Where there is a will there is a way. Nobody knows this better than French globetrotters Thierry Montaner and Killian Blais, who for the past five years have been traversing the world on foot, taking alternative modes of transport only when absolutely necessary.
Killian Blais, left, and Thierry Montaner are on a journey of a lifetime.
They have so far crossed 14 countries, covering 15,000km in the process.
Montaner, 36, and Blais, 28, are adamant they will complete their world tour in about three years, but say that this date is flexible because they are in no hurry to return to the mundane lifestyle both believe was the reason they started the expedition.
"We have learned so much about people, cultures and nature since leaving our home country five years ago," said the bearded Montaner. "Despite having to live a hand-to-mouth existence at some of the lowest moments of the trip, I would not trade this experience for anything. I used to weigh over 100kg and have managed to lose 30kg so far. We keep a strict budget of less than 100 baht a day, so it's challenging."
For Blais, the experience of a lifetime has been equally rewarding. After a pensive pause, he said: "So far this trip has taught me that there is still goodness left in mankind, and that the world is not as bad a place as it is made out to be.
"As we attempt to only use off-the-beaten-track routes as much as possible, we have encountered the generosity of people at grassroots level that never fails to amaze me. My belief in mankind has been rekindled."
It was the boredom of a mundane existence that first prompted Montaner to ask himself if it was still possible to travel like the pilgrims of yesteryear. He took time out to test-drive the idea by travelling across Europe alone. What Montaner, a theatre electrician, discovered was that while it was possible to do a world tour on foot, what was lacking was companionship.
So he posted a message on the internet to search for like-minded individuals to join him.
Nature at its best. PHOTO: KILLIAN BLAIS
"A world tour on foot with almost no money and bare necessities" was the message that caught the eye of Blais, who back then had just completed a contract with a software company in Paris and was contemplating embarking on a new adventure.
He decided this could very well be it and contacted Montaner to sign up. By the time they left Valence, France, on May 7, 2008, they had a group of eight avid travellers ready to go. Due to the arduous nature of the journey, with very few basic comforts to fall back on, the numbers gradually dwindled to two in the course of just a year.
It was understood from the beginning that their journey would not cause any environmental impact and promote culture and local lifestyles. They would also document their experiences through photographs in the hope of sharing them with travel enthusiasts in the future.
For accommodation, they often couch surf while travelling through cities, and sleep in a tent when off the beaten track. They use rivers and streams to shower, often without soap because it can pollute water, and pick up food supplies at villages located along their route. If there is one thing they have learned, it is to not take undue risk.
"Sometimes it is faster to cut across a mountain range to reach the next village, but when we evaluate the risk, it is not worth taking, so we end up walking an extra day instead," Blais said. "As it is just the two of us, we have to also look out for each other. Once when Thierry had terrible sunburn on his eyes, I had to be his guide until he was able to get back on his feet. He also looks out for me.
"As we are very different in personality, there have been a lot of adjustments for both of us. Luckily we have been able to settle our differences and move on."
One of the most challenging moments for the two was the time they were crossing the Tibetan Plateau.
"For 28 days in a row, we had to make do with limited food rations and water that would sustain us till we reached the next town. Being in such a situation taught us about mind over matter," said Montaner.
"The weather conditions also made it difficult for us to speed up our momentum. Our backpack includes a water filter, cooking pot and a set or two of clothing. We prefer tropical countries because we get to travel light. A compass is all we have to navigate our way around.
"We cannot plan too much ahead, so we do not rush into getting to our next destination. We keep in touch with family mainly through Skype because we have been on the road for such a long time."
Montaner and Blais agree that experiencing cultures completely foreign to them has been rewarding. Thinking out of the box and taking the first step is all that is needed, they say. While encouraging people to be more adventurous, Montaner said: "Everyone can do what we have done. It is all about getting out of your comfort zone and setting your mind on the task ahead of you. Life is too short, so everyone needs to spice it up."
