From Singapore to Norway: The Inspiring Adventure of a Family Driving Across Continents!

In a remarkable journey that many would deem ambitious or, frankly, insane, Mr. Ritesh Angural and Ms. Nisha Hari Singh, both 38, a Singaporean couple, made a life-altering decision to leave their stable jobs in pursuit of adventure. Their mission? To drive through Asia and Europe to reach Norway—all while creating unforgettable memories with their 4-year-old daughter, Arisha.

The adventure kicked off in February 2023 when the family started their road trip in their modified 2002 Land Rover Defender, affectionately named "Durian." Over the course of their travels, they've already covered over 32,000 kilometers and crossed 17 countries, navigating through varied landscapes and cultures. The family has documented their incredible experiences on their Instagram page @sabbatical.living, sharing the ups and downs of life on the road.

One of the trip's sweetest moments occurred on Arisha's fourth birthday in June, when they found themselves in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Just for that day, it miraculously snowed, fulfilling her desire to see snow. "She was in awe," Nisha recalled, her eyes lighting up with the memory. "Watching her discover snow for the first time was something truly special."

Their travels have taken them from the vibrant hustle of Southeast Asia to the breathtaking mountains of Central Asia. Along the way, they encountered hospitality that warmed their hearts. Ritesh reminisced about a generous Kazakh mechanic named Rustam, who helped repair their camper for several days and invited them to share meals with his family—an experience that left a lasting impact on the couple's beliefs about generosity, especially in their home country.

They haven't shied away from challenges, either. After some mechanical issues, including a drive shaft failure and altitude sickness while tackling the daunting Pamir Highway—the second highest international highway in the world—the family has had their fair share of worries. "It was emotional to be separated for the first time since we started our journey," noted Ritesh. However, with their resilient spirits and support from fellow travelers, they reunited, ready to face the next challenge.

Quitting their jobs during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic was not easy, but it became a chance to create meaningful experiences. Nisha reflected, “Our family and friends thought we were crazy, but we’d rather live a life filled with adventure than regrets.” The couple's goal extends beyond just seeing the world; they hope to instill curiosity, open-mindedness, and compassion in their daughter, believing the lessons learned from diverse cultures will shape her into a more empathetic person.

As they continue their journey toward Norway, passing through countries like Serbia, Poland, and Estonia, Nisha has mixed feelings of anticipation and sadness. While she's excited for the adventures ahead, there’s an undeniable wistfulness about leaving the freedom of the open road. Nevertheless, she believes their experiences together will enrich their lives long after they return home.

With three months still left in their expedition, this family's thrilling journey captures the essence of exploration, proving that life is indeed a grand adventure worth living. Whether the grass outside is green or white, their story reminds us that true fulfillment comes from following our dreams and sharing them with loved ones. Join them on their incredible quest—who knows, maybe their adventure might inspire you to create your own!