Emma Wellington, originally from Nuneaton, and her partner Liam Burchell, from Hinckley, have begun an epic overland road trip from Shenzhen, China, back to the UK after nearly seven years living abroad. The couple, who moved to China in 2019 to teach English as a second language, are travelling in a converted Iveco van named Ivy, accompanied by their two rescue dogs, Dora and Lulu.
A Journey Across Continents
The route will take them across China, through Central Asia, over the Caspian Sea, and through Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and then across Europe before reaching the UK. They set off on Monday, August 11, and expect the journey to take around three months, hoping to arrive in November or December.
Emma, who attended Higham Lane School and King Edward VI College in Nuneaton, explained that the original plan was to stay in China for just one year, but the Covid pandemic changed those plans. "We originally planned to stay for just one year, but Covid completely changed those plans. By the time life returned to normal, we’d built a life here and fallen in love with China, so that one year somehow turned into just shy of seven!" she said.
Why Drive Instead of Fly?
The idea to drive home was sparked by a conversation with Liam's dad. After looking into the feasibility, Liam spent three or four months converting the van into a comfortable home on wheels. Taking the van also allows the couple to bring their rescue dogs home without the stress of a long flight.
Dora was rescued from a truck destined for the dog meat trade, while Lulu was found dumped, neglected, and severely underfed. Emma said, "There was never any question that they would be coming home with us. Dora in particular is an extremely anxious dog because of her past, so the thought of putting her through a long flight worried me. Driving means they can stay with us throughout the journey."
Challenges Ahead
The couple are realistic about the difficulties they may face. "There are definitely a few things we’re nervous about! Exporting the van and getting it out of China is probably the first big hurdle, followed by getting it across the Caspian Sea," Emma admitted. "Travelling through so many borders with two dogs also means a lot of paperwork and health checks. And, of course, we’re really hoping Ivy doesn’t decide to break down somewhere in the middle of nowhere!"
Despite the uncertainties, Emma is excited about the adventure. "After nearly seven years in China, it all feels quite overwhelming but incredibly exciting. It really does feel like the road trip of a lifetime – a pretty special way to finish this part of our lives and begin the next."
The couple are documenting their journey under the name 'Somehowhome' on Instagram and YouTube, allowing followers to follow their progress as they make their way back to the UK.
