A father and son are undertaking a journey from Sydney, Australia, to Italy on a 1976 blue Vespa, facing unexpected challenges including a war in the Middle East, global oil shocks, and border closures.
Vespa Pilgrimage Amid Global Uncertainty
Mario Gabrieli, 54, and his 11-year-old son, Leonardo, embarked on a coming-of-age pilgrimage from their home in Australia to Gabrieli’s birthplace of Trieste, Italy, almost entirely by Vespa, with the exception of necessary water crossings. Almost three months into their journey, they have navigated fuel restrictions, petrol station closures, physical discomfort, and a complete engine failure.
Currently located about 150km north of Songkhla, Thailand, near the Malaysian border, Gabrieli described the trip as a long-held “dream” to travel the world on a Vespa, having previously completed shorter trips through Europe and Asia.
The journey began after Leonardo reached year six of school and their apartment building was slated for demolition, prompting Gabrieli to pursue homeschooling before high school. He stated the primary motivation was to instill a sense of adventure in his son.
After a trial run in northern Thailand, they prepared to ship their Vespa to Bali in early January, only to experience a complete engine failure a week before departure. With the help of a mechanic friend, they sourced parts, rebuilt the engine, and shipped the Vespa to Bali.
Since then, they have traveled throughout Indonesia via Surabaya, Java, and Sumatra, crossed to Malaysia, and entered southern Thailand. Their planned route continues through Laos and China, then along the 1,200km Pamir Highway through Central Asia, over the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, bordering Iran.
Border restrictions pose a significant challenge, but if successful, they aim to reach Georgia, Turkey, and Greece, ultimately arriving on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. An alternative route, potentially impacted by visa restrictions, involves detouring through Russia, almost circling Ukraine.
The entire journey is expected to take approximately 10 months.
Welcomed by Vespa Communities
Throughout their travels, the pair have received support from numerous Vespa communities across Asia, who have provided lodging and assistance. Gabrieli described their travel style as riding for two days and stopping for one, allowing time for Leonardo’s homeschooling, facilitated by local sim cards for internet access.
Fuel shortages in Thailand have presented difficulties, with restrictions limiting purchases to 10 liters, and approximately 70% of petrol stations being closed. Gabrieli acknowledged the uncertainty of finding open stations, given the Vespa’s 150km range.
The journey has also presented physical challenges, which Leonardo summarized as “three stages of pain”: a flaming butt, a numb butt, and a steam butt, prompting his father to add a fourth stage, “The prayer.”
Their journey has gained attention on social media, with Leonardo being dubbed “Indonesia’s Justin Bieber,” allowing them to connect with others and seek assistance when needed.
Gabrieli emphasized the importance of embracing the unexpected, stating, “I started with the mentality that to take Leonardo on a journey with no planning and be open to what happens on the road really is the point.”
Upon reaching Europe, they plan to reunite with Jocelyn, Leonardo’s mother, and spend two months in Trieste before Leonardo returns to school. Gabrieli envisions their arrival as a “full circle” moment, completing their journey on the Vespa in his birthplace.
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