I started hitchhiking when I travelled in South Africa, where I spent the Millennium. Since then I've hitchhiked in Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and the U.S.. People always ask me why, especially when I am on

I started hitchhiking when I travelled in South Africa, where I spent the millenium. Since then I have hitchhiked in 3 other countries: Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and the U.S.. People always ask me why, especially when I am on the road.  This is the first time I put it down in words....

I am not really sure how I got into hitchhiking.  I haven't written much of my experience yet, perhaps because I have always been reluctant to start a blog, and blah about all the amazing people I have met randomly over the years.

um....I will leave my stories for next time.  This one will be about why I do it.

I ponder about it and people constantly ask me.  I am not a dirt poor traveler, a gutter punk, or a vagabond.  I am not trying to prove anything, make my parents mad, or suicidal.

It seems to me a test of trust between people.  An experience so rewarding that it's worth the risk.  And it's a great way to collect stories!

I have told my friends, the moment they see you on the road with your sign up, to the moment they stop the car is about 20 seconds or so.  Within these 20 seconds, they have a to make decision.

I am sure most travellers will agree with me that when you are on the road, you get the opportunity to develop a traveller instinct.  When you are hitchhiking, you depend upon this instinct more than anything.  

When they stop, I also have a very short time to decide.  Base on 2 things I decide if I get into his/her car or not: their eyes and their coherence in speech.

They can lie but their eyes won't comply.  If they have a plan and their brain is working it out, their eyes will show. So I look right into their eyes, trying to see if there's anything going on behind them.

It is as much of a risk for me as it is for them.  They do it out of generosity or compassion; I do it as a test of faith and trust.

I get a short glimpse of people's lives, sometimes through conversation, other times through silence.   A random stranger come and go, but something very solid and real remain inside of us.  The power of trust.

Some parts of the world where hitchhiking is a means of transportation, it's much more natural to stick out your thumb.  And I don't need to justify or explain my action.  Some parts of the world people stop for you out of concern, especially when they realize it's a 5'4'' Asian girl on her own.  Once, an old South African lady stopped her Mercedez. As I was putting my backpack in her trunk, she asked me, 'what if someone hit you in the head?' I felt embarrassed because I didn't have an answer for her.

I admire those who have picked me up in countries where there's much violence, such as South Africa and the U.S.,  that's a much bigger risk to take.  In the U.S., many of them were once in the military, or used to hitchhike back in the good days when it was safe, or religious people, mostly Caucasian men.

Many of them tried to dissuade me, some preached at me, many more invited me to their homes, some offered money, jobs, food; others tried to get laid; quite a few just wanted company, someone to talk to.  Many wanted nothing.

I wish I could let them know that even as time goes on, they stay in my heart.  I live off of these encounters They offer me strength and act as constant reminder of the beauty of people and this world, where often times distrust and skepticism are the norm.

I recently got mugged for the first time - my first experience of physical violence.  I wonder if it would scar me in some way.  Well, I think until one day something really bad happen to me, which I am prepared for, I will keep filling my days with these encounters.   I'll retire if it need be, but it's worth the risk!

        Care to share some of your travel experience with me.