What some people say about us – and what's really going on
- marceleckhoff
- Dec 1, 2025
- 5 min read
1. “They are begging for money.”
Anyone who uses the word "beg" should look it up first. Begging means actively, repeatedly, and urgently pleading with someone for money. In 12 weeks of owning the bus, I've only mentioned the donation account twice – once on the Campermen podcast, because Henning, out of his own enthusiasm, suggested I bring it up. Henning is a genuinely good person, a father, a dog owner, a Hamburger (resident of Hamburg), and someone you could easily call a role model. The recording was pure joy.
Important: Donations are voluntary. No one has to. No one should. It's not about financing our expansion. It's about creating opportunities to help other children and animals abroad.
Yes, I initially structured my GoFundMe incorrectly. An information window demanded "full transparency," so I listed everything without considering how it would be perceived. My mistake, my own carelessness, and I want to be clear about that. We pay every bill ourselves. Four- to five-figure sums over twelve weeks—all out of our own pockets. The donation account details have since been revised and are clearly worded.
Donation account:
2. “The poor children. They need school, a room, friends.”
My children are 2 and 5. They are free to explore and learn as they wish. We don't live in the bus to keep them confined, but to bring more nature into our daily lives. The bus is for sleeping, cooking, and bathing. Everything else happens outside.
Friends? They have them all over the world. Socialization? Going well. Education? Different, but not worse. If they want a high school diploma later on, I register them as external candidates – it's been done successfully countless times. Elia Stein, Lukas Dudek, Chris Fader, Lisa Edelhäußer, Maike Krass… and the wonderful Vera Birkenbihl talked about such models decades ago.
3. “The bus is too long, too high, too heavy – it will never be approved.”
I receive messages daily from people who have already had their vehicles cleared under Sections 70 and 21. I protect these contacts – naturally. Nobody wants these people to be overwhelmed.
For the past 12 weeks, I've been bombarded with criticism. But: Every hate comment fuels me. It shows me how I don't want to live. And I mean that without judgment. We did our research BEFORE buying. Yes, registration depends on the specific authority. Yes, we know the potential hurdles. And yet: we're forging ahead – consciously, informed, and steadfastly.
4. “That won’t get you anywhere, and you’re not allowed to stand anywhere.”
We mostly drive to friends' houses – with properties, space, and open doors. There are extra-large parking spaces, bus parking, and other solutions. Yes, it requires planning. Yes, it's more complicated than with a station wagon. But that's precisely the price we pay for something we want: freedom, space, mobility.
5. “How do they actually finance that?”
Quite simply: We haven't taken a vacation in six years. Marcel has a good employer and a good salary. I'm a Birthkeeper and Breastkeeper (independent birth support and breastfeeding counseling), trained by midwives and doctors, though I don't use the title myself – it's all done correctly and transparently. Marcel will remain employed until July 2027, then we'll return the leased car and leave Germany. This wasn't a spontaneous decision, but something we've been planning for years.
6. “They want to escape from something.”
No. Flight stems from fear. Our move stems from courage. Every country has advantages and disadvantages. We want different food, a different mentality, different weather, different places. We want to travel freely, not flee. We don't want to be 80 years old and say, "It's a shame we never dared."
7. “You need a D driving licence for that.”
Not for our project. We need a C license plate because the weight is relevant after the conversion. Yes, the bus was an M3 vehicle. According to §70/21, it will be classified as a special-purpose vehicle (motorhome). Marcel already has his C license plate and paid for it himself. I'm starting in January.
8. “Is that an old BVG bus?”
Yes. 2009–2020 Berlin public transport, 2020–2023 school bus in Lingen. BZ Berlin and NOZ Lingen have reported.
9. “You answer rudely, you ramble, you use hearts too much.”
I sincerely thank everyone for a kind word, a helpful tip, or constructive criticism. If comments are nonsensical, I sometimes respond with irony. Humor is part of my nature.
And yes: perception depends on your own state of mind. Bad day – focus on the negative. Good day – focus on the positive. That's why I urge you: if you're unhappy, write it down in a journal instead of posting in other people's comment sections. Stefanie Stahl has written fantastic books on this topic.
10. “Adhesive solar panels are the dumbest thing you can do.”
It depends on the vehicle. With our height, there's no alternative. Adhesive solar panels are flat (from mm to 1 cm), so a frame is impossible. We know the disadvantages: lower yield, more heat, shorter lifespan. But: it's our bus, our conditions, our solution. If someone is building lower, a frame-mounted system is the better option. Every bus is unique – and that's a good thing.
11. “A normal camper would have been enough. Or a house.”
We want to live permanently – not just camp twice a year. A standard motorhome doesn't meet our needs. We need a washing machine, dishwasher, shower, toilet, proper kitchen, workspace, and storage. Buying a house? Not an option for us. We no longer feel comfortable in Germany – for various reasons. We want a fully equipped home on wheels.
12. “They let others do the work for them, and Flo does nothing on the bus.”
Facts: Marcel works 8 hours a day. I take care of the children, the household, and my freelance work. After work, one of us works on the bus and the other looks after the kids. We both work every day – professionally and on the project.
Why are there more videos from Marcel?
The children are clinging to me – lovely, but I'm not posting pictures of them.
In recent weeks, he has taken over the heavy work of installing fiber optic cables.
I handle all the organizational aspects – workshop, phone calls, materials, research – myself. Full-time. Alongside everything else.
13. “With that much reach, you have to be able to take criticism.”
I can. But I also don't open the door to anyone who yells at me. And I block people who behave disrespectfully online. I stick with people who inspire, think ahead, and take responsibility. Anyone who wants to complain is welcome to do so—but not in my living room, and not online either.
Finally
I've now invested 1.5 hours clearing up misunderstandings, correcting prejudices, and clarifying what we stand for. I like to look to people who already live the way I want to live for inspiration. I've never seen a hater fare better than the person being hated.
Thank you for every like. Thank you for every comment. Thank you for every message, every tip, every genuine offer of support. Thank you for everything that comes from the heart.
I see you. I value you.
Donation account: From eviction to new beginnings