A Chaotic Start to ‘Van Life’ and a HUGE Hospital Mistake
Episode 2
We recount our experience of when we set off on our travels; moving into our DIY campervan with our two small kids, racing an arctic snowstorm south in Sweden, a HUGE water leak in our van before we'd even started, and we also chat about one of the biggest hospital mix-ups we've ever seen - where Malin was accidentally given something that she's EXTREMELY allergic to. Fun times!
We're still traveling through Europe in our awesome campervan called Sunny. We recorded this episode while sitting in the south of Spain, on the border of Gibraltar.
The Chaotic Beginning
Setting out on our van life adventure was nothing short of chaotic. With our two young kids (Charlie and Bella), we moved into our DIY campervan, Sunny. The skies decided to open up, and an arctic snowstorm bore down on us. As if that wasn’t enough, we faced a massive water leak in our van before we even properly got started. But let's rewind a bit and dive into the story.
Hospital Mix-Up
Before embarking on our journey, we faced one of the most significant hospital mistakes ever. Malin has a rare and severe allergy to the contrast solution used in CT scans. Despite this well-documented allergy, a miscommunication led to Malin being given the contrast intravenously. This mistake was discovered soon after, and the ensuing chaos involved numerous doctors and emergency precautions to ensure Malin’s safety. Thankfully, she came through it without needing another surgery, but it was a terrifying reminder of how critical medical notes and communication are, especially after battling cancer.
Moving Into the Van and Setting Off
After overcoming the hospital crisis, we officially moved into our van in mid-October. The plan was to travel as soon as we had settled in. However, due to Malin's new medication and the need to ensure she didn’t require another surgery, we had to stay in Sweden till mid-December. The final, most hectic push saw us attempting to install hot water in the van on New Year’s Eve, leading to three separate water leaks. We eventually left on January 2nd, navigating through Sweden's frozen landscape.
The First Journey: Snowstorm and Water Leak
Our immediate challenge was to beat an impending storm. We managed to drive only 40 minutes from our starting point before discovering that the water leak had re-emerged, leaving 30-40 cm icicles hanging off the van's back. With temperatures plunging to -15 degrees Celsius, our back doors were frozen shut. We were racing against time, trying to fix leaks and move southward before the full force of the storm hit. Even after getting underway again, our van faced a metaphorical blizzard of issues, including a gas canister malfunction that filled the van with gas.
Arriving in Warmer Climates
Despite the early setbacks, we managed to escape the cold, plowing our way through Denmark, Germany, and Holland, finally reaching the UK before taking a ferry to Spain. The real magic happened when we disembarked in Santander, Spain. The warmer weather was a welcome change from the arctic chills we had braved in Sweden. Standing on the coastline with the sun shining down, it felt like we had achieved something monumental.
Emotional Moments: Reaching the Beach
The true highlight of our journey was reaching the coast in the south of Spain. Watching our children play on the beach, with the waves lapping at their feet for the first time, was incredibly emotional. The warm sand between our toes symbolized the start of a new chapter. This was the first of many seaside adventures, setting the tone for the relaxing, enjoyable travels ahead.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As we sit in the south of Spain, reflecting on our journey thus far, the chaos and challenges we faced feel like distant memories. The early trials tested our resilience and determination, carving out a deeper bond within our family. This episode captures not just the logistical hurdles of van life but also the emotional and mental fortitude required when traveling with kids after a battle with cancer.
Conclusion
Every journey has its highs and lows, and ours is no exception. Through hospital mix-ups, snowstorms, and relentless setbacks, we found strength in our shared experiences. Our adventure is far from over, and we continue to embrace every moment on the road with Sunny, chasing the warmth and creating lifelong memories together.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for joining us on this journey. Be sure to follow our podcast for more stories from our van life adventures, and keep up with us on Instagram at @malinandtom. We promise, things will only get better from here!
See you next week!