travel
Numb butts and fuel woes: the father and son riding from Australia to Italy on a Vespa
Mario and Leonardo reflect on travelling with ‘no plan’, unexpected joys and challenges ahead on their 10-month coming-of-age pilgrimage
TL;DR
- Mario Gabrieli and his son Leonardo are on a 10-month trip from Australia to Italy on a vintage Vespa.
- The journey is a coming-of-age pilgrimage for Leonardo, designed to foster a sense of adventure.
- They have encountered significant challenges, including engine failure, fuel restrictions, and long riding days described as 'three stages of pain'.
- The duo is documenting their travels on social media, receiving support from Vespa communities.
- Their planned route includes travel through Southeast Asia, the Pamir Highway, and potentially Russia, with border restrictions posing a major hurdle.
- Gabrieli emphasizes the importance of an unplanned, adaptable approach to travel, prioritizing the experience over a rigid itinerary.