Expedition Happiness is a documentary based on the real-life experience of a German couple named Felix Starck and Selima Taibi. When they buy a school bus to embark on a road trip, their life has just begun.

In 2016, despite having a well-employed and decent living in Berlin, Felix and Selima had the feeling something was missing in their lives, which prevented them from being happy. Their idea: embark on a road trip across the globe.

After researching online, they found a school bus for sale in the United States. Without much hesitation, they bought it and flew to the USA along with their dog Rudy.

For the next three months, they spent time rebuilding the bus into a functional recreational vehicle, equipped with all the necessary needs such as:

• Bedroom: For comfort after many driving hours
• Shower: To stay clean during the months ahead
• Kitchen: To cook food and stay healthy throughout the road trip

Usually, road trips tend to have a mapped route. However, in this expedition, they were driving where the routes would take them.

Their first stop, Canada. Here, they make a stop at the Banff National Park. Afterward, they drive to Alaska, where they experience the Denali State Park. Also, the scenery with beautiful mountain views is worth all the driving hours. Not only do they visit new places but also meet the locals.

Secondly, Vancouver, where more nature awaits. They keep wandering south and this time they have more time to explore the United States, such is the case of the Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

Heading down south, they reach Mexico. Yes, you guessed it, tacos, tacos, and more tacos. Locals welcome them with open arms and guide them through the city. They go to a jalapeno tour factory, which is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine. While in MX, they explore Chihuahua, Torreón, and San Luis Potosi.

Travel can be very tiring itself, even more so for a dog. Unfortunately, Rudy becomes too ill and the road trip comes to a sudden end. Nonetheless, they can do a good deed by giving away their recreational school bus vehicle to a family, who most likely will use it to wander off on their Expedition Happiness.

Last but not least, what makes this documentary a unique experience is the blending of beautiful scenery and music. I don’t know if there is such a thing as the perfect soundtrack, but this one comes close. Selima is a musician who goes by the artistic name Mogli.

Watch the trailer and listen to the “Expedition Happiness” Soundtrack in the link below.

1. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎
2. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎
3. “Expedition Happiness” documentary. Directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi (Studio Hamburg Enterprises, 2017). ↩︎

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