The moment we truly chose freedom
In April 2024, we decided enough was enough. When something is bothering you, you either accept it or do things differently yourself. We chose the latter. No more rules and bills dictating our lives. It was time for a completely different direction.
Our Toyota Hilux on Steroids
We bought a Toyota Hilux and took it to Arno and his team at 4WD-Specialist. Our request: turn it into a tough, rugged, world-ready vehicle. “Arno and his team are true specialists. They delivered outstanding workmanship in just 2.5 months,” says Jim. When we picked it up, we saw that our Hilux had been transformed into an indestructible travel companion: powerful, rugged and ready for any adventure. It’s no coincidence that we’ve called it our Toyota Hilux on steroids ever since.
Decluttering: fewer belongings, more space
In the meantime, we sold our house, got rid of almost all our belongings—decluttering creates so much space!—and lived temporarily in a small gypsy wagon. With just eight boxes, some clothes and a few treasured possessions, we waited for the day we could leave. When we finally got the keys to our Hilux, it felt like pure freedom. “Holding the car keys literally made us feel like we had freedom in our hands,” Ditta recalls.
Africa, Here We Come!
Our first destination: Africa. With no set plan, we simply set off. “Just go with the flow. We’ll see where we end up,” says Jim.
And now here we are, in the middle of a wildlife park in Namibia, enjoying a cup of coffee in the shade and listening to the quiet and the sounds of nature.
The rhythm of nature sets the pace of our lives: we go to sleep when it gets dark, wake up with the first rays of sunshine and birdsong, and eat when we're hungry. We shower when there's water—often with a bucket or by taking a refreshing dip in the sea. “Hot water is a luxury here and completely unnecessary. We’re usually more than happy with a refreshing ‘shower’,” says Ditta. In Africa, you learn that you actually need very little: love, kindness, freedom and nature. Everything that truly matters is what remains.
Challenges & Solutions
Of course, there are difficult moments too. Car trouble in the middle of nowhere, downpours that turn roads into impassable muddy tracks – challenges like these can bring you to tears. “That’s when you’re more likely to cry than laugh. But in Africa, there’s always a solution. And everything always works out,” says Jim.
We’re now 21 countries away from the Netherlands and loving Namibia. What a relief to be back in an English-speaking country, with regular gas stations, campsites, supermarkets and restaurants. “We’re so happy to have regular supermarkets again. And a washing machine. Just regular, regular, regular,” Ditta laughs. It makes us even more aware of Europe’s prosperity, but also of how happy we are now with our simple life.
Dreams for the Future
We’re now 21 countries away from the Netherlands and loving Namibia. What a relief to be back in an English-speaking country, with normal gas stations, campsites, supermarkets and restaurants. “We’re so happy to have regular supermarkets. And a washing machine. Just regular, regular, regular,” Ditta laughs.
It makes us even more aware of Europe’s prosperity, and of how happy we are now with our simple life. Our Toyota Hilux—or, as Jim calls it, the Hilux on steroids—is ready for anything. Desert, water, snow and everything in between.
Untamed Adventures, bring it on!
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