Robbed while we were simply at home

Some setbacks you see coming. Others strike like a bolt from the blue. That happened during our last week in Italy.

An empty spot

During our last week in Italy, while we were simply staying in Globus 2 , someone unnoticed took my camera from the camper. No signs of forced entry, no suspicious noises, absolutely nothing. It was only later that we discovered something was missing. And that realization hit hard.

And yes, we know... we are still a bit behind when it comes to videos. You still have the videos of our trip through Italy coming from us.

More than a camera

It wasn't just any camera. It was my professional camera with a fast lens, L-bracket, GPS, and a fast memory card. Altogether, it cost about €6,000. But I hadn't bought that equipment all at once. I saved up for it for years. Whenever I could, I added something else: a better lens, an accessory that made my work easier, or an expansion of my equipment. Slowly, it grew into the camera setup I had always dreamed of.

A faithful travel companion

This camera has been traveling with me for years. It was there in Scandinavia, Uganda, Spitsbergen, Morocco, and for the past few months in Tunisia. I have taken thousands of photos with this camera. It captured not only the grand landscapes but also the small moments that are so precious along the way. Because of this, the loss feels much greater than just the financial damage.

Things are not going well.

Financially, it is certainly not our easiest travel year. Even before departure, the timing belt had to be replaced. This was followed by a defective water pump, another timing belt, a broken battery, and problems with the glow plug system. In Tunisia, a flat tire, defective reverse parking sensors, a broken expansion tank, and finally a broken crankshaft pulley were added to the list. And we are only just halfway through the year.

That's part of it

We actually find it quite logical that things break down along the way. We cover a lot of kilometers and regularly drive on bad roads or even off-road. As a result, parts wear out faster. That is part of the life we have chosen, and we can handle it just fine.

But this is different

A broken water pump has no malicious intent. Neither does a dead battery. But someone who deliberately takes something from someone else feels different. It is not just about possessions, but also about the feeling that someone is encroaching on your life and your dreams without any hesitation.

A camera can be stolen. But no one can take away the wonder with which we look at the world.

Next to the pot

Perhaps the most bitter part of all is that we probably won't get reimbursed anything. According to the policy conditions, without signs of forced entry, there appears to be no covered damage. I have been paying a substantial premium for over twenty years, precisely to properly insure my valuable belongings. To seem to miss out at a moment like this feels pretty sour.

Support us:

Donate

Another setback

As if all that wasn't enough, we were also pulled over by the police this morning. We had to follow them to a weighbridge. With a full diesel tank and a freshly topped-up water tank, Globus 2 turned out to be 220 kilos overweight. The result was a fine of 120 euros.

We could really only laugh about it. Sometimes it seems like everything is coming at once. Perhaps there are periods when life puts you to the test a little more often than you would like.

Angry and sad

We’ll be honest. Over the past few days, we have been pretty devastated by all of this. Angry, sad, and disappointed. Not only because a loyal travel companion has disappeared, but also because €6,000 is simply a lot of money. For anyone. And certainly for us, with the life we are leading now and all the unexpected costs that have already come our way this year.

The camera was much more than a piece of technology. It was the tool I relied on for years and with which so many special moments were captured.

Moving on again

Ultimately, we also know that this journey isn't about stuff. Not in a camera, and not in parts. The journey lies in the experiences, the encounters, and the freedom we feel. Apparently, this is part of vanlife too. Not just the beautiful shots and sunsets, but also the moments when life really puts you to the test.

---

Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you will receive an email, at most once a week, when we post a new blog or video. Did you enjoy this blog? Then treat us to a cup of coffee via this link .