Commentary on hookahs, smoke rings, and The Dream

Most people fail to realize that fantasy fiction is a rather new art form. Before Jules Verne there was basically no-one, who would attempt to create stories of adventure around a completely ficticious reality. Instead, most people of the day read the “news.” Word from Magellan or Polo was often far more interesting and amusing than anything the writer of yore could come up with.

But alas, we are no longer in such mysterious times, where everyday tales seem like far off imagination. No, today, we have Star Wars and Harry Potter, a totally fabricated reality which does not exist; plying at our heartstrings that yearn for adventure and the unknown.

Fear not, yet, for the intrpid there still exists some corners less traveled and some means less tested that can reinvigorate the spririt of adventure.

The Mongol Rally. London to Ulaan Bator.  10,000 miles.  1L engine car.  3-4 weeks through countries that much of the world knows not, and much less have been to.

Last Saturday, on July 21st, the 4th annual Mongol Rally begun near Hyde Park London.  Arguably the most accessible (ie not yacht racing or treasure hunting), yet daring adventure on the planet: The Mongol Rally tests its participants across rugged terrain in unsuitable cars or motorbikes. Essentially, it is an adventure for those without good sense, such as team Ice Cream Adventure, who are driving a fully functional ice cream truck 10,000 miles, garnering local favor by distributing sweets to law enforcement and children across Asia.

We got our money on team Hobo Logistics (no relation), which are either in 12th or 20th place, depending on how you count.  They are Canadian, but aside from that, they seem to have setup a pretty sweet rig.  Check this link for updates on the race’s progress.

Here’s to you, Mongol Rally Pioneers; Keep living the Adventure Dream.