LANDY TO LONDON: June 2010

Was it a bird? Was it a plane? What was that green blur that blocked out the sun over Europe for two weeks? It was as though Kaspuur grew wings as she carried us through Europe in just enough time to get a snippet of the highlights and leave us smacking our lips for more.

Italy is certainly something of fairytales with its cobble stoned walkways, gondolas, ancient bridges, medieval masks and Venetian glass. Lush vineyards and curvaceous valleys claim the countryside with gelato and deliciously simple dishes a state of "normale" throughout. It is hard to say which town was my favorite out of Venice, Florence, Chianti, Livorno, Pisa and Trento as they each offered us something special but Trento was a real gem. Lago di Levico was a fantastic retreat with snow-capped mountains in the distance, shining waters in the foreground, green forests as far as the eye can see and sunset cruise paddleboat rides on the agenda.

Venice >>>

Florence >>>

Ange and Matt in Livorno >>>

Pisa >>>

Trento >>>

We left Italy reluctantly and with the benefits of the Autobahn found ourselves flitting through Austria and southern Germany - our windscreen wipers working overtime. It seems we had driven straight out of summer.

We were rather arrogantly expecting streamers, a welcome party and fireworks as we pulled into Cairo. It was certainly one of those celebratory moments when you realise what you have not only achieved but survived. As it was our bodies were merely holding out for the downtime we subconsciously craved. After a yummy meal at Chilis, all four of us crashed in some way or another. In true Campbell style he slept...for 24 solid hours.

A couple days later when we were all compus mentis and able to accept the gravity of the situation - having driven from Cape Town to Cairo - we reeeeally celebrated. Since alcohol was scarce we celebrated with lots and lots of gelato at one of Cairo's many scrumptious gelato and pastry stores. Yum yum.

Blue Steel >>>

Who said those Pyramids where big?

Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx >>>

Cairo is just as crazy, although massively more cosmopolitan, than any other African city. Thanks heavens for sound proof windows. Take a listen to this noise outside our hotel window:

Sadly, the time has come for the Gummi Bears to go their separate ways. We have loved traveling with Danny and Jill on and off since Malawi and wish you guys only the best on your travels East and beyond. After hunting high and low we found some "Red Lion" whiskey to drown our tears into as a final farewell to our friends. Coochie coochie and "I am Freeeench" will miss you terribly. xx

OVERLANDER GEM: Visemar Line ferry from Alexandria to Venice - book through aferry.com

There is a new ferry line that runs a service from Alexandria to Venice. This ferry line is so new we booked onto its maiden voyage. We were among 8 travelers set to make overlanding history.

However, in true African style, on our way to Alexandria we got a call. It was a bad call. The Egyptian port authorities have denied transit for the maiden voyage. We would have to wait another week. We were told there was zero chance of us sailing as scheduled.

So, we had resigned ourselves to spending a week in a budget hotel waiting to see if we could sail. Alexandria is a sprawling city with 15million people and not enough parking. It was mayhem trying to find somewhere safe to leave Kaspuur. A few hours before our ferry is due to sail we get a call from the ferry company. “If you can get to port we can get you on the boat”. Considering the rigmarole and full day of paperwork it took to get us into Egypt we never ever thought we would make it. It is amazing what pushy Egyptians and a lot of baksheesh can achieve. With 30minutes to go before the boat left the docks 8 overlanders did indeed make overlanding history. It is a fantastic way to leave Africa's red dusts in your wake.