Brothers
Melvyn (65, driving instructor) and Brian (62, retired financial adviser)
BBC
- Amy Raphael
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Whose idea was it to sign up?
Melvyn Mine. I saw the first series and thought, “I can do that.” My wife would never want to go, so I told Brian to watch it.
Brian We applied twice and got lucky the second time.
You’re always bickering and laughing at the same time. Who’s the most annoying?
Melvyn Brian!
Brian Melvyn is very loud, as you’ll see.
What were you most apprehensive about?
Melvyn The unexpected and how to respond. Not speaking the language.
Brian Not having any contact with my family, but after a few days I got used to it. I wasn’t sure we’d really be on our own, but we were; the film crew don’t help and wouldn’t, for example, tell you if you had left your passport behind.
How often did you feel like quitting?
Brian I struggled early on. I told the crew I was upset and missed home. But you take a big breath and go for it.
Melvyn I didn’t want to embarrass my wife by quitting!
Did you take any luxuries?
Melvyn A watch.
Brian That’s not a luxury.
Melvyn And a calculator. An MP3 player.
Brian Blimey, transferring all the music from my CDs took for ever. And ear plugs for when Melvyn got too much!
Did you get on with the younger travellers?
Brian Fin and Sioned are so young, but such a lovely couple. Tom is a super guy. It was brilliant hanging out with the other contestants.
Melvyn I teach a lot of 17- and 18-year-olds to drive – youngsters keep you young.
Did you prioritise racing or sightseeing?
Brian We went inland to do some sightseeing in the first leg.
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Melvyn Neither of us has a good sense of direction, which didn’t help.
Authors
Amy Raphael
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