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Been a while since I visited the "Sundowners" site, but thought it worth while to have a listen to the Radio National broadcast.
To be frank, I found it somewhat disappointing: it really focused on the hippies in SE Asia rather than the real experiences of travel overland - Kabul was the furthest west mentioned. Perhaps I've got it wrong, but to me, "overland" is from Nepal to Turkey, at the very minimum. My husband & I travelled on the Trioka 159 in early 1977, so not only did we do that leg but also continued on through Greece, Romania, Bulgaria to USSR & thence to London. Those who travelled with us on that trip (?Coach rego?)with Gary Petersen (RIP) & Lindsay "Sundance" Cowan were certainly not Hippies nor were we rebels, drop outs or dissatisfied with the Australian way of life. In fact many were married couples, including one couple with their 13yr old son & all but one or two were in their mid to late twenties.
Our timing for overland travel was very fortuitous: it was in a time of relative peace and stability just before several of the countries erupted politically - although we were under curfew while in Peshawar due to local riots and demonstrations. Nevertheless travel through all the other countries was relatively safe provided one observed the local customs with due respect.
For those of us on TK159, it was an adventure into the unknown & we undertook the journey to learn about the history, the culture & customs, the local economies & to experience the geography of the countries through which we travelled.
From memory, most of us were very open-minded while travelling & always observed & respected the local customs & culture. In this regard, we generally followed Gary's lead as his overland experience was extensive. Yes, we drank quite a lot, but never to the point of obnoxiousness towards others or the locals & any experimenting with drugs was done by a very few & very discreetly.
Upon reaching London, my husband & I purchased a motorhome & spent the next 9 months travelling through Europe. The experience gained from the wisdom of Gary & "Sundance" plus the overland trip itself stood us in good stead, particularly in regard to personal safety as we free camped for most of the time on the road.
In all, we were o/s & on the road for 12 months but it was the overland leg that developed in us a lifelong respect for & understanding of others lifestyle & culture - a debt that can never really be repaid.
Thank you "Sundowners".
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