German couple's 'grass van' amuses Penangites

On a closer look, the van parked in Jalan Carnavon, here is full of improvised features to enable a family from Germany to travel round the world.

The van of Tobias Lehmann, 31, and his wife Carolin Feneis, 33, is also equipped with a spare water tank, a kitchenette, sink, cabinet and a dining table for two as well as a sofa-bed.

Lehman, when met by Bernama here, said they loved travelling and decided to tour the world in a multipurpose vehicle they bought in Australia after the birth of their son.

"After our son Max Feneis, who is now 17-month-old, was born in Australia, we decided to proceed our journey to New Zealand and stop there for six months before returning to Australia with the van," he said.

Bernama learnt the couple and their son have been in Malaysia for two months and will continue to tour the country until their three-month tourist visas expire.

Before arriving in Penang last month, the couple visited several other places, among them Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.

"After Oct 13, we plan to explore the countries around Asia such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, India, Pakistan and Iran.

"So far, we have already explored several European and Asian countries such as Poland, Latvia, Russia, Mongolia, China, Tibet, Nepal and many more," said Lehman, who is a physiotherapist.

Meanwhile, a local man who wished to be known as Sam, 42, said he knew the couple two years ago via the internet and invited them to visit Malaysia.

"I hope they succeed in completing their series of tours to the whole world and hope they reach their destinations safely," Sam said.