nightride

There were times when I used to hitchhike all around Slovakia (and beyond). Money was scarce, I was studying and whenever I had a moment I would sneak out and go somewhere, and funnily enough many times I used to return to same places, just to explore them over and again. It felt great, being in teen years and experiencing freedom first hand. Having Kerouvac's On the Road as a bible (minus alcohol, cigarettes and drugs) in a backpack...

For different reasons, I no longer find freedom in hitchhiking and it feels far better to drive my own car and not only go where I want to go but also how and when I want to get there. I guess it has something to do with growing up and growing old, doesn't it?

However, to keep my karma good, I feel obliged (and somehow happy, too) to give a lift to hitchhikers I come across. Sort of returning a favour and keeping the wheel spinning. But, and that I find very surprising, there are no hitchhikers left. Well, almost. I criss-crossed the country just lately, all alone and looking out for somebody thumbing up a ride, but there was no one to be seen anywhere. I discussed it with friends and some are thinking that it is because of a season. It's cold and noone wants to be stuck outside when not necessary. Or maybe the young are all well off. The cars got more affordable (though petrol prices are raising). I'm not sure. The fact is, that during last six months I hardly gave two rides to hikers.

Or, there might be one more explanation. Hitchhikers are hitching in some other galaxy.

Yeah, that is certainly it.