[top photo: Whenever Joel Jaydee Deva travels, he packs small toys, sweets and educational books to give away to the children he meets.]
By Joleen Lunjew
Travelling can be so much more rewarding if you can make a difference in someone's life along the way.
Malaysians are known for taking the easy way out when it comes to travelling. Organised tours are indeed safe and hassle-free, but not especially exciting.
I remember talking with a Swedish backpacker in a remote Laos village who said, "You're Malaysian? Malaysians don't travel much to these kind of places, do they? You're the first I've met, and I've been travelling around Asean for six months now."
Are we that unadventurous? How is it that foreigners from halfway across the globe have explored more of our country and neighbours than we have? Why are unplanned travels so daunting to the typical Malaysian?
Of course, there are Malaysians who love to backpack, but they are the exception. Their stories are often colourful and inspiring.
Wandering Samaritan
For Joel Jaydee Deva, life has always been about making a choice. This 32-year-old teacher's travels reflect this. He has been travelling since age 16, and has no qualms about packing his bags and going off without any concrete plans.
"I love the sense of freedom and adventure that travel offers. I'm not one for organised tours where everything is planned. I like to make decisions on the spur of the moment. There are so many paths to choose from that I am spoilt for choice," says Joel.
Joel has travelled all over Asean and certain parts of Europe, Morocco, Asia, New Zealand and the Virgin Islands. His trips usually take months. For trips to third-world countries, Joel always packs a map and language book, plus sweets, educational books and small toys like matchbox cars and dolls for the children.
"Visiting tourist attractions is not a priority for me. There are plenty of postcards and travel documentaries for that. I would rather experience the real world with real people in real circumstances," explains Joel.
One of Joel's most memorable trips is a road trip from Aceh to Bali, which he did seven months after the 2004 tsunami.
"I saw people in Aceh who had lost so much and still had so much hope. I was inspired by their perseverance. They just picked up the pieces and went on rebuilding their lives. This made me think of all the trivial problems we have back home. It is nothing compared to what they had to go through."
Joel made his way to Bali from Aceh by car. He stopped at remote villages along the way, making an effort to know the locals, spending time with the local children and staying with families.
"We usually spent a day or half a day in the village. The villagers were very accepting, with many offering a place to stay for the night. I always give the families I stay with some money as a token of appreciation.
"I love kids and will always spend time with them to teach them basic English using simple alphabet books with large pictures. It is easy for me to communicate as I speak Sunda, their language.
"They are very appreciative of the little gifts. They don't take things for granted and I know that they will always keep and cherish my gifts. They are so unlike our kids here who demand expensive toys, only to break them the next day," says Joel.
Joel says he doesn't miss modern amenities when travelling.
"I feel a sense of peace when I am with the rural people. They are simple people. They are happy to welcome a foreigner as they don't come across many, especially non-Westerners. There was this remote village in Laos where I was greeted by excited kids who ran up to me. One family even cooked up a 'feast' just for me.
"I feel a sense of purpose giving and sharing what I have. I liken myself to a hobo, a travelling clown that goes around entertaining people. This hobo has a frown and wants to turn it upside down. He keeps moving because he hasn't found true happiness. Just like this clown, I haven't found total happiness, so I will keep on travelling until I find it," says Joel.
Joel is off to Berlin in a couple of months to teach at children's camps.
"I will be moving to Europe for good. Berlin is just my starting point. I don't know where or when I will settle down but when I finally stop, that is when I would have found peace."
