Imagine taking your family on a trip around the world to see new places and make memories that will last a lifetime. This dream came true for Sam and Rachel Dix from Bristol when they turned an old American school bus into a fancy mobile home.
A 37-by-8-foot yellow school bus that the couple brought from New York to Somerset was the first step on their trip. What used to be a ship for 72 kids became a cosy home for their growing family, which now includes their youngest son, Bodhi.
For more than six months, the renovations were done by Sam, a skilled carpenter, and Rachel, an expert in interior design. They put their whole selves into the job. The end result was a beautiful mobile home with beautiful hardwood floors, a kitchen that worked, a bedroom that was comfy and a bathroom that looked beautiful.
Sam and Rachel got ideas from the Motorhome Matt show, which had helpful tips on how to choose the right motorhome and make money while travelling. Matt Sims, who hosts a show and is the CEO of The Motorhome Holiday Company, became their guide on the trip.
The Dix family made the bus their home. It was a place where they could be free and happy. They put solar panels on the outside of the bus, which still happily wore its famous yellow colour, to cut down on their carbon footprint. The nurses were able to find Rachel and Bodhi after Sam put a light on top of the bus. Rachel gave birth on an organic farm.
Rachel miraculously gave birth to Bodhi in the cosy living room of their mobile home. The birth certificate proudly lists “American School Bus” as the place of birth.
Rachel’s father died of cancer at the age of 52, and the Dix family chose to go on this trip as a respect to him. They were happy about life and their trip showed how important it is to work hard, use your imagination, and have a sense of excitement.
Sam and Rachel are already working on their next project, but they keep encouraging people to go with the flow and make their own stories on the open road.
