Our Hitch Blog gives Link staff, Hitch Reps and current and former Hitchers the opportunity to talk about their experiences and share information. If you would be interested in making a contribution to the blog, please email hitch@lcd.org.uk.
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Although a few years ago, my charity hitch to Morocco for Link Community Development is still engrained on my mind as if it were only yesterday. It would definitely have to be up there with one of the best things I've ever done, even if I took a little convincing to do it in the first place.
Spirits were high and adrenaline was pumping on the day of departure, even if the weather did resemble an Indian monsoon. As we stood outside Swansea University waving our thumbs at the passing cars, I remember thinking “What a day, what an adventure lies before us!” I was so excited.
And it was the excitement that really kept us going when we found ourselves waiting for three hours for a lift, and the time we had to sleep in a tent on a garage forecourt in the middle of Spain.
Hitch hiking is all about the ups and downs. One day, after we spent a couple of hours standing in the pouring rain, we were ready to throw the towel in. But after a bit of food and some time under the warm hand-dryers in McDonalds, we were ready to face the world again!
And you've guessed it, five minutes after we came out of McDonalds, a sporty silver Peugeot pulled up, a suited gentleman jumped out, whipped open the boot and told us to chuck our stuff in. You certainly can't stereotype the people who pick up hitchers – they're all so different.
Loic turned out to be a very friendly French businessman on his way to visit friends in Nantes. He enquired where we were staying that evening, and on hearing we were planning on camping, proceeded to make a few phonecalls. Putting the phone down, he asked if we would like to stay at his friend's house in Nantes that evening. We were wary at first, but hearing his friend was female, we were more at ease, so we happily accepted.
The evening that followed was one of the most memorable in my 25 years on this planet. If I didn't know better I would describe Loic's friend Patrick and his family as angels – they treated us like royal guests. Whether they had already planned a dinner party or organised it for us will remain a mystery, but the kindness we were shown in that house is unlike any I have ever known.
Around a crowded table was laid a feast of swordfish marinated in rum, grilled vegetables and seafood, crusty bread and fancy wines. And after the wine, came the after dinner drinks – this family knew how to have a good time!
Although the dinner was amazing, the simple joy of being able to have a shower and a bed to sleep in – yes there was a separate bed for each of the three of us – was probably the best of all.
And the kindness didn't stop there, because the next morning, before we had even woken, Patrick had picked up warm pain au chocolat from the local bakery and brewed fresh coffee for us all. And to send us on our way, he gave us a bottle of wine and €50 Loic had left us for the journey.
Some people have reservations about hitch-hiking, but you'll never know how much fun it can be until you try it. It was my friend's story that inspired me to do the Morocco Hitch, and I hope that my story might inspire you to go and live your own adventure. And what a great year to do it, with Link celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Morocco Hitch!
Happy hitching!
Although a few years ago, my charity hitch to Morocco for Link Community Development is still engrained on my mind as if it were only yesterday. It would definitely have to be up there with one of the best things I've ever done, even if I took a little convincing to do it in the first place.
Spirits were high and adrenaline was pumping on the day of departure, even if the weather did resemble an Indian monsoon. As we stood outside Swansea University waving our thumbs at the passing cars, I remember thinking “What a day, what an adventure lies before us!” I was so excited.
And it was the excitement that really kept us going when we found ourselves waiting for three hours for a lift, and the time we had to sleep in a tent on a garage forecourt in the middle of Spain.
Hitch hiking is all about the ups and downs. One day, after we spent a couple of hours standing in the pouring rain, we were ready to throw the towel in. But after a bit of food and some time under the warm hand-dryers in McDonalds, we were ready to face the world again!
And you've guessed it, five minutes after we came out of McDonalds, a sporty silver Peugeot pulled up, a suited gentleman jumped out, whipped open the boot and told us to chuck our stuff in. You certainly can't stereotype the people who pick up hitchers – they're all so different.
Loic turned out to be a very friendly French businessman on his way to visit friends in Nantes. He enquired where we were staying that evening, and on hearing we were planning on camping, proceeded to make a few phonecalls. Putting the phone down, he asked if we would like to stay at his friend's house in Nantes that evening. We were wary at first, but hearing his friend was female, we were more at ease, so we happily accepted.
The evening that followed was one of the most memorable in my 25 years on this planet. If I didn't know better I would describe Loic's friend Patrick and his family as angels – they treated us like royal guests. Whether they had already planned a dinner party or organised it for us will remain a mystery, but the kindness we were shown in that house is unlike any I have ever known.
Around a crowded table was laid a feast of swordfish marinated in rum, grilled vegetables and seafood, crusty bread and fancy wines. And after the wine, came the after dinner drinks – this family knew how to have a good time!
Although the dinner was amazing, the simple joy of being able to have a shower and a bed to sleep in – yes there was a separate bed for each of the three of us – was probably the best of all.
And the kindness didn't stop there, because the next morning, before we had even woken, Patrick had picked up warm pain au chocolat from the local bakery and brewed fresh coffee for us all. And to send us on our way, he gave us a bottle of wine and €50 Loic had left us for the journey.
Some people have reservations about hitch-hiking, but you'll never know how much fun it can be until you try it. It was my friend's story that inspired me to do the Morocco Hitch, and I hope that my story might inspire you to go and live your own adventure. And what a great year to do it, with Link celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Morocco Hitch!
Happy hitching!
Blog 14 - Angharad Jones - My amazing year as a Hitch Rep
Blog 13 - Lotte Kendall - My experiences as a Hitch Rep
Blog 12: Mike Zywina - A right Royal visit!
Blog 11: Bryony Hutt - An exciting visitor!
Blog 10: Alicia Lawson - My fundraising success story
Blog 9: Mike Zywina - Our work in Malawi
Blog 7: Mike Zywina - LCD's Education in Zimbabwe Conference, and how you made it happen
