1849 Buntusukeya-Sambajukeya expedition

The **1849 Buntusukeya-Sambajukeya expedition** was a three year expedition throughout Livia conducted by Ophuahun Buntusukeya, Denik Sambajukeya, Ophuahun Kanalikeya, Esis Gisamikeya and eleven other diplomats, politicians and historians. The expedition was planned by Buntusukeya and Sambajukeya in 1845. Buntusukeya and Sambajukeya spent the next 4 years corresponding with Qeelsian diplomats, acquiring financial support from the Rocian government, and organizing a crew. Fourteen of the fifteen members kept detailed diaries of their expedition, with Buntusukeyas writings being published in in 1914 as The Diary of the Traveller. The expedition crew met with important Qeelsian figures from the period, including Minority Rights leader Stayov Winro, photographer Yaron Rawunori, Dosenmarian president Ha Shi Ma, several Grand Tijin and Yazaali leaders, and the Qeelsian avya, Kiponar Qeelsia II.

The expedition was planned to strengthen the bond between the Qeelsian and Rocian nations, to document the cultural landscape of Livia, to conduct diplomatic work, and to inspire others to travel to Livia. The expedition was largely seen as a success, and is often cited as an example of bravely exploring other cultures, although Sambajukeya later called the expedition "as much a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into a fantastic world outside my own, as much as it was a traumatic and dangerous leap of faith, which can not be recommended to anyone not prepared to give their life and sanity to the journey." One crew member, Vafasem Tejmonu, died in 1950 in the Haklasian capital Pansa from from an infection, and according to the journals of Buntusukeya, all crew members suffered at least one form a serious illness during the expedition, some "nearing death."

## First year

The crew started in Melnehim on the 12th of Vismar 1849, where the crew took a train to Taslian capital Haferka, at that time the closest destination to Qeelsia, which took about six days. They organized a horse carriage through most of northern Rinia, where they boarded a train from Genelvir to the Salvadian capital Salvon. They boarded a cargo ship owned by Qeelsian business magnate Telmaysin Keleku, founder of the Keleku Cargo & Shipping Company. The cargo ship was delayed by two days due to a late shipment of marble slabs from Kaza, which were ordered by the Qeelsian avya.

The crew arrived in Milaw City following the four day travel. A year before, Buntusukeya had arranged a meeting with Qeelsian diplomat Veima Ilakvin, who would accompany the crew for about two months to the Qeelsian capital. Veima, being a diplomat, was also able to provide free lodgings for the crew in any Qeelsian hotel, but Buntusukeya claims to have declined all offers, instead paying the hotel for their rooms. The historians among the crew spent a week visiting important Milawic sites, such as the Milawic Union of Qeelsia Museum, which houses relics and documents from Anza Qeelsia, Ulavin and other avya, and several relics associated with Jiahen Qeelsia. While in Milaw City, Buntusukeya convinced all crew members to grow out their beards, as clean shaven faces were still a taboo in Qeelsian society.

The crew signed their will and testament before departing.