Longing for a time when constant connectivity was not the norm, a writer decided to forgo his phone and rely on chance encounters and hand-drawn maps from strangers during his journey. Ben Buckland captured his experiences through both text and photographs on July 17, 2024. Unexpectedly faced with snow and strong winds on his trek, he found himself teetering on the edge but ultimately found reassurance in the hand-drawn map given to him by Chris, leading him to Lake Constance and the Rhine.
The previous summer, feeling disillusioned with the predictable nature of modern travel, Ben set off on a 12-day walk across Switzerland without a planned route or a phone. Starting from Lake Geneva and aiming for Lake Constance, he sought to explore the impact of technology on travel by asking locals to sketch maps for him each day. Through these interactions, he discovered that maps were not just about directions but also reflections of the mapmaker’s perspective and priorities.
From the gentle hills of Gstaad to the higher Alpine landscapes of the Bernese Highlands, Ben’s journey unfolded with each hand-drawn map guiding his way. Meeting a diverse array of people, from cheesemakers to retired schoolteachers, he learned about their lives and gained insight into the significance they placed on various landmarks. As he traversed different terrains and encountered varying weather conditions, Ben’s reliance on the kindness of strangers and their maps became a source of connection and discovery.
Each day brought new challenges and revelations, from navigating mountain passes to seeking shelter from thunderstorms. Along the way, he found solace in the stories and insights shared by those who generously contributed to his journey. Through his experiences, Ben realized the value of human connection and the art of reading maps as a form of empathy. As he continued his trek, he embraced the uncertainty of being lost and the joy of finding his way through the guidance of strangers’ artwork.