MODEKA

Hello Marta, hello Lukasz!

It was not that long ago that you set out on a once in a lifetime (?) journey around the world on your motorcycles. Your route is pretty impressive, and you must have had a super exciting, interesting and wild time. How is it to think back to a time when traveling was still possible?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY

It is hard to describe how unbelievable and shocking it seems that, not too long ago, we were traveling around the globe. We went wherever we wanted, which is practically impossible now. This topic often pops up in our conversations. Especially when we hear about the concerning news from around the world. Countries we just visited a few years ago. Protests in Iran in November 2019, a military coup in Burma at the beginning of the year… It feels like we just left there with our heads full of beautiful memories.

MODEKA

What were you not prepared for?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY
There were many situations that took us completely by surprise. It is hard to name just one. It is impossible to rigorously plan every day on a long journey like this. And even if it was, that would be the point? It is good to leave some room for the unexpected. After all, you are traveling to have an adventure.There was a funny and unexpected situation at the beginning of our expedition at the Azerbaijan-Georgian border. Imagine, during our preparations for the journey we completely forgot that we needed a visa for entering Azerbaijan! So, we left Georgia and enthusiastically tried to convince the immigration officers that Polish citizens do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Well, fun fact – they do! So, we were stuck at the border and tried to get an Azerbaijanian visa online. Turned out luck was not on our side, because their system crashed, and we decided to return to Georgia to look for a place to stay for the night. The following day we set out to conquer Azerbaijan – a bit more prepared this time.


MODEKA

Which aspect of traveling do you miss the most?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY
We talk about that often. The major thing may be the freedom from the daily routine and everyday life. There is always something to do in this, let’s call it “normal” life. There is work, cooking, bills, cleaning, family gatherings, shopping… The list of obligations and things that need to be done is endless.

This was not the case during our expedition. There were obligations, but of a different kind. On a typical day you must load your bike, check its technical condition, drive from A to B, find a gas station on the way, eat something, and find a place to stay at the end of the day. Your brain can take a break. That is what we miss the most.

MODEKA

What do you not miss about traveling? What was annoying or exhausting.


MARTA

Cold showers, riding through the rain and at low temperatures and finding a place to pee.


LUKASZ

The smell and dirt of cheap hotels in East India and the crazy traffic in Pakistan.


MODEKA

What did you learn?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY

First, we learned to respect and appreciate what luck has already given us. Things we take for granted and forget because we think they are normal. Just because we were born in a specific place and in a specific culture. This freedom does not exist in many regions of the world. We can learn whatever we want, dress however we want, meet whoever we want and work wherever we want. We can ride our bikes, earn good money, make our own life decisions, chose a husband or wife. Many things we take for granted get another dimension, especially as a woman. We are lucky and very grateful for it. 


MODEKA

What was your highlight?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY

Our journey gave is many fantastic memories but some of them are as vivid in our minds as if they had happened a few days ago. Crossing the Bartang Valley is one of them. It is an impressively beautiful and wild place in Tajikistan. No supply, no train stations, no stores, a few small villages along the road. Around 300km of challenging off-road. We made the spontaneous choice to cross the valley after a couple of motorcyclists we had just met recommended it to us. It was challenging, there were tears and there was altitude sickness, but also unbelievable joy and many laughs. One of the best decisions of our lives!

Another event that will stay with us forever is the Hard-Enduro-Contest at Mount Bromo in Java in Indonesia. We went there on a regular tourist journey to take a closer look at the volcano, which literally erupted days before our arrival. When we saw people riding their light enduro bikes underneath the still smoking volcano we were stunned. Our joy was even greater, because Lukasz rode on similar events in Poland and took part in amateur races. Right away we walked towards a group of boys and asked if one of them would lend us their bike for a while. More of them were willing than you would guess! It was astonishing. We rode a motorcycle underneath Mount Bromo. Could we have imagined a better journey?

The last highlight was practically every day we spent in New Zealand. We enjoyed everything there, really! We would have never gotten off our bikes.

MODEKA

What was your lowlight?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY

Marta’s accident in Pakistan. We often hear people’s complaints about the traffic in India, but we perceived Pakistan as even worse in this regard. Pakistan is surrounded by the beautiful Karakorum Mountain range and picturesque valleys. We entered from the north, where traffic on the streets is minimal. The problems began when we left the mountains. Literally EVRYTHING happened on the street. The biggest traffic chaos we have witnessed so far. Sadly, we did not make it out of the chaos without casualties. On our way from Abbottabad to Islamabad a driver coming from the opposite direction decided on a takeover manoeuvre by switching lanes and driving right into Marta. She turned around at the last second and collided with another vehicle going the same direction. This was a better alternative to a head-on collision. The vehicle she hit dragger her along for a bit and luckily, she fell safely. The few seconds of uncertainty when I saw the crash through my mirrors were scary. The whole experience was. 

MODEKA

Would you do it again?


DREAMCATCHER‘S JOURNEY

200 % YES! We are sure that we would do it again.


MODEKA

Which secrets and tips would you like to pass to motorcycle enthusiasts who are planning a similar trip?


MARTA

I love this quote by Amelia Earhart, because I fully agree: “Deciding to act is the hardest part, the rest is perseverance.” I think that is our secret. Perseverance. We do not give up on our goals if we think the result is worth it. We both think this way. 


LUKASZ

Do not concentrate on what may go wrong, but on the wonderful things that may await you. Many people tend to think about the worst-case scenario, multiplying the risks. That is unnecessary. Sure, caution is important, but you will be surprised to learn how many people will be happy to help you out. Open your mind to new and unusual things and enjoy the moment, because it is your time.



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A big Thank You to the Dreamcatcher duo for these wonderfully exciting and extensive answers. Follow Marta and Lukasz on Instagram and YouTube to gain more insight into their incredible journey. INSTAGRAM & YOUTUBE

Lukasz Adventure-Outfit: PANAMERICANA JACKE & PANAMERICANA HOSE
Martas Adventure-Outfit: PANAMERICANA LADY JACKE & PANAMERICANA LADY HOSE