We had gotten a late start to the day. It was approaching noon, yet the island still seemed to be in a lazy Sunday morning slumber. The rain clouds were emerging from over the mountaintops in the West, just as they had done the day before, teasing us in the […]
Hitchhiking Stories
Stories from the Road – Hitchhiking from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok
1,700 kilometers. 14 rides. 4 days. 1 road. Part 1 I opened my eyes. Complete darkness. Not a single light or sound. The chilling breeze lightly seeping out of the air conditioning panel forced me deeper under the covers. What time was it? Was the sun already out, or was it […]
Achievement Unlocked
Sitting in a bakery at 4 a.m. next to the central bus station in Skopje, I’m distracted by the painfully bright purple and yellow lights dancing along the dusty windows. They sporadically flicker from a distance, constantly changing pattern and pace as if trying to induce a seizure. Usually things […]
Hitching the Transfăgărășan
“From above, it looks like every great corner from every great race track in the world has been knitted together to form one unbroken grey ribbon of automotive perfection” These words were stated with sincere passion by Jeremy Clarkson, host of the renowned British television series, Top Gear, as he […]
Cruising by Thumb – The Road to Vienna
The goal was to reach Vienna, just like many great leaders throughout history. My reasons may have been slightly different, however. And instead of challenging those that stood in my way, I would be relying completely on the help of strangers. Equipped with my pack and cardboard sign, I left […]
Hitchhiking in Croatia
When the term “hitchhiking” is heard in the US, I feel it generally carries a negative connotation. Illegal on major roadways in most states, hitchhiking, or “autostop” as it is referred to in most parts of the world, paints the picture of dangerous vagabonds looking to rob or attack unsuspecting […]