What I now see mostly as the best possible opportunity for meeting new people and discovering cultures still unknown to me, initially started out also as a journey about new places and self discovery. The focus of the trip has shifted from something I want to do into something I feel I need to do, mostly because of the urge for sharing local stories. This is all still coming up as soon as I get on the saddle again, but for now, here’s an article about the first part of the trip. Written by the Finnish Embassy in Argentina.

IMAGES OF (EX) STRANGERS

Sergio, a couchsurfing host, taxi driver and illustrator, shared a piece of Albert Einstein’s beautiful essay with me in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. According to Einstein, we exist for our fellow men. These words made me realize that no matter of space and time, great minds think alike. English below.

IMAGES OF (EX) STRANGERS

If you want to go on a long cycling trip, be prepared to talk to strangers and give random interviews. Even in the most odd circumstances. Why? Because not only is it a great opportunity for you to meet people, but you and your heavily stocked bicycle will definitely draw people’s attention at you!

How on earth do you train for long-distance cycling and contact with strangers if you live in a city? Unless you’re one of those people into Urban Hitchhiking [sic!], meeting people on the streets of a city can be a tricky business. However, with a spark of imagination, there are loads of things that will draw people towards you. Being a taxi driver on a Saturday night is one option, but an other, more ecological and mentally less challenging one is getting yourself a pink rikshaw!

Body language is essential when approaching strangers, especially, if you’re standing next to a busy road waiting for a ride. Signs and gestures vary from culture to culture, so even when hitchhiking, one can never be completely sure about what the driver is trying to communicate. If you have ever thought about catching a lift from a stranger in Europe or have already done so yet still have doubts on some of the things you’ve seen while on the lookout, then here’s your ultimate guide to understanding drivers and the hidden messages behind their gestures (and my thoughts on them)!