Road to London – Week 10-11 – Mission Accomplished

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Here is how we finally reached our destination – London.

 

We were driving at a speed of 120km/hr when the stork hit our car.  I saw 3 birds, a large one with two little ones, flying together above the car in front of me.  In a fraction of a second, the huge bird hit the windshield, shattering it.  Since the windshields are made of toughened laminated glass, the broken pieces of glass do not fall out.  But in this case the impact was such that small particles of glass spread all over, inside the car.  They even spilled over Nishi who was sitting in the rear seat.  My spectacles saved my eyes. Fortunately, I was in a right frame of mind and ensured

that the vehicle does not go out of control. I slowly pulled the car over to the shoulder.

Though it was difficult, I managed to drive for about 100 kms to get to a safe place to park the car for a few hours.  BMW agents had a 10-day wait to get a new windshield.  That would have completely upset our schedule.  However, my co-travelers helped to locate a garage which hoped to find a similar windshield – the next day.

 

We attended the grand reception extended by the Vilnius corporation authorities followed by another warm reception by the Indian community.  We witnessed a wonderful laser and fire cracker show at the beautiful Grand Resort.  But all through these, I had an uncomfortable feeling about getting the right windshield.  There was a huge chance of us being held back for 10 days! My happiness was for everyone to see when I got saw the windshield replaced to perfection.

Our next stop was Warsaw, Poland.  Warsaw has been rebuilt after complete destruction in the Second World War.

Modern buildings and the palace of the last Polish King are sites to see.  Thereafter it was a drive to Prague, Czechoslovakia – a city with a mix of modern an d historical buildings.

We then had our longest driving distance in a day – 930km.  We had breakfast in Czech, lunch in Germany and dinner in Belgium.

We were welcomed by a dinner by the Indian Ambassador and enjoyed visiting the break day at beautiful Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union.

 

Next day again was cutting across multiple countries.  Breakfast in Belgium, Lunch on the ferry in France and dinner at London.

 

 

 

Finally, we reached London as per schedule.  Mission accomplished.  Drive from Mumbai to London, over 22,000km, in 72 days passing through 19 countries.  Hip Hip Huray!!

 

 

We stayed back for about 3 weeks in London where we had the privilege of sharing our experiences with family, friends and the School authorities and students of Nishi’s school in Chelmsford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The invitation from BBC Essex to join their studio for an interview was icing on the cake.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Home Sweet Home’ it was in the early hours of 26 June 2017 – The Dream Came True.

 

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About badri

As I approached 68 (2013), my son, Anand insisted that I had proven enough in my 45-year long career and it was time I took life a little easier; enjoy traveling (that I love) and social life. Yet, I somehow wanted to contribute positively and was exploring my options. My son-in-law, Navin suggested that I should write and share my experiences, “being a self-made man, you should tell the next generation how you overcame various obstacles to reach this position, in both, business and social circles.” He pointed out that while I was sharing my experiences with family and friends, as they approached me, a blog had the potential to take your voice to many, many more. He also insisted that I start mentoring youngsters who were new in their businesses. I was convinced. I offered my services pro bono, as part of a Guidance Program. Also, I started writing on this blog, bringing out figments from my memory as experiences that might be of value to the readers here. My daughter Meeta is sweet enough to spare her time to edit what I write. As a youngster, I thought one meal a day, one set of school uniform a year, a public place to study, lack of finance and basic shelter would keep me from achieving my dreams. To compensate, I started giving 110% of what was normally expected. Yes, 110% even in bad deeds! This worked. The very limitations started inspiring me in different phases of my life – meritorious results in studies; strength to shoulder family responsibilities; satisfied employers; establishing a successful business of my own; and in my adventure trips and other travel plans. Having done what I wanted to, I agreed it was time for me to expose myself! I felt, through this blog, I could and should share my expereinces. Hopefully, readers would find some bits useful and if not, they’d enjoy reading. Look forward to interact with you. Happy Reading, Badri Baldawa

11 thoughts on “Road to London – Week 10-11 – Mission Accomplished”

  1. BMW vehicle is good. It is a question of whether the dealers are reliable to sincerely extend help in case of need on the way. Even Fortuner would serve the purpose.
    Probably a vehicle with 190mm clearance and 4×4 should be adequate. Otherwise most of the roads are well maintained.

    Good luck for your trip

  2. Dear Mr. Badri, I read your entire blog over two days, stunning and a achievement you should be proud off. I have been planning a similar trip and had been reading ng up on various blogs of people who have done this already. I would like your feedback on the performance of vehicles your own BMW as well as the other cars in your convoy. I understand that you need a SUV with a high ground clearance, do you also need a 4 wheel drive with a reduction gear ? Did the terrain response system on your BMW suffice? will be grateful for your response.

  6. Travelling..Live experience, indeed?!
    It turns you into a great storyteller..
    Hats off to you all..

  7. WOW! I have always dreamt of this type of road trips with my friends. Have been following your trip from your blog since the first week. What an awesome trip you people had.
    I would like to know about all the planning that you did. Like what type of visa do we need. What are the formalities of driving license to drive in different countries. etc.
    Information on that things would be much more appreciated.

    Again great trip. Good vibes. Really happy after reading your blog posts.

  8. Bravo Sir and all accompanying you. Blessed to have been associated with you .

  9. Exemplery achievement for an accountant and corporate professional.

    Now after return to India, please encourage professionals to:
    1. Think innovatively,
    2. Take risks by entering new ventures but after doing proper home work,
    3. Keep interest of the society as a whole in mind, and
    4. Work for Serve Janah sukhina Bhavantu.

    What to do and how to do it is left entirely on you!

    May GOD bestow more success on you and your family for standing with and behind you in the entire journey.

  10. Once again : That’s super awesome tauji ! Waiting to hear many more interesting episodes LIVE !

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