SINGAPORE

Imagine leaving behind the comforts of home, a stable job, and an ordinary life to chase a dream of adventure. That’s exactly what Mr. Ritesh Angural and Ms. Nisha Hari Singh, both 38, did as they embarked on an exhilarating journey to drive from Singapore to Norway with their spirited four-year-old daughter, Arisha.

With every land checkpoint they crossed in their robust 2002 Land Rover Defender, which they lovingly named "Durian," Arisha’s excited question echoed in the car: “Will I see snow here?” Four months and six countries later, her wish was fulfilled in a magical moment on her fourth birthday in June – as they experienced snow for the first time during their memorable 42-day stay in Mongolia.

Witnessing her awe, Ms. Nisha recalled, “She was just staring out of the window, watching the snow fall and said, ‘Mama... the grass is white.’ It was a moment we'll treasure forever.” The family celebrated Arisha’s birthday with local Mongolians, receiving a special gift in the form of a Mongolian deel, a traditional tunic, adding to their heartfelt memories.

Since kicking off their ambitious journey in February, this adventurous trio has traveled over 32,000 kilometers through 17 countries, enduring weather extremes ranging from chilling -4°C in Cappadocia, Turkey, to scorching 41°C in Don Det, Laos. Their remarkable travels are documented on their popular Instagram page, @sabbatical.living.

Their route has taken them through breathtaking mountain landscapes in Central Asia, with plans to culminate their journey at the North Cape in Norway – the northernmost point of mainland Europe. While nature's wonders left them speechless, it was the warmth and hospitality of the local people that profoundly touched Mr. Ritesh and Ms. Nisha.

One heartwarming story is that of a Kazakh mechanic named Rustam, who miraculously assisted in fixing their camper. His kindness extended beyond repairs; he invited them for dinner with his family, showcasing the local culture through home-cooked meals and friendly camaraderie. Remarkably, Rustam even went out of his way to deliver a much-needed tool to the family while they were in Tajikistan, highlighting the profound bonds formed during their travels.

The couple began this journey after the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a reassessment of their lives. With different backgrounds in tech and design, they decided that fulfilling their dream of world travel was worth the risk, even if it meant stepping away from their careers. “Our family and friends thought we were crazy,” Mr. Ritesh admitted, but they felt a strong desire to share this unique experience with Arisha before she begins primary school in 2027.

With two years of preparation under their belt, the couple purchased and converted a Land Rover Defender in Malaysia, outfitting it with solar panels, beds, and other essentials for life on the road. Their journey wasn't without hiccups; flat tires and car troubles threatened to derail their adventure multiple times.

However, it was during the daunting drive along the Pamir Highway, known as the second highest international highway in the world, that they faced their biggest challenge. Overcoming difficulties such as altitude sickness and mechanical failures tested their resolve but also highlighted the power of family support, as they managed to reunite in Tajikistan after a stressful separation.

Despite the challenges, Arisha has embraced every moment of this adventure, bringing joy and spontaneity into their lives through her singing and dancing. As their journey nears its conclusion, visiting more countries like Serbia, Poland, and Estonia, Ms. Nisha admits to having mixed feelings about leaving the freedom of the open road behind.

They hope this adventure will not only create lasting memories but also encourage them to continue embracing life’s adventures even when they return to their routine. “No matter if the grass outside is green or white, we are making the most of every opportunity together,” Ms. Nisha shared.

As they continue their epic saga across continents, this family's story serves as a powerful reminder to live with purpose, seize opportunities, and cherish the moments that matter most. Who knows what remarkable adventures await them on the road ahead? Stay tuned for more heartwarming tales from their journey!