Get Hitched To Morroco
Dozens of Oxford students embarked upon the trip of a lifetime in 9th week last term, when they hitchhiked to Morocco to raise funds for Link Africa Community Development, writes Miriam Quick.
They left Oriel on Monday after arranging to meet in Marrakesh the following Friday, then thumbed a lift to Portsmouth, hoping to target French lorry drivers. After this, many seemed vague about their travel plans. When asked which route he planned to take, one hitchhiker looked puzzled and simply replied "South".
Travelling in twos and threes for safety, they accepted hitchhiking was a risky business, but believed the benefits outweighed the dangers. They had received extensive safety briefing and the organisers emphasised that the event has been running since 1990 with no incidents reported.
Most students were expected to take around five days to reach Morocco, though the current record stands at less than two days. They were also expected to raise at least £250, although many students exceeded this. The event's sponsors offered prizes for the fastest hitchers and the ones who raised the most money. Students at Oxford are expected to raise around £15 000.
26th Apr 2001