Bye Bye 2025, Welcome 2026!

Here we are, the sun has set on 2025…



And what a beautiful and full year it was!! Especially the second half: first the celebrations for my 50th birthday, surrounded by family and friends, then the preparations for the big departure, followed by the first five months of wandering.

Here’s a quick little recap: about 15,000 km traveled, 12 countries crossed, one Rugby World Cup, dozens of magnificent sunsets, lots of wonderful encounters, and images forever imprinted in our minds. But also: four new tires, a run-in with the police, a parking ticket, a long and somewhat difficult 3+ weeks of gray skies and humidity, and to end the year with a little cherry on the top, a visit to the Peugeot garage in Kalamata…



When the engine warning light comes on, it’s always a bit worrying and it's best to take it seriously. In the end, nothing serious — just a faulty sensor that needs replacing. But a problem between Christmas and New Year also means no chance of getting the part or fixing it before January 9 😟. Fortunately, we can keep driving. So we are “forced” to wander around the area for about ten days. But it’s not like we’re lacking things to do — there’s no shortage of options around here to fill our days. We can, for example:

Visit caves,


Pretty little fishing harbors,



Or charming medieval villages.


We can also: explore shipwrecks,


Walk along deserted beaches,


Make new friends, 


Or even pray to the gods, like Leonidas. He’s the god of chocolate, right?? We asked him to lower the price of cocoa for the good of humanity. Because if a good square of chocolate doesn’t solve problems, it always lifts your spirit up — and everyone should be able to enjoy that 😋.


Okay, Leonidas wasn’t a god at all — he was the king of Sparta — but we gave it a try anyway. You never know 😜.

But another great way to pass the time, and just as good for morale, is simply to sit and daydream while admiring the landscape…


We welcome 2026 with open arms. Bring on new discoveries, wonderful encounters, and enriching experiences. We’re ready!!

Happy New Year to each and every one of you from your favorite Wanderers 💕.


All the route and photos are here: Map and photos

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Jérôme and Sophie

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