An unexpected visit and the Raid 4L Trophy

The other night the most amazing thing happened: I was about to go to sleep, following my bedtime routine, when my boyfriend stormed in to the room, took the computer out of my lap and said: “Get ready, we’re going out! ” I didn’t know what was going on, but I was convinced that nothing could have got me out my comfy bed. I was wrong…

It turned out that one of our Erasmus friends from France, who we haven’t seen for 2 years, had just arrived to Salamanca! It took us by absolute surprise! Although both of us were very tired and already in pyjamas, we got ready in 10 minutes and left the house in the middle of the night in order to see our old friend.

It was really great to reunite with him, in spite of the short period of time we could spend together, but what is even more important and what I would like to share with you is the honorable reason of this guy and his friends’ unexpected visit in Salamanca.

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There is a humanitarian rally called Raid 4L Trophy, of which objective is to provide children with school supplies in Morocco. Every year, since 1997, more than a thousand of students across France are joining the long trip to help those in need. The current rally started on the 18th of February with about 1200 people and finishes on the 28th of February. Within this period of time, they drive 6000 km from France to Morocco with the symbolic Renault 4 cars that makes them recognizable throughout the road. Each team delivers close to 50 kg of school equipment that is distributed among Moroccan schools along the route.

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The action is also considered a sporting adventure, as each team is competing against each other to reach a number of checkpoints across the desert. There is a map, a compass and a so-called roadbook given to each team – the latter containing essential guidelines for the participants. It is important to highlight that the goal is not to be the fastest: the best team is the one who follows the directions in the roadbook and completes the route with the fewest kilometres possible.

So our friend and his fellows were here in Salamanca, because they are participating in the rally, and Salamanca was one of the stops on the road. Therefore, not only them, but all the other teams were here to find accommodation for the night, and, as a consequence, the streets got filled with Renault 4 cars – probably unnoticed by many. The problem was that the troop arrived to the city so late that the inhabitants of Salamanca could not realize anything of what was happening under their windows. At least we got informed about the existence of such an amazing humanitarian action, thanks to our friend.

So this was the Raid 4L Trophy from Salamanca, I encourage everyone to join the raid! Besides the good cause, it must be an unforgettable experience!

For more information, visit the official website: here.

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