On the road for five years

 What would you do if you were stopped by the police in Venezuela when you are just walking on the street with your friend? How would you convince a ship captain to let you hitch a ride on his boat across the Pacific Ocean?
Jeremy Marie, a globe-trotter who stopped by Hong Kong this week, faced such unusual situations throughout his five years of world traveling and learned how to be resourceful.

“In Venezuela, the two police officers actually pulled out their guns, took my bag, found my computer and left. They just wanted to look through my stuff, find what could be valuable for them and then they use their guns to keep it!” Said the 28 year-old Frenchman, who shrugs at the memory of the encounter. “I have to adapt to the environment; that is what you learn on the road.”

Marie started planning his trip in 2006: he worked as a waiter for a year, saving every penny. He asked several companies and organizations for sponsorship and on October 8, 2007, left his native city of Caen, in Normandy, for his new adventure. His goal was to hitchhike his way no matter what vehicule he used, as he wanted to prove that people, all over the world, can be helpful to each other.

Marie set up a website in French and English (http://www.tour-du-monde-autostop.fr/) that he constantly updates with pictures, notes, podcasts and press clips. After five years on the road, he became a small celebrity wherever he goes. During his stop in Kunming, in Yunnan province, his hosts took him to the local radio station and invited the local press as well.

Resourcefulness and luck were often on Marie’s side. When he was in Darwin, Australia, he randomly sent emails to budget carrier Air Asia’s executives, explaining the concept of his trip and asked for a free ticket to Bali. “I tried different combinations between the first and last names and I somehow managed to find the right email addresses.” His request was forwarded to the Indonesia division and a ticket was booked two hours later.

In Hong Kong, he stayed for free at CYMA Memorial College in Yuen Long, in exchange of a presentation of his trip, some guitar singing and cooking French crepes. On October 8, he celebrated his five years on the road by watching the skyline of Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui.

Marie’s trip changed him: “I am less naive.” Hong Kong made a strong impression on him. “I like its diversity. It is clean and orderly.” The first night, he stayed at the Chungking Mansions on Nathan road and loved the experience. “It may have been the most glaucous place I ever slept but you meet so many globe-trotters."