"I can not just name one experience. It is the whole package I’d love to relive."
Sophie in the Bolivian, Uyuni Salt Flats
Age: 26
Nationality: German
Why were you travelling? I decided to travel around the world after finishing university when I was 19 years old. Working on my bucket list and travelling solo to all the countries which amazed me as a child had been a big dream ever since I remember.
Hot or Not? Una chica sucia!
What are your talents? My biggest talent is making people smile in their darkest times. And I am a pretty good DJ tho. Haha.
I started travelling on the bus from 01.06.17 – 20.08.18. (plus or minus some days)
How did you get on board? I met Nadine on our beautiful little island‘ in San Antonio, Chile. We shared a house with many people from all over the world. After a while, Leve, Jyri, Barney and I decided to join Nadine on her amazing journey.
First impression of the Submarine With Wheels? When I’ve seen the bus the first time, they had just removed the seats and started renovating the inside. I was super impressed and really wanted to see the transformation. Even though there had been smaller and bigger issues on almost everything, everyone believed in the project and knew that the Yellow Submarine will hit the road one day! We stayed in Copiapô, Antofagasta, Iquique and on our way in between. And not to forget Pisco Elqui, which I really enjoyed.
Did it live up to its name/reputation? YES! The Yellow Submarine with wheels always parks next to the water if possible to make it feel like home ;)
Playing chess against Barney Enjoying the flowers in Chile 1st day on the road
If you could relive an experience with the bus it would be? I can not just name one experience. It is the whole package I’d love to relive. Just to give some examples: morning walks with Nadine, playing chess with Barney, talking ages about music with Leve, driving through the Atacama on our way to Bolivia and of course our day or night drinking experiences ;)
What was the biggest challenge that surprised you about bus life? The biggest challenge for me, honestly was to leave. The bus itself and the whole crew had been everything I needed to be the happiest version of myself during the whole time we’d spent together. Going back home was a challenge for me.
Tell us where & how many different places you slept on the bus. I joined the bus up from San Antonio to the border of Bolivia. We stayed on the coastline just next to the beach as often as possible. I’ll never forget our extended stay in La Serena, where the bus got fixed for the first time ever since we left our little house in San Antonio.
Since we don’t have a bathroom, where was your favourite bathroom location? Jaja, every single crew member knows the answer: coach surfing in La Serena! And -for sure- taking the morning bath in the ocean.
What did you sacrifice or gave up during your bus stay? I almost gave up being a tomorrow muffle! I am really not a morning person, but when you wake up cause of the smell of yummy porridge Nadine prepared for us every single morning, looking into Barney’s happy smiling face and listening to Leve’s super fancy music there is no way you do not enjoy waking up!
What did you contribute to bus life? For sure my good morning songs we listened to almost every single morning!
Best bus travel tip? Some fancy crocks!
What was your favourite bus meal/drink? I loved Nadine’s porridge and our fresh and handmade chips! And the sangria and Pisco cola in Chile!
What food/recipe did you learn to cook with us? I definitely learned to cook more creatively with many different veggies and fruits. Barney’s skills are amazing; he showed me how to prepare yummy apple pies!
Your favourite feature of the bus? I loved the self-made chessboard. Even though I never won against Barney, I enjoyed our games sitting next to the ocean or where ever we’ve been.
Sophie & Nadine Bolivia salt flats with bus crew Playing golf in La Serena
In 10 years I will look back and remember: Traveling with the Yellow Submarine With Wheels and its crew was a lifetime experience. I learned a lot during this time, and I am sure I’ll remember many things in 10 years. I learned to be more patient and to relax. That friendship is no matter of time. Nadine became a role model to me, and when I think about giving up, I remember her and her will to fulfil her dream of converting a bus and travelling through South America with it.
Any advice for us? Don’t change anything. Stay the way you are. Travelling with you was one of the best things ever happened to me.
Let's talk about bus breakdowns. Tell us in detail about one experience. I remember our long-term breakdown in La Serena. We had to stay there for quite a long to get everything fixed. It almost became our second home and we met many new people I am still in contact with. We were stuck but the crew always makes the best out of it. Travelling by an old bus teaches you to be patient and the plan is not to have a plan.
How was it fixed, and what you thought at the time? Jyri fixed the alternator and some other parts. Spending a longer time at the same place was a great chance and opportunity to connect with locals. It didn’t bother me after we knew that we could hit the road again earlier or later.
Anything we should have/do MORE or LESS of? Probably I should have learned more cooking skills, haha. And I should’ve been less sad about leaving and happier for our time together.
How do we compare with travelling by public transportation and staying in hostels? It is a completely different thing! The bus crew becomes your kind family, and spending 24/7 together on a bus lets you grow together and learn much about yourself. Travelling by public transportation and staying in hostels means more different people and - for me - you’ll never feel as at home as when you are on a bus with almost the same people.
So you had what it took and you survived. Would you recommend buslife to others? If you love sharing your life with different people and if you love that kind of lifestyle - YES, for sure!
Any advice for us? Don’t change anything. Stay the way you are. Travelling with you was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
When we drive our wheels into Canada, what will you do? I hope I’ll say enough money until then to join you guys!
Anything you want to tell us? Thank you for everything. Seriously you are part of many wonderful memories!
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