Our First 24 Hours of Van Life in GUATEMALA

[@OverlandingSophia]

Happy Sunday! Welcome to our baptism of fire into Guatemala! If you read this, comment a 🔥emoji for Ben's driving, I don't know how he does it!! He's going to be an interesting driver on the roads when we make it back to the UK 😆Hope you enjoyed the video, love from all of us xo

[@jasonpacific111]

So true. Mr Toads hair raising ride through Central America 😵‍💫🤪 In UK you'll have get a bumper sticker: ⚠️ Warning: DRIVER SURVIVED CENTRAL AMERICA. EXPECT BIZARRE DRIVING MOVES

[@OverlandingSophia]

@@jasonpacific111 Omg we love this! 😂😂😂

[@svengalley3480]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Sketchbook999]

Would u still want to go back to the UK it's up to you. .

[@paulmount9810]

❤

[@wanderingsofalanandcaz]

Love it. Ben, “my back is killing…” Ches “ anyway this is the RV area” 😂😂😂😂

[@OverlandingSophia]

The show must go on! 🤣

[@strawberrygirl8572]

😂

[@vanlifetipstech]

Guatemala was the first time we drove past a dead body in the road. A young kid killed on a bike 😢 The drivers get worse in Colombia, but are amazing in Chile.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Guys that's brutal 😢

[@WLNS75]

Brilliant! Thank you for the laugh! The Guatemala driving part was hilarious! Perfect choice of music and timing to showcase the clown show! Thanks again eh!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much! Glad it conveyed the absolute madness that was unfolding around us!

[@kathybelanger2092]

WOW! Kudos to Ben for his incredible driving skills, but so sorry that he threw his back out. I hope that he is back to 100% soon, and hold him to the Yoga, and back strengthening exercises. He can't afford to be laid out for long. Thanks for the wonderful videos, and pics of Guatemala. I love that we get to share your journey, and live vicariously through your travels. You guys are amazing!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so much Kathy! 🥹 Holding him to the yoga and he’s doing so much better already. He’s about as flexible as a wooden plank so it’s just a matter of time before something snaps! 💛

[@janetowen3042]

I bloody love you two. Your so brilliant!! Not forgetting scout and river. Onwards with the adventures 😀🤙

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah Jane thank you! Onwards and upwards and sideways and everything in between 🥳💛

[@strawberrygirl8572]

Feel better, Ben! So sorry about your poor back!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you! Feeling so much better since 😀

[@wanderingsofalanandcaz]

We love Bens ‘I love this food’ face/eye roll ❤😊

[@OverlandingSophia]

The bigger the eye roll, the better the food. It’s an official system now 😂👌

[@MrMrs_H_on_tour]

🔥 Ben you need a medal mate, that was something else. Looks like an amazing place. Hope the back gets better soon.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ha cheers mate, think luck was a big a part of that drive as much as anything 😅

[@peteivil7315]

Guatemala driving not for the faint hearted. Chesca love your sneezing style with the hand dance and Ben run forest run. Great vid.

[@OverlandingSophia]

God no, think it was better we had NO idea what to expect! 🙈😵‍💫

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

That road reminds me of the death road in Bolivia, never been but seen it on top gear , and ice road truckers were out there once . Love the idea of the maps of every where you’ve been .

[@OverlandingSophia]

I think I’d take those drivers over the drop offs on that road! 😭😭😭 That death road is a one way now and mostly tourists drive it. We’re still not decided on whether to give it a go or not…

[@orchidhouse297]

I really felt for Ben. That could easily be me. If it is a disk, then I was taught by my therapist to hang by my hands from anywhere that I could get my weight off my feet. The stretch can ease to slippage. Then you have to massage Ben's lower spine on either side gently for a while. You may even find a lump that you can make go away. My wife had a spinal trauma years ago that sends muscles into spasm. She needs daily therapy and massage to relax the muscles before she can move easily. After the tense driving it could be either. Loving you journey and adventures. Guatemala reminded me of Ecuador. The architecture and the national dress is very similar.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes someone else mentioned doing this! I think it was a muscle spasm, I had the same a few years ago and movement really helped. It’s much better now but yeah, those roads didn’t help! 😅

[@lindataylor6093]

Wow, so much to get used to. Ben, get better soon. X

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks Linda 😀

[@shelleybrushett5262]

Ben, you are the greatest driver. I don’t know how you kept it together🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@OverlandingSophia]

He really is, never breaks a sweat and takes it in his stride. Got myself a decent chauffeur eh 🥹❤️‍🔥

[@barrywatler7482]

Hi ya Chesca Ben River and Scout, crazy drivers just like Fiji bus drivers. Wow Maccas , awesome video , I wouldn’t cross that bridge . Take care and stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🚐🥵❤️🔥🔥

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much! Not experienced Fiji bus drivers, that's one for the list 🥰

[@waleskautrera3954]

I am so happy you are in Guatemala ❤ I am a born Guatemala. I live in Canada and have follow you guys since you landed here. Love watching you. Please enjoy my little country. Go to Tikal!! Please be safe

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah this is amazing to hear! Yes Tikal is on the list for when we head north 💪 Absolutely loving it here already, such a beautiful, friendly and laid back country 💛

[@elliemacdonald9857]

Awesome driving Ben,they need warning signs up,helmets are mandatory on tge roads😅. Hope your back doesn't give you very much grief Ben,cause It doesn't sound like Ches wants to drive. Scout and River adapt to anything, lucky they don't get motion sick 🤮. Here in NS we are waiting for it to hit 6°c tomorrow, after heavy rain and dropping to freezing temperatures. Stay safe❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

I think all drivers need a roll cage for these roads 😂 Has most of the snow gone for you guys now? 💛

[@elliemacdonald9857]

Snow will still be here in July 😂. 5 ft in the yard😢

[@deborahadamson8066]

Nerves of steel driving and excellent music - great job on this video. And boo to the jobsworth for not allowing the dogs to roam on the grass!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you! Boo indeed!! Think the parking attendant was just on a power trip ☹️😵‍💫

[@Pgh_B]

Oh dear poor Ben. I think working long hours hunched over a laptop can't help either. I've had some trouble since I started working remotely,. but the problem went away completely when I raised the screen up a bit and used a mouse. Hard in a van to get a proper workstation layout, but maybe get some sort of small stand so your laptops are angled up a little. Loving the tour of central america btw!!

[@shannonagain3]

I just happened upon your channel! Love you guys!! Just subscribed!

[@micheleraleigh2864]

🔥 those roads

[@BeneathBlueEyesMusic]

Ben try and roll around on one of those hard rubber dog balls you have. Place it under your back on the ground. It should help. Safe travels.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Great idea! 👍

[@shannonagain3]

I purchased a tense(sp) system for the very reason you experienced...I too have a back that goes out over nothing. Happens infrequently, but, as you know, once is too many times.

[@kimcasarez2118]

Reminds me of driving in Costa Rica. It was scary and took a while to get use to.

[@sailinglatis]

Great vid and awesome idea for the map. What a way for people to learn about experiences they may have never thought of. Well done! 🇨🇦

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so much, there are quite a few gems in there! 💛

[@chrisvdh4879]

All the best for a total recovery for Ben!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you! 💪

[@markj10]

Foam roller with a couple of miles walking daily, and lots of water will cure that back pain! Love your exciting journey!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Sounds just what we both need actually! 💛💛

[@suewiltshire8092]

Poor Ben he looks in so much pain, do you have ibuprofen that helps. Also I find a hot water bottle or a wheat pack you heat really helps. Definitely stretches and strengthening exercises. The scenery looks amazing, what a shame about all that rubbish. Looking forward to tonight, love Sue and Bryn xx

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes! He was on the ibuprofen as soon as it went. Hopefully the stretching and workouts will stop it happening again. Sorry we're going to miss tonight! Can barely upload a photo to Instagram with this wifi! 😭 Love to you and Bryn xx

[@karlahernandez5750]

I vividly remember crossing that border and my first day in Guatemala plus it was election day. My husband has never been a sane driver since then.

[@OverlandingSophia]

🤣 🤣

[@rockinrodlittle]

My year living in Guatemala we didn’t own a car, just a BMWF700GS to get out of the city and Uber in the city. While I loved Motorcycling in the country, it’s as scary at times as your video captures. I was quite happy to not crash riding around. Good job and stay safe.

[@OverlandingSophia]

God don't blame you! We'd probably do the same! The mountain roads especially were just so frantic and unpredictable!

[@rockinrodlittle]

@@OverlandingSophia eye opening

[@TheJammyGits]

Can 1000% relate to the lack of steps in the van, if it’s a rainy work day you best believe my watch is saying 50 steps max. It is not good for the joints 😅 hope Ben’s back is all good now😃 you definitely made us excited with our choice to start switching to two wheels doing that mammoth road I would be so scared to drive the van on them roads😅 the mpg would not be looking good😂

[@OverlandingSophia]

And most of those 50 steps are going back and forth to the kitchen to make tea 😀 Yeah those roads are brutal in a van, think they’d be pretty scary no matter how many wheels you have 🤣😭

[@traceybootle1005]

Brilliant timing with the map we’re starting our Canada and US adventure in April 👍😀

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yess!! If there’s anywhere you’ve seen that you can’t place, let us know and we can point you in the right direction! April is going to come around SO quickly for you!

[@nikkilewis1699]

your map idea is amazing !

[@OverlandingSophia]

So glad you think so Nikki!

[@roamforloam7917]

Amazing architecture in that City!!!….(I’ve forgotten the name of!)….. Just looks awesome down there. Did my back in some yrs ago. Went to chiropractor. Too much sitting(driving) for extended periods. Now always stretch/Pilates especially after long days driving. It does pay to get into a kind of routine for self preservation if long days at the wheel. Really great vid guys. Safe travels🤙

[@OverlandingSophia]

Quetzaltenango! Try saying it after a few 😆 Wish we could have spent more time there because it really was incredibly beautiful! Ben's now officially on the yoga and workout regime, it's scary how easily a small injury can knock you out.

[@askthechicken]

Fab video - Guatemala looks wonderful… the driving something else - poor Ben. Bens back however…… I was relieved to see it was just a bit of trapped wind 💨 🤣🤣🚐

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahaha I’m glad someone noticed 😂😂💨 xx

[@barbaratudor8502]

Thanks for the wonderful insights into Guatemala! I agree with Ches that your driving, Ben, is phenomenal! 🔥🔥🔥All the very best!

[@OverlandingSophia]

He's a machine behind the wheel, don't know how he stays so calm! 💛 🔥

[@wallytimmins356]

Hi you guys, wow, crazy drivers down there. Be careful, both of you. Ben I'm a 77, Feb 10th, year old truck driver, all my life. Off work sick now though. Anyway, to the point, a lot of us truck drivers have back problems. I've been given exercises for my back by many chiropractors, but the most helpful I received from a new chiro I've been seeing for 4 years now. 2 exercises that help me. Lie on your back, on the floor or bed, I use the bed as it's easier for me to get up from. Bring both of your knees towards your chest so they form an upside-down V. Hands by your sides bend your knees as far to the right or left as you can. Do it slowly if you're in the pain you're in now. Of course, as soon as you feel discomfort relax the stretch. Some days I have to start with a short stretch, halfway each side until the muscles loosen up. When they feel good you should be able to get your knees close to the floor or bed. The 2nd one, bring one knee up to your chest with the other leg completely flat. Grab your knee with both hands and pull it towards your chest. I try for 10 seconds to start, less if you feel pain. Switch legs. They stretch the lower back muscles. I hope this helps even a little Ben. Oh yeah, I see my chiro once every 3 weeks. I work with 6 drivers from England, and they have a couple different dialects. One of them we have a hard time understanding. ha ha. You guys be very careful and safe during your journey.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you for this! Super helpful and sounds similar to the yoga Ches has got me doing. I wonder if the guy you struggle to understand is from Liverpool 🙂

[@wallytimmins356]

@@OverlandingSophia I'll have to ask him Ben, thanks. Stay safe.

[@bootss.9642]

Oh my word we were cringing watching that entire drive and repeating omg over and over again! Way to go Ben!!! 🔥👏👏👏👏👏 The music was perfection! 😂 It was like one of those episodes of the UK show Dangerous Roads that aired here in Canada and crossed with the movie It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. 🤣 Amazing to see the country through your videos and the history that you share with us. I know I sound like a broken record each time but thank you for putting so much effort into your videos each and every week. We make sure we don't miss a single one. Poor Ben and his back. DH has had that problem as well and always when he is driving long distances which he always insists upon. Our son had it on a long drive for a mini family reunion last summer. I noticed DH did mention that he wondered if Ben was dehydrated and a quick google search does have lots of links for pain and muscle spasms to be one of the symptoms. So something to watch out for but I know just the wrong turn and ouch. Do we get video of the yoga sessions? 😉 😄

[@OverlandingSophia]

Please repeat yourself as much as you like! 😃😍 Thank you for the love and support each week, it means more than we can say. Ben is the opposite of dehydrated, he drinks so much and always says I don’t drink enough 😂 I’m going to try and film as much of the workouts as possible, especially yoga 🤣🤣 xx

[@deidrecrawford4208]

🔥God, the amount of times I gasped and had my foot on the brake, all from the comfort of my livingroom. 😉 Good job Ben! It looks like the stress of driving in Guatemala is showing up physically. Take care. Chesca the maps sound amazing!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you for driving in solidarity with us, even if it was from your living room! 🤣🤣💛

[@dalegriffiths335]

Ben make sure your hydrating and take in some salt. should help your back . love the travels you both are experiancing ! stomach crunches will help the back also.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Cheers Dale, good suggestions 😀💪

[@Denise-xm8mn]

Make sure you try some Pepián de Pollo and Sancocho stew/soup. Yummy stuff.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Noted! Thank you Denise ❤️

[@charlenechua6073]

Wow on Guatemala adventure on this episode

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks lovely ❤️‍🔥

I had terrible back spasms last summer when I got home from the hospital, tell Ben to try 2 extra strength advil before bed as needed, it worked for me 😊

[@rwilson6637]

Guys! Loving this series so much. Visited mexico last year and it was SO hot, never experienced anything like it. Can't wait to see Guatemala and put it on my travel list!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks so much angel! Yep Mexico heat is something else! Don't think we've ever been so hot in our lives! 😂 💛

[@kristingrounds4163]

Wow that is some crazy ass driving there! Hopefully you guys were not hung up there too long and his back got better! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next one!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much! 💛💛

[@papilloncreations]

Ah kudos to Ben for that driving!! And the stiff back bless, I tend to suffer more as a passenger in our van more than hubby the driver 🫣

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes! Being a passenger has its risks! 🫣🫣 xx

[@gwrclarke]

Great map idea. Have you thought of doing one for Europe, or Turkey? Hope your back is better soon.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes we would love to! Thought about making one of our previous travels but so much time has lapsed we can’t remember details of many park ups, many things will have changed and we think it would make more sense to start one afresh when we’re back in Europe 😀

[@alicebrewer8838]

Great video guys ❤Hope Ben's Back is on the mend ❤. Hugs to River & Scout ❤❤. Deffinatly 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 for Ben's driving . Safe travels guys ❤❤❤❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks lovely, he’s doing much better now. Needs to get his downward dogs in when we have roads like that to drive 🤪💛

[@PeterHaida]

Sounds like Ben has exactly the same back issues as me. I have one of those neoprene Velcro back supports. If my back is really bad, I also use an old leather belt on top of the back support and tighten it up. Give it a try and you'll be surprised how well it works. It gives me the confidence to move around without hardly any pain. Works a treat while it recovers.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Think we need to check these out, so many people have recommended them!! Thank you 🙏

[@BruceSBenitez]

Welcome to Guatemala! I hope you enjoy your time there!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much! 💛

[@lindagordon3581]

LOL! Ben not blinking for an hour and a half. Gives new meaning to “hold on lady, we go for a ride”.

[@OverlandingSophia]

🤣🤣 Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times 🫣

[@182britania]

Those roads look mental ,great driving Ben and be careful with that back ,dont do too much overstretching too soon i had a similar problem and started stretching too soon and slipped a disc and was out for about 3 weeks,take it easy and take care .

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah mate that sounds rough. Thankfully it’s on the mend, but deffo need to exercise better to stop it happening again. Many more hours of long drives and tense roads before the end of this! Take care

[@annewinning9723]

Brilliant idea about the google maps - definitely peaked my interest.

[@OverlandingSophia]

🙏🙏

[@baublesanddolls]

What type of bug was on your windshield? I couldn’t make out what you were saying and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it before. I love hearing the different names that you call things from us in Canada. It’s so interesting.

[@OverlandingSophia]

A bug flew through the window and landed on my camera! No idea what it was, I think it just called it a weird bug 🥴💛

[@fletchdad8755]

Ben , I have back issues and the physical therapist has me doing what I call a pelvis push up . I lay on my stomach do a push up but keep my pelvis on the mat . 3-5 times a day a set of ten hold in the up position count to ten and lower myself to the floor . It helps to realign my discs . Good luck !

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you! Been doing some more yoga with Ches and it sounds like cobra pose, stretching has helped a lot 👌

[@Aaron-P]

I'm watching with my mouth literally agape with the roads! Ben, hat's off to you. 🫡🔥🫡🔥🫡🔥 Watch out for the red tortoise shells on those Mario Kart courses! Oof, as a professional driver myself, back spasms are the worst! 😖😖 Dunno if you can set up something on Sophia to do hanging stretches? I have good results from them, but whatever works for you is the right solution. Thanks for the reminder to work on my core strength, too! ❤️❤️😎👍xx

[@OverlandingSophia]

Aaron, everyone was dropping red tortoise shells and bananas left right and centre! Not thought about hanging stretches, might get him to give them a go! His back is much better already, stretching has helped a lot 💛💛

[@asaandthemarchharepart2903]

Oh my, talk about crazy driving. Well done Ben. Lovely bit of culture around there. Feel for Ben with the back trouble. Not a nice experience at all. Them rules about the dogs not been able to go out away from the van was a joke. Madness. Keep Loving the Adventure Both Love and Big Hugs ❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

It was madness! It’s calmed down a little now we’re out the mountains by god, what a baptism of fire. Love and hugs Asa ❤️‍🔥

[@billybraithwaite67]

As I’m currently off with a bad back fracture Ben has my total sympathy, after driving those mad mountain roads he deserved plaudits not his back going into spasm !! I’d normally say take a bow but that would be in bad taste 😂😉 as for the driving skills..🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👌

[@OverlandingSophia]

Oh so sorry to hear that! Back pain is no joke. Ben did take his bows at the end of the video 😂 💨 xx

[@MannyWC]

SOO true about the lack of walking in vanlife!!!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Isn’t it!! You’re sat down SO much more than you realise 😳

[@GilbertManse]

Love your videos. You make us laugh.. I'm shouting at the screen for you to have more sympathy with Ben! ha ha, and my wife is saying "eat more veg!" We've done van life and know it's not easy all of the time, we really enjoy your style of vlog where you present the real experience. We look forward to each week's new episode. 🥰

[@OverlandingSophia]

Haha thanks guys, appreciate this a lot 🙏 💛

[@yvonnebailey9973]

Brilliant video guys, as always. There are some crazy drivers in Guatamala. Well done Ben. Take care and stay safe especially on the roads.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you, Guatemala has to have the craziest drivers we’ve encountered so far!

[@Jakallibon]

Chesca, the lack of sympathy whilst Ben is on the floor withering in pain and you're showing off the RV area honestly makes me die😭😂🤣!! "I'm gonna make some coffee... For the invalid"😂😂 love you guys so much hahaha. Honestly Ben I feel your pain I've done my back in many times, not fun!! Hope it gets better soon mate. Loved this video, although the driving would drive me mad I'd be stressing out and road raging like no tomorrow😂. Can't wait for the next one😄❤️xx

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahaha 🤣🤣 I didn’t even realise I’d done that until editing! Obviously the show must go on and I had my priorities 🤣😭 It’s weird you get so much less road rage here, I think it’s because EVERYONE drives like it, they’re just doing their thing. Whereas back home you’d just think they were being pricks! Sending big love from us! Xx

[@samanthalangley4859]

I can’t imagine driving on roads like that! Hope you recover quickly Ben.

[@OverlandingSophia]

I don’t know how he does it, takes to it like a duck to water!

[@notseamus]

keep em coming guys. what an amazing journey you're having

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much 🥹💛

[@notseamus]

@@OverlandingSophia honestly. Watching you guys doing what you’re doing is simply inspirational 😊

[@OverlandingSophia]

@@notseamus 🥹🤗

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another great video! Really enjoying the journey ❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much guys ❤️❤️

[@bettyourcampervan]

@@OverlandingSophia 😁😁😁😁😁❤️

[@dimitrabir.4177]

Wow!!! And i thought driving in the Balkans was a near death experience....Boy was I wrong!!😂 Really love Guatemala though, seems so picturesque and not at all touristy!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Heard lots of stories about crazy Balkan drivers! Will have to see one day how they measure up against the Guatemalans 😂

[@aSC_na_kolenke]

Happy Sunday! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@OverlandingSophia]

Woop woop! 🥳

[@jamestreanor182]

I bring a small back roller with me in my sprinter

[@SuzanneHayward]

Super vlog stay safe guys.❤❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank youuu 💛💛

[@speakn0ev022]

Hello if your speedometer is in kph and mph use it as your calculator, kph is the same as kilometers and mph is the same as miles so by looking at your speedo you can easily figure 80k is 50 miles or by adding a zero 800k equals 500 miles and the same with miles to kilometers

[@pawprint8167]

For the back lay a tennis dog ball under your back and roll it back and forth. It will help alot, kinda like a massage. Even use two of them 😅

[@OverlandingSophia]

Will give this a try, a few people have recommended this!

[@noxtwilight_]

So I traveled extensively in Guatemala and El Salvador. While many dogs may be strays, actually most dogs have homes which they go back to at night for dinner and their jobs which is to guard the home. The dogs are allowed to do whatever they want during the day and they do, but they all will go home at night. They don't really consider dogs as pets, especially in the countryside. It's an interesting attitude but most of those dogs have homes.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yes! You’re completely right. Since filming this, we realise many of them are fed at night and are ‘pets’ in a loose sense of the word. But saying that, on many stretches of the highway were many starving dogs, scavenging for food and so many killed in car accidents, way more than we’ve ever seen. Such a different attitude to animals over here, was very similar in Mexico too!

[@noxtwilight_]

@@OverlandingSophia oh so sad! Yes a much different attitude but aside from that, it's a wonderful place! El Salvador is even better ❤️ Stop through Suchitoto if you can!

[@JohnAnderson-sq8lt]

Hello Chesca and Ben, another great vid, love the road scenes, sorry about Ben's back, maybe you should walk on it Chesca, lol , looks like a really nice camp site, looking forward to your next vid, stay safe ( especially on the roads) regards Rick and Susan Banks Baja California sur Mexico

[@OverlandingSophia]

Haha I will gladly walk on his back! He wouldn’t let me anywhere near though 🤪 xx

[@vanavigation]

Amazing episode, guys. Feel like we’re living parallel lives. Morocco is also amazing apart from the crazy overtaking of slow lorries on blind bends, the ubiquitous streetdogs, the litter, and the 3 hr drives that take you only 50 miles and are so stressful they leave you so tense. 🤣😂🤣 hope Ben’s back is better soon. Between the yoga and the overnight oats, we’ll all be van w@nkers soon.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahah if we’re not careful we’ll be installing a coffee machine and making smoothies (neither is a bad idea actually 🤣 ) Hope Morocco is treating you well! 💛

[@vanavigation]

@@OverlandingSophia Ah we've already nailed the smoothies in Morocco, fruit is so cheap here🤣 We're having a fantastic time, really enjoying keeping up with your adventures on the road too.

[@KarlGillcrist]

My back plus every other muscle tensed up watching that drive!!!! You need a tens device Ben to relax your back...I use one often for non medicinal relief of muscle pain...I noticed that if you hadn't scared Ches at the alligator place she might have more sympathy for you LOL looking forward to next weeks adventure ...Karl from eastern Canada🔥🔥🔥

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahah yeah if he’s gonna make me jump like that he can’t expect full sympathy 😂 Thanks for the recommendation for the tens device, a few people have suggested that! 💛🙏

[@FreeBirdUKVanLife]

Congratulations on the map, looks fab. 😊x

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@susanmusgrave7885]

Loving your recent videos, feel so sorry for Ben with his back, you're right about keeping moving I was told the same by a nurse when I had knee trouble after living in my motorhome for 5 months between flats. (In the end I got a new knee but that's not really practical for a back stick with the yoga 😉) Actually I've been back to your Greece videos recently, currently on the shore of lake kerkeni having gone the opposite way to you & driven from the UK, now a month in Greece hopefully Crete awaits ... The co-pilots and I are glad to have got this far, nothing to what you've gone on to do! Best of luck Sue, Deefor, Victor 🐶🐶🚐

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah no sorry to hear that Sue! Ben will need a new back if he doesn’t get his downward dogs in 😅 Ohhh we miss Greece so much! Hands down one of our favourite countries ever. Enjoy Crete! 💛

[@sallybiddick]

Just stunning( and terrifying!!!) -that footage of the town centre was dreamy!! The road sequence hilarious to watch -probably not so much to experience!!! No wonder Ben's back went- as a fellow sufferer a I can recommend yoga - just go steady twisting and wide leg poses until you feel strong enough x

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yess he NEEDS to do yoga, his body is crying out for it! So glad you enjoyed it Sally, can’t believe all of this took place over two days 😅😅🙈 xx

[@DavidHaney1]

❤ GR8 VID ~ LOVED IT ❤ I watched this one while I was at Tourmaline Surf beach in San Diego at the same time watching long boarders surf a nice 2 to 3 foot beach break. By the way, that was a great choice using that hectic style soundtrack during those crazy hectic driving scenes. You're a great film editing girl. My favorite scene in this one is your sneezing over & over at the end .. too FUNNY .. Love you guys ❤ Big HUG as usual ❤

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ah sounds amazing! Thanks David, sneezing like that is an art 😂👌Big hugs and love from us xx

[@annewatcher4529]

don't worry about the meat, bought it all the time. the yellow in the chicken is because they are fed corn. but everyone is different. the driving bit gave me my chuckle for the day. just a heads up, pedestrians do not have the right of way and traffic signs should be viewed as suggestion only Enjoy

[@OverlandingSophia]

I’m sure it’s fine, we are just being wimps! Although its the sitting in the blood that does it for me! 😵‍💫😵‍💫 xx

[@annewatcher4529]

@@OverlandingSophia Oh I agree with the blood part, would never touch that. I just know the yellow colour to the chicken turned me off at the start and thought that was what you were meaning. Drive careful and enjoy. Can’t wait to see where you go next.

[@koryhaggert2848]

I'm not sure how you didn't experience the same driving in Mexico. The roads got better as we went south to butterflies. But Chihuahua was easily the worse road with the most aggressive driving, lanesplitting on blind corners at 150kph while avoiding potholes and speed bumps (With the music blaring) Maybe it didn't show the degree of insanity in your videos. Glad you've survived.❤🔥

[@OverlandingSophia]

We got the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan and so missed driving in northern Mexico! Which was a good thing by the sounds of it 😳 Safe travels back home! 💛

[@kp5778]

Really enjoying the series. Thanks for the latest video. Now I have to re-up. My prescription for Xanax. Latest vid gave me anxiety.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahaha if you have any spare, mail them over 😂 xx

[@kp5778]

Reminds me of drivers on the Colorado autobahn (Interstate 25 & 70). Crazy!!!

[@robertrauter8459]

beautifull she is........bold he is..... but the dogs they are the reason I watch this vlog....they are Amazing!!!!!love and best wishes from Europa...now go and seize the world

[@OverlandingSophia]

Haha they are the stars of the show! 🐶 🐶 They’ll be available for paw-tographs when we come back home 🐾

[@russellbelliveau1694]

Coffee for the invalid bahaha, what a drive oh my wow!!! Happy to see you are enjoying Guatemala guys. Enjoy and all the best to Ben and the back! Take care see you next week

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks Russell, nurse Chesca in the house 😂💛

[@markplenty2631]

Hey Guys, hope you’re enjoying Guatemala so far! 🇬🇹, the crazy driving is upon you I see from the opening credits 🚗 😂, the road condition looks better than here! The crazy overtaking I’m seeing remind’s me of when I drove in Italy! 🇮🇹.. 🤪.. “ go on Toyota! 😮 “.. 😂.. OH wow! Saved maps! What an awesome way for everyone to share your journeys. Do you think you’ll have one for Europe? I dont if you do this but IPhone has a built in measuring app.. it’s really good! Isn’t it so worrying when you hit a pothole or underside a bit hard and then when you look, nothing to see.. are the Golden Arches the same there as everywhere else.. wow the insurance rules.. makes sense having seen the driving! Yeah I agree the Salmonella Isle doesn’t look appealing.. the car park rules are a bit petty.. the city and mountain ⛰️ views are definitely good on the eyes! 👀.. cake! 🍰 gotta love a bit of cake for breakfast! Ah no.. sorry to hear of Ben’s back issues, hope it resolves itself.. so nice of the hotel to offer such services.. I’m sure you’ll be fine driving Chesca if you had too.. anyway, have a good night and speak tomorrow at the Live ❤️ x

[@OverlandingSophia]

We wanted to back-date our Europe travels but it's been so long since we were there that many park ups won't be available now (we know this for a fact in places like Portugal and Spain) but we plan to do the maps everywhere we go! So, we'll probably do one when we eventually come back to Europe! See you in the live tomorrow! 💛 Lots of love xx

[@markplenty2631]

@@OverlandingSophia that’s understandable with the European maps. Park 4 a night is still a valuable resource.. I’ll check out IOverlander too. Love to you all back xx

[@JimmyAllenPhotos]

I daughter said, "This is like a video game" The one time she rode with me down there ..;)

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahah great minds! It was literally like Mario Kart 🤣

[@denisecafferky2248]

Oh, poor Ben 😢. Those drivers 😮

[@OverlandingSophia]

Never seen anything like it 😅

[@stevecarroll8513]

Ref roads, speak with your buddies touring thailand! Your experiences sounds very similar 😅

[@keithgreer9369]

Here is a quick way to relieve back pain. Get to hard balls around 8-10cm diameter and find a firm smooth wall, Trap the balls between your lower back and the wall and move around so that the balls massage your back. Bear the discomfort for 5 to 10 minutes and you will get pain relief. Its simple cheap and effective.

[@OverlandingSophia]

We read this too quickly and saw the word ‘balls’ and ‘trap the balls’ and ‘balls massage’ and Ben was suddenly interested in this method of pain relief 😂

[@jamestreanor182]

Why do you guys not run the AC in the van?

[@LeeLeesAdventures]

Hi guys lovely video that driving was next level. YOU DON’T need insurance what happens if they right off the vehicle. I cant see them having 10-20k in there back pocket. Thats so scary. When my back goes i use lots heat massage and muscle relaxers pain killers. And stretching. Yoga would be great. we love watching your big adventure its been like roulette we never know what coming. Lol stay safe guys love best wishes xx

[@OverlandingSophia]

I know it’s mad! Most people don’t have insurance so if they write it off, not much you could do anyway, even if you had it. Definitely a risk, especially given the road conditions! Hahaha your comment about the videos being like roulette made us laugh so much, it feels like that for us too! 🤣🤣🥴 xx

[@sherrywarren-biers3327]

Hope your back is feeling better soon, Ben……I know all about back, shoulder and neck pain. 😩 Sorry, no fire emojis on my iPad…..lol.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks Sherry, sorry to hear you suffer with it 💛 Thankfully he’s back to full strength after a few days of rest from the driving xx

[@rvnomading6326]

I don't think I've blinked for an hour and a half 😅 Been there but wow that is mental. Rather you...

[@OverlandingSophia]

Yeah never seen anything like it, we thought Serbians were crazy on the roads 😅

[@svengalley3480]

Ben, did I hear a snippet of “Hail to the King” in the background on this episode? Ax7 💥🎸👍

[@OverlandingSophia]

Not from us! But that’s more up Ches’s street than mine 🤣👌

[@svengalley3480]

@@OverlandingSophia love your channel by the way. We spent 6 months in Guatemala in the mid 90’s in a converted school bus. Could spend hours recounting the adventure. Beautiful country, beautiful people. If you pass through Posa de Agua try and get some footage, it would bring back some precious memories for us. If ever back in Nova Scotia look us up, lots of room for a visit on our acreage. Kevin

[@paulawoodward3256]

I tried so hard to empathise with Ben and his bad back, but your comments and editing of the video had me laughing out loud. 😂😂 sorry Ben, I hope you are better.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hahah his back got better pretty quickly so it can’t have been too bad 🤪

[@conchscooter]

I was surprised when you said you were looking forward to driving Guatemala. I have never seen such aggressive drivers and we drove every Central American country. In Colombia they’re dopes and they try to be aggressive but they fold in the face of our van. Not the Guatemalans. I yelled back.

[@OverlandingSophia]

It’s not so much the driving we were looking forward to, but just getting to explore the country. Those highland roads aren’t something we wanna do again in a hurry 😂💛

[@peterdaigle4772]

Oh my! Like an overtake at Monaco GP #F1. Smart marketing thinking on the Google map package, congrats. Anyone else find the wind blown hair kind of sexy? Carry one lol What a beautiful city!

[@OverlandingSophia]

Ben says thank you, its low maintenance but can get in his way when it’s windy 😂 F1 drivers have nothing on the balls these Guatemalans have!

[@crash8563]

Haha I was expecting this reply. Cheers mate

[@Scottwhittysydney]

Just thinking about you guys. Everything good?

[@OverlandingSophia]

Hey! Yes, all good! We posted on our community tab and on IG about why we’re taking a short break 💛

[@Scottwhittysydney]

@@OverlandingSophia I’ll check it out. Glad you’re both safe and sound.

[@louisecampbell5745]

OMG , my one ride on the chicken bus terrified me. I kept my eyes closed most of the way.

[@OverlandingSophia]

I don't blame you! Even following behind them was an experience! 🙈

[@screddot7074]

Back pain can be really painful and not much you can do about it when it hits. 4% Lidocaine HCL may help. Comes in a roll-on Equate brand from Walmart. In the Philippines, if you see a broken branch in the road, you should immediately hit the brakes. There is a broken down vehicle just around the corner. Be safe seems like wishful thinking when you are on roads like that.

[@OverlandingSophia]

Thanks for the recommendation! It got much better the next day, thankfully didn’t do too much damage. Think it was my body telling us to get off those roads 😂