Hi everyone, this is my first post here but have been browsing and it's the best landy forum I've come across!

We (me and my husband) are going to Romania beginning Oct to take spare medical supplies and baby stuff over that is surplus from my work as a neonatal nurse.
So, we have 3 weeks to get there and back and want to see as much as possible but not be too knackered with endless driving. Not really interested in cities, do like lots of 'real life culture' type stuff.

Ideas anyone?

Looking at perfect destinations I came up with 15 countries in our journey, however we only have 3wks off work and that includes R&R when we get back! We live in the NW England so it's going to take a day to get down to most ferry ports realistically.

Any comments most welcome x

Hi and Welcome

You both have a lot ahead of u, it's still a shame that so much is still required within Romania.

If any1 can help it will b this rowdy bunch on ere, keep us posted

__________________
I Like it Off Road and Dirty

Some People are like Slinkies, They don't have a purpose, but they still bring a smile when you push them down the stairs.

Thanks very much. As I type my other half is fitting a bed half way down the back of the truck. We used the same idea with another 100 we had, bottom half for all our stuff and then a 'bed' on top. This one should be a bit better with it being a highcap and he's made a tall backbody for it so we can sit up in it too.

Looking 4ward 2 any Photo's of your project and expidition

__________________
I Like it Off Road and Dirty

Some People are like Slinkies, They don't have a purpose, but they still bring a smile when you push them down the stairs.

Hello,
I'm from Romania and as member on this forum I will be pleased to help you on your trip. I called it trip because an expedition is more appropiate for Africa or far Scandinavia or Mongolia from my point of view.
Be patient, it will not be the toughest ride of your life and as long as myself and my wife toghether with our 1 1/2 year son succeeded to came from Newcastle(returning from Norway) to London and back to Romania in a New Beetle, for you, armoured in a LR will be a pice of cake.
If you intend to help the neonatal hospitals you are wellcome, check the flooded areas of the N of the country(right now we have some massive floods in this area),but don't be dissapointed when seen our doctors in Mercedes and BMW.
Really think that the image about Romania is a little bit TV-inspired.

Funny thing is that I'm also planning an expedition to Scotland with my Disco.

welcome
please dont take this the wrong way !! but why cant you give these spare supplies to great ormond street or jimmy`s in leeds as you would be passing them on your way ?? as the saying goes charity begins at home

I suppose it depends where you go really, am in contact with a few different charities and have seen very recent pictures of poor conditions - in comparision to where I work which is a very rich hospital with all the latest technology and gadgets. Thanks for your comments, will bear the North in mind.

Don't worry, I wouldn't take offence! The supplies are from a NICU in the northwest and cannot be used again (legally) in this country due to 'single use' being printed on everything.
The items have been previously opened accidently- eg syringes /part used - for example large dressings with corners cut off/ sterile packs of single use instruments(like forceps/scissors) that have had one item taken from them but cannot be called sterile once opened and things like that.
Lots of things like nappies and cotton wool are stored in the babies incubator or cot and once the baby no longer needs them, cannot be put back into general circulation due to 'superbug' being plastered all over the news.
I have worked in Jimmys and have regular dealings with GOS and know these items would not be used there.

This trip was originally just a holiday but became something more when a few of us at work discussed all the perfectly good bits and bobs we throw away in a normal working day!!

Hope the above makes sense, it's hard trying to explain how very careful and clean everything has to be for very sick and very premature babies... if you imagine I need a 2ml syringe and accidently open a 5ml syringe, I can't just reseal it or leave it on the side until someone else needs it, so it goes in the bin...however if you have no alternative then you would be grateful for that unused item. I have seen povery in the Gambia and was so frustrated watching the nurses struggle to find the most basic things that I have to hand at all times at work.

nice one have a good safe trip all the best to ya both , call that a honeymoon eh

The supplies are from a NICU in the northwest and cannot be used again (legally) in this country due to 'single use' being printed on everything.
The items have been previously opened accidently- eg syringes /part used - for example large dressings with corners cut off/ sterile packs of single use instruments(like forceps/scissors) that have had one item taken from them but cannot be called sterile once opened and things like that.

Seems that I have a language barrier, but do you really intend to bring to Romania unsealed syringes or un-sterile stuff? Please note that in Romania we also have syringe factories(1 or 2) and even in the top of the mountain the nurses are using sterile syringes and stuff.
If you are going to give unsealed or non-sterile products the reaction of staff can be unexpected(after AIDS problems in the 80-90's the things are now different). Also will be a good idea to check with the local UK Embassy about this as it seems that the legends are never ending about Romania.Any comparison with Gambia or Namibia is pure fantasy!
Otherwise Angelina and Brad would be here before you!

Please don't missunderstand me, we welcome visitors to Romania, but now we are also members of E.U. and what is not legal in the UK in Romania can be more un-legal.

I thing that due to your practical experience in neo-nato area, some medical procedures that are not yet availlable here will be more appropiate.
But... It's your adventure, I was just trying to offer you some real-life image.

Your trip sounds like its well motivated and so the best of luck to you. incidentally if you are passing through Austria on your travels, i don't suppose you could bring me a pork pie and a jar of branstons? i will put the kettle on for ya so you can av a nice cuppa tea for your troubles

__________________


1 for the road