‍The whole adventure started back in late 2012, right after we decided that “retirement” sounded far too much like sitting still—and that a proper road trip across North America was a much better plan. Our trusty 34-foot Class C, a Minnie Winnie, had treated us well… but let’s just say it also taught us one important lesson: if you plan to take *everything but the kitchen sink*, you might want a little more space (and maybe an actual kitchen sink upgrade while you’re at it).

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‍Because once you commit to a year on the road, packing gets… ambitious. Christmas decorations? Obviously for Beate. Easter décor? Non-negotiable. Heavy jackets for winter chills, swimwear for sunny lakes, plus tools, computers, kitchen gadgets, patio furniture, a grill—and probably a few things we still haven’t rediscovered to this day.

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‍So the search for the “perfect” motorhome began. We toured, we compared, we opened cabinets and peeked into storage bays like serious RV detectives. And then, in Tucson, Arizona, it happened: love at first sight. There she stood—a used ALFA SeeYa Gold. Game over.

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‍The ALFA SeeYa Gold wasn’t just any motorhome—it was in 2005 the flagship, top-of-the-line Class A diesel pusher from Alfa Leisure, built for full-time living with a capital *L*. Forty feet of rolling comfort, soaring interior height (finally, no ducking!), and slide-outs so deep you could practically lose a small dog in them. Compared to her, other motorhomes suddenly felt… shy. Even newer and more expensive models couldn’t compete. We had found *the one*—and we’ve never looked back.

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‍Naturally, a beauty like that deserved a proper name. We christened her “Dicke Berta”—and if that doesn’t tell you how much she means to us, nothing will. Thirteen years later, Berta isn’t just a motorhome. She’s our home, our refuge, our cozy nest on wheels.

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‍And she has *seen things*. Rainstorms, desert heat over 110°F, lively gatherings with a dozen friends, overnight guests who somehow always find space—Berta handles it all like a seasoned pro. No complaints, no drama… just steady, reliable comfort.

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‍Sure, she’s getting a little older now. If you compare the early photos to today, you might notice she’s gone a bit gray and picked up a wrinkle or two. But then again… so have we. And honestly? We’re perfectly fine with that—as long as the engine still purrs, our hearts keep beating, and our bones stay flexible enough to climb into bed after a long day on the road.