Guest Blogger Simone Van Kan

A very warm welcome to a new guest, Simone Van Kan, with a very different kind of book. The Serious Road Trip is the true story of a unique bunch of friends offering hope, food and uplifting shows to children in the war-torn and forgotten corners of the Balkans during the nineties.

When Simone set off from New Zealand in the early 1990s, eager to experience what the world had to offer, she couldn’t have imagined how things would develop. The Iron Curtain was falling and the world seemed to be opening up to nations previously cut off from the western world. Against this backdrop of change, she was one of a group of Kiwi friends who would embark on the journey of a lifetime called ‘The Serious Road Trip’. Initially sparked off by the plight of the orphans in Romania, they planned to travel by red double-decker bus from London to New Zealand working with underprivileged children on route. The one-year itinerary was mapped out, but fate would intervene and the Bosnian war broke out in 1992 as they started their journey. Compelled by circumstance, the bus joined a Peace Convoy into Sarajevo in the hope of stopping the war. They became the first British-based group to break this infamous siege in June 1992. With compassionate hearts and living day by day, they endeavoured to meet some of the needs of orphans and refugees in many of the most remote and dangerous war-torn regions. They captured hearts and imaginations as they ‘juggled’ their way across borders and checkpoints in Bosnia-H, Croatia, Romania and elsewhere. Travelling in colourful trucks or by red London bus they developed their own unique and maverick form of humanitarian relief where keeping your sense of humour became a matter of survival. Simone’s personal journey is interwoven with the ups and downs of fund-raising in the London head-office, leading teams of clowns alongside convoy projects and across frontlines or journeying to forgotten corners of Romania. Simone details how she and her fellow volunteer humanitarian Road Trippers offered tangible help and hope in the darkest of times and places. This factual account is told by a woman following her path and searching for love in the most unlikely places. She finds more than she bargained for. This tells of a journey of courage and self-discovery, where extreme circumstances reveal all sorts of strengths and a pioneering spirit within. It shows what the bonds of friendship and love can surmount when kindred spirits unite, show compassion and dare to dream. "I have always seen the arts as a way to unify people in the community, tapping into a deep aspect of our shared humanity." – Simone Van Kan The Serious Road Trip is a personal story of a particular time in our recent history and I wondered why Simone had become involved and what had driven her to write her book. "I’ve always wanted to reach a wider audience and was inspired to put my experiences into writing after seeing the enthusiasm of my young school pupils, who would often beg me to share another story of my adventures helping others. I hoped that one day these stories would inspire a film about authenticity, courage and compassion—showing that no matter the differences, circumstances or the country, we can always make a positive impact in our communities. It was also a worthwhile personal challenge to document and release such important memories without the time constraints of a speech or conversation. I wanted the reader to feel part of the journey of transformation." About Simone: Born in England and raised in New Zealand, where Māori and European cultures intertwine, I pursued a degree in French and Modern Languages, which led to many adventures abroad, including humanitarian work in the Balkans. It was during this time that my passion for music and the performing arts re-emerged, inspiring me to develop creative projects for children in difficult circumstances such as orphanages and refugee camps in the Balkans during the nineties. These profound experiences motivated me to further my studies in puppetry in Germany and France, as well as earning a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in New Zealand. Currently, I live in Devon with my husband and daughter, actively participating in local theatre groups such as The Teign Valley Players and “Open the Book,” run by the Bible Society. As a co-founder of The Serious Road Trip, I’ve shared my journey in various talks, recounting how this humanitarian organization came into being and the life-changing experiences I encountered through it. You can get Simone's book HERE And check out the website HERE “ I recall meeting you and the company in Mostar (1994)…I think your story is extraordinary and would make a wonderful film” – Martin Sheen (USA) “ As a Sarajevan, I feel forever indebted to these folks for their selfless act of empathy while taking huge risks” HE Vanja Filipovic, Bosnian Ambassador in London with reference to TSRT and Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden “May many be tempted by your adventure. In Peace” Patch Adams MD “You guys are awesome” Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden at London premiere of “Scream for me Sarajevo” documentary