In the early spring of 2023, Breanna Wilson embarked on a daring solo odyssey from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Her chosen steed was a 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser, a vintage vehicle emblematic of rugged durability. The ambitious route, spanning approximately 7,000 kilometers, promised a tapestry of diverse landscapes and geopolitical challenges. However, the journey was anything but straightforward, marred by an array of unforeseen difficulties and logistical hurdles.
The initial obstacle was acquiring a Russian tourist visa, a notoriously cumbersome process for American citizens, especially amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Wilson navigated this bureaucratic labyrinth with the aid of a Russian travel agency, which provided the necessary invitation letter and itinerary. Despite the U.S. State Department's advisory against travel to Russia, her visa application was surprisingly approved, setting her journey in motion.
With the visa secured, Wilson's plans were further complicated by the pandemic-induced closure of the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Consequently, she opted to ship her Land Cruiser to Baku, Azerbaijan, and fly there to continue her journey. The shipping process involved a precarious crossing of the Caspian Sea, an endeavor made longer by unexpected delays. Onboard a Ro-Ro cargo ship, Wilson experienced a blend of camaraderie and discomfort, which included a memorable encounter with the ship’s chef.
Upon arriving in Kazakhstan, Wilson faced additional challenges. The capital city of Astana was unexpectedly congested due to a major chess championship, leading to further delays. Extreme temperatures and a frozen diesel fuel tank added to her troubles. After resolving these issues, she continued her journey, discovering that Semey, her next stop, was historically a site of Soviet nuclear testing, which cast a shadow over the city’s atmosphere.
The most daunting phase of her trip began with crossing into Russia. The border crossing was fraught with scrutiny and suspicion. As an American traveling alone with Georgian plates, Wilson faced rigorous interrogation and detailed questioning by Russian officials, heightened by recent political tensions. Despite the intense scrutiny, she successfully navigated through Siberia, only to encounter further complications at the Russian exit border, where a misplaced document led to another round of meticulous examination.
Finally, Wilson crossed into Mongolia at the Tsagaannuur border, marking the end of a grueling and transformative journey. The final leg of her trip to Ulaanbaatar was punctuated by a snow delay and mechanical issues caused by contaminated fuel. Despite these trials, Wilson arrived in Mongolia, ready to embrace her new life as a freelance travel writer. Her journey, characterized by tenacity and adaptability, stands as a testament to her resilience and adventurous spirit.
