Destination Everywhere: The World By Road

Part of taking in other cultures is moving past the stereotypes developed both by the team and the locals they meet. "The more folks get out there and travel, the more you can appreciate other cultures," says Bouey. "There's so much coverage of the violence in Mexico but that's only in the border towns. We were there for a month and had a great time."

The team recognizes that forming view about the entirety of a nation based solely on reports from governments and the media is foolish. "People need to question and follow up on media reports. [They] should check it out for themselves," according to Shoppman. "Once you get the answer to one question, you'll ask another and another."

Some of the folks asking the most questions have been the team's family and friends - particularly as they approached the Middle East, which is understandable given that the US is fighting two wars. Additionally, the State Department routinely issues travel advisories for overseas locations that are safety risks for Americans abroad and are can be very unsettling for those connected with the travelers.

"[They] issue travel warnings for countries all the time. We've been to ten of those countries [during the warning periods] and been OK" said Bouey. Bouey acknowledges that it's best to be safe by flexing some smarts and common sense.

The team's success in navigating difficult situations has help assuage their families concerns. In fact, Steve Shoppman's mom is now suggesting destinations in Iraq and Afghanistan. "That change in mindset is exactly what we can hope to do with everyone" he says.

However, dealing with local customs and social conventions in a logical manner can be frustrating. For example, the team was told "come back tomorrow" for seven weeks while trying to obtain visas to enter Angola from Congo according to Bouey. Unfortunately, these types of situations occur on home turf as well.

TWBR had arranged and confirmed accommodations in Houston prior to their arrival on Wednesday night. However, the hotel backed out once the WWE came to town and $199.99 became a more attractive rate than the $Free.99 the team was to have paid. Free is key for a team on a budget as tight as theirs.

Last minute digs for Wednesday night materialized thanks to CouchSurfing.com. But, the team was still in a lurch for last night and tonight. Shoppman and Craig Johnson worked the phones with 20 properties in town before reaching terms with the Alden Houston for plush lodging downtown through Saturday.

The team will travel through the Southwest a bit before making their way to Colorado. Austin is the next destination on tap with an anticipated arrival on Saturday afternoon. They will continue west through Texas and on to Santa Fe before heading to Denver.

They are looking forward to a month in familiar territory before setting out for Alaska. The Thundra and Little Pepe may be the most excited members of the team about the home stint. With over 64,000 hard driven miles on their odometers, both vehicles are in need of a refit at team sponsor Stevinson Toyota. In fact, the team invites you to become a sponsor as well.

The crew is gathering tonight at Bronx Bar's Galleria location to showcase the trip and will be presenting video footage from their upcoming documentary as well as still photography. Bronx is donating 50 cents of each shot purchased toward the fuel fund for the final push to Alaska and the finish line in New York. Boom! Just like that, you're a sponsor.

Those seeking a bit more of a hands-on experience are encouraged to submit their info for consideration to join the team. Interested folks should meet the team tonight and visit TheWorldByRoad.com to have a shot at becoming part of the family of roughly 30 folks from nine countries. Be forewarned, all team members need to be skilled behind the wheel as well as possessing two or three other super powers.

As for driving in Houston, it's a piece of cake because "it's structured." If that doesn't help you get past your daily commute woes, listen to some of their stories from the road - like driving in Nigeria where they passed burned out wrecks every two kilometers for about a 100 kilometer stretch.

Suddenly the traffic at the 610 and 59 interchange doesn't seem so bad.

The World By Road Homecoming Party
Today from 9 PM until

Bronx Bar - Galleria
2670 Sage Road
713-520-9691