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Hitchhiking European Hitchhikers' Meeting takes place in Bulgaria, 5 August 2011. This is the oldest form of travelfourth annual Hitchgathering.(If hitchhiking It is organized by the oldest form of travel then what did the first hitchhikers hitch?) People like Marco Polo would have never made their epic journeys without the help of friendly strangers. Voyagers are roaming the roads for various reasons, but when it comes to hitchhiking it's hardly ever just a means to get from place A to place B people for free. On the outset it looks like they are all doing the same thing: raising their thumb by the side of the road. But everyone has their own motivations. Some seek for personal growthpeople, some adventure and others appreciate the profound cultural experiences and discussions with the driversthus open for anyone to join.
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==Press Release #1 - April 2011 (work in progress; please comment in the end) ==
People like Marco Polo would have never made their epic journeys without the help of friendly strangers. Voyagers are roaming the roads for various reasons, but when it comes to hitchhiking it's hardly ever just a means to get from place A to place B for free. On the outset it looks like they are all doing the same thing: raising their thumb by the side of the road. But everyone has their own motivations. Some seek for personal growth, some adventure and others appreciate the profound cultural experiences and discussions with the drivers. "Through hitching I have come to accept my faults, ignore those of others and realise that there is a whole lot more compassion, mercy, love and humanity out there than we are led to believe." a South African hitchhiker , Tam, sums up. "I have become more patient and talkative than I expected, that most people are willing to help each other despite what is said in the news. People are just afraid of what they don't know." says Anaïs from France.
Yet, for the past couple of decades, the popularity of hitchhiking has been in steady decline. This is due to several factors: the public transportation has become somewhat well-functioning,(this is definately not the case in the UK where in 20 years since public transport was privatised prices have rocketed and less profitable routes scrapped - basically it's a lot shiter than it used to be) private car ownership has become more accessible and fear has increased in our society.
Still, every year, new generations of hitchhikers emerge. And now they are equipped with modern day technology! People can plan and prepare their trips with knowledge-bases such as Hitchwiki.org and Digihitch.com. Accommodation can be found through online platforms like CouchSurfing, Hospitality Club and BeWelcome. Internet has enabled organized action between hitchhikers around the world. One example of this new open collaboration is The European Hitchgathering that started as, and still is, an initiative by the hitchhikers for the hitchhikers.
"The Hitchgathering brings together people from different countries and gives them life changing experiences. It portrays an alternative way of travelling that saves our planet's resourses." a Latvian hitchhiker Arta describes. "It is a Family where you can share 'the essence' of travelling" says Max who is coming to the Hitchgathering all the way from New Zealand.
Previous hitchgatherings took place in France, Ukraine and Portugal. This year The Hitchgathering is going to be organized on a beautiful Kara Dere beach near Byala, Bulgaria. The event starts on 5 August 2011 and lasts at least a few days, or as long as people wish to stay. Similarly, the program is made by the participants, on the spot. Anyone can hold a workshop, facilitate team games or whatever they think might contribute to the success of the event.
"Go for it! You won't regret it. It's a way to get out of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, but also to witness that there still are nice people on this planet that are willing to share." says a hitchhiker Ron from Guatemala. "It's a great festival where you can meet other hitchhikers, share stories and knowledge, and have a freaking good time! But you really have to want to hitch, as there will be hard moments when u have to see the adventure in it." Zsolt, a Hungarian hitchhiker , adds.
"Hopefully the reason why you don't see that many hitchhikers on the road is that they already got a ride." the volunteers organizing The Hitchgathering state. a Finnish hitchhiker, Tomi, states and continues: "We wish that this event contributes to a creation of a more open, trust-filled and sustainable society... and proves the drivers that we don't bite!"
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