In the new season for “Team Bachstad”, the plan was to drive the world’s longest continuous road network. The route was supposed to run from the western point of Sagres in Portugal to Khasan in Russia. It was to be a journey through Europe. But only four days before departure, Russia invades Ukraine. In the four days, Russia takes control of 24 regions. The capital Kyiv is exposed to several explosions. Over a hundred civilians are killed, and even more injured. – We were upset when we left, and very affected by the news that was conveyed along the way, through Norwegian media, says Øystein. Ukrainian soldiers and a refugee walk past a dead body in Ukraine in March 2022. Photo: THOMAS PETER / Reuters Dark backdrop Although they were unsure whether they would be able to reach Russia, they were aware that what was happening to the east in Europe was more important than any “Team Bachstad” even up. – We could neither be disappointed nor irritated at our own pace. We were off guard, because it takes us a few weeks to drive to Russia, says Øystein. FROM WEST TO EAST: Rune Gokstad and Øystein Bache had plans to travel from Sagres in the west to Khasan in the east. Although Team Bachstad trips are usually spontaneous, they soon realized that this trip was going to be much more unpredictable than before. But they were sure of one thing. They were not going to the Ukrainian border and film refugees who came over. – We were very clear that it was not our task. We shouldn’t burden people in need with two fast cars in a red car that is out making a travel series. But the further east they got, the stronger the impression was, and the closer they got to the situation in Ukraine. Break up in tears In Liechtenstein, they met, among other things, a mother and a son from Ukraine who had fled their homeland. Her husband was still in the war. She broke down in tears when she was asked to tell what she had experienced. – There we stood in a tiny country that abandoned its defenses in the 19th century. And then we meet those who have had to flee from one end of Europe to the other, says Rune. – Then you understand the people in refugee trauma in a better way, he adds. – A part that was at stake There was a lot that happened during the six weeks Rune and Øystein were on tour. 8 million Ukrainians had fled their homes. The sanctions against Russia became more and tougher. Sweden and Finland applied for membership in NATO. They felt they were far from home. – There was a part that was at stake. We had a lot to think about, says Øystein. – What would we have done if there had been another world war? A confrontation between Russia and NATO. We felt the discomfort, adds Rune. Rune Gokstad met many people who made an impression during the last trip with Team Bachstad. Photo: news A united Europe As the situation developed, they realized that it would be more difficult than before to drive through Russia as Norwegians. – Being Norwegian has often been exotic and peace-seeking, underlines Rune. – But suddenly being from a NATO country, and having a secretary-general from Norway affected the way we were seen, he adds. Despite this, they traveled far east, and visited, among other things, the Norwegian Refugee Council in Poland and the Norwegian forces in Lithuania. During the journey, they saw a Europe that stood up for each other. – Seeing that Europe can stand like this until they come together when they are put to the test is rewarding, says Øystein. – It was rewarding to see how individuals banded together to help people in need. It gives us optimism for the future. DISCUSSION: Rune Gokstad and Øystein Bache had to accept things that came up during the trip. Photo: Øystein Bache and Rune Gokstad Although the new season of Team Bachstad has the recognizable humorous tone, it is also much more marked by the times and the world situation they are in than any of the earlier journeys. – People can expect two friends who are traveling for six weeks through a Europe in war and peace. Through a Europe that is more united than ever, Rune concludes. Where will “Team Bachstad” end up? Watch on news TV or on news 1.
ttn-69
– A part that was in play – news Culture and entertainment
