Bridging The Continents

📍 Location: Oud-Beijerland → Ommen → Groningen, The Netherlands 🗓️ Date: September 22, 2025 🎧 Episode Notes What was supposed to be the day of departure from the Netherlands turned into an unexpected detour through Dutch bureaucracy. In this episode, I recount my attempt to get export license plates in Oud-Beijerland, only to discover that the car’s registration card had gone missing. What follo...

📍 Location: Dordrecht & Naaldwijk, The Netherlands Episode Notes September 21st — what a day. I woke up at the Van der Valk Hotel in Dordrecht after a good night’s rest, greeted by a breakfast buffet that reminded me of my time in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia. Though Riyadh might still take the win for variety, this one was nothing short of delightful. It was great to gather once more with the group...

📍 Location: Boeregoed & Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands Episode Notes Today, September 20th, was one of those rare days where past and present come together perfectly. This morning, I visited Boeregoed — a place that holds deep meaning for me. I grew up right across the street, in a house that no longer exists, replaced by new homes. The greenhouses, though — they’re still there. I used to cut l...

📍 Location: Naaldwijk, Netherlands 📝 Episode Notes: On Friday, September 19, 2025, I made my way from Ommen back to my hometown of Naaldwijk. Along the way, I had to stop in a small town north of Ommen to pick up some letters I wanted to display on the Land Cruiser, crafted by Erhart. He’s living a simple but wonderful life on his neat farm, taking care of animals and enjoying the day-to-day. Dr...

Location: Ommen, The Netherlands Episode Notes: On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Andre wakes up at the Wolfskuil — a cozy retreat surrounded by forest and fields — where he’s staying with Marcel, Menke, and their three daughters. With internet access restored, he reflects on how much we depend on connectivity, even while appreciating the quiet beauty of rural Dutch life. The day unfolds with a mix...

📍 Location: Notter, Netherlands — with stops in Wolskau and Ootmarsum 🗓️ Episode Details: Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 In this episode, Andre recounts a day of progress and reflection on his travels through the Netherlands. After a failed attempt earlier in the week, he returns to Notter to finally pick up the Garmin Tread 2 Overland — a rugged GPS built for adventure. Along the way, he we...

📍 Location: Lhee and Dwingeloo, Netherlands 🗒️ Episode Notes: On this Tuesday, September 16th, the day starts early with a drive from Lhee near Dwingeloo back to Grootegast to visit JWG Campers once again. After some mechanical teamwork with Wiebe, the long-awaited installation of the Renault Embrace chair into the Land Cruiser is finally completed—a major step forward in the build. To celebrate...

📝 Episode Notes: Location: Lhee / Dwingeloo, Eastern Netherlands On Monday, September 15th, the adventure takes me through the scenic eastern towns of the Netherlands — Steenwijk, Rlo, Coevorden, Notter, and Omlo — as I collect essential gear for life on the road. From traction boards and a hi-lift jack to a 12V tire pump, tow straps, and pulleys, it’s all about being prepared for situations you...

📍 Episode Location: Lhee → Zwolle, The Netherlands 📝 Episode Notes: On this September 14, 2025 episode, Andre wakes up in the quiet countryside near Dwingeloo — in the small village of Lhee , where a former farmer transformed his land into an efficient, thoughtfully designed campsite. Between reorganizing his gear and finding a dry spot to reflect, the day unfolds with a visit to Zwolle , a live...

📍 Episode Location: OB Ende → Groningen → Dwingeloo, The Netherlands 📝 Episode Notes: In this reflective September 13, 2025 entry, the journey continues through the Netherlands as preparations for life on the road evolve. Andre shares stories of reconnecting with his lifelong friend Gerard van Daalen — from kindergarten to their army days in Suriname — and visiting his nephew Gert-jan in Groning...

📝 Episode Notes: Episode Date: September 12, 2025 Location: Opende, Groningen, Netherlands In today’s episode, I continue van life DIY projects in Groningen. After discovering that the roof vent installed yesterday wasn’t completely watertight, I returned to JWG Camping NL to fix it. Once that was solved, the main task of the day was fitting a “French chair” into the van—a custom seat from a Rena...

Location: Opende, Groningen, Netherlands In this episode, I take you along on a hands-on van life adventure in the Netherlands. Starting the day in a cozy waterside cabin at OB Ende, Groningen, I prepared for some vehicle upgrades and explored the local camping scene. Key Moments: 00:00 – 02:00: Waking up at a well-organized campsite with all gear in place; meeting Andre Rautenberg, the owner, who...

Episode Summary: On September 10th, the big day finally arrived: I went to pick up my Land Cruiser after months of preparation. I was joined by my longtime friend Rene, with whom I’ve shared many adventures in Suriname. We had lunch in Groningen, caught up on life, and talked about the upcoming Suriname reunion on September 20th, as well as the 50-year anniversary of Suriname’s independence. I als...

In this episode of Bridging the Continents , André Vandermost continues his journey from Iceland to the Netherlands. From an early morning wake-up in Reykjavik to navigating airport logistics and a comfortable flight on a Boeing 737, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the start of this overland adventure. Along the way, André shares a meaningful encounter with a young man from Syria, reflec...

In this episode of Bridging the Continents , André Vandermost explores Reykjavik, Iceland, and the surrounding areas on the second day of his journey. From an early morning wake-up at the City Hub Hotel to a rejuvenating visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, André shares his experiences, tips, and the people he meets along the way. Listeners get a firsthand look at the unique geothermal landscape...

In this episode of Bridging the Continents , André Vandermost shares the exciting first leg of his journey, departing from Vashon Island and making his way to Reykjavik, Iceland. From navigating ferry schedules and airport logistics to exploring the city’s vibrant culture, this episode captures the thrill and unpredictability of travel. Listeners get a glimpse of André’s experience renting a car,...

In this inaugural episode of Bridging the Continents , André Vandermost shares the excitement, planning, and anticipation just 30 hours before departure. After a year and a half of preparation, the journey from his home on Vashon Island is about to begin. André outlines the early stages of his expedition: from Reykjavík, Iceland, to Amsterdam to pick up the Land Cruiser, and through Europe toward...