Update: Where are we now? Are we still in Europe? Lockdown living in a van

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

So relieved you have put this video out, bin really worried about you both, but didn't want to pry as we have only met you once 😊 ... thank you for letting us know 👍 ... put whatever content out you want, just happy to see you both safe and well 😘🤗❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠 xxx

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Jane and Graham! It really doesn’t feel like we have only met once! If you ever fancy a chat let us know! Sending much love back home ... keep well and keep safe! ❤️❤️❤️🚐

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

Flora & The Novice Explorers ... 🙏 bless you both 😘🤗 x

[@sanjayd7230]

Ha we're on lockdown on an island too but not as glam as where you are (Anglesey) on one of the C&MC sites. Weather pretty good and no ants .. Wish the Digital Nomads well and you two take care and stay safe. Steve & Janet x

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hey both, great to hear from you. Campsite life never looked like such a good idea. We only use campsite for showers - but I’ve realised people often spend the whole of the summer in one campsite! It make this feel a little more “normal”! Stay safe and keep well! M&C

[@wobbleboxadventures]

Glad your all safe guys. You couldn't be in better hands 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@VanTasticTraveling]

Stay safe and healthy guys! Hope this mess will end soon 💚

[@laurievear4393]

So glad your ok

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Thanks Laurie, we're both doing fine :) Hope you are doing well too!

[@RussWoodard]

Great to hear that you guys are safe and sound, big up to Digital Nomads 👌. Would love to see an updated van tour on whats good and whats not. Stay safe 👍

[@robertngreen6]

So glad you are safe and have somewhere to stay during lockdown. It looks like you have got a lovely place to stay! Take care!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Cheers Robert! Yes, we’re safe and well. Hope you are too!

[@JitsIntoTheSunset]

So wonderful to hear from you guys & that you’re both safe! 💛 Looks like you’ve got the perfect setup to weather out the storm. I think a great video would be one where you reflect on your van travels so far... kinda like a story time video. Maybe you touch on the funniest ‘what have we got ourselves into’ stories but also most challenging times and lastly of course touch on your favourite memories of travel! So yeah, we nominate you to do a van life recap/story time video 💛 Take care both 😘 xx Tania

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hey guys! Good to hear from you, how are you getting on? Are you still in Portugal, are you managing okay? Sounds like a good idea ;) looking back at our old footage makes us realise how fortunate we are and that we took our freedom for granted. It’s quite nice to be able to reflect and realise how fortunate we are. Hope you’re both safe and well :)

[@twish1999]

So glad you are ok, stay safe xx

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

All good here, hope you are too! :)

[@dreadedscotslass]

Glad you're both safe and sound. You could give us a wee tour of the campsite. Hope you dont go demented with boredom.

[@paulthompson8081]

Just looking back on your blogs from basically a year ago now. My wife and I truly enjoyed your videos especially in those dark days ( in ALL ways) they actually helped us. Not that I'm an expert but your programs just got better as you went along. They were still warm but got more professional, the radio broadcast at the start was clever. Anyway it's a year past, you are leading a different life with your little dog! Good luck and thanks again.

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hello Paul, thanks for your lovely comment 😊 we really appreciate it. Hard to believe its been year since we were in lockdown in Sardinia. We have a sort of "best bits" of Sardinia video we're working on that'll hopefully be out soon to commemorate a year since leaving the campsite! Crazy! We never meant to just stop uploading, life has just kinda got in the way! We are slowly working towards getting videos out there but it's a little tough. Eventually we will be back in the van travelling full time and making our little videos. We'd be doing it right now if we could 🤣 We'll call it season 2 and try to make better videos as we go along 😜 Thanks again, we hope you're doing well

[@Silverwidows]

Stay safe. My business has come to a halt due to the virus, but on the bright side ive paid 6 months rent up front. Trying to help people in my area to keep busy.

[@baloobear7838]

Good to know that you are OK. Trying times for all of us. We are not doing much either. Of course, the sun is shining now that we can't go anywhere! Stay safe and well.

[@steveevans69]

look after yourselves and keep self!!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Cheers Steve! You too :)

[@donnainglis6529]

beautiful place Stay safe guys ,, vids on cooking , van tour , and tech tour

[@lilThings101]

I am glad to hear from you both!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Thank you Elai! Hope you’re well 😊

[@DaveWilkinson5]

Good luck guys, stay safe.

[@AlsCal72]

Well done guys, glad your safe. Your personal shopper sounds like a saint. Thanks for the vid, it's one I was hoping you would make.

[@Jaamie1111]

I'm glad your both doing okay. Id like to see a video about your dreads, mine are just over a year old now :)

[@dreadedscotslass]

Oh more folk with dreads 💗💗💗💗👍👍👍👍

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Oh wow! Ok like what I do to look after them? X M

[@johndearn9457]

Glad to see you guys are okay,, staying put is the best thing you can do. The UK is very quiet at the moment, especially my part of the West Midlands, and personally I’d swap places with you at the moment, where you are looks amazing, albeit the weather is beautiful here. Keep safe and look after yourselves.

[@fionarobertson6938]

Looks like a beautiful place to be isolating ! I would like to see videos on your cooking please 🙌

[@wessexevents]

Good work on the update glad to see you are Ok and in safe hands. What we cooked in the van today would be great but I expect "Oh look it's beans on toast again" may not be all that fun but as we are all mostly on lockdown ourselves perhaps cooking on a budget and how to make simple ingredients go further would be great to get those top chef tips. Enjoy the sunshine say safe 😀❤️

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Noted Paul! Will get planning! 🍳🍳🍳👍👍

[@FromRustToRoadtrip]

Glad to see you guys are somewhere safe! Wishing you good health and hopefully you are able to continue your adventure in a few months time!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Thanks guys! Glad you made it home ... sounded very stressful! Stay safe, keep well! ❤️🚐

[@johndgn]

Good stuff, we got back early March to Scotland, stay safe - Armando's a hero but you know that !

[@billiemossom7924]

Oooh yes please, more videos. Cooking, even if you've got random and few ingredients as I know you're not doing your shopping but they can just be fun videos rather than serious how to videos. And would love to see the van again. You guys have such a beautiful van and aesthetically pleasing; the best I've seen, and I've seen a lot of builds on KZbin. Keep safe :)

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

We have filmed a couple cooking videos already, just editing them! Got a few video ideas just got to get round to filming some 😋 got loads of old blogs to do too!

[@katg455]

Good to see you are safe and keeping well! It's great that you have some space to walk and get some fresh air, sunny weather should help to get through it as well. Definitely waiting for more of your amazing content! Take care!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hi Kat 👋 yup, we’re safe and well. Hope you are too! Yeah, very lucky to have the space and a bit of sun too 🌞 hopefully be able to get some fun content out in the next few days/weeks

[@kristinasimons4842]

Stay safe. Sardina is beautiful. Things here in UT, USA are weird because we were just getting used to the whole shutdown with the virus and then we had an earthquake. Not a super bad one but still. I don't know why I am telling complete strangers this but do want you to know you are a bright spot in an otherwise dull day. Happy you are ok!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Oh wow! That must be next level scary! Stay safe Kristina. We will be thinking of you and will make sure we keep putting out videos! X M&C ❤️

[@paulonions]

Enjoy the sun and the fresh air, and hopefully soon, things might just start to become normal again...

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hi Paul, nice to hear from you 👋 hopefully things will return to normal soon! Hope you’re safe and well

[@vwcaliforniaadventures6763]

You’re in good hands 👍 Armando is a good guy, Pass Armando my regards 😊 Abdul missing him & his awesome 😎 videos

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Very good hands indeed! We'll pass on your regards :)

[@Westfaliadigitalnomads]

Hey Abdul, so nice hearing from you! :) I'll be back on WDN videos....no worries! :)

[@peterhulmston9046]

Made myself laugh looking for Sardina on a map! Stay safe guys.

[@thomasstahl6114]

Good to hear ur safe! There is worse places to be at this point, stay healthy and good luck for the time to come

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Thanks Thomas 🙏 yes, we’re feeling pretty fortunate overall. Stay safe

[@sandraward2574]

Really glad to hear that you are both safe and well. The weather looks amazing. Take care. Xxx

[@thefairymakerandtheviking7263]

Delighted to see this video, I was wondering how you were doing! Looks like you're in a lovely place, always good to be amongs trees! Stay safe!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hello! :) yes, we're very well and safe. Very fortunate. We hope you are safe and well too wherever you may be! :)

[@thefairymakerandtheviking7263]

Delighted to hear it! We're in Dufftown, Scotland, the whisky capital of the world! I'm looking forward to seeing all your vlogs now you've time to catch up with the editing! :D

[@tommulliner4397]

Stay safe both! Hide in the van and wait for it all to blow over! Great video!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Cheers Tom! Hope you’re safe and well too!

[@dawngreen4074]

Glad you are safe and well...and in good hands with WDN. Let's getting cooking...more recipes on the low budget, low tech variety. This could be useful and amusing. Take care guys...I am convinced we will have the summer's of summer's in the UK this year...and nowhere to go.lol

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Fantastic idea Dawn - note pad is out and I’m planning 🍷 ... try and get Armando to star in one!

[@dawngreen4074]

@@FloraTheNoviceExplorers that would be a treat. He has done some in the past and the italian twists on the meals unique.

[@jmo32479]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad you found a safe place to wait out this pandemic. I'd love for you to continue posting videos as you have been - they are great entertainment at any time but especially now. Also maybe a video about if you were to build out another, different, van to live in in the future, what would be different? I've wondered whether you miss having a bigger kitchen where you can stand up. As for where I'm at (in the middle of the US, literally the middle, lol), our metro area is on a stay at home order, but many businesses have declared themselves as essential and have stayed open. I chose to stay home to reduce spreading it. So far I'm good and enjoying alternate ways to entertain myself and interact online. Take care, you two! Stay safe, stay strong, stay home!!

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hi Julie, we've had a quick brainstorming session and have come up with a few different ideas that should be fun. We might hold off on posting the vlog-type videos as they don't seem appropriate right now, and I think it may confuse some people. Thanks for the suggestions too, we'll take note! Good to hear you're well, hope you stay safe during this rather surreal time.

[@jmo32479]

@@FloraTheNoviceExplorers You're right about holding off on the vlog videos until the time is right. I'd also like to see how you prepare a meal in your van, now or in the future. Just curious about how it's working for you.

[@thelandofmint]

Cooking videos pleaseee. I live in Italy too in central Italy and it has been snowing today😱 . Stay safe guys (a fellow British, a londoner, moved here ten years ago, living in a very small old house in the mountains, growing my food, chickens, etc. I've been self isolating for years now😂

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hello Sue! We hope you’re doing well during this rather surreal time. I did hear rumours of snow ❄️ none here but very chilly 🥶 sounds like you have the ideal setup! Stay safe 😊

[@Westfaliadigitalnomads]

mmmhhh....I think I saw you in a campground...in Sardinia...is that possible? hahahahaha

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Campsite is great! We are just waiting for someone to clean the pool! 🤪🤪🤪😆

[@dawnoakley4414]

Well ive watched everyone of your blogs up to your now "lockdown" bit. I hope you find plenty to do which im sure you will. I cant help feeling abit sorry for you guys but at least your looking really well on it. My other half is a firefighter on the frontline snd its been abit daunting to say the least but like everyone else we are doing what we can to stay safe. Dont let this lockdown dampen your spirits and im so looking forward to watching the rest of your journey! Thankyou so much, youve bought us endless pleasure and laughter . Stay safe and look after each other. Godbless you both xx

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

The lockdown wasn't ideal, obviously. But we considered ourselves to be very lucky with our situation and it's made us much more thankful for all the travelling we did before and what comes next! Glad you've enjoyed the videos so far, we're hoping there are many more to come! Hope you're both doing well and keeping safe :)

[@MichelleCouplandHairStudio]

Give us some idea of the wildlife there in your section of the world.

[@sueb8270]

Glad to hear you are safe and well 👍. The UK is weird and quiet just now, although it is very sunny and warm so children are out in their gardens all day 😊. The roads are quiet, except for lorries, town centres are eerie 😂. I'd love to see more of how your van is working for you, and maybe some cooking videos? I'm looking to buy a little campervan this year so interested in how others make it work. Look forward to hearing more from you. When does your 14 day quarantine finish? Stay safe 👍

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hi Sue! Yeah, we're good. We hope you are too! We've heard/seen a few reports from back home, very surreal. Haha, we literally just started to plan a video, something like "How We Manage To Live In A Small Camper" or something similar. Do you have any specific queries? We'll hopefully do some cooking too. Ohhh exciting, do you have a camper in mind? Technically our quarantine finishes this Saturday, but I don't think we'll be moving or heading out for a little while yet. Stay safe.

[@wessexevents]

Perhaps Blue Peter style Make with toilet roll 😀

[@ruthybabe571]

I'm glad your safe🙂 I'd like to know how does the van work for you now and not working like what you wished you hadn't packet into the van. Be safe x

[@GS04WAL]

Do some more Flora on Food!!!! Also, I can mail alloy wheel brochures

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

That’s a Deal Greg!!! Haha! We can dream 🤪🤪🤪

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

How about making a WiFi range extender out of some toilet roll cardboard tubes and tin foil - this would pass the time and save you having to trek across site to access the Internet, plus it would make a good “Blue Peter” style build to put on YT - if you have some sticky tape of course Glad you are both safe and healthy, and if you could choose somewhere to be “incarcerated” it looks as though you have struck it really lucky.

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Haha, that could definitely be a way to pass the time! Yes, much to be thankful for. Feeling rather lucky given the circumstances. Hope you're well!

[@tinahart1712]

Love the Westfalia Digital nomads. Really lovey people and so experienced as you both say. You might be interested to follow Greg Fargos latest video he is trying to get back home and has details on how to do it I reckon you might be there for quite a few months at least. Was Teddy Ralph guarding the van whilst you were recording or was he foraging for berries? How about budget meals on limited food and how to cook them in a van. ❤️

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hey Tina, Teddy Ralph was chilling back at the van! He gets very stressed in these situations! Yes we have started to think about how long we may be here for! X sending lots of love back home to you 💕🚐😍

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hey Tina, Teddy Ralph was chilling back at the van! He gets very stressed in these situations! Yes we have started to think about how long we may be here for! X sending lots of love back home to you 💕🚐😍

[@stephenhayward6445]

At least your still upbeat and somewhere safe, so a little change with a simple question, what sort of mpg are you getting whilst touring, plus will you need or get a service whilst away.

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Yeah, plenty to be thankful for! We haven’t done anything too scientific... but I think we’re getting something around the mid-30’s ish. Haha, can’t be much more specific than that at the moment! But generally we’re happy with fuel consumption

[@sueetherton6698]

Better there than UK. I left my home in France March 6th when I could see where this was going. So I'm here with my 88 year old Mother and 90yr old Father. They would never deal with the shit show that is going on in UK. Government incompetence is becoming seriously dangerous. People are clearing supermarkets and they have only just stopped that...profit before people. I am angry, incredibly sad and terrified of what can easily happen next... My aunt has Covid19. She is 85. They do not treat or test the elderly...Self employ are being hung out to dry...need I go on. Stay where you are.😘

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

It is scary you’re right Sue. We feel in our own little bubble the last few days. If we don’t look at our phones or the media we can easily forget what is happening outside. Keep safe and keep well M&C x 🚐😍❤️

[@lauralie9658]

I am glad your healthy and safe. I was wondering hows your van operating. Do you do your own repairs?. I live in Las Vegas Nevada,our strip is empty. Food stores and drive thru are busy. I am self quarantined due to 3 auto immune diseases and wanting to stay breathing. Love your vlog, enjoy your some what break. God bless.

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hey Lauralie, thank you for commenting as always. We will add your questions to our list. Stay safe and keep well! 🚐❤️

[@c4a8l]

Hi glad to see you are both safe and well. I’m also in lock down in the uk and using the time to deep clean our 12plate VW transporter and plan our van conversation. Iv seen your video of the soundproof and insulation are you happy with it or would you have done anything different?

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Hello Carl! Good to see you’re going to be productive during the lockdown. Overall yes, we’re happy with the results. That said we don’t have much to compare it to, but it works well for us. I think we’d pay attention to the cab, especially in regards to insulation as we can sometimes get a little condensation there. But paired with our heater we’re always comfy!

[@millinutz]

Hi, i'm looking for a van, so your thoughts on the VW. was it a good buy, would you recommend it, the weak points, what has broken or packed up, is it really big enough for 2... etc

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

HiSteve 👋 we recently did a video on this subject. We do love our van, sometimes it can be a little tight but we make it work. Nothing has gone wrong with ours... touch wood 😂 but we did get all mechanical jobs sorted before we left, cambelt, water pump, fly wheel etc. Our van has done us well so far 😊

[@PaulAlexander48]

Campervan Life is Great when you can go and Explore places so what's it like when you're in a lockdown situation (We love Sardinia)?

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

It’s different, that’s for sure! Because we know that we’re not going anywhere anytime soon we’ve spread out a bit more. The awning is out, table and chairs etc. We’re lucky to have the space and relative freedom. Very lucky to be where we are. Life is definitely going at a slower pace, we’re enjoying it to be honest. Our feet are getting itchy, but we’re happy with the current situation. Hopefully we can see a bit more of the island when normality resumes. Hope you’re well

[@PaulAlexander48]

@@FloraTheNoviceExplorers yeah all well here in UK. Following the Advice. Suppose to have started our World Backpacking Tour . It'll happen now when all is clear. Enjoy the down time.

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Good good! Oh wow, that sounds great. Shame about the delay but hopefully you’ll be on your way soon! What’s your plan, is there much of one? Very jealous 🌍

[@PaulAlexander48]

@@FloraTheNoviceExplorers Mexico. Bulgaria. India. Then other countries in Asia

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Sounds brilliant! 👍

[@munkehpower]

how to be a lumberjack....plenty of trees around

[@MrThestag]

New food series “lockdown leftovers vanstyle “

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

Nice bit of lunch 😜😜

[@propertydev6042]

What are you guys going to do when the year is over. Will u find jobs and settle down or plan another one?. :-)

[@FloraTheNoviceExplorers]

To be honest I think we’d both love to carry on, but that’s going to require going home and back to work. Which may be harder than we imagined considering what’s going on... there’s so much more we’d like to do and have well and truly got the travel bug! Meg has recently got a job that is purely online, it’s not full time but does bring in some income. So that’s great! We have no solid plans as of yet though. We’ll have to see what happens!

[@propertydev6042]

Flora & The Novice Explorers many thanks for your answer. Stay safe :-)