2 brothers and a red car

This summer, i was determined to take my ´new´ car (Mazda3 2020) out for a proper spin. To actually test this machine properly. And so, i did. Together with my younger brother, we embarked on a swift and long journey spanning four countries in a few short days. A lot of driving - and a spotify-list that hasgone on repeat for more times than i am willing to admit.

We started from Haugesund in Norway early in the morning, heading for Denmark. The drive takes a few hours down to Kristiansand, where we took a big ferry to Hirtshals. This first “phase” ended with us taking a stop in Aalborg where we spent the night.

The following morning, we started our journey towards Germany. The goal for this trip, was to test the car properly - This would happen on the Autobahn. The weather was far from ideal, with some rain and wet roads… But I was quite happy with the “results”. This red rocket reached 200km/h - and it still left some performance on the table. What a car!

After a couple of hours and a few hundred kilometers - we ended up in Rostock, Germany. We spent two nights here at a Bed & Breakfast in the city outskirts. In the evenings, we’d go to KFC (we don’t really have this in Norway, so we had to try it!) - followed by some emulation of old games on our phones. Whilst in Rostock, we also managed to visit the zoo - which was amazingly constructed! We walked in a huge forest with different environments and zones - THIS is how a zoo should be! It was as if every zone was a natural extension to the scenery and nature itself.

After these days, we started on our journey back to Haugesund, Norway. We took a ferry from Rostock in Germany to Gedser in Denmark. When we arrived in Denmark, we continued our drive towards Helsingør, where we took the ferry over to Sweden’s Helsingborg.

When we reached Sweden, the “real” drive started. We drove for 12 hours, from Helsingborg in Sweden, to Haugesund in Norway. Across the mountains, down the valleys and under the lakes (through tunnels!). An amazing drive, but very long! Would i recommend doing that “phase” in one sitting? Never. But we did. 942 Kilometers. Granted, we took a few pitstops, having some light meals and fueling - but still. Please, split this up in 2 days instead of doing it in 1 go.
Do as i say, not as i do - of course.

This trip was more than just testing the car though.
We created memories, me and my brother.
I hope he will remember this… I know i will.

John