Thumbs up: Hitchhiker snags lift from Uruguay’s president and first lady

The man who stopped for hitchhiker Gerhald Acosta offered to give him a ride, but only as far as the presidential palace. It soon became clear why: the good Samaritan was Uruguay President Jose Mujica. Acosta said at least 30 cars passed him by as he stood with his thumb out along a stretch of road in southwest Uruguay on January 5. He didn’t immediately recognize the occupants of the car that finally pulled over, but something about the woman inside seemed vaguely familiar.

After I climbed into the car, I was saying to myself, I know this woman from somewhere.

Hitchhiker Gerhald Acosta, referring to the president’s wife, First Lady Lucia Topolansky

Eventually, as the ride went along, he put two and two together. ”I couldn’t believe that the president was giving me a ride,” said Acosta, recounting the story to local daily El Observador. Acosta shared his tale on Facebook and for good measure, posted a couple of cellphone pictures showing two people bearing a strong resemblance to Uruguay’s first couple.

Odd News