#### Host (Charles)
Hello and welcome to Today's Explorers. I'm your host, Charles. Today's Explorers is a series dedicated to sharing the inspiring stories and varying perspectives of those who have chosen to seek out life-changing adventure. On today's episode, I'm here in Morocco ready to interview Sabina and Sebastian of Puffin on Tour. We'll learn what inspires them to explore, how they engage with others, and why it's important that we embrace global cultures. As you set out on your own road map, I encourage you to draw inspiration, be emboldened, and learn from adventure seekers living out the explore more mantra. Explore more of the world, engage with others, and embrace global cultures.

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
We're from the cheese city in Holland. We met when I was 18 and he was 19. I studied law and did jobs in that field. Sebastiaan worked in the port of Rotterdam and as a navigational officer on seagoing ships. Both liked their jobs, but wanted more than office work.

#### Charles
When did you start to explore and get interested in wild camping and that lifestyle?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Shortly after we met, we went on a sailing trip in Zeeland, the Netherlands. It was our first camping experience and we really liked it. After that, we did city trips but didn't enjoy the lack of nature and freedom. A couple of years later, we took a five-week road trip to Italy in a classic Mini our real start to road trip adventures.

#### Charles
What led up to this current trip?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
A couple of years ago, we decided to make changes. Influenced by online content, we wanted to see for ourselves what the world was like, not just pictures or news. Our parents warned us against Africa, but we decided to experience it ourselves. We met a Dutch couple traveling with a Land Rover Defender with rooftop tents in Scotland. Having used a rooftop tent before, we knew that was our way. The direct cause for this trip is our honeymoon, wanting to set off our life together by traveling more and living outdoors. The Netherlands is crowded and we're looking for peace.

#### Charles
Do you bring any special skills to overland travel?

#### Sebastiaan
Experience with maritime engines helps with car maintenance. We learned DIY repair skills from owning a classic Mini and watching YouTube videos.

#### Sabine
DIY projects, wildlife tracking, birding, and photography.

#### Charles
Where have you explored so far, and what's the background of this trip?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Mostly Europe, Scandinavia, UK (Scotland, Wales), Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Madeira, Hungary, Czech Republic. Earlier trips, like Italy in the Mini and Scandinavia, built up to this.

#### Charles
Top three countries you're looking forward to visiting next?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Ghana, Togo, Benin (for culture), Tanzania (wildlife), looking forward to unique climates and nature—palms, deserts, Sahel, jungle regions, savannah, mountains.

#### Charles
Of the places you've visited, which three would you recommend?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
- Scandinavia so much enjoyed, planning to move to Sweden
- Moroccan desert beautiful, welcoming, surprisingly few Dutch tourists
- England, Scotland, Wales big variety in nature, calm, neatness, proud lawn owners

#### Charles
What five items are essential for your trip?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
- Phone stay in touch with the overlander community, Land Rover owner clubs for help
- Water filtration system two tanks, a lifesaver system, direct drinking anywhere (except for saline groundwater)
- Binoculars for wildlife watching and sightseeing
- Wildlife books for identifying animals, learning tracks and sounds
- Wash bag for cleaning clothes off-grid, using biodegradable detergent and laundry sheets

#### Charles
Tell us about your vehicle and top three modifications for travel comfort.

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 (2002), called "Puffin" after an encounter in Scotland.
- Rooftop tent easy conversion to a camper
- Drawer system uses most of the space, living outdoors rather than inside
- Simple water and electrical system gravity-fed 90L tank, lifesaver water filter, small battery for fridge and Starlink

#### Charles
Sabine, what inspires you to explore?

#### Sabine
Curiosity, seeing her ideas challenged, always learning.

#### Charles
How do you engage with others?

#### Sabine
Stay curious, open-minded, ask questions, overcome language barriers.

#### Charles
Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

#### Sabine
There's no single correct way to live; learning from differences enriches us.

#### Charles
What are your goals when you explore?

#### Sabine
Keep an open mind, learn something new every day.

#### Charles
What's the thing you learned today?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Stopping randomly led to meeting kind people and being served couscous at a roadside restaurant.

#### Charles
Sabine, what challenges have you experienced on your travels?

#### Sabine
Miscommunication sometimes people seem hostile but aren't; connecting safely as a woman.

#### Charles
Sebastiaan, what challenges have you experienced?

#### Sebastiaan
Not speaking French, which is crucial in Africa and Morocco. Islamic custom means men speak to men, so conversations can end abruptly if there's a language barrier.

#### Charles
Most meaningful moment on your travels?

#### Sabine
Meeting Ahmed, a local on horseback who shared fruit with us while wild camping; there was no common language but great connection.

#### Charles
Sebastiaan, what inspires you to explore?

#### Sebastiaan
Desire to see the world firsthand, meet people from different cultures, challenge western stereotypes.

#### Charles
How do you engage with others?

#### Sebastiaan
Talks to people along the road, at campsites, wild camping, learns from other travelers.

#### Charles
Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

#### Sebastiaan
All cultures provide valuable knowledge. Western ideas of safety and wealth aren't always accurate; other cultures see things differently.

#### Charles
How has exploration changed you?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Gives them freedom to choose their own path, inspires new goals, more open to trying things like motorcycle driving.

#### Charles
What does explmore mantra mean to you?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Just go and see the world; dive into new experiences.

#### Charles
What advice do you have for someone considering a life-changing adventure?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Start small; adventure is everywhere. You don't need lots of stuff ust try new things even close to home.

#### Charles
Where can people follow your adventures?

#### Sabine and Sebastiaan
Instagram handle: puffin.on.tour

#### Charles
Thank you so much until next time!

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