One BMW, two friends and over 300km of driving
01 May 2018|22,152 views
In the movie 'Lord of the Rings', the wizard Gandalf said to the main character Frodo, "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
In a recent trip to New Zealand, my buddy and I took Gandalf's words quite literally. Since time was on our side, both of us decided to explore the roads freely before making our way to the Hobbiton Movie Set - a location that's some two hours from our hotel in Auckland.
But wanting to not play by the rules like kids, since we were in New Zealand, we figured being kinetic, frentic and drawn to irresistibly dangerous things in a foreign environment would allow us to feel young again.Thus, we took another longer but supposedly scenic route that took us over four and a half hours to get to Matamata, where the Hobbiton Movie Set is located.
Perhaps, then, it's possible to have an authentic but irresponsible travel experience in a BMW X2 when you're in one of the most scenic destinations in the world. Here's how:
If it's a sensible road trip you're on, pay attention to the road rules in whichever country you're in. Just because you're in a foreign country doesn't mean you can break a traffic rule and get away scot-free. You can be a famous foul-mouthed, thrice married pussy grabber and traffic wardens will still arrest you if you play punk on the road.
But if it's an authentic experience you're after, don't even bother taking note of any maps that will allow you to have an indication of where you currently are. This way, you'll have to drive to a point where feel the need to have toothpicks to keep your eyes open.
If you're on a sensible road trip with your friends, it's always better to work together to figure your way out of problems. Just because you travel frequently doesn't mean you'll have the solutions to all problems. If need be, sit aside with a bottle of water and your road book and make sure you're on the right track.
But again, if it's an authentic experience you want, don't even bother about the map. My buddy and I merely took a quick glance at our road book only because we felt the need to take a break while holding onto something that would make us look important.
Taking a break from driving is just as important as practicing safe driving habits on the road. In fact, some may even argue they are plainly one and the same, even though not many drivers practice it. While being mildly irresponsible does make your travelling experience authentic and arguably fun, never do it if it's going to put lives in danger.
Taking a break can come in different forms. In a scenic country like New Zealand, you can simply pull over by the side safely and enjoy the view. Alternatively, do what we did - sit on the boot of your car and chill out.
If you are looking for a predictable road trip experience with countless photos to show off on your Instagram and Facebook, rent a Honda HR-V or a Toyota Prius. But if you want to have a bold experience to remember and talk about, get a car like the BMW X2.
With its dynamic character and its lively 2.0-litre engine that pumps out 189bhp and 280Nm of twisting force, it's the car you'd want to be in if you're planning to take alternative driving routes that will increase your time on the road. This way, getting lost along the way wouldn't seem like such a bad thing.
This isn't about being lost in the complicated maze of life where it can be hard to ask for support. It's a road trip that's supposed to be fun, so don't be afraid to ask for directions and help. While my buddy and I were fairly cool about being lost, we didn't want to take any unnecessary risks of losing daylight by staying lost. Thus, we decided to pull over and ask a local for help.
Thankfully, a friendly local bystander was around to advise us on the best route to take to our destination, which clearly saved us from more wrong turns and more time wasted.
Come to think about it, history seems to be a pointless parade of insignificant events until we decide to get off our lazy butts and shape it into something that's meaningful for us, until we build myths out of it, until we begin using it to make up stories for our families and friends.
But that doesn't mean we can disregard history to forgo any interest of drawing lessons. If you were to ask me, history shouldn't repeat itself unless it's something really good and worthy, but that doesn't mean we cannot learn from it.
If I had a choice of repeating the mistake of getting lost again in New Zealand, believe me, I would. And I know my buddy would fully agree with me too. After all, where's the fun in having a road trip without any challenges?
In the movie 'Lord of the Rings', the wizard Gandalf said to the main character Frodo, "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
In a recent trip to New Zealand, my buddy and I took Gandalf's words quite literally. Since time was on our side, both of us decided to explore the roads freely before making our way to the Hobbiton Movie Set - a location that's some two hours from our hotel in Auckland.
But wanting to not play by the rules like kids, since we were in New Zealand, we figured being kinetic, frentic and drawn to irresistibly dangerous things in a foreign environment would allow us to feel young again.Thus, we took another longer but supposedly scenic route that took us over four and a half hours to get to Matamata, where the Hobbiton Movie Set is located.
Perhaps, then, it's possible to have an authentic but irresponsible travel experience in a BMW X2 when you're in one of the most scenic destinations in the world. Here's how:
1. May I have your attention, please?
If it's a sensible road trip you're on, pay attention to the road rules in whichever country you're in. Just because you're in a foreign country doesn't mean you can break a traffic rule and get away scot-free. You can be a famous foul-mouthed, thrice married pussy grabber and traffic wardens will still arrest you if you play punk on the road.
But if it's an authentic experience you're after, don't even bother taking note of any maps that will allow you to have an indication of where you currently are. This way, you'll have to drive to a point where feel the need to have toothpicks to keep your eyes open.
2. I'm better at this than you, dude!
If you're on a sensible road trip with your friends, it's always better to work together to figure your way out of problems. Just because you travel frequently doesn't mean you'll have the solutions to all problems. If need be, sit aside with a bottle of water and your road book and make sure you're on the right track.
But again, if it's an authentic experience you want, don't even bother about the map. My buddy and I merely took a quick glance at our road book only because we felt the need to take a break while holding onto something that would make us look important.
3. Have a break, have a… breather
Taking a break from driving is just as important as practicing safe driving habits on the road. In fact, some may even argue they are plainly one and the same, even though not many drivers practice it. While being mildly irresponsible does make your travelling experience authentic and arguably fun, never do it if it's going to put lives in danger.
Taking a break can come in different forms. In a scenic country like New Zealand, you can simply pull over by the side safely and enjoy the view. Alternatively, do what we did - sit on the boot of your car and chill out.
4. Mix and match to have an edge
If you are looking for a predictable road trip experience with countless photos to show off on your Instagram and Facebook, rent a Honda HR-V or a Toyota Prius. But if you want to have a bold experience to remember and talk about, get a car like the BMW X2.
With its dynamic character and its lively 2.0-litre engine that pumps out 189bhp and 280Nm of twisting force, it's the car you'd want to be in if you're planning to take alternative driving routes that will increase your time on the road. This way, getting lost along the way wouldn't seem like such a bad thing.
5. When in doubt, ask
This isn't about being lost in the complicated maze of life where it can be hard to ask for support. It's a road trip that's supposed to be fun, so don't be afraid to ask for directions and help. While my buddy and I were fairly cool about being lost, we didn't want to take any unnecessary risks of losing daylight by staying lost. Thus, we decided to pull over and ask a local for help.
Thankfully, a friendly local bystander was around to advise us on the best route to take to our destination, which clearly saved us from more wrong turns and more time wasted.
6. Learn from the history of stupidity
Come to think about it, history seems to be a pointless parade of insignificant events until we decide to get off our lazy butts and shape it into something that's meaningful for us, until we build myths out of it, until we begin using it to make up stories for our families and friends.
But that doesn't mean we can disregard history to forgo any interest of drawing lessons. If you were to ask me, history shouldn't repeat itself unless it's something really good and worthy, but that doesn't mean we cannot learn from it.
If I had a choice of repeating the mistake of getting lost again in New Zealand, believe me, I would. And I know my buddy would fully agree with me too. After all, where's the fun in having a road trip without any challenges?
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