Ik heb wat artwork!

This picture which so accurately illustrates me during the trip was drawn by a Dutch driver who took me from Chaumont to Brive in France. Sander and his wife Margo, whom I mentioned in an earlier blog entry, were on vacation in France.

I received it in my email-box yesterday, and I thought it was so nice I had to share it with you all! The details really are quite amazing, considering the time and circumstances under which we met.

A big Thank You to Sander Neijnens! I hope you and your family is doing well, and that your vacation in France was a success!

Andreas Kinn i Kveldsåpent!

   


This is the interview I did regarding the trip for the Norwegian radio-station NRK P1 (national radio!) in the show Kveldsåpent for those of you who missed it. The interview is in Norwegian, of course, and I'd like to correct the line where I mentioned "two or three bottles of wine" - That of course, should have been "glasses" (though it wasn't too far from the truth in fact)

Rough outline of the trip

Vis større kart

This is a rough outline of the trip. I am currently working on a much more detailed version where you will be able to zoom into the exact locations where I sat waiting. Apparently I covered a distance of nearly 4000 kilometres total.

À votre santé!

The first glass..

Last night at 23:00, my plane touched down in Trondheim. "wait" you might say, "you were supposed to sunbathe until Thursday!" Yes I was supposed to, and as I wrote in my last entry, I was on my way to a camping-spot in Arcachon where I was to spend two nights of sunbathing and swimming in the sea. What happened however, is the most frustrating part of the trip: When I arrived at the station, I knew I had to take one of the smaller shuttle-busses that took people to and from the various camping-spots and beaches for free. I waited maybe 30minutes for the first one, and was disappointed to learn that the bus was not adapted for wheelchair-users, and though it was no problem for me to climb inside by my own, the driver would not let me.
"Oh well" I thought, "there will always be difficult people" and waited for the next bus. To put it shortly; Two and a half hours later, I had been waiting for all kinds of different busses that were supposed to be the ones to take me, and the attendants in the train station even tried calling the main office of the transport-company, who said "there's no problem, go straight in". But the bus drivers refused, saying that if something happened, it would cost them their job. They are right of course, but it is frustrating to be told, after hitch-hiking across the continent to get to the beach, that you just have to turn back. At this point I was annoyed: I'd already spent a big part of the money I had on me on the train ticket, that would be in vain. I decided to use the return-ticket right then and there, and contacted Berg-Hansen travel agency straight away to arrange for the flight back home. The reason for this is that I had planned to get to Bordeaux, and I did. I also wanted to disengage a couple of days on the beach, which I couldn't. I didn't want to spend two days aimlessly wandering around another city centre, so I decided that it was time to pull the plug.

I took the train back to Bordeaux, and took into a hotel close to the train station, kindly paid for by my parents. My train to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport would depart at 06:21 in the morning. I decided to salvage certain goals of the trip though, and set out to taste good Bordeaux wines in Bordeaux.

When I eventually woke up the next morning, I made my way to the train station, where I would have my last French meal consisting of bread, croissant, and a cup of espresso. I think my stomach and cholesterol levels will thank me for getting back home. The train ride to the airport and the ensuing waiting times to get back home is really nothing to write about. What matters now is the fact that I'm back home, relaxing, and preparing to restart normal life of work, university, and cold nights.

Am I disappointed I didn't get to experience the seaside? In one word: Yes. The plan all along was like I said, to unwind after the trip. The fact that a stupid thing like administrative regulations should stop me after a week on the road is annoying me. The reasoning is the fact that I was tired, running out of time, and in no position to argue.
I WILL swim on the south-west coast of France, just not today.

I will say however, that getting from Trondheim to Bordeaux in a week is something I am happy with. And the people I have had the pleasure to meet during has made this an unforgettable experience. I'm sure I'll do something like this again, though I'm not sure when, where, or whether I'll be alone.

For now, I'd like to include the few photos I did manage to take that weren't ruined by the slow shutter in my mobile camera. Taking pictures out of the windows of a car is a challenge at the best of times.

Amsterdam. I'm OK.

This is the picture of me in Amsterdam, which for some reason wasn't included in the Pictures-post earlier.

The Norwegian-flagged hat was mainly to attract attention along the road, but also to inform drivers that I do not speak their language. Also, it signifies to people how far I've gotten along the road.

Hungry for an omelette. They would not oblige.

Right here we have a family of poultry out for a stroll on a grassy field between a petrol station and a Pizza Hut. What were they doing there, you ask? I have no idea. I was following them around for about an hour trying to figure out where they were coming from and where they were going.

Side-street in Sarlat.

This is unfortunately the only good picture I could manage out of Sarlat. The place is really nice! What I'd love to though, is to go to Beynac and have a closer look at Château de Beynac. We drove right underneath the sheer cliff face, where the castle is situated on top. The wall was actually that steep and tall, I wasn't able to take a picture in time. It looked amazing from below. Much like the rest of that surrounding region. Medieval France at it's best.

The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux

 

 

Be advised: These guys do not serve alcohol at 09:30 in the morning. They do however have freshly baked pastries, a good espresso, and prices that will make you feel like you're helping the French economy back on track. Awesome location in the middle of Place de la Comédie.

Across the street from the Regent lies the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. This is what I was looking at while having my breakfast. As you can see, Bordeaux clearly boasts some awesome architecture. and impressive buildings.

 

 

 

These  pictures are of a statue in the middle of the Bordeaux city centre. They have a huge open space there, with this impressive thing in the middle. See if you can figure out who the characters are supposed to be! 

So close..

 Here's a picture of a beach in Arcachon, close to the place where I waited for the bus for so long. If it wasn't for the fact that it was getting so late by the time I decided to give it up, I would have gone here in stead. The chance of sleeping on a beach like this undetected is slim though: Police were patroling the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DUPLEX!

 This is the TGV Duplex train that would take me from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean to the Paris CDG train station in under 3 hours.

Comfortable trainride. I was sleeping most of the way though. Thank you Bordeaux.

That's it for the photos in fact. I will update the blog a bit later with the complete map of my travel route, and the amount of kilometers I've traveled by hitch-hiking.

There will be no victory toast, yet.?

I went by train into the city centre, because I'm running out of time, and i'd like to make the most of what i've got. I wandered aimlessly around the city centre for a couple of hours, before deciding to have breakfast in what I assume is smack in the city centre itself. I wanted to have a quick breakfast, and with it, my victory glass of wine, apparently though, the Regent, Grand hotel de Bordeaux doesn't serve alcohol at 9.30 in the morning. Well OK. I'll humour their little rule for now, but i'll be back tomorrow night!
Right now I'm on the TGV on my way to Arcachon, where i'll spend one night in a fairly great spot along the coast. According to the tourist information office, sleeping on the beach is highly illegal and not recommended, so I'll take her word for it. Tomorrow i'll go into the city again, to sightsee for real. I'll probably spend that last night in the airport, because the train table to and from Arcachon is not very flexible.
Looking forward to sun bathing and swimming in the sea a bit. Then i'll start planning the trip home.
It is obvious now that the biggest part of the adventure is over, and I'm sure I won't be uploading any topless photos of myself, so i'd like to thank those of you who followed my journey to the end. An especially big thank you goes to each and every driver who stopped (or in some cases turned back) to pick me up. Of course there's Berg Hansen traveling agency, who're making sure I get home safe and sound to friends and family. Thank you for making the return trip as comfortable as possible, and for setting up my return trip for me while I'm headed for the beach. The safety net is set, and I can relax. provided I get back to Bordeaux tomorrow.
A special thank you to my parents, who've stood by worrying about of like parents do, and for the immense support by Maureen, my girlfriend who's been very patient with me while I pursued a dream. Now we'll settle into a new apartment, and start planning for the next adventure: hitch-hiking through Africa with no money or equipment!

That was a joke mum, don't worry;
I'll bring the backpack.

Trondheim - Bordeaux: 7 days

How do you say 'I made it!' in french? At a little over 11 last night Freik and me were dropped off at the airport. He still has to get to Portugal in time, but the lady who drove us could not find a truck stop, so I had company still until the morning came, when it was time for him to keep trying his luck. I hope you made it in time, man!

As for me, it's time to enjoy the end of the journey. I'm at the airport to book tickets early to save on the price, so i'll still have time to enjoy the sun. Right now I definitely feel like I could do another 4-6 weeks easily. Even though I just woke up from 5 hours' sleep, my back is shot, and I only have stale pastries left, the knowledge that I could get to anywhere in the world virtually for free is an exciting notion. I can say that right now: I definitely overprepared for this trip. I could do with a lot less and therefore also lighter equipment. The things that I DID use though, worked excellently. From the clothes to the Jerven bag, I did stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

It's getting busy in the airport. Just a couple of more hours and I can contact Berg Hansen for the tickets home. I'll try to get some more rest.

Hitch-hiker's crossroads

Belgian hitch-hiker Freik, and another from
Freik had just quit his job a couple of days prior, and was trying to get to his mother's birthday party in Portugal. We talked a lot. Freik and me finally found a lift for Bordeaux after about 5 hours of waiting - a new record for the Belgian, who was getting frustrated. It yet again shows that sooner or later, someone will stop. Be persistent, stay positive. At this point there's no turning back.

The woman who picked us up was another Belgian, headed for Bordeaux airport. From the Dutch I was able to follow, she's going to Africa, and her plane was delayed. Now we're taking the longer scenic route to kill time. We're headed for the medieval town of Sarlat to have coffee. French countryside is nice.

One step closer, I can nearly taste the wine!

First of all, to correct the name of the previous place: it's Chaumont s/ Tharonne. In my sleep-depraved state, I also managed to upload the wrong picture. What you saw there was the view from the first french man I rode with to Lille. The picture of my breakfast is attached below.

I waited in Chaumont Tharonne for about 4 hours after waking up at 6.30. Most cars were either too full to take me, or were headed the wrong way. About half an hour ago though, a Dutch couple pulled over to have lunch. I got into talks with the man Sander, who'd himself hitch-hiked from the Netherlands to Paris a couple of years ago. Initially it looked like their car was too over-packed for me to fit, but when his wife Margo came back, they decided to try squeezing me in. What followed was an impressive display of practical Tetris in action, and with the wheelchair stripped to the bare bones, it goes to show that no space is too small if you set your mind to it.

We've decided i'll be dropped off at Brive-la-Gaillarde, an hour or so from the city of Bordeaux.

I want to thank Sander and Margo for making that extra bit of effort, and for helping me one step closer to achieving my goal. That of course goes for all you other drivers out there as well! I hope some of you are still following my trip - you made it possible for me after all!

French asphalt, no softer than any other. Also: profit!

I was dropped off at a petrol station near Lille. I'm not really sure where, and I wouldn't be able to point it out on a map neither. I made a new sign reading Paris, but on the other side I wrote Bordeaux, thinking I could reuse the cardboard in Paris. I settled next to the departure point of the station, and waited. Not soon after, an Algerian man on his way to Toulouse stopped, and asked if I wanted to ride with. He only had one condition, and that was that I chip in a little for petrol. We agreed on €5, as I need to keep the small change for food. During the ride, it became known that if himself wanted to move to Norway in a couple of months. I have him a few pointers on where to look for jobs etc. He also kept trying to convert me to Islam on several occasions. I told him I kept an open mind, but that I really shy away from organised religion. We parted ways at a roadside diner in a place that might possibly be called Point Chaud. It is unsure whether we'll hang out in Norway.

Now, at Point Chaud, I decided to call it a night at around 2. I settled on the grass next to the diner. This morning I went for breakfast: I went for bread, which was good. I should mention that behind the till were the same two people who were there when I arrived at night, and I also saw them early in the morning taking out the trash. After i'd finished eating, one of them came up to me with a plastic bag full of freshly baked pastries, €10, and a good luck! That's amazing! I'm so glad I made this trip getting to meet all sorts of brilliant people.

Not much is left of the road to Bordeaux now, considering the distance that lies behind me. If I arrive early, i'll book the ticket home in a few days, and enjoy a long weekend at home. No dinners though; these pastries be killing me!

Vive la France

I was picked up by a vegan couple who could take me 15 minutes down the highway E17. There's a truckstop here, but it seems rather inactive at the moment. I've made a new sign reading Lille, which I think is about a one hour drive from here.

The weather right now is awesome, with a chance of sunburn.

As I was writing this, I was picked up by a very metal-interested Dutch school teacher. Who could take me another 70km or so south. I have no idea where I am anymore, but the compass is pointing south, so all is well.

Update: I more or less immediately got a lift headed for Lille (via E227?). French guy - the challenge begins. (He spilled Coca Cola in his car, and i've already heard the full extent of my French vocabulary. Now what?)

Belgium - I feel like waffles

I'm enjoying a spot of sun outside a restaurant/petrol station in Kruibeken on the way to Gent in Belgium, overlooking a field of grassing horses.

Last night I sat for maybe an hour and a half trying to find a lift out of Rotterdam, and finally a car stopped. Frank was headed towards the Belgian border, and could drop me off in Antwerp, Belgium. Awesome! Another country crossed. Frank was planning a holiday with couchsurfing, as he's saving his money to renovate the house if just took over the keys for. I myself would like to try the couchsurfing.org connection if I get to Bordeaux in time. The concept is brilliant: here's a group of people who're opening their homes to welcome travellers in need of a place to stay a night or two.

I was stuck in Antwerp with a sign reading Brussel (Dutch spelling, Dutch part of belgium) about two, three hours before a Turkish man pulled over to tell me in very broken and limited English told me he was going to Mechelen, 30 or so kilometers south. I jumped in. After driving maybe 10 minutes in an awkward silence, Turkish music blaring out of the speakers and him singing along, he opens his mouth to tell me he's too drunk to drive now, and that he needs a cup of coffee to continue. This is the first time during the trip i've been worried for my safety. He never appeared drunk, and I attributed the speech to language barrier. We'd just been doing 130km/h on the highway, and entered a residential area. I calmly but firmly told him to stop the car, and that the approaching McDonalds would be a good place for me to get off. I may be adventurous, but I'm not stupid!

I started moving down the residental area, following the signs for Brussel. After maybe half an hour, around 3 in the morning, a car finally stopped. A local man in a wheelchair had seen me along the streets while he was out cruising with his car, and as long as I could dismantle and throw the chair in the back of the car myself, I could ride with. After a bit of lifting, pushing, and swearing, the chair was in the back, and we were making our way to Brussel. While driving, and it became known that I was headed for Bordeaux, Joeri suggested me an alternate route through Gent, Lille, and Paris, that would save me a couple of hours travel. If also offered me his couch for the night, so that I'd have a place to sleep. I thanked him kindly, and we turned back towards Antwerp. Joeri is fond of driving, and has been playing the piano for six years. It's a shame I didn't get to hear any of it, but if you ever get that computer and recording equipment, please do send me a sample!
In the morning he drove me here, where he bought me coffee and a sandwich. Thank you Joeri!

I've been writing for too long - time to get back on the road!

Amsterdam and the smell of tulips behind me

While asking around for the best route to get to the highway, a GVB employee suddenly handed me a tram ticket to Zeeburg, which is close to the highway to Rotterdam, for free! I know it's borderline cheating, but hitch-hiking out of a city centre is next to impossible anyway, and hey; I didn't spend a single cent. The Dutch are a nice people. As I got off the tram, a family with a 17 month-old had overheard a conversation I had with the tramway attendant, and they offered to show me to the camping ground they were staying at, as I might find a lift on from there. I was also invited to eat with them, and so I did: chicken, beef, and bread on a disposable BBQ. When I eventually restarted the liften, I was picked up by another person who went out of his way to not only drive in the opposite direction from where he was headed, but to buy me a train ticket to Den Haag - what's up with the Dutch and free tickets?

When I arrived at Den Haag central station 45 minutes later, all I had to do was to go by foot ten minutes south down the road to reach a good Shell station, and five minutes later I was on the way to Rotterdam. I'm now sitting outside a shell/McDonalds. Not really trying to ask at the moment, as I'm taking the time to write this. I'm hoping to get at least another step of the way south tonight.

A few pictures

Since i've finally got WiFi access, I thought i'd upload some pictures that turned out OK. Note that they're all taken with my phone's camera, and are automatically resized for Blogger, so the quality may not be the best. Plus I'm useless with a camera.

The first picture is of the turkish truck driver Seszjin who took me from Gothenburg to malmö.

The second is on the middle of the bridge that connects Sweden to Denmark. Taken in the car of the older couple on the way to Fredericia.
On the third picture you can see the train station of Amsterdam. The picture was mainly taken to show the building to you, but also so that I can remember what the it looks like should I have to get back to the hotel.

Lastly there's a picture of me to show you that I'm doing good, reviewing the picture though, restates the fact that there does not, nor will there ever, exist a good photo of me. Did you see the look on my face in that op.no article? I should reset my course and head to the Notre Dame.

A while since the last update, but the journey continues

Arrived in Bremen a little over 5 o'clock yesterday morning. I didn't sleep a wink that night, as we were talking all night through. Upon arriving I immediately made the signs I'd need, namely one for Holland and one for the closest city, in case people wouldn't react to the prior. To make a long story short, I waited all of seven hours at that truck stop and the surrounding area, and no matter where I tried positioning myself and how many I asked, none seemed willing to take me even a kilometre towards Holland. I eventually tired of the fruitless waiting, and decided to make my way a couple of kilometres along a country road that trailed alongside the autobahn, hoping to find my way to a new petrol station. This led me to a small place called Delmenhorst, which turned out to be a worse idea. The people there seemed completely ignorant to the entire concept of hitch-hiking, I sat there for an hour, trying several different locations all with ample room for stopping, but time and time again the people stared at me like I was crazy as they drove past. Now don't get me wrong; I know some people just won't stop under any circumstances, and I did try all the different regional hand signals other than the thumb, but you could see it in their eyes: they didn't seem to get what I was after. Now before you accuse me of making wrongful accusations: someone eventually did stop. Martin. He confirmed what had started as a humorous thought in my mind. After explaining briefly where I was headed and why, we embark on what's been the most adrenaline-filled part of my trip so far. Martin loves driving. He drives a small Ford. So small infact that the boot didn't close completely with the wheelchair in there. I knew i'd need that duct tape eventually. So off we go on the autobahn, peaking at 180km/h, weaving in and out of traffic at break-neck speeds. This is what I was born to do. Like I mentioned earlier, Martin loves to drive. So much in fact, he didn't let me off until we reached the river Ketelmer, 40 minutes from Amsterdam. From there I quickly found a lift with a businessman headed for the airport. If advised going to the airport and to catch a train to the city, as there aren't many drivers that can take one all the way to the centre. I agreed to this, and a little under an hour later I was sitting outside the train station.

I should mention at this point that my parents very kindly decided to sponsor one night in a hotel so that I could have one relaxing night with a shower and a breakfast, and I saved it for now. When I arrived I went around trying to locate the cheapest hotels, but amsterdam is in short supply of these because of the booming tourist industry. I eventually found a hotel that wanted €120 per night- which is among the cheaper ones that had handicap-accessible rooms.

Now I feel rested and ready to go. It'll be a challenge getting out of here, it being a big city and all, but i'll get to it! I heard from the man who took of to the airport that quite a lot of Dutch people vacation in France, so at least there'll be traffic headed in the right direction.

Germany, land of the autobahn. Also: Politzei!

I was waiting around the petrol station for about 10 minutes when a car marked politzei approached. Two occifers stepped out of the car, and I of course noticed the guns on their belts. Boy was I nervous. Hitch-hiking is legal in Germany, right? I distinctly remember checking before leaving.. I was put at ease when another hitch-hiker stepped out from the back seat. He'd been walking along the highway after being left at a bad spot - needless to say it's frowned upon by the boys in blue. He justified this to me later though: free taxi to a good spot! I wouldn't do this, don't worry mum. Anyway, he was headed for Aarhus. I gave him nod of my spare pieces of cardboard and a marker to make a sign. Turns out he wouldn't need it though: the next trailer (tank, they say) to pull up was headed his way.

I wait all of 10 more minutes before a driver pulls over to top up the tank. 'I'm autostopping for Hamburg - got room for another?' No problem. We're headed past Hamburg and towards Bremen on the autobahn: smooth sailing.

By the way: since leaving Denmark, it's started raining. Can't believe I jinxed it.

Ich bin ein autostopper

I autostopped, as it's called around here from mellomfart to Rødekro, and as I entered the petrol station the attendant immediately offered to give me a ride across the border into Germany as soon as she ended her shift. An hour later, I'm sitting outside a large petrol station in Flensburg.
It looks like i'll spend the night outside, but if I had to guess, I'd say it's easily still 20 degrees outside.

There seems to be a lot of truck drivers here, and Hamburg, which is a major port for mainland Europe truck drivers is but a two hour drive from here. We'll see how far I'll manage to get when the sun rises.

Earlier I mentioned Berg Hansen as a major supporter for this trip. Of course I have still to mention the biggest supporters and motivators not only for the trip, but me in general: my friends, Maureen, and of course my family. I know I'm putting a lot of stress and worries on some of you, and especially my own mother, but I want to thank you all for letting me go through with this irresponsible dream of mine. I'll be back home before you know it, and then I promise I won't do anything this stupid again

for at least a year.

Denmark, land of the scorching sun

I've been dropped off about 10km east of Fredericia at a rest stop in Middelfart. It looks like my nest destination if not Hamburg will be Padborg near the German border, as there's a major truck stop there.
The thermometer read 31deg. As I got out of the car, and I'm glad I finally get to crack open the sun block.

Just got into talks with a driver here called Rik, who's the son of the owner of a large transport company in Holland called Heisterkamp - if any of you would like to give them a heads up to ask if any of them would carry me to Amsterdam if they saw me in Hamburg , that would be awesome!

Gothenburg and then on

Arrived in Malmö around half part two. The whole trip from Gothenburg down here took about 3 hours, and there was very little talking, as my friend had a limited vocabulary. I did gather though, that he's going home to Istanbul after another week of driving, and I wish him a pleasant and well-deserved holiday with his wife and two kids.
I've been picked up again. This time by an elderly Norwegian couple headed for Fredericia. They've agreed to drop me off at a petrol station in that area. I'm hoping to stay along the E20, which will take me further towards my goal.
It's about time that I give another mention and a thank you to some people who've helped make this trip possible: the travel agency Berg Hansen has kindly agreed to sponsor my trip back home, and I hope the media who called for interviews made sure to mention this, because it really means something to me that there are businesses who can still appreciate the alternative ways of travelling. Thank you.

An experience unlike any other

The people I've met and the things I've done and seen so far have contributed to the trip in so many ways already. Last night I slept in the back of the cargo trailer that'll soon be filled with auto-parts that will accompany us on the trip south. This, coupled with the great people I've had the pleasure of sharing parts of my trip with, all contribute to an experience that won't soon be forgotten.

Even the seemingly low-points with the long waits and at times lousy weather have given a distinctive flair and flavour to the overall experience. I also pick up and learn something new from each person I encounter, and it's all been genuinely interesting throughout. One memorable person was the polish truck driver who was so sorry he couldn't take me, he actualy went out of his way to buy me a cheese burger. Even though you'll never read this; thanks again - I hope your trip is filled with drivers who won't suddenly slam on the brakes or change lanes right in front of you! Now I can't wait to reach central Europe to discover who and what's waiting for me there! I challenge any charter-trip to deliver the same kind of experience - it simply cannot be beaten. Also: i've seen a moose. A moose and a badger road-pizza.

P.s. I have to thank you Maureen for insisting on, and for lending me the rainproof jacket: it kept me warm and dry during the bad weather, and now serves its function as a pillow. I'm pretty sure my spine will require massive realignment or extensive surgery in the end from the places I've slept though, but I can worry about that when I turn 60. 'Backs are made to be broken', or so they say.

Life's too short not to be lived to the fullest in any case!

Truckdrivers and turkish tea

About an hour ago I hot into talks with a very nice truckdriver, and agreed that i'd ride with him to malmö as soon as he's loaded up his cargo in the morning. I've had food and turkish chai tea with him and his friends, and right now I'm sitting here trying to make sense of the language.

It sure is nice knowing already before going to sleep that progress is assured for tomorrow. The plan is to make my way into denmark from malmö, and then to hamburg from there. Who knows what tomorrow might bring? One thing is for sure: I'm not giving up until I reach my goal.

Lastly i'd like to thank you all for the support and positive SMSes i've received. Although I haven't been able to read your comments yet, I sure am looking forward to it. And Kilian: I do hope we'll have the opportunity to run into each other someplace along the road!

Gothenburg

Just arrived in Gothenburg an hour ago. I was picked up at Rygge by a really nice couple who's been driving around norway and sweden pretty much non-stop the last week with their boat on tow and a huge st. Bernard/g.shepherd mixed breed in the back. Turns out they were headed for sweden, more specifically Gothenburg. Perfect. They were even so kind as to buy of dinner, something that really sits well with me after crossing all these country borders!

The miles are flying by, and I finally get to decide personally if our neighbours/brothers really are more inclined to pick up hitch-hikers.

My new sign is reading Malmö, and I think i've found a decent spot. Now I wait.

Kind strangers and quick lifts

I was just handed 200NOK by a very kind woman who's working for the local at-home nursing service. She simply stopped by to inquire if i'd had any food today, to which I replied honestly that hadn't had much to go on. I reluctantly took the money. I've chosen to go on this trip myself, and I'm already travelling off of the kindness of strangers. Still, 200 will last me four good meals, though the choice of food is rather scarce. There is a roadside diner with a french-sounding name behind me (marché) so in case I get stuck here the rest of the week instead of reaching france, at least i'll have some imitation food..

While I was in the process of writing this, I got a lift from a kind local on his way back from work. He dropped me off in Rygge half an hour further down the road. Here's a shoutout to you Espen, because I know you will be reading.

Back on the road!

I finally got a lift away from that 14 hour holding-cell! The man who picked me up actually did a similar hitch-hiking trip 22 years ago, and he actually made it all the way to France in 6 days, hitch-hiking around there for a month. He made quite the detour to drop me off at what he means is the best spot: a petrol station close to Mortensrud on the 'mosseveien', a road that if followed leads straight into Germany. No semis yet, but my sign is reading Sweden, and I bet someone headed that way will be coming along shortly.

For now, I'm remotivated, reenergised, and the day is still young. The travels have just begun!

It's ten to seven and i've already been awake for over an hour. The rain last night finally subsided around midnight, which was good because I spent the night outside on a bench belonging to the diner. Cold, hard, and slightly damp, but I'm well awake and feeling good if not a bit annoyed with the fact that I've spent close to 12 hours here already.

The few truck-drivers who've woken up so far all have passengers of their own already. I'll give it another hours wait before I try hitch-hiking with private cars to one of the larger truck stops an hour or so closer to Oslo.

Lunch break

Enjoying a some fruit at a petrol station/roadside diner. It's pouring rain, but I'm sitting outside next to the semi-trailer pumps, as I don't want to intrude too much on their property yet, and as this is where the drivers will stop.

At least I'm staying relatively warm and fairly dry for the moment. I'm just hoping this is where the drivers headed south actually do stop, and that I won't be waiting in vain. Like the experience earlier showed though, someone will always have room for one more in their car.

Next stop: Oslo

After a nearly five hour wait at the Oppdal petrol station, including a short interview with a local newspaper (www.op.no ?), I was picked up by a very nice lady who had actually passed me earlier, but turned back to pick me up.

We're now making our way towards Oslo, where I'm hoping to be let off at one of the bigger petrol stations where long-distance drivers might stop.

P.s. I might add that there seems to be a problem updating my location on the site. I'll try to mend this as soon as I reach a wireless hotspot.

First night

My plan to sleep under the star-lit sky has been put on hold. The aforementioned driver offered me a place to sleep for the night as well as breakfast and a tip on where to find the most effective hitch-hiking spot in this area. I hope I can catch a lift with a semi this time, both to make up for lost time, and in order to have a safer, more reliable mode of transport.

I'm waiting at an Oppdal petrol station. Waiting for the next southbound semi-trailer to take me towards Oslo.

On the road

I was waiting around the pier a good while, hoping to find a driver headed south. A northbound driver made me aware that most southbound drivers head out in the morning for Oslo. I debated going home to wait for the next morning, but decided to brave it. I made my way 'on foot' to the other side of town where I had a short lift towards city syd shopping centre. At a petrol station I waited all of 30 minutes before being picked up again. This time I'm headed towards Oppdal. I hope I will find a truck going from there. All in all I feel good so far. The night and coming morning will set the pace from there on.

The equipment is ready

Everything has been packed and is ready to go. Right now I'm just making sure the wheelchair is good to go so that it won't fall apart in the middle of it all.

What you can see on the picture is the full content of the backpack, minus the first aid and hygienic stuffs (my toothbrush and the like). All of the clothes are either microfibre or merino wool to ensure that I won't stay cold and wet for long. I'm also bringing a multi-tool as well as a fire starter (you never know).

In lieu of a tent and a sleeping bag I have the Jerven bag to keep me warm and dry through the night.

Since I will be banking on hitch-hiking with truck drivers out of Norway, I'm holding off leaving a couple of more hours, knowing there will be a lot of traffic heading towards Oslo for Monday morning. For now I'll settle for home-made waffles and pleas from the family to make me stay.

Here's to fulfilling a lifelong dream. I hope it will turn out a success!