When others talk about you – and you just keep going your own way
- Flo Eckhoff
- Oct 19, 2025
- 4 min read
It's astonishing how many people suddenly have an opinion,
as soon as you start going your own way.
Especially if this path is not the "normal" one.
Since we bought our double-decker bus to turn it into a home on wheels,
We receive messages daily – congratulations, kind words, but also doubts and criticism.
And you know what?
I understand that. Because change is a trigger – especially for those who feel deep down that they might want more from life, but don't (yet) dare to take it.
"I feel sorry for the children. They need their friends."
Our children have friends all over the world. Many of them also live a traveling, free, and independent life. They already know: friendship doesn't need a postcode.
They grow up surrounded by genuine encounters, languages, animals, nature, and open hearts. I see no fear in their eyes, only anticipation. Because they know: home is not a place – home is a feeling.
"The children need the German school."
Oh yes?
Then I ask myself:
What do children do in other countries?
What did children do before schools existed?
And what do children who learn freely and enthusiastically today – outside of systems – do?
There are wonderful paths beyond the classroom: self-directed education, unschooling, world education.
They do exist – people in Germany who live or pass on self-determined education.
Those who are truly interested will find them.
"Anything over 12 meters isn't even allowed!"
That's a widespread misconception. Special permits according to § 70 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) are expressly possible for special vehicles like our double-decker bus.
TÜV, DEKRA or state authorities individually inspect each conversion – and grant permanent exemptions if the vehicle is safe and technically sound.
There are already many people traveling this way – legally, vetted, and freely.
"They're practically begging for donations."
We don't beg. We dream. We plan. We create. We share.
We worked, saved, paid taxes – and never took a vacation. Now we're investing all our time, energy, and heart into a project that touches people:
A home that lasts. A symbol of freedom, family, courage, and community.
We are opening a donation account because we believe in collective strength. Because many small contributions can achieve great things – not only for us, but for all the animals, women, families, and children we will help along the way.
We don't just want to take – we want to give.
And those who don't understand this are welcome to find out more, because knowledge heals prejudices.
"And what people in the region are saying..."
What I find particularly exciting – especially here in my region:
When people hear stories and judge without ever having asked the other side.
People can talk a lot when the day is long. I don't want to say any more about it for now.
Because sometimes silence is not a sign of weakness, but of dignity.
For all those who prefer to complain rather than live
If you criticize someone who is living their dream, ask yourself honestly:
What triggers you about it? Why are you more preoccupied with other people's lives than your own?
Dissatisfaction arises not from what others do, but from what one does not do.
Do you want change?
Then begin. Not necessarily with a bus – perhaps with a thought. With a new perspective on yourself. With the decision to be 1% braver than yesterday.
"You need a D driving licence!"
Oh really?
We are not planning any commercial passenger transport.
We don't operate a scheduled service, but a special motorhome vehicle.
For our vehicle, the C driving licence (truck) is the correct one.
I prefer to ask TÜV, driving schools and vehicle registration offices –
instead of people who have never converted a double-decker bus.
"Another crazy idea that will never become reality..."
You can think and believe whatever you want. But one thing is certain:
No one has ever made their bus conversion as well-known as we have in just six weeks. I've only had the bus for six weeks – and it's already been featured in newspapers in Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, and Hesse.
New requests come in every day.
Even a TV station has contacted us to report on us this year.
I mean it.
I'm going through with it.
I can do it.
And I'll be traveling through Europe in this bus. Soon you might read my book or see our documentary – both are already on my to-do list.
And while you do that, I sincerely hope that you find the courage to live your own adventure.
Because often we hold back not because we have to – but because we've forgotten that we can.
"This is not camping."
That's right. This isn't camping. This is life.
It's not about spending a few weeks at a campsite. It's about traveling the world, experiencing adventures, choosing your own location freely, and rediscovering the joy of life.
We could have bought a small camper van. But that wouldn't have been our way.
I prefer the elaborate, authentic, challenging path. Because that's where you grow.
Finding, converting, and making a double-decker bus compliant with TÜV regulations requires courage, discipline, personal responsibility, a solution-oriented approach – and heart.
But that's okay. Because I believe: Those who want it easy stagnate. Those who grow, move forward.
For everyone who always wants "proof".
I'm often asked if there really are people who drive converted buses and are legally on the road with special vehicle registration. The answer is: Yes, there are. But please understand – it's not my job to expose these people or violate their privacy.
Anyone who is truly interested can quickly find the necessary information with a little research of their own.
Freedom also means taking responsibility –
for oneself, for others, and for one's own knowledge.
I am happy to share my experiences and my path, but I also respect the paths of others.
And that is precisely what this project is about:
for initiative, respect and the courage to take the next step oneself.
Conclusion
We're not building a bus. We're building a life. With meaning. Depth. Freedom. Responsibility.
And if the other thing is irritating – that's perfectly okay.
Because sometimes what others call "crazy" is simply brave.
This isn't camping. This is life. Real, raw, free, unconventional –
and exactly the way it feels right to us.
Donation account: From eviction to new beginnings