So how’s the drive around the world going?
When we last heard from Nicolas Rapp, he had stepped down as art director of the Associated Press to drive around the world in a Toyota Land Cruiser.
He departed New York City on Nov. 14, spending nights in Virginia, Atlanta and Louisiana and meeting a high school class in Beaumont, Texas. He crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico on Nov. 25 and pressed into Guatemala on Dec. 6. He crossed the border into Nicaragua on Christmas Day.
So far, he’s had trouble with brakes, transmission, radiator and his emissions system. His SUV gets so abnormally overheated at times that he’s driving with his hood open slightly. His steering gear suddenly gave out in the mountains of Honduras, causing him to have a small accident.
At last report — Sunday — he was about to enter Managua with a jury-rigged steering mechanism and only two of his four-wheel-drive wheels actually pulling.
He’s also getting e-mails from folks who are taken with his traveling companion, Nadia, a childhood friend from France.
Follow Nicolas’ adventures here. If you’d like to help out, you’ll find a “donate” button on the right side of that page.
January 1st, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Nice adventure! I definitely think I might’ve used a Toyota Extended Cab Tacoma (TRD 8 cylinder) with a camper shell or the Nissan equivalent though. A bit lighter, carries more stuff, compact, higher off the ground, and has guard plates (or you can install them) on the bottom to protect engine parts. Even my little truck has a transmission skid guard.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:40 am
surprised to find out Nick’s website is blocked here. Good luck, Nick!
January 5th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Ji is in China, for anyone who’s curious.