(For all those who do not know who Charlie is, he is a traveller, a character played by Malayalam actor, Dulquer Salman in a movie that goes by the same title. And as clichéd as it might sound, I couldn’t help but nickname this Malayali traveller that I had met during one of my journeys by the same name.)
When I met this avid traveller cum explorer cum adventure junkie for the first time in Shnongpdeng in Meghalaya, he was into the 6th month of his bike ride exploring India and the neighbouring countries. Not one to talk highly of his travels and experiences, I had to nudge him quite a bit to know about his life and journey. And whatever little I did get to hear from him left me amazed and wanting to know more.
Thomas Jose, that’s him. If I were to describe him in a word, it had to undoubtedly be ‘down to earth’. Despite all the adventurous pursuits that he has been on – from holding a Scuba Diving certification, having done free diving to trekking up the Kilimanjaro (this is based on the few things that I pushed him to talk about…I’m sure there’s more he has done) – he is one of the few humblest people I have ever met. He is never the one to hyperbolize his achievements, but rather someone who thanks the higher power for having given him the opportunity to travel and explore.
I feel fortunate to have met him for quite a few reasons:
Number one, apart from being a traveller, he is also a positive and warm human being. If you cross paths with him sometime in future, you will know what I mean.
Number two, I owe it to him for inspiring me to explore life in its rawest and purest form. Every time I get stuck in the materialistic allures of life, I think of him and his journey, and it inspires me to pack my bags again.
Number three, he creates his own rules in life, and unlike me, it is not to rebel, intimidate or prove a point to someone else but because he loves his life and doesn’t want to let go of any moment that he has to live his life to the fullest.
And whatever little he was ready to share about himself, is right here below.
Okay, Charlie a.k.a. Thomas, when did the travel bug bite you? It was about a decade and a half ago.
If you were asked to describe yourself in a few words, how would you do it? Well, I’m just another ordinary person… fun-loving, relaxed, easy-going and special in my own unique ways.
So, up until today, where all have you travelled to?
Domestically, a good part of India. Overseas, a couple of countries in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
What inspired you to travel alone? Firstly, the freedom that comes with it. Then the adventure aspect and the beauty of solitude that I get to enjoy.
Which is the destination that’s currently on top of your wish list? That’s a good one. Let me think.
Honestly, I think the rest of the world where I haven’t been to yet.
What are some of the greatest life lessons you have learnt on your solo travels? Firstly, there is God and he is a good God.
Secondly, life is beautiful, it’s a lot bigger than you think it is. Go with the flow and be content.
Thirdly, there’s enough goodness around.
And lastly, it’s absolutely okay to fall and to make mistakes. But keep going. Don’t be too regretful or judgemental about yourself. Live in the moment.
What have been some of your most prized travel achievements? I have met some amazing people, stumbled upon some beautiful places and of course, good food too…along with drinking beer.
If you were to make a list of ‘must try’ experiences for other travellers, what would it include?
If you are my kind of traveller, then you have to climb a mountain, take a swim in freezing cold water, volunteer for a good cause, do a dive to see the beautiful marine world, try out street food, oops, I think I can just go on and on.
What’s the proportion of good and bad in this world, from your own experience? …Never been good with maths and calculations.
But straight and square, I believe this world is good enough.
What is your advice to youngsters who wish to travel but can’t gather the courage or find the time to do so?
It’s simple. You and I and everyone else around have the same 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year.
Anything you wish to say to other solo travellers? Your souls are a tad bit more beautiful than the rest.
The only thing that’s unfortunate about this entire story is, I do not have an FB/Instagram account of his that I can lead you to because he is busy every single moment creating his unique journey. I can only wish that you too will cross paths with him sometime very soon. Because it will be worth it!
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