Karl W Steuernagel is a German who has a long-term intimate relationship with India. Travelling between these two countries is nothing new to him. Yet,this time Steuernagel’s trip from Kochi to Kessel in Germany called the attention of the media and public alike. The reason is that this journey should carry out through road, in a specially designed Car.
The well-equipped Mercedes Marco Polo, started from Kochi will first move to Kanyakumari. From there it starts on June 23rd, will travel 20,000 km through nine countries before reaching the destination. The Trip named, ‘Ambassador-Silk-Road-Drive’ will cross North India, Pakistan, China, Kyrgyszstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and West Europe before reaching Germany. The scheduled date at Kessel is on October 4.
Steuernagel’s son, Jones, an Automobile Engineer is also accompanying him. They made some modification in the vehicle, to suits for the long journey. The roof is removed and converted into a ‘bedroom’ which can accommodates two. A small kitchen equipped with Stove, Refrigerator and water tank is also there at the rear end. A small toilet is also attached. In order to get accustom with the rough Indian roads, some slight changes are made in the chassis. A trailer is also attached to the vehicle to carry stock fuel and other luggage.
To Steuernagel, a Medical practitioner, this journey is a dream come true. His adventures mind framed the idea of this road trip long before. A lot of research and preparation was there in the background. Route is drafted with the help of Internet and travelogues. Getting the official papers ready was another challenge. The German had to work for about two years to get necessary documents from different countries.
Steuernagel made his first visit to India 36 years back. Came as a student of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigrah, he soon fell in love with the culture of the Country. Added to this intimacy, his daughter is married to a Keralaite. That is reason why this German national chose Kochi as the launching pad of the thrilling journey.
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