Rice & Dirt

Leaving the economic turmoil of Greece behind, Stergios Gogos initially set off to discover the world. By the tip of Africa he’d found much more than he’d bargained for.

Follow Stergios and his PX200 Vespa scooter across deserts, mountains, tropical beaches, forests and savannas. Envisage breathing the air of the countries he visited; taste the food, share his concerns, fall repeatedly and get back up from the mud in the Congo, enjoy both solitude and the company of others. But above all, get to know the people that would change his life immeasurably; and meet one in particular. This is a story of physical, emotional and mechanical challenges, of selfevaluation and blossoming relationships.

Roaming the roads of Africa through the unpretentious writing style of Stergios and Alexandra, we are led to a place much deeper than any travelogue could take us. This book manages to steer clear of literary travel classifications and thrills with its liveliness, eloquence and welcome candour.

"Funny, perceptive, revealing and well written. Oh, all right then, it’s a very good book."
– Ted Simon author of Jupiter’s Travels

"A story that spells out the importance of packing a smile; highly recommended."
– Overland Magazine

"The lilting and uplifting text transports you into Africa’s heady blend of colour, challenge and corruption. Infused with mischievous wit and enlightening observation, Rice & Dirt might just make you want to point a Vespa towards sub-Sahara."
– Martin ‘Sticky’ Round, scooterlab.uk

Together Stergios and Alexandra make a travelling duo combining their passions: they write, film, photograph and ride their Vespa around the world. They publish their stories and videos in travel/ motorcycle magazines and other media, as well as on their website: worldvespa.net. Rice & Dirt is their first book.