey.

Munich – A City of Longtime Friendships

Arriving in Munich, we found a great campground in the heart of the city — Sonnenhaus MUC West. If you ever visit Munich with a camper, this is a spot worth checking out. The location is central, quiet, and not too expensive, making it a great base for urban exploration.

From there, we set off to visit two of our closest friends.

First, we met Max. Our friendship goes back to the mid-90s, spanning more than half my life. He’s the godfather of our younger child and has been a trusted confidant through all the highs and lows. We left our home on wheels at the campsite and took the motorcycle through the city, where we shared stories and laughter over a long lunch at an Italian restaurant.

Next, we headed south of Munich to see Heike — my longest-standing friend. Our lives first crossed paths when I was a newborn, and my mother, returning to work as a teacher, left me in the care of a day nanny. That nanny’s youngest daughter was Heike. Life took us in different directions, but our paths crossed again during university in Darmstadt, and from then on, our friendship only grew stronger. Some of our best memories together include late nights at Schwimmbad Club Heidelberg, dancing, laughing, and embracing life’s unpredictability.

On Tuesday, we packed up and drove south past Rosenheim, where we met Christian. What started as a business relationship had - over 20 years - evolved into a genuine friendship. Once again, we were reminded that the best connections often come from unexpected places.

Recharging for the Road Ahead

This week was about more than just travel — it was about celebrating the people who have shaped our lives. We refueled our energy, not just with good food and great views, but with the warmth of friendships that withstand time and distance.

Beyond the wonderful friendships we rekindled, we also explored some beautiful places — wandering through charming downtown Murnau and visiting the historic Sissi Castle in Possenhofen.

Now, as we leave Germany behind and set our sights on Slovenia, Croatia, and beyond, it’s back to just the two of us — Annika and me — embracing the unknown, meeting new faces, and continuing this incredible journey.

Belgrade in Serbia will be our next stop for another special reunion, but until then, it’s time for castles, national parks, and countless gravel roads leading us into the heart of the Balkans.

Explore. Dream. Discover.