Embarking on a journey of a lifetime, the Akela World family, consisting of Leander, Maria, and their son Lennox, alongside their trusty 1977 Mercedes Benz LA 911B truck affectionately nicknamed Akela, have captivated the overlanding community. Their adventure, chronicled in a recent Overland Journal podcast, showcases the challenges and unparalleled joys of circumnavigating the globe in a classic vehicle, offering a unique perspective on world travel, family dynamics, and conscious living.
Their journey, which began with traversing the Silk Road to Vladivostok, extended across continents to Korea, Japan, Borneo, Indonesia, Australia, and the United States. Senior editor Ashley Giordano of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal, in an engaging podcast interview, delved into the Akela World’s experiences, highlighting the unique trials of overlanding in a vintage Mercedes, the wonder of encountering a kraken in the ocean depths, and the unexpected difficulties faced in Canada.
Akela World embodies a less common breed of overlanders – those who have embraced the nomadic lifestyle permanently, working and homeschooling their child remotely while navigating the globe in their iconic, blue 1977 Mercedes Benz LA 911 B. Their commitment to this lifestyle, coupled with their choice of a classic Mercedes, sets them apart in the vast world of overlanding.
To understand the motivations and experiences of this remarkable family, Ashley Giordano engaged in a detailed conversation, first with the youngest member, Lennox, and then with Maria, offering listeners a glimpse into their extraordinary world.
Lennox’s World on Wheels: A Decade of Adventures
Lennox, at the tender age of 10, has spent half his life on the road. His travel memories already span a vast array of countries, including Turkey, Iran, Mongolia, Russia, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the USA, and Canada. When asked about his earliest memories, Lennox admits that life before overlanding is a distant recollection.
One of his fondest memories is from Japan, his favorite country, where he celebrated his sixth birthday. He recounts with amusement how a Japanese family friend attempted to eat birthday cake with chopsticks, a testament to cultural nuances experienced on their journey. Japan also marked Lennox’s serious introduction to skiing, an activity he initially pursued in Japan’s renowned powder snow before honing his skills further back in Austria.
Sharing an anecdote from his skiing adventures in Japan, Lennox describes sinking into exceptionally deep powder snow, humorously recalling his muffled cries for help and his father’s rescue. Beyond skiing, Japan offered cultural immersion, including noodle soup (Ramen) experiences, further highlighting the memorable food encounters during their travels.
While Lennox admits to not making many child friends in Japan, he fondly recalls friendships forged in other locations, particularly with two families in Greece and a family in Western Australia, emphasizing the joy of connecting with kids who share a passion for outdoor activities like climbing and canyoning. These encounters underscore the social aspect of their nomadic life, finding camaraderie in unexpected places.
Water activities are a significant joy for Lennox, especially snorkeling and diving. Indonesia stands out as his favorite destination for underwater exploration, where he claims to have seen a kraken, alongside whale sharks and manta rays. His comfort and fascination with the underwater world are palpable as he describes the sensation of “flying” beneath the surface.
Describing his personal space within their Mercedes truck, Lennox refers to his bunk as a “little cave,” a private retreat amidst constant family proximity. He values this personal zone for Lego play, reading, and video games, offering a necessary sanctuary on the road. Lego Star Wars and the Guardians of the Galaxy ship are among his favorite pastimes, providing a sense of normalcy and personal enjoyment amidst their nomadic lifestyle.
When asked about favorite travel days, Lennox highlights contrasting experiences: skiing in snowy mountains followed by hot chocolate, and water adventures in places like Indonesia, showcasing the diverse landscapes and activities that define their journey.
Food adventures also feature in Lennox’s travelogue, from his fondness for lasagna (a rare homemade treat) to a humorous encounter with yak butter and hard bread in Mongolia, illustrating the culinary spectrum of their global expedition.
Homeschooling is an integral part of Lennox’s life. His parents use textbooks from his grade level, with Maria teaching math and German, and his father, Leander, covering subjects like geography and biology. History is Lennox’s favorite subject, made more engaging by learning about the history of the places they visit, such as learning about indigenous peoples in Canada or Greek gods in Greece. This place-based learning approach brings history to life, enriching his educational journey.
Reflecting on challenges in Canada, Lennox humorously points to mosquitoes as the worst, alongside long driving days. However, he appreciates Canada’s clear lakes and wildlife encounters, mentioning seeing bull elk and black bear cubs.
Despite the extraordinary experiences, Lennox candidly admits that being together 24/7 with his parents is the biggest downside of road life. He values the changing scenery and animal encounters but looks forward to breaks from constant family time when they return to Austria. He enjoys the ever-changing landscapes and wildlife encounters that define their nomadic existence. His advice to anyone considering travel in Canada is simple and practical: “always take mosquito spray.”
Maria’s Journey: From Travel Agent to Global Overlander in a Mercedes Benz
Maria, a 49-year-old Austrian with a lifelong passion for travel, shares her transition from a career in travel agencies to a life of overlanding. Her extensive background in the travel industry provided a stark contrast to her current travel style, moving from five-star hotels to the more unpredictable and authentic experiences of overlanding in their 1977 Mercedes Benz.
Her early career involved curated travel experiences, invited trips showcasing the best of destinations, a world away from the self-reliant and rugged nature of their current journey. However, this industry experience also gave her insights into the evolving nature of travel and its broader impacts.
Maria recounts the shift in the travel industry towards price competition and away from cultural depth, a change that contributed to her desire for a more meaningful way of exploring the world. This disillusionment with the commercialized aspects of travel paved the way for her embrace of overlanding.
Childhood travels with her family across Europe instilled in her a love for diverse cultures and landscapes. Now, revisiting some of these places, she reflects on the transformations over time, noting the increasing homogenization of tourist destinations.
Maria emphasizes the importance of conscious travel, advocating for deeper engagement with destinations beyond typical tourist highlights. She believes in understanding the broader impact of tourism, considering local communities and environmental sustainability, values deeply embedded in the Akela World ethos.
Indonesia, in particular, served as a turning point in their environmental awareness. The stark contrast between pristine natural beauty and pervasive pollution, especially in tourist hotspots like Bali, highlighted the environmental challenges linked to tourism. Witnessing dying coral reefs and the impact of palm oil plantations firsthand profoundly affected Maria and her family, especially Lennox, the “Aquaman” of the family, deeply attuned to marine environments.
This environmental awakening prompted a re-evaluation of their lifestyle and travel footprint. While acknowledging that their vintage Mercedes truck, affectionately known as Akela, consumes fuel, Maria defends their overall sustainability. She points out that the truck is a recycled, nearly 50-year-old vehicle equipped with solar panels, arguing that their lifestyle, in many ways, is more sustainable than conventional households, despite occasional air travel.
The decision to travel by vehicle was driven by a desire to reach New Zealand, initially deemed too expensive by air. Leander spearheaded the idea of overland travel, envisioning a step-by-step journey to their dream destination. Despite initial plans to travel eastward to New Zealand, unforeseen border closures, particularly in Thailand, rerouted their journey eastward through Central Asia and beyond, showcasing the adaptability required for long-term overlanding.
Reflecting on the Silk Road and Central Asia, Maria recalls the warmth and friendliness of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the simple yet joyful way of life. Russia surprised them with its hospitality, challenging preconceived notions. Japan, experienced in winter, impressed with its exceptional snow and unique powder quality, “Japow,” as it’s known among skiers. Indonesia, with its rich culture and cuisine, also left a lasting impression, despite the environmental concerns.
Iran presented a unique experience, particularly for Maria as a woman. She describes the stricter social norms, including mandatory hijab and modest dress, and the gender dynamics she observed. An anecdote about a bazaar purchase illustrates the subtle yet pervasive gender roles, contrasting sharply with her experiences in Europe. Despite these cultural challenges, Iranian hospitality shone through, with numerous invitations from local families, particularly during Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
Recounting a desert adventure in Iran, Maria describes getting stuck in 50-degree Celsius heat and a sandstorm, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their travels and the resilience required to overcome such challenges. Despite the hardships, they emerged with memorable stories, highlighting the adventurous spirit of their journey.
Their travel style evolved from initial over-planning to a more flexible, go-with-the-flow approach. Life in their Mercedes truck required adjustments, from establishing daily routines to balancing work, homeschooling, and personal time. Maria notes the importance of communication and flexibility in maintaining family harmony in close quarters.
While acknowledging the challenges of constant togetherness, Maria values shared family dinners as a daily ritual. She recognizes the need for routine but also embraces spontaneity, adapting to the diverse activities and landscapes they encounter.
Culinary exchanges have been a delightful aspect of their travels. They’ve shared Austrian “Kaiserschmarrn” (a shredded pancake dessert) as a gesture of gratitude, a dish that has traveled the world with them, becoming a symbol of their Austrian heritage and hospitality. Maria has also embraced local cuisines, enjoying Indonesian spices and flavors, while also noting the challenges of finding familiar European ingredients like cheese and sausage in certain regions.
Supermarket experiences vary dramatically across regions. Maria contrasts the limited choices in Central Asian markets with the overwhelming variety in Western supermarkets, humorously describing “decision fatigue” in the face of endless options.
Homeschooling, primarily led by Maria for the basics, has been a rewarding yet demanding role. Balancing the roles of mother and teacher requires patience and adaptability. She appreciates the flexibility and personalized learning but acknowledges the intensity of constant family time. Breaks are essential, and Maria emphasizes the importance of recognizing each family member’s need for personal space and time.
Bureaucracy and visa limitations often dictate their travel pace and duration in certain regions, adding another layer of complexity to their journey. Privacy, especially in populated areas, becomes a rare commodity, as their distinctive Mercedes truck often attracts attention, turning spontaneous stops into impromptu tourist encounters.
Despite these challenges, Maria and her family embrace the overlanding lifestyle, valuing the freedom, unique experiences, and deeper cultural engagements it offers. Their journey in their classic Mercedes Benz is a testament to their adventurous spirit, resilience, and commitment to exploring the world on their own terms, offering a compelling narrative for those dreaming of a life less ordinary.
