On the cover of their book, ‘Spark Your Dream’, it says, ‘Where dreams are fulfilled and we are inspired to conquer ours’ – it was certainly an inspirational weekend and when you watch the video you will find out why!
The images are a testament to their car which has taken them around the world and many other places….
Candelaria and Herman ZAPP Began their dream on the 25th of January 2000 they had bought a vintage 1928 Graham-Paige car and began their journey from their home town in Argentina having planned a six months voyage to the northern tip of Alaska, those six months turned into 18 years and counting and four children Pampa, Tehue, Paloma and Wallaby all born in different countries along the way.
What a fantastic dream, what a fantastic adventure, having seen a video shot by the BBC in my home country of Scotland I wrote and invited them to come and stay with us where I now lived in the South of France.
In that BBC Scotland film was something that piqued my interest, Candi talked about cooking hot dogs or corn from the heat of the engine in a small covered tray. Soft boiled eggs took 30 miles and a hard-boiled eggs took 57 miles, they definitely had to come and see us I needed to meet them I wanted to meet them, I wanted to find out more, and not just about hard boiled eggs!
They arrived on the 25th of August 2018 and we had the most amazing weekend with the Zapp family. Within a couple of hours of their arrival it was as if they’d lived with us for years, it was marvellous to find everybody so happy, rhythm the house changed and listening to their experiences I knew that I had to record a small part of their journey and their stay with us. This interview with Candy and Herman recorded as the sun was slowly setting at the end of a wonderful Sunday afternoon spent with friends from our village who, like us, were spellbound by their dream.
The video that first sparked my interest in the Zapp Family was shot in Scotland and can be seen here; Zapp Family in Scotland their travels continue and if you get hooked like me you can follow their progress by visiting their site Zapp Family
Finally, if you have an interest in a truly inspirational book it can be purchased on Amazon : Spark Your Dream
My name is Duncan Mcculley. I met the Zapps in April of 2000 in Fort Worth Texas at an antique auto meet. I’m not sure how we ran into each other given the size of the event but struck up a conversation about their plans.They gave me a signed copy of their first book and I supplied some fuel for the Graham and off they went after our visit. Always wondered where their travels would take them and was pleased to receive an e-mail sometime back revealing the scope of their adventures. I feel very privileged to have made their acquaintance so long ago. Really enjoyed seeing your interview with them. thanks.
The certainly are an inspiration and they must have touched the lives of so many people, and thank you for your lovely comment.
Amaizing!!! So lovely to read your message Duncan!!!
Huge hugs from Brasil!
Thank you for your story, I’ve told so many people about you and it was wonderfull to meet you at the waterfall on the boarder of Namibia and Angola. Just to discover you have stayed with our friends, Johan and Monica in Johannesburg. Sadly Monica passed away 2 years ago.
Thank you for your kind words and I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will pass you comment along to the family Zapp.
Was Cycling near the Waterfront and saw this unique car, sparked up a conversation, learned about their dream, think it was 2017 or so, would love to find a diary to know when they were in Canada, Wonderful people was a pleasure to meet them!!
If you click on the link to their website (above) I’m sure you will find the information you are looking for, also check for their Facebook page.
They were certainly a pleasure to meet and such a unique family.
Today 13 March 2022 at 11.00am (local time Argentina) they officially arrive back in Argentina after having travelled for 22 years.