MotoLife Diaries

12/02/2021

Happy Losar! (Tibetan Bhuddist New Year!)

On the eve of Losar last year, we found ourselves crossing a Himalayan mountain pass in the middle of winter in North East India. We didn’t know it was barely passable, we didn’t know it was the coldest time of year and we didn’t know that if we did make it through, the entire town on the other side would be closed for the next two weeks to celebrate their most auspicious occasion.

The journey there was treacherous. Icy narrow roads, deadly escarpments and snow and sleet obscuring our vision. At one point you could spot three mountains side by side - one in India, one in China and one in Bhutan. Right at the meeting point of these three countries, we were far from anything familiar.

Somehow Steve managed to navigate us to the other side where the town of Tawang, and India’s largest bhuddist monastery, was closing up in preparation for a big celebration the next day.

We called the one phone number we had been given in the previous town and a kind local man and his extended family invited us stay with them, saving us from the cold streets.

The following two weeks were spent celebrating. Every day Steve would visit the monastery and learn about Bhuddist philosophy from the Rinpoche - the Abbot of the monastery who reports to the Dalai Lama. We visited regularly and he blessed us for the year ahead. At the time, we dreamt that those blessings meant a safe and fortuitous motorcycle adventure through Central Asia and the Middle East.

Of course, nobody knew what 2020 actually had in store. Less than a month later, when we were forced home due to Covid, it felt like our dreams collapsed around us. Everything changed and we, like everyone around the world, had to adjust to a new life. We never knew that those blessings could have meant something entirely different. That now, exactly one year later, our first born child is due to come into this world any day. It's easy to say it's all a coincidence. But whatever it is, it's a pretty good reminder of the Bhuddist philosophy to let go, be open to change and embrace uncertainty.

However your 2020 panned out, I wish you all the happiest year ahead. ❤️

23/03/2020

Our last post here was only 9 days ago, but what a 9 days it has been! As we hung out with our motorcycle in India, we watched the borders around us close one by one. Eventually India closed in on us too.

Public events were cancelled, flights were grounded, visas were voided and finally we were told to “get out and go home”. In the end we had no choice. Sadly, due to the Coronavirus we have been forced back to Australia - currently under house quarantine for 14 days. Nobody knows what’s in store and when we’ll be able to get back on the road, but thankfully we have great friends looking after Wolf while we’re gone.

To all overlanders, fellow travellers, and humans, it’s a difficult time for all. No one will walk away from this untouched. Our community of overlanders around the world are having a tough time, often with nowhere to go and no one to look out for them. When you travel with your home, livelihood and life on two or four wheels, hopping on a flight “home” is not as easy as it sounds. Many of them are stuck, facing discrimination, threats and violence just for being foreign. We are the lucky ones who got out just in time. Any overlanders who need a hand please let us know and we will do what we can.

Meanwhile for us, while we practice social distancing we will make the most of our isolation by editing the unseen footage of the first 2 years of our travels - so watch this space for some epic adventures!

Sending lots of love to every single living human to stay safe, stay strong, stay positive and look out for each other. We can’t get through this alone. XOXO Steve and Amelia

13/03/2020

When you see hills rolling on and on and on until they disappear into a lavender-topaz sky you can't help but feel that tingle of anticipation at the next adventure that awaits you. Who knows whats over that hill? From our experience its probably something equally unexpected/ terrifying/ awesome.

12/03/2020

WARNING! Dangerous selfie alert. We've come across a number of signs like this on scary rock ledges and we've witnessed a few too many stupid people taking extremely risky photos for the gram. Not worth it people! The only dangerous thing in this selfie are the FIERCE looks we are serving. Don't say we didn't warn you. 😘🤳

11/03/2020

*NEW VIDEO!* While waiting for motorbike parts in Guwahati, Assam, we had the chance to celebrate the happiest festival in North India, and one of Assam's biggest celebrations of the year - BIHU!

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As usual, we had no idea what to expect. But when local fish markets, dance parties and bonfires are part of the festivities it is probably going to make for a good time.

While waiting for motorbike parts in Guwahati, Assam, we had the chance to experience one of Assam's biggest celebrations of the year - BIHU

10/03/2020

Special thanks to Ahmed for sitting down to interview us for a feature article in The Business Standard - and a special thanks to everyone from for making our time in your country so memorable! (Video interview comes out tomorrow).

Motoring through borderlines on a KTM 1190R

10/03/2020

That dry river bed sure looks like an interesting terrain for riding...

09/03/2020

After nearly 1 month in Bangladesh it was time to return to India! So we headed for the border.

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We crossed into India at a border called Dawki, in the north eastern state of Meghalaya. Bangladesh is 90% muslim and India is 80% hindu. So for a bit of fun we were heading to the mostly christian town of Shillong to chase some festive cheer; 2 days before Christmas! We also had not bought each other any Christmas gifts, so we set ourselves a challenge...

09/03/2020

This road has houses on both sides. Agricultural crops, storefronts and markets line the streets. Elephants, rhinos and buffalos live in massive numbers all around these plains. And last year the floods reached a record high. As you can see from the sign, this is nothing new. Luckily - due to highlands that have been artificially built over the last few years, most animals made it to safety. We still find it amazing to imagine this entire area underwater. Lucky we didn't get here during wet season or Wolf would have a tough time getting through!