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BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra

30 Apr 07 - 04:40 PM (#2039730)
Subject: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Hello folks,

I'm not about Mudcat much these days, but I thought I'd give a quick and shameless plug to what I'm doing in my summer holidays, namely driving from London to Ulaan Bataar in a small hatchback car with a 1000cc engine costing less than £150 quid.

It's for charity. And I will be planting extra tomatoes on my balcony to carbon offset.

Loughstockers will be very pleased that our main sponsor is Feckin' Irish Whiskey, and every bottle of said drink you purchase online will result in a percentage donation to our nominated charities - Mercy Corps, Hope and Homes for Children, and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.
Our team name? Feckin' Irish Rovers

This is us: Feckin' Irish Rovers
We'll have a proper, dedicated web site soon.

This is the rally: The Mongol Rally

To add to the excitement the team leader is the unluckiest car owner ever and has had more cars than he's had years on this earth, the second team member can't drive, and I'm on a medically restricted licence.

My mammy and daddy said I can go though, cos I'm 31 and they can't really stop me.


30 Apr 07 - 04:43 PM (#2039733)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Amos

Wow, what an adventure!! Great stuff--very best wishes with you all the way out and back, Fibs.



A


30 Apr 07 - 04:44 PM (#2039735)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Main link should be http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/


30 Apr 07 - 04:47 PM (#2039737)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Cheers Amos, yup - I'm very excited about it. There are some great blogs out there from former participants. I especially liked this account of last year: http://www.lingscars.com/ling-valentine.php


30 Apr 07 - 05:00 PM (#2039742)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Herga Kitty

FM - so which generation of Micra are you driving? 4 or 5 forward gears?

Kitty (whose first car after passing my test was a Micra Colette)


30 Apr 07 - 05:05 PM (#2039744)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: McGrath of Harlow

"Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra"

- that's a great line. Can't think of any rhymes for Micra, only trouble.


30 Apr 07 - 05:13 PM (#2039750)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: John MacKenzie

Primula Fetlock you're a mad woman so you are, I like that in a 31 year old woman :)
I'll keep me fingers legs and eyes crossed for you girl.
Giok


30 Apr 07 - 05:21 PM (#2039760)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Thanks Giok, I think we'll need all the help we can get, though having an Irish passport is half the battle won.

Herga Kitty - haven't actually seen the car yet - it's back in Norn Ireland. It was kindly donated in response to a BBC Ulster radio appeal. My friend Maso, who is ably co-ordinating the whole shebang, is proving to be a virtuoso at getting people to part with their cash/belongings/children/etc.

McGoH - lycra rhymes with micra!


30 Apr 07 - 05:24 PM (#2039765)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: catspaw49

Fibs.....I love ya'.......Don't do this! Let me quote Adam Sandler's classic, "Piece of Shit Car" (which IS what you're driving!). Do you have to drive a trash pile or what? Please reconsider.

SERIOUSLY!

I'm a mechanic and I can tell you, this is a mistake! Jack up the radiator cap and slide a new car underneath it.

Ode To My Car

Here we go

Piece of shit car
I got a piece of shit car
That fuckin' pile of shit
Never gets me very far

My car's a big piece of shit
'Cause the shocks are fucking shot
And my seatbelt's fucking broken
I got to tie it in a knot
(It's a piece of shit)

I can't see through the windshield
'Cause it's got a big fucking' crack
And the interior smells real bad
'Cause my friend puked in the back
(It's a piece of shit)

(Piece of shit car)
Piece of shit car
(He's got a piece of shit car)
It sucks royal dick
(That fuckin' pile of shit)
100% crap
(Never gets him very far)
Oh fuck you car

It's got no CD player, it only got the 8-track
Whoever designed my car can lick my sweaty nut sack
(They can bite his ass too)
And I got no fuckin' brakes
I'm always way out of control
Eleven times a day I hear "Hey, watch it asshole"
(You fuckin' piece of shit)

(Piece of shit car)
I got piece of shit car
(He got a piece of shit car)
Diesel gas sucks my ass
(That fuckin' pile of shit)
That pile of metal shit
(Never gets him very far)

Oh what the fuck did I do
What the fuck did I do
What the fuck did I do
To get stuck with you
You're too wide for drive-thru
And you smell like the shoe
But I'm too broke to buy something new
Oh fuck me

Well the engine likes to flood
The car always fuckin' stalls
And the seat cushion's got a big rip
So a spring always pokes the balls
(Ouch, ouch, ouch)
Plus the door locks are busted
I gotta use a fucking coat hanger
(What a pain in his ass)
And if a girlie sees my car
There's no chance I'll ever bang her
(He never ever gets da pussy)
Hey shut up
(Piece of shit car)
You piece of shit car

(You got a piece of shit car)
You piece of shit car
(Piece of shit car)
Bald fuckin' tires
(You got a piece of shit car)
No rearview fucking mirror
(Piece of shit car)
Seven different colors
(You got a piece of shit car)
Fucking rag for a gas cap
(Piece of shit car)
Tailpipe makes the sparks fly everywhere
(You got a piece of shit car)
(Piece of shit car)
(You got a piece of shit car)
(Piece of shit car)
Oh the whole town thinks I'm a loser
(You got a piece of shit car)
Cabby give me a push
(Piece of shit car...)


Please??

Spaw


30 Apr 07 - 05:33 PM (#2039777)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Now I know all Englishpersons are Mad! **BG** What an adventure!! Be careful and have fun!! Post when you are able, okay?


30 Apr 07 - 05:41 PM (#2039787)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Spaw, you're right, but thems the rules - an engine of less than 1000cc capacity and costing less than 150 quid. However, some of our sponsors have kindly agreed to contribute their trade, so we're getting a micra with roll bars and a skid plate. I don't even know what a skid plate is.

There's also a prize for the most useless item brought on the rally. Someone brought a lawnmower with them, though it probably had a bigger engine than the heap of junk they were driving.

I should point out that my offroad skills involve transporting archaeology students in a leaky Landrover Defender with dodgy steering drift and ferrying celebrity television archaeologists to-and-from the train station on occasions. I believe this goes some way towards the 7 mountain ranges and 3 deserts we'll have to tackle. Possibly I'll need more bribes than I usually dole out in the south of England.

Well, I shall adopt Piece of Shit Car as another anthem for the journey, alongside Johnny Cash's I've been everywhere, the Pogues' version of Irish Rover and Ministry's Jesus Built My Hotrod.


30 Apr 07 - 05:51 PM (#2039799)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

We leave Hyde Park on 21st July, so do come and see us off if anyone is in the vicinity. Hopefully by then we will have found the A-Team and they will have transformed this car into something resembling a roadworthy vehicle.


30 Apr 07 - 05:54 PM (#2039800)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: John MacKenzie

Better get a plastic Jesus for your dashboard methinks lass.
G.

Plastic Jesus
- Ernie Marrs; Trad and Anon

    Well, I don't care if it rains or freezes,
    Long as I have my plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    Through all trials and tribulations,
    We will travel every nation,
    With my plastic Jesus I'll go far.

    CHORUS
    Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    Through my trials and tribulations,
    And my travels thru the nations,
    With my plastic Jesus I'll go far.

    I don't care if it rains or freezes
    As long as I've got my Plastic Jesus
    Glued to the dashboard of my car,
    You can buy Him phosphorescent
    Glows in the dark, He's Pink and Pleasant,
    Take Him with you when you're travelling far

    I don't care if it's dark or scary
    Long as I have magnetic Mary
    Ridin' on the dashboard of my car
    I feel I'm protected amply
    I've got the whole damn Holy Family
    Riding on the dashboard of my car

    You can buy a Sweet Madonna
    Dressed in rhinestones sitting on a
    Pedestal of abalone shell
    Goin' ninety, I'm not wary
    'Cause I've got my Virgin Mary
    Guaranteeing I won't go to Hell

    I don't care if it bumps or jostles
    Long as I got the Twelve Apostles
    Bolted to the dashboard of my car
    Don't I have a pious mess
    Such a crowd of holiness
    Strung across the dashboard of my car

    ALT CHORUS
    No, I don't care if it rains or freezes
    Long as I have my plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    But I think he'll have to go
    His magnet ruins my radio
    And if we have a wreck he'll leave a scar

    Riding through the thoroughfare
    With his nose up in the air
    A wreck may be ahead, but he don't mind
    Trouble coming, he don't see
    He just keeps his eyes on me
    And any other thing that lies behind

    ALT CHORUS
    Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    Though the sun shines on his back
    Makes him peel, chip, and crack
    A little patching keeps him up to par

    When pedestrians try to cross
    I let them know who's boss
    I never blow my horn or give them warning
    I ride all over town
    Trying to run them down
    And it's seldom that they live to see the morning

    ALT CHORUS
    Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    His halo fits just right
    And I use it as a sight
    And they'll scatter or they'll splatter near and far

    When I'm in a traffic jam
    He don't care if I say Damn
    I can let all sorts of curses roll
    Plastic Jesus doesn't hear
    For he has a plastic ear
    The man who invented plastic saved my soul

    ALT CHORUS
    Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    Once his robe was snowy white
    Now it isn't quite so bright
    Stained by the smoke of my cigar

    God made Christ a Holy Jew
    God made Him a Christian too
    Paradoxes populate my car
    Joseph beams with a feigned elan
    From the shaggy dash of my furlined van
    Famous cuckold in the master plan

    Naughty Mary, smug and smiling
    Jesus dainty and beguiling
    Knee-deep in the piling of my van
    His message clear by night or day
    My phosphorescent plastic Gay
    Simpering from the dashboard of my van

    When I'm goin' fornicatin
    I got my ceramic Satan
    Sinnin' on the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
    The women know I'm on the level
    Thanks to the wild-eyed stoneware devil
    Ridin' on the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
    Sneerin' from the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
    Leering from the dashboard of my van

    If I weave around at night
    And the police think I'm tight
    They'll never find my bottle, though they ask
    Plastic Jesus shelters me
    For His head comes off, you see
    He's hollow, and I use Him for a flask

    ALT CHORUS
    Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    Ride with me and have a dram
    Of the blood of the Lamb
    Plastic Jesus is a holy bar

    There is nothin that is cuter
    than a smilin Jolly Buddha,
    Ridin on the dashboard of my car,
    I don't have no idol cuter,
    comes in plastic, bronze and pewter,
    Take him with me when I go afar.

    Jolly Buddha, fat and squattin,
    on a pad of aspirin cotton,
    He's with me wherever I may roam,
    When it's late and I start to hurry,
    I know he ain't gonna worry,
    He looks at me and all he says is, "Oooommmmmmm."

    There is nothing that is gaucher
    Than eatin food that isn't kosher,
    Right in front of my smilin Moses' face,
    I'm afraid that he'll awaken
    When I'm eatin ham or bacon,
    And throw them Ten Commandments in my face.

    I don't care if I'm broke or starvin'
    As long as I've got a fish named Darwin
    Glued to the trunklid of my car
    God, I'm feeling so evolved
    Drivin' with my problems solved
    Proclaiming what I think of what we are

    Riding home one foggy night,
    With my honey cuddled tight,
    I missed a curve and off the road we veered.
    My windshield got smashed-up good,
    And my darling graced the hood.
    Plastic Jesus, He had disappeared.

    cho: Plastic Jesus! Plastic Jesus,
    No longer chides me with His holy grin.
    Doctors in the X-ray room
    Found Him in my darling's womb.
    Someday, He'll be born again!

    I don't care if it rains or freezes
    Long as I got my plastic Jesus
    Riding on the dashboard of my car
    He's the dude with the rusty nails,
    Walks on water, don't need no sails
    Riding on the dashboard of me car

    I don't care if the night is scary
    As long as I got the Virgin Mary
    Sittin' on the dashboard of my car.
    She don't slip and she don't slide
    Cuz her butt is magnetized
    Sittin' on the dashboard of my car.

    Now I'm feeling quite contrary,
    cos I got the Virgin Mary
    Sitting on the dashboard of my car
    There's no room for imperfection,
    in my Catholic collection
    Which sits upon the dashboard of my car

    Jesus, Mary and St. Patrick,
    now I've got the holy hat-trick
    Sitting on the dashboard of my car
    One more statue I've got to get
    is the plastic Bernadette
    Sitting on the dashboard of my car

    Plastic Jesus, you've got to go,
    your magnet's burst my radio
    Sitting on the dashboard of my car
    But I, won't lose faith and I won't lose hope
    cos, now I've got a pope on a rope
    Swinging from the dashboard of my car

    Once as I drove to Knock,
    at a petrol station I got a shock
    at the special offers that they had for me
    20 more points and I can barter for a Jesus with stigmata
    to sit upon the dashboard of my car

Go girl.


30 Apr 07 - 06:03 PM (#2039802)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Giok, I really hope you copied and pasted that :)

I am wondering if 2 months is ample time to learn how to 'play' the guitar and sing at the same time* so I can provide live music en route.







*separately is much, MUCH easier


30 Apr 07 - 06:20 PM (#2039813)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Richard Bridge

I think my mate Tony Mayo and his son David are on this too


30 Apr 07 - 08:44 PM (#2039907)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: dick greenhaus

Will, I put some 96000 miles on a FIAT Multipla--a 6-seater with a 633 CC engine.


30 Apr 07 - 10:26 PM (#2039963)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Fibula, pardon my previous posting. I had read the log in your link and was thinking of those fellows, from England, from last year when I posted about "Englishpersons" being mad. Didn't mean not to include Irishpersons, too!**bg**

I have just read aloud the whole 12 pages from that link to my Rog. We had a piece of shite Fiat once. He kept interrupting me with "WHY did they choose a Fiat!"

Really look forward to your travels.

All the best,

kat


01 May 07 - 12:14 AM (#2040031)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: mg

would lycra rhyme with micra? mg


01 May 07 - 02:37 AM (#2040084)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Georgiansilver

FM...tried to click on DONATION in your section of the rally participants but with no joy...also clicked on the website you have given and was only offered a domain name. Please PM your address and will send a cheque. Best wishes, Mike.


01 May 07 - 02:39 AM (#2040086)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Sorcha

You can send one to me too, Mike! I always need walking around money (BG)


01 May 07 - 04:14 AM (#2040119)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Oh thanks Mike! That's lovely. We're waiing for the main page to go up, but there is an online donation site at:

http://www.justgiving.com/feckinirishrovers
(for Mercy Corps)


http://www.justgiving.com/feckinirishrovershopesandhomes
(for Hopes and Homes)



http://www.justgiving.com/feckinirishroversnicfc
(for the NI Cancer Fund for Children)


I will update our advetures and plans as they continue.

If anyone is in a position of responsibility and boardrooom power and would like to become a commercial sponsor they are very welcome. In return you get sticker space on the car, lots of plugs on the web and in the media who have quite an interest in the trip. We're quite happily looking for non-monetary donations from companies as well - anything from the furry dice on the mirror to camping gear or black tie formal wear (there's a black tie ball at the end so I have to find and transport a posh evening frock). Also, any ideas of how best to phrase begging letters to companies is good!


01 May 07 - 04:25 AM (#2040123)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: John MacKenzie

Send the money, or we send Spaw in might work Kate.
G ¦¬]


01 May 07 - 04:39 AM (#2040127)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: sian, west wales

So, apart from donations, have we thought about other stuff you'll need on the trip?

People who have travelled similar barren wastes tell me that their passage was made easier by toting a lot of small stuff - like badges/pins (in our case, little pins of the Welsh flag), or gift soaps, and other bits and bobs like that. When someone is in a position to help you out on the road, a little gift gesture seems to pay back dividends.

Who's making Mudcat badges these days ... ?

sian


01 May 07 - 04:41 AM (#2040129)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Wordsmith

This is way cool. I'm green with envy. "May the wind be at your back...!" Lotsa luck and great adventures.


01 May 07 - 09:01 AM (#2040278)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie

...WEll I'd just like to stand up and defend Nissan Micras, they are a fucking great car, I've had 3 over the past 12 years and only broken down once! ...so there!
Good luck in your venture


01 May 07 - 09:13 AM (#2040286)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Liz the Squeak

Moist towelettes and a bag of badges!

I really think you ought to have a word with Pixie of Doom and Phot - they may be willing to let Jack the puppy go with you... he's overdue for another journey and can bring his own flak jacket.

LTS


01 May 07 - 11:49 PM (#2040904)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: M.Ted

I have just been tracking your journey by way of Google Earth and the track log here: The Route. As we are inclined to say, "We're there, Dude!" Thanks for sharing this insane mission--and please, please, please, keep us posted!


02 May 07 - 01:54 PM (#2041472)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

A new blueclicky: http://feckinirishrovers.googlepages.com/


03 May 07 - 05:06 AM (#2042029)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: mouldy

My recently departed husband would have been applauding you!
The first jaunt he did was a drive (with me and the kids) from just south of Jo'burg to Nottingham. We did it quickly in about 4 months.

Several years ago, after a dire trip flying from Siberia to Kyrghyzstan, which took 24 hours, he bought a 1983 1.8 Scirocco-engined VW Golf, that had just been imported from Germany to Bishkek, and used it to drive back to Kemerovo, across the Steppes. He ran it for a year in Russia on Kyrghyz plates, but then had to drive it back to Bishkek as he was only allowed a year without re-registering it. He then, for several years, paid a guy he knew there $100 a year to look after it, and kept nipping back when he could for ski trips and the like, and to give the car a run. Shortly afterwards he went to work in Northern China and thought it would be a good idea to try and import it, as he didn't like the choice of pool cars they were being offered. Unfortunately the Chinese said it was too old. He had planned to drive it over the mountains and through Kashkar, on the old Silk Route and over to Shenyang. However he hired a driver and took it to the border, visited Kashkar, and then did the rest by public transport.
He only went back another one time to visit his Golf in Bishkek, and then sadly decided he had to sell it. He ended up getting more for it than he had originally paid.
A year or so later he took his own car over to Bosnia so that he could load all his stuff into it at the end of the project, not have to pay to transport it, and also to have a good holiday on the journey both ways as well. Of course he managed to wreck its sump up a mountain, but he still got it down and repaired ok.

Good luck with your journey, and have a wonderful time. Just learn patience and diplomacy...you will need plenty of it at times. Ian managed to get away with all sorts of motoring offences when he was actually working in Bishkek (in the pre-Golf days) because the lucky beggar managed to get diplomatic immunity!

Andrea


03 May 07 - 05:31 AM (#2042044)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Hi Andrea - your husband sounds like he had a fantastic sense of adventure. I'm so, so sorry that he's gone. Sounds like he took some of the route we might be on - we're definitely going through Kyrghzstan. I can barely spell, let alone pronounce Kyrghyzstan.

Yeah, we've been warned that border guards and police basically expect bribes, but we were told to play dumb to see if we could get away with it rather than pay up, otherwise they'll be hitting every car in the 'rally' (not really a rally cos it's not a race and there's no support vehicles) for quick cash fixes.

One of my teammates (the one I've not yet met) wants to bring his guitar, so there may be impromptu border performances to wow the gurads. Apparently this has worked before!

If only we had diplomatic immunity...sigh. I hope an Irish passport and a my female charm (ha!) is the next best thing.


03 May 07 - 08:59 AM (#2042176)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: frogprince

F.M., you have to be out of your ever-loving minds to even consider doing this!




...can I come along? : )


03 May 07 - 11:21 AM (#2042316)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Eco-worriers will be pleased to know that my workplace is in negotiations about carbon offsetting my trip by planting trees on campus as their way of giving support!

Yeah, it's a nuts journey, but so enticing.

We're also on myspace now:
http://www.myspace.com/feckinirishrovers


03 May 07 - 09:33 PM (#2042827)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Liz the Squeak

Seriously chaps, have you not thought that maybe a quick trip to the local Head doctor would be good?

No?

Well can you bring me back some barbeque ribs and rice please?

LTS


04 May 07 - 02:57 AM (#2042932)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Georgiansilver

Just the sort of daft things I used to get involved in for charity and I am full of admiration for all taking part. There is always an element of risk involved in any such venture which may test the ingenuity of the adventurers and I wish them all a safe and fun journey. _GIVE GENEROUSLY FOLKS it is for charity
Kate...is there some way we can keep up with your progress or will we have to wait until the end of the journey to catch up so to speak?
Best wishes, Mike.


04 May 07 - 04:00 AM (#2042960)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Ella who is Sooze

HEY!!!! KD...

That's fab, well done you. It's made me smile this morning. Well, what an adventure, I wish you all the luck in the world... what's that Irish saying, may the road rise up to great you?

Anyway, can you PM me you new Addy, I'd like to send something on. And I'll sponsor you! Will tell the lads over here too, and pass it on.

Have a fab time. I love the photo of the car and the chap scratching his head. V. Funny.

Well chum, enjoy! I know you will.

EWIS...
xx


04 May 07 - 05:39 AM (#2043011)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

May the road rise up to meet you? Hmmm, I have a feeling that the roads in Ireland will be a piece of cake in comparison to the 10 foot potholes we'll be negotiating!

I've started a blog at http://feckinirishrovers.blogspot.com/ so you can all keep track of the panic...


04 May 07 - 06:01 AM (#2043020)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Ella who is Sooze

Have you watched that Ewan McGreggor and Charlie Boorman Documentary - the Long way round... may get some usefull tips? Besides watching a lovely Ewan getting even more dashing the more unkempt (something about wild lookin men) he gets, it's a good watch. (They did something similar on Bikes). Ate things like Sheeps 'testimonials' broth and did Mongolian wrestling.

I figure, you should really get your Mongolia throat singing up to scratch now Fibs, best obtained probably after a few feckinirishwhiskeys... and perfected after the sheeps testimonials.

Take Mosquito repellant!
Will keep an eye on the blog spot...

All the best

EWIS (who knows you'll have a fab time - more power to your elbow - and other bits too.)


16 Jul 07 - 03:55 PM (#2104502)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Fibula, how are your plans going?


16 Jul 07 - 04:19 PM (#2104514)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: SINSULL

I envy you your adventure. Ignore Spaw and go for it!
Something useless? Would you be interested in an almost life size headless Jesus?


17 Jul 07 - 04:18 PM (#2105307)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: SINSULL

Is that a "No"?
refresh


22 Jul 07 - 09:50 PM (#2108925)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Thinking about you and hoping all is well!! Bon Voyage!!


22 Jul 07 - 10:13 PM (#2108931)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Alba

Hey Fibula...are we there yet?




Fibula are we there yet???



Can we stop soon....



Thinking of you ma dear.
May your journey be wonder filled and safe
Be a dear and bring me back a Mongolian Horse would you?
Love
Jude


23 Jul 07 - 08:14 AM (#2109144)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Mr Red

I drive a Nissan Micra - mine must be newer at that price. If you carried on to Japan they might give you a new one for the return leg - the publicity would be worth it.


23 Jul 07 - 05:52 PM (#2109566)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Rog Peek

Oh Feckin' Hell, I think I've missed the launch. If you get to sign on to Mudcat on the way Kate, all the best for a great trip from everyone in Bristol. In other words, hope you have a great feckin' time.

Love and Best Wishes from Roger, Stephanie, Eileen, Seamus, Barbara, Brendan, Nancy, Sue, Michelle, Paddy, Mick, Sharon, Alex, Kevin, Ann, Bert, Caroline, Uncle Tom Cobbley and All!!!!!!!!


23 Jul 07 - 05:55 PM (#2109571)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Rog Peek

By the way, don't forget to teach them there mongolians to dance the set!


12 Sep 07 - 08:03 AM (#2147207)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Hullo there, I'm back.

Yup, we did it. 33 days across France, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Western Mongolia until we reached UB. We were 11 of those days in Western Mongolia driving across the north of the country on no roads, through rivers, in sand, and over mountains. Rather tough but unbelievably amazing.

And so I'm back and hating being back. I'm already planning next year's rally. I haven't been this happy or so relaxed in a very long time, so the sooner I can get away again the better.

Thanks for the support - we're still gathering in our sponsorship money but we've already lifted over £2000 and hope to get more.

Here are some photos:
Link to rally photos - http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/I.jsp?c=9y5vjkdh.bvkujoud&x=0&y=-iiusj5
(You don't need to log in to view them, just click on the yellow
'View Slideshow' button then step through them using the forwards and
backwards arrow as the 'play' button makes them zoom by too quickly.)


12 Sep 07 - 09:43 AM (#2147279)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: GUEST,mooman

Brillo photos Kate! And well done!

Some quids will be forthcoming shortly.

Richard


12 Sep 07 - 10:13 AM (#2147316)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Liz the Squeak

Bloody fantastic!!!

LTS


12 Sep 07 - 11:10 AM (#2147361)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Hiya Liz, and hello Richard, long time no speak! Hope you're doing well. Thanks for the encouragment. Oh, okay, I'll do all it again next year since yous insist...


12 Sep 07 - 11:26 AM (#2147367)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: frogprince

Gotta take the Mrs. on a long drive to a doctor's appt soon, so I don't dare start trying to look up the pictures on dialup right now; dying to see them, though. Congrats on an amazing adventure.
                                  Dean


12 Sep 07 - 11:59 AM (#2147393)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Liz the Squeak

Should you feel the urge to take a puppy with you next time, Jack is presently with me after a short burst in rehab. So far, he's doing OK, apart from a tendancy to look wistfully at the gin. At least he smells better. I'm sure I could find him a bag to put his fairy costume and his new jumper in.

LTS


12 Sep 07 - 12:05 PM (#2147400)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: ClaireBear

Delighted to hear of the completion of your Grand Tour -- what an amazing adventure you've had! I enjoyed reading the blogs as you went along, and I'm utterly enchanted that you plan to do it all again. Thank you!

Claire


12 Sep 07 - 12:40 PM (#2147441)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

What an amazing journey/adventure and WOW photos! Thanks for sharing them and oh wow oh wow! It's just so kewl. I know it's a cliche, but that's one of those once in a lifetime things people talk about and how kewl that you will make it at least a twice in a lifetime. Good going! Some of the pix remind me of Wyoming. Love those wide open spaces.

kat


12 Sep 07 - 01:44 PM (#2147509)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Georgiansilver

Good to know that all is well with you and congratulations on a great trip.
Best wishes, Mike.


12 Sep 07 - 06:43 PM (#2147756)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: McGrath of Harlow

Good to see the pictures. They really deserve a musical soundtrack...

"Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra" - that's a great line to put in a song. Sort of Ian Dury style maybe


12 Sep 07 - 06:44 PM (#2147759)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: McGrath of Harlow

Drury, I mean.


12 Sep 07 - 07:17 PM (#2147779)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Yes, along with video! Make a whole freakin' feckin' docu outta the whole thing!


12 Sep 07 - 07:24 PM (#2147792)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Bill D

and just where DO you get petrol out in the middle of nowhere?


19 Sep 07 - 07:00 AM (#2152517)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Ella who is Sooze

Hey K.

Soooper dooper. Well done. I'm just back from my travels, and thought I'd check in to see you'd made it and you had. Fantastic. Congrats and you look like you had a blast - enjoyed the photos.

Well done.

EWIS

(just back from Washington DC, Annapolis and Krakow (I know... a bit of a difference).

:-)


19 Sep 07 - 01:30 PM (#2152755)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: GUEST,Wolfgang

Sometimes I wish that each thread had the information who started it on the all-threads site. Usually I voice that wish grumpily with the intention to avoid opening some threads even once.

This time it's different. If I had know it was you, Kate, who had started the thread I would have opened it the first time. As a latecomer, I just can say glad you're back and thanks for the fine photos. You're making me envious.

Wolfgang


19 Sep 07 - 09:22 PM (#2153124)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Charley Noble

Kate-

I especially like the fact that you survived this adventure and have reported back. You know, there was a high probability that your little Nissan would have ended upside down in the bottom of some dry river bed, or cannibalized for spare parts by the local banditoes.

Now that you're more seasoned, would you consider doing it again or is it Ethiopia next?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, who has done that in Ethiopia


04 Oct 07 - 12:07 PM (#2163712)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

Ethiopia! Wow. I am mightily impressed. I hadn't even considered Africa because it just seems even more scary than the Eurasian routes. How did Ethiopia go?

I'm planning to do the same journey again next year but in a Citroen Dyane next time, possibly pimped up to 4WD...

BUT the biggy is in 2009... I'm setting off around the world in a car with a sub 1 litre engine. I don't have the car for that yet - that will involve some work. We're still trying to work out the logistics but we have the Ireland - Mongolia bit under control, we have contacts in Korea, possibly in Panama, and definitely in New York. We just have to see how we'll journey through the Americas.

I have the rally bug and I have it bad.


04 Oct 07 - 03:53 PM (#2163882)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: GUEST,Neil D

ABSOLUTELY FECKIN AWESOME !!!!


04 Oct 07 - 04:23 PM (#2163903)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: John MacKenzie

Well Daffodil Difflock, I think you are mad, but I'd love to do that trip with you. Sounds awesome.
G.


04 Oct 07 - 04:44 PM (#2163917)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Alba

Oh Kate, you have the bug bad now!!*smile*
The Photographs are fantastic.
I can see how you were unable to bring me back a Mongolian Horse this time but maybe next time you could pull a horse trailer..LOL

Glad you all made it safely. Oh to be young...and slightly feckin mad:)

Jude


04 Oct 07 - 04:46 PM (#2163918)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: katlaughing

Fibs, come through Colorado when you do!


04 Oct 07 - 10:12 PM (#2164114)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Lepus Rex

That's all pretty damned cool. :)

But, what, no pictures of Slovakia?

---Lepus Rex


05 Oct 07 - 03:39 AM (#2164212)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

No, how, weird, I don't know why I have no pictures of Slovakia because it was incredibly beautiful and we spent 2 nights in it - one sleeping in a car at a semi-dodgy truck stop (are there any other kind?) and one camping by a lake in a bizarre Butlins-without-the-chalets hoilday camp where Slovakian pop music blared all night long and it was unbeliveably hot.


Ah yes, my mate from the convoy has some:
Slovakian countryside

Lake Zaluzice (my spelling may be wrong).

Right, next time I'll try and incorporate mudcatters into the route plan!


05 Oct 07 - 03:41 AM (#2164214)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

er, yes, that was the campsite at Lake Zaluzice. The actual lake is here:http://images.kodakgallery.eu.com/servlet/Images/photos304/1/78/90/52/59/3/359529078133_0_BG.jpg?a=35">actual water n'everything


05 Oct 07 - 03:42 AM (#2164215)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: Fibula Mattock

poo
I should always check my html - this will work


05 Oct 07 - 05:19 AM (#2164261)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: John MacKenzie

Oh no it won't.

It works if you paste the link into your address bar, but shows only one piccie for me. I have also tried to make a blue clickie without success.

G


05 Oct 07 - 05:22 AM (#2164266)
Subject: RE: BS: Driving to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra
From: GUEST,Fibs at work

Yeah, Kodak boring software doesn't like random blueclickies, does it. Damn.