(Thursday slipped by but here it is)

10th April 2025

(Thursday slipped by but here it is)
IOTW

After an epic 24 hours in the Atlas Mountains, I hit the road early to avoid losing light.
I couldn’t resist pulling over for a wander. In a small town, a group of kids giggled and, in no time, were piled around me on tiptoes, peering through my viewfinder in amazement.

Time whizzed by, and soon I was drinking tea in Ziad’s house. Amidst all the commotion, his family welcomed me in with warmth that oozed kindness. I struggled to leave, explaining I needed to get back before dark. I’ll never forget how they scooped me in with such trust and generosity—it made my trip.

However, with no one to blame but myself and my appalling sense of direction, 30 minutes later, I found myself lost, and the light had faded. Relying on the comfort of Google Maps was not an option—I was off-grid.

I aimlessly followed another car, clinging to their headlights as the deadness of night crept in. At any moment, I was convinced I’d hit a wall, a goat, or worse—a person.

Eventually, a bar of signal ignited my map. Home was the other way.

As I followed the dot, the path before me narrowed. I felt like Indiana Jones as the road twisted into a canyon. Soon, the dusty edges of the walls tickled the sides of my rental car…

A dead end.
Fuck you, Google Maps.

Reversing the Fiat Punto with delicate precision, I found an opening. One thing stood in my way: a large cactus tree.

I floored it, knocked the tree over, took a deep breath, and placed blind faith in my rental insurance. After an Austin Powers-style 20-point turn, I was finally facing forward.

I followed my nose until, after what seemed like hours, I saw it—road. Real road. With cars.
A mini fist pump of joy and a reminder to avoid ever driving in the dark again. Silly rabbit.
OAO xx