Smile And Nod - Germany to Australia by Motorbike 2015
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  • GERMANY - June
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  • Talk to us......

Talk to us......

23/5/2015

83 Comments

 
Click 'comment' on the right to speak to us.
83 Comments
Mark
12/6/2015 04:12:41 am

Great read, looking forward to following your adventure. and understanding how and where you'll be carrying all your equip. clearly chappo will be singing justin timerberlake songs over the intercom for the whole journey ;-)

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Taylor
12/6/2015 05:46:56 am

Haha 'bringing sexy back' in the key of F-silence. True Mark "Stagefright" Wilson style.

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Richard
13/6/2015 03:34:22 pm

Thought there maybe a link here to the "bloody "Wilson chap that Chappo and Mark were so into last summer in Croatia......

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Richard godsmark
22/6/2015 04:59:23 am

All the best for the journey...take care. Just thinking.....we are closer to your home now than u guys are.:)we made it to Poland in 12 hrs 37.5 mins.... That's a record.:) without breaking any speed limits ;)

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Nat
25/6/2015 06:43:52 am

Thanks Richie! Glad to hear you guys made it safely to Poland. Good luck with Ann Wilson.....hopefully she's on the road soon!

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Em Cannons
23/6/2015 12:38:48 am

Brings back some memories. I love it. Super excited for you both. Terrance looks a little more faster and more comfortable than the Minsk. Is the gorgeous blonde planning on driving?? Keep safe..
X

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Nat
25/6/2015 06:46:21 am

Thanks Em! No...I won't be driving Terrence but I'm hoping to learn to ride at some stage on the way home (a slightly smaller bike!) Come and join us for a bit!!

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Em
12/9/2015 01:41:09 am

I wish Nat!!

Craig aka Hoff
23/6/2015 08:05:01 pm

Congratulations to you both. You are embarking on the trip of a lifetime, a trip most of us dream about doing but never commit to doing. Have patience with each other, stay safe and look after one another. I look forward to being part of your adventure through your photos and updates.

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Taylor
25/6/2015 06:49:54 am

Cheers Hoff!

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Michele
25/6/2015 04:05:17 am

Natalie and Taylor,
Good luck and can't wait to hear about your adventures! Nat how is your bum feeling? Enjoy the journey....a trip of a lifetime!

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Nat
25/6/2015 06:47:32 am

Thanks Michele! So far so good with the bum!! A big hello to your crew! X

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Deakin
28/6/2015 09:20:56 am

Hey guys
Good luck on your trip back here, it's a long journey but will be all worth while once you get here.... That motorbike sure looks nice haha
Be sure to keep in contact, stay safe and don't join isis!!

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Nat
3/7/2015 01:18:26 am

Thanks Deaks! Hope you're well!

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Julie T
30/6/2015 12:16:19 pm

I keep finding myself wondering where you are and how you're getting on... great to see that you've posted already. I hope that the sun is continuing to shine for you, while the breeze keeps you cool.

Best of luck, and happy adventuring! :)

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Nat
3/7/2015 01:20:30 am

Thanks Julie! We are now in Croatia and the sun is absolutely shining! It gets quite hot with all the gear on! Hope you're enjoying the summer break- you deserve it!

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Stuart C
2/7/2015 11:50:15 am

My lovelies, it was great to read your first reports and see the pics. Loved seeing how the weather changed and the campsites look and sound idyllic. My longest road trip was 6000 km around Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. When your odometer reaches 6000 km let me know where you are!! It's 36 Celsius in the Dorf today, so you might be glad not to be here and wearing your leathers. Now, it's already July so I want to see the next report! XXX

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Nat
3/7/2015 01:24:23 am

Hi Stuart! We will definitely let you know when we reach 6000km, I think we just clicked over 1500 so we have a bit to go! It was a miserable 13 degrees when we left Düsseldorf so I'm glad to hear it's a little warmer now- although I think that's a little too hot for you! Finding good internet has been a challenge but an update is on its way! Enjoy the summer break!

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Stuart C
19/7/2015 03:01:19 am

Cool, get a move on!

Chappy Snr.
2/7/2015 10:34:56 pm

I remember lake bled beautiful spot camped there myself forty years ago enjoy

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Neenmachine
11/7/2015 02:49:14 am

Hey Nat & tj! Just loving your photos and sssoooo envious! You all look so happy. Keep up the good work. Lots of love from down under xx

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Ann link
13/7/2015 12:29:20 am

YAY - love reading your updates. Great vid, too! :)

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Maarit van lith
13/7/2015 01:30:29 am

Miss thoburne I hope you are having a nise time we are in spain and we baught the house. And evry day we jump in the pool!
Was it fun jumping of a rock?

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Nat
13/7/2015 02:41:30 am

Hello Maarit! You must be having so much fun in Spain! Yes, jumping off the rock was lots of fun!!

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Agim link
13/7/2015 10:51:01 am

It was great pleasure to have you as our special motor-bike guests in Shkoder, Albania and hear about your trip and experiences so far and the grand adventure ahead of you! We wish you a beautiful experience and safe trip until home to Australia! We will follow your adventures from this website!

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Suzanne
13/7/2015 04:37:30 pm

I keep checking on you and it looks like you are having an amazing adventure ;)

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Nat
21/7/2015 01:55:55 am

Thanks Suzanne! I hope you're enjoying the holidays and having a well deserved break!

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Bill Kersing
14/7/2015 05:08:01 pm

Just the most amazing trip! Fascinated by your updates and photos, Natalie and Taylor.

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Nat
22/7/2015 12:53:40 pm

Thanks Bill!

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Stuart C
19/7/2015 03:08:54 am

Morning! I am now caught up with your travels from Austria onwards. I think you have covered much ground that most west Europeans don't even know about! I'm a little stunned at the idea of wearing biking gear in that heat, but as you know I have blood of ice and sweat at 12C... I have been doing little day trips around the region and am off to Maastricht for a few days next week. THEN, I'm doing a Mandarin course (in German!)
It's fantastic to read about your trip, and sometimes I even go to Google maps to see where you are. That will happen more often as you get further away, I imagine! Is it too late for me to ship out that sidecar and join you???
Happy driving!
X

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Nat
22/7/2015 01:00:01 pm

Hello there! Yep, it can get pretty hot in our gear but I think we're actually adjusting to it! Of course you're doing a Mandarin course in German! Sounds like you're enjoying the break and getting lots of running in too...you'll smash the 10km run you have coming up!

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Stuart Crouch
1/8/2015 04:12:44 am

Yup, it's all go here. Mandarin was hard but fun and at least I have the basics for my trip at Xmas. I am up to 8 km at 5:45 pace, so doing ok. 10 km in time for the race in October and then a half marathon in 2016??? Right, I'm off. I want to read your Greece and Turkey sections XX

Monsi
21/7/2015 03:59:42 pm

looks like you've been rocking the roads of Europe. the pubs in DDorf will seem empty and deserted without you guys.
sending sunshine your way. have fun and stay safe! xxx

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Nat
22/7/2015 12:45:41 pm

Thanks Monsie! We'll miss our nights out in D'Dorf and you guys! Instead of sending sunshine, can you send some days below 35degrees?! Hope you're both enjoying the holidays!

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Lize L
21/7/2015 06:47:36 pm

Amazing guys, very envious. You are very brave sitting on the back Nat, that road in Albania looked pretty hectic!

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Nat
22/7/2015 12:47:14 pm

Thanks Lize! There have been some moments when I find myself holding my breath! Hope you're well!

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Sara
22/7/2015 02:39:21 am

Just spent a lovely time catching up on your travels. It all looks amazing. Well done on a such a comprehensive travel log - it's really impressive, take care you two xx

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Nat
22/7/2015 12:49:28 pm

Hello Sara! Thanks... We're doing our best to keep it updated, we're enjoying keeping a blog. Looks like your holidays are going well..keep enjoying!

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Tom W
22/7/2015 06:49:21 am

Hi Taylor and Nat. All looks amazing. Great to hear it's all going well. Just wanted to say hi and wish you both safe travels. What an amazing thing to be doing - enjoy every minute.

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Taylor
22/7/2015 12:57:56 pm

Thanks very much Tom! I hope all's well with you guys.

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Mark Wilsonton III
23/7/2015 03:42:02 am

Darlings! What a fantastic read! Amazing pics, and I love the little vids your doing. You've done and seen so much already, and you havent even started. I WANNA GO ON HOLIDAY!! haha! be safe and big hugs. RIP the Mullet.

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Julian.B
25/7/2015 02:56:28 pm

Hallo Ms.Thoburne it looks like lots of fun. Are you almost in the next country? Was camping fun? I heard from Maarit that jumping off that cliff must be a lot of fun.

Julian

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Nat
31/7/2015 12:33:22 pm

Hello Julian! We are heading into Iran tomorrow, I might even get to see Sam there! I hope you are enjoying the summer holidays..

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Julian.B
31/7/2015 02:33:46 pm

Summer is great I haven't seen or heard from Sam the last weeks. I hope you are enjoying yourself in Turkey.

Maarit
27/7/2015 01:09:59 am

Mis Thoburne I hope you are having fun! Evry sunday me my dad and my brother go to the Market! One time I got lost because me and my friend were aloud to go to the square alone but we were told by my dad go to my friend mother! But my friend did not want to lissen so she went of! Lukkily my dad found me! We got really mad at them!😂😢😠😠☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

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Rich
27/7/2015 04:49:34 am

Nice pics, great story...how's the bike holding up? Have you done the first oil change yet. Let me know if you need help.. I'll jump in a plane, bring the tools down with my Mobil mechanic service....specially design for dusseldorf - Australia bike trips:) love to you both. And take care.

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Taylor
30/7/2015 01:19:41 pm

Hey Richie,
Nope, Düsseldorf oil is still in the bike. First change is coming up soon. I'll get you on a flight to Tehran and we can find a nice hot and sunny carpark and get on the tools. Bring something along for some extra leverage if you can.

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Parksie
31/7/2015 07:20:47 pm

Just loving the updates & photos.....anxiously awaiting the next instalment....amazing experiences so far!
Lotsa luv Mick

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Alecia Staples
31/7/2015 07:32:42 pm

Hey guys! Was just thinking about you today and thought I'd send you my best! Looks like you've had a great adventure so far and I'm sure the best is yet to come.
Hope you're enjoying yourselves and taking it all in!
Keep sending your updates!
Cheers from Canada :)
A X

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Nat
20/8/2015 10:26:30 am

Hello! Looks like you had a great summer..you did so much! I hope the school year has started off smoothly for you! You'll be on holidays again before you know it! Xx

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Stuart Crouch
1/8/2015 04:21:31 am

Soooooo pleased that you enjoyed Turkey. I lived there for a year (and have been to all the places you mentioned - feeling very nostalgic, thank you!!) and was constantly met with warm, friendly and generous people. One day I'll tell you about my 6 hour visit to the optician... I'm glad that you were treated well. Soon you'll be saying good bye to Europe. Can't wait to read more adventures!! X

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Chapposnr
2/8/2015 02:25:02 am

Great photos glad to hear you're ok after the spill say hi to asif for me

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Erich
6/8/2015 01:58:29 am

Hello Natalie & Tylor!
Ich finde es einfach super wie ihr beide das macht.
Ein Abenteuer wie es nur wenige menschen erleben.
Ich wünsche euch beiden weiterhin eine gute und vor allem sichere Fahrt.
Ich freu mich schon auf euren nächsten Bericht aus dem Iran.
Lots of Love!
Erich

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Taylor
20/8/2015 10:45:03 am

Vielen Dank Erich! Iran war sehr schön. Sehr nette Leute (wie Österreicher!)

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Julian
15/8/2015 04:16:20 am

How is Sam doing what did he say to your visit. why wasn't he on your picture?

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Suzanne
19/8/2015 11:04:07 am

Hi Natalie, Wow Iran seems so different than what I had expected you might encounter. Breaking down barriers and mis conceptions. Well done you...and teaching to boot! I guess if no one uses their mirrors when driving, it worked ok that you had help in bending your mirrors to fit through the doors. :) All the best, and missing you. I had a great summer and we are already back at work. The Summer continues through your travels.

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Nat
20/8/2015 10:37:26 am

Hi Suzanne. Iran was really something else! Just goes to show you shouldn't believe everything you see or hear. They were the most generous people we've ever met. I can't believe school is back already, I hope it was a very smooth start for you all!

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Tanja link
22/8/2015 10:27:23 am

Hi Natalie and Taylor,
It is really fun to read your blog! What an amazing experience you live through...I look forward for many more fun and extravagant reportings!
Stay safe and have a good time! Love, Tanja

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Nat
10/9/2015 03:15:57 pm

Hello Tanja! I'm glad you're following our journey, it's still going very well! I hope the start of the school year has gone smoothly and you're enjoying grade 2!

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Chapposnr
28/8/2015 12:55:01 am

Hi guys great photos sounds like Turkmenistan wasn,t much fun much better in Uzbekistan ya vas lublu

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Lynn Scherpel
30/8/2015 10:09:52 am

Hi Natalie and Tylor,
I spent yesterday reading your blog and finding out about all your adventures! I will definitely speak to Sam's mom about your visit with them in Iran. I know quite a few Iranians and have heard from Germans that have travelled there that they are extremely hospitable! I am looking forward to you September entries!
Continue being as wise as you have been so far! I guess the men are not very strict Muslims because they consume alcohol....that is my cultural generalization that comes to mind. Can you set me straight on this?

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Julian.b
3/9/2015 12:51:00 am

School started again it's looking good I got Mr.Dennivervill

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Abby
11/9/2015 07:38:43 am

Hi Nat and Taylor,
13,000 km - job well done so far!! I'm super impressed and love your blog! Stay safe and we love reading your updates! Miss you at school though Nat!
xxx

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Ann link
11/9/2015 09:25:05 pm

WOWZERS - amazing, amazing! Love the corrupt border guards - gotta have those on a trip like this or it ain't a 'real' trip, right? ;)
Take care of yourselves and each other! Big hugs xx

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Em Kennon
12/9/2015 01:40:07 am

Amazing trip. Love hearing about the border crossings. Photos are spectacular xEm

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Ana T
12/9/2015 09:42:48 am

Hi, there! Wherever 'there' is at this very moment!
My fave so far has been IRAN! Who would have thought!! Very heart warming seeing you with a student's family too!
That pic of the whole animal roasted made me gag...
Great entertaining for a gray Sat morning in Düss!!
Good luck with everything, you b r a v e guys!

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Sam
1/10/2015 09:36:16 pm

Hi miss Thoburne I hope you are having a good time till now I miss you very much hope to see you soon

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Nat
12/10/2015 05:31:37 am

Hello Sam! We are having a great time. I hope you are enjoying grade 4! Maybe I'll see you in Australia one day! Say hi to mum and dad for me!

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Sarah
9/10/2015 08:02:52 pm

Hi miss Thoburne I miss you school started i got miss Stapels in my class there is Lucia, Sofia, Emma and Fanja from last year and I got a buddy to show around the school.
From Sarah

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Nat
12/10/2015 05:34:13 am

Hi Sarah, it's lovely to hear from you! In very happy to hear you have friends in your class, and you're very lucky to have Miss Staples!! I'm sure you're having a great year. Say hi to all the girls for me!

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Stuart C
24/10/2015 01:08:43 pm

So, after a hiatus of watching you move across the world (school gets in the way of my reading!) I am now caught up from Turkey to Pakistan. Oh, the pictures and images that you convey in your messages! It is so exciting to read and see everything. And I love your sense of optimism and positive thought. You have met some amazing people, it seems. Reading about Samarkand and Osh really brings it home what there is out there, these ancient cities and regions that we've only read about before. I'll catch up with 'further away Asia' soon XXX

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Pat
28/10/2015 09:16:26 pm

Hey team.
Just had a bit of a catch up on the journey. Bloody amazing! The videos and photos are great. Pakistan looked like a sweet time. Squeeze in any high altitude bikini bod? Mynamar too looked great, river crossings proper hard core. True adventure styling!
Fairly envious of you at the moment sitting back here in the UK. Collecting sainsburys nectar points is about the most exciting thing happening here. I am also bikless as of about a month ago. swapped it out for a clio! not quite as cool as a black stallion.
Ash and I are living up near Liverpool.
Anyway ride safe and give my regards to the slug.

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Abby
9/12/2015 01:08:48 pm

Well done guys, back on home soil!!! What an amazing adventure you have had, and now so close to home!! Hope you have a lovely Christmas with your family, and get settled back into life in Australia in the new year!! Look forward to some beers in Melbourne one day!!
Lots of love from all of us xxxx

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Erich
14/12/2015 04:01:38 pm

Hello Nat and Taylor!
I congratulate you both on your wonderful adventure.
A trip you will never forget in your life. A wonderful achievement!
I am glad that you have got over the trip without bigger problems and
without accident.
Thanks for the interesting reports and the great pictures on your web page.
I wish you futermore all the best and best regards to all friends in Mansfield.
Erich

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zara abdullah
24/12/2015 08:06:38 pm

Ms.Thoburne hope you had a great time and exploring the stuff that you saw. hope you had a great time

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zara abdullah
24/12/2015 08:12:43 pm

have a wonderful time and have lots of fun

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Katya
28/12/2015 02:51:13 pm

Hope you have a wonderful time in Australia!
Good luck,

Katya

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Stuart C
30/12/2015 11:10:48 am

OK, the holidays meant that I could final read about the stretch from India to home. Wow! I have really enjoyed reading your adventures since you left here in the summer. Amazing that you only had rain at the very start and the very end. Loving all of the people that you met. Congratulations and love, Stuart x

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