“If you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter how you get there.”
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Some notes on hitch-hiking…
My hitch-hiking experience was rich, with many stories. One of them was in Finland. But first. Hitch-hiking is random and unexpected. If you can handle the many changes which present themselves at a moment’s notice, it should be a breeze.
First and foremost, hitch-hike not only with the idea of accepting (a ride) but also with the idea of having something to offer. A good story, a kind ear for the driver’s potential stories plus an understanding what is needed, to be quiet or to be talkative. To be a good hitch-hiker is to be a good observer.
Don’t be negative and, even if you feel tired, present a positive spirit. Once you have accepted a ride, don’t bitch about how long you had to stand on the side of road (which was your own choice). Learn how to do that. Be open minded and do not hassle the driver with your bad news. Remember that you are a guest. Behave as such. Show your interest in the driver, find out what his or her interests are (this is usually revealed in the first five minutes) and ask him/her questions in relation to this. Everyone feels good to talk about their interests.
If you have doubts about any aspects of hitching, imagine yourself as the driver.
Hitch-hiking can involve long waits, boredom, anxiety, depression and uncertainty. Therefore you need strength to cope. Practicing a little zen is good. A ‘be here now’ attitude is good. Keep reminding yourself that this very moment is all right. Observe, watch yourself and watch the world around you. Write down what you see. This could be a great exercise and practice while waiting.
Hitch-hiking is a serious adventure. Do not hitch-hike at night. There seems nothing useful in it, instead it is fraught with possible danger. Imagine standing in the dark, metres from where cars are speeding by.
In terms of sleeping, this is as unexpected and interesting as hitch-hiking. I carried a one-man tent and quality sleeping bag and have been able to sleep almost anywhere, especially in the country.
Hitch-hiking on Sundays is a bummer and a waste of time. Families are out and, in the main, are not likely to pick up a hitch-hiker. Make Sunday a day of rest and enjoy the special environment where you may find yourself. Or organise a good place to spend the day.
I’ve hitch-hiked for a variety of reasons. For a start it was an adventurous way to travel. The pay-off for this was that you had to let go of expectations and accept that which comes along. You may think that you know where you are going, but you have no idea how you will get there. And that is the fun part.
In addition, you learn to travel without plans and you learn patience. (And the reward of practicing patience is patience.) It is cheap and if you are not in a hurry and do not need to be anywhere at a certain time, a great way to travel. Quite often – especially when you have established a good relationship with the driver – you get to see some things you will never ever see on the bus or train. I have been taken outside the drivers intended trip many times to be shown something very special.
I have numerous stories to illustrate this point. Here is one. I stood on the side of a road in Finland. It was November and getting real cold. I used to turn in early and write or read. A piece of wood with some candles on it both lit the tent and kept me warm until sleep. The previous night I had to get up for the usual pee, and standing there in the freezing cold, I saw the Northern Lights, a spellbinding visual display. I was torn between being warm in the tent, and looking at this truly amazing natural phenomena while freezing outside the tent.
Later that morning I awoke to a strange illuminating light inside the tent. Unbeknownst to me, snow – which like a ghost had crept into the forest and fallen without a sound all around me – like a new doona covered the whole of the environment. I found myself in a land of wonder.
Email: art@petrusspronk.com