I was travelling in South America in 2015 and when in Brazil I decided to take a detour through Paraguay, so that I could visit Laguna Blanca (white lake). I took a bus which was supposed to get to a nearby town at 9pm but the driver kept stopping and appeared to be running a side business in trade and transport using the bus, so I didn't get to the town until after 2am. I was unceremoniously dropped in the middle of the road, where there were a few lights, a few stray dogs, and a few men sitting on plastic chairs, drinking. Not the safest place to be! I acted like I knew what I was doing, and started walking confidently in one direction, wheeling my bag because I didn't want to waste time pulling out the backpack straps. I walked up the road, away from the lights and the drinkers, but could not see a hotel. A white pickup truck with dark tinted windows came along, slowing right down, and I was sure they would stop and take me. They continued past at the same speed, but I saw the red brake lights and they did a U turn. I knew it would only take the pickup a minute to pass by and do another U turn to come and get me, and had to think quickly. I spotted something that looked like a truck stop, and raced over so I was under the light and as the pickup went by in the background, I acted as though I was talking with someone inside, using my arms and nodding. Then as soon as the pickup went beyond view, I hid behind a wall and waited. Later I found a room which I think had been used by a truck driver who left early, because the lights were on and key in the door, so I was able to close myself in and rest until daylight came, and I could get the first bus to the beautiful lake. A close one!
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