Stories from the Road

Been reminiscing about our van life adventures and craving new ones. There's an inexplicable joy and freedom that comes from disconnecting from convenience and soaking in nature and "tiny living".

Writing about these life adventures on the eve of Mikel’s birthday. Fitting! He’s a big source of motivation to move my ass and make memories. We only live once. He turns 36 this Monday, July 22.💕

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My First Van Adventure

Even before the surf-obsessed Basque stranger I met in Siargao invited me to go on a trip on his van, I was already eyeing the tiny house movement.

My interest in small-space living began during a three-month stint in Tokyo, where I lived in a shoebox of about sixteen square meters. My bathroom was so tiny that I had one shared faucet—swing left to use it for the sink or right to fill the bathtub.😅

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The Japanese are masters at maximizing limited space, and I loved exploring stores (like the huge Muji in Ginza!) to amuse myself with adorable space-saving household items. Kawaii!

Tiny Homes and Dreams

Even after Japan, I would binge-watch shows like Tiny House Nation, where talented builders crafted small homes and dual-purpose furniture. I would also watch Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up, which inspired me to let go of anything that doesn’t spark joy and to defeat the hoarder within.👹

So when Mikel sent me a video of him renovating an old vegetable delivery van and inviting me to go on a road trip through Northern Spain, I felt a mix of curiosity and WTF.😆

Making a sandwich in the van during our day trip to Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz in France

Rollin’ into Cantabria

After stuffing myself with amazing San Sebastian grub and going on a day trip along the French coast, Mikel (and his limited vacation days) decided it was time for our first “van life” adventure together.

Our first stop was Cantabria, a province about an hour and a half away. Mikel has friends who own the cleanest, coziest hostel and surf school in Langre, who graciously allowed us to use their toilet and shower.😬 (Thank goodness!)

Sleeping in the van turned out to be quite comfortable. I even got used to brushing my teeth without running water.🦷 We were constantly surrounded by fields, cows, and stunning sea views.

Living in the van requires efficiency, even when you’re traveling for just a few days. Everything has its place. Cooking has to be quick and mess-free. And it’s a must to find a flat parking spot when it’s time to sleep. You’ll feel the discomfort even with the smallest incline!

I discovered a brand new way to explore the world. And I liked it.😊

Language Barriers and Alone Time

The language barrier was a challenge. Mikel spoke some English, but not fluidly, and my Spanish was muy, muyyy poquito. I’d space out and get lost in my own thoughts when having lunch with friends.

It might have been what I needed: alone time in an uncomplicated alien world to process my thoughts and recharge. I was still recovering from the heartbreaking loss of our political campaign for Bam Aquino. The solitude allowed me to disconnect and reflect on past, present, and future.

Do I go back home and accept a great job offer? Or do I step out of my comfort zone and try to make it in the big, wide world? The decision can wait.

I can chill and explore Asturias first.

After a few days in Cantabria, Mikel decided to cut his surf time short and head to Asturias. He was thoughtful enough to realize that 5 days in a van + going back and forth the same surf spots + rainy weather ≠ the best way to spend my vacation…

Off to explore Asturias! We visited the romantic city of Oviedo, which was featured in the movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona".😜

Driving down the Asturian highway, I kept seeing signs to Covadonga, a place I heard a whole lot about in my high school. (If you’re a Povedan like me, you know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!) I told Mikel about it and he immediately swerved to catch the exit. To this day, I appreciate how open he is to spontaneous travel stops that take us wayyy too far off our calculated route.🤣

Basílica de Santa María la Real, Covadonga, Asturias

We miss van trips.

Van Travels Across the Pyrenees Mountains

We went on countless more van trips. We hiked up and rolled down Dune du Pilat. We sipped fancy wine by the forest and played cards with headlamps on. We escaped to beaches and prayed for the closest bar to open so we could go to the toilet…🤣

Our longest van trip was 10 days, driving all the way to Portugal then dotting through the coast up to Galicia, where we dipped into hot springs and dined in one of the most affordable Michelin starred restaurants in Europe.

The one I look back on with the most cariño was the Pyrenees.❤️ I think it’s ‘cause it was the trip with the most number of friends joining in the fun, the barbecues, the hikes, the views (and maybe even some shrooms).

The Road Ahead

The disconnection from modern comforts, sleeping in nature, and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations are just a few lines from the long list of things I love about escaping in a mobile home. I don’t at all regret swapping it for a car. But the sea breeze says it’s time for a change once again. Mikel has begun the search and shitload of YouTube research to find the perfect van for the next phase.

I’m so excited!