Like everything, hitchhiking is a skill that is acquired, a poetry that makes the traveler philosophical. It is one way among others to fully enjoy the taste of freedom. Hitchhiking is an art I was initiated into by taking for the first time a hitchhiker, an affectionately confusing experience. Let me explain…
Taghazout, Morocco, February 2019. I drive peacefully on the road (there is only one) towards Paradise Valley. At the exit of the village, I am approached by a tourist of about fifty years, the well-trimmed beard, all dressed in red, an iWatch on the wrist, which, in a language that I hardly understand, stammers something like.
“Hello, excuse me for disturbing you, where is Paradise Valley, please? “
I don’t quite understand his request, or at least pretend to misunderstand, because it is there that I go, several miles from here. I ask this guy who seems more and more suspicious to rephrase his question. “Paradise Valley! But if ! Pa-ra-diz !!! Way! Auto! Road! You know maybe what is the bus that goes there ??? “
A bus. This rascal asks me where to take the bus, where there is only one road and rocks. It is February 30 kilometers from Agadir, it is 12 degrees. Besides, what is this guy doing here?
I decide to take it with me, out of fear, out of weakness, because he’s wearing the latest Nike React Undercover underfoot.
THE CONVERSATION IS COMMITTED AFTER SOME KILOMETERS.
He asks me :
- “What are you doing in life, young man? “
- Precisely, in full consciousness, I test the vehicle in which we drive. And you sir ?
- I’m on vacation and I’m going to Paradise Valley.
- Ah, but you do that on foot?
- Yes, I left the Audi Q3 in Luxembourg (laughs).
- Do you have a Q3?
- Yes, by the way I love this new model.
- Do you have the Luxury Design version?
- Indeed, yes, Design + Audi drive select, 18-inch wheels, sports seats … I love the decorations in Alcantara.
- Well, tell me, do you like the mark?
- Yes, but I’m aiming bigger. “
I interrupt him.
“It’s really good this Q3. Audi has dared: it is at once muscular, practical, technological, family … “
There, he is the one who cuts me off.
“Family? More for me. My wife left with the tai chi teacher and the kids are at the university. I think I buy the Q8, but certainly, you’re right, it is beautiful this new Audi Q3. “
We arrive at Paradise Valley and he leaves me his card before leaving. I read the words “Astro Teller” and a sentence: “If you do not fail a lot, it is because you lack ambition. Thus, always in a very natural and relaxed way, the man moves away, approaches another car and then leaves!
