SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — What began as a dream of travel and freedom has become a reality for Syracuse artist Aldea Girard.
Over the past two years, Girard has transformed a minibus into a fully functional off-grid RV, complete with solar power, plumbing and living space designed for life on the road.
Girard said the idea had been in the back of her mind for years.
“For a long time my retirement plan was to get a bus and travel,” she said. “It just seemed very cool and very free and different and creative.”
The project took shape after Girard sold her house and decided to pursue a different lifestyle. Despite having no prior experience building an RV, she purchased the bus and began teaching herself skills ranging from carpentry and plumbing to electrical work and mechanical repairs. Over the course of the project, she estimates she spent between $16,000 and $17,000 transforming the bus into a fully functional home on wheels.
The conversion was not without setbacks.
According to her father, Richard Girard, water damage discovered during the build forced much of the project to be torn apart and rebuilt.
“When we found out the windows had leaked and the floor was rotted, that basically took it further behind than it was prior because we had to rip up all the flooring, rip up all the cabinetry we put in and basically start all over again,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Girard remained committed to completing the project.
Andrew Lazarus, Girard’s partner, said her determination helped carry the project through its challenges.
“She just goes and does things and gets it done. It’s amazing at times,” Lazarus said.
Today, the bus Girard named “Cosmo” runs entirely on solar power and serves as a mobile home designed for travel and off-grid living.
After years of planning and construction, Girard said finally driving the bus was an emotional moment.
“Oh, I cried,” she said. “We just drove it down this road and around the block and I’m like giggling.”
While the bus has already completed its first major trip, Girard said the adventure is just beginning.
Her next journey with Cosmo will be a two-week trip through the Adirondacks as she continues exploring life on the road.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Syracuse artist transforms minibus into off-grid home on wheels
Danny Erb: Usually, when you enter someone’s home, it’s not through a bus door. But for Syracuse artist Aldea Girard, this colorful mini bus has become exactly that.
Aldea Girard: “For a long time my retirement plan was to get a bus and travel. It just seemed very cool and very free and different and creative.”
Erb: What started as a dream eventually became a reality. Girard sold her house, bought the bus and got to work. Over the next two years, she taught herself carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and even mechanical repairs. Along the way, she faced setbacks that nearly forced her to start over. Her father, Richard Girard, says one issue nearly sent the project back to square one.
Richard Girard: “When we found out the windows had leaked and the floor was rotted, that basically took it further behind than it was prior because we had to rip up all the flooring, rip up all the cabinetry we put in and basically start all over again.”
Erb: But even after tearing much of the project apart, Girard refused to quit. Her partner, Andrew Lazarus, says determination was never in short supply.
Andrew Lazarus: “Knowing her, yeah. She just goes and does things and gets it done. It’s amazing at times.”
Erb: Today, the bus runs entirely off solar power and includes everything needed for life on the road. And after years of work, the moment it finally hit the road was one she’ll never forget.
Aldea Girard: “Oh, I cried. Yeah, I cried. We just drove it down this road and around the block and I’m like giggling.”
Erb: Now, with Cosmo finally complete, Girard is already planning her next adventure.