“The most interesting people I met so far? It wasn´t just one person. With some of them I spent minutes with others weeks. Half of them I don´t even know their names, but the influence was just incredible.”

Tomas Slavik is a freelance photographer from Prague, Czech Republic who always felt a strong desire to travel the world with his camera in hand. Upon his acceptance to the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design he decided to take a year off and embark on a new journey, which he titled Kraken Road. His website portrays the story of two hitch-hikers that are on diverse journeys around the world. Starting with a friend he decided to hitch-hike through Spain, Norway, Scotland and then decided to spend three months backpacking through India. He currently resides in New Zealand where he’s traveling in a mini van, living a nomadic life, exploring the world with his camera documenting life as he sees it; with an honesty, pathos and humor, which strikes us to the very core. He also has a great way of talking about art and life, which is inspiring without being patronizing or cheesy; it’s just him doing what he does and calling it as he sees it. We tracked him down in the middle of his next journey to ask him a couple questions…

When and how did you decide to start hitch-hiking? When did your travels begin?

I decided to visit my Kraken mate, who was staying in Spain that time, so I grabbed a last minute planetickets for 40 euros and spent 14 days hitchhiking in Andalucia.

You traveled over the span of Spain, Norway, Scotland to India and New Zealand. What was your favorite city and why?

To be honest, I´m trying to stay away from cities. But if I had to pick a city then McLeod Ganj in India. The city of Tibetian goverment in exile, the place of Dalai Lama’s residence and where Himalayas mountain ranges are raising from the lowland. Incredible, peaceful, full of wisdom. I visited Dalai Lama teachings, got my favorite bamboo flute there, I reached my personal altitude record (4300m) and met friends and teachers I will never forget.

Why did you choose the countries you traveled to?

I just merged opportunities and desires I had in that moment.

Upon your travels what was the scariest moment?

That I will miss the plane to my destination country, that´s always my biggest fear.

As a hitch-hiker what was your coolest/best ride?

It wasn´t hitchhiking, however there were no bus stops in that place, so the idea of the raised thumb was the same. It was an Indian local bus ride, which I would call the cherry on the pie. Most uncomfortable journey ever, bumpy roads, most annoying music, leg crambs, sleepless nights and at the same time great friendly people, and the funniest moments. Just rewarding and perspective changing. I felt as if I was part of that country.

What has been the most useful item you’ve brought on your hitch-hiking adventures? And why?

My journal captures my handwriting, my happiness, my worries. Stories, drawings which will tell me more one day. And when the language was a too high barrier, my journal always somehow helped me to communicate.

Who was the most interesting person you’ve met so far?

From the public known people I have to say the Dalai Lama during his teachings. But most certainly it wasn´t just one person. With some of them I spent minutes with others weeks. Half of them I don´t even know their names, but the influence was just incredible.

What was your favorite meal?

South Indian thali and fresh coconut.

What was the funniest/strangest/most insightful thing a local said?

When I was passing one control, the police officer checked my bag. Some Indian officers know how to take their time and don´t miss even a piece of rice in your backpack. So he started putting out the contents of my backpack on the table, slowly and thoroughly, one by one. Suddenly I saw an exploding spark in his eye, a little movement of the lips, almost a smile, but not one of those that you would return. Full of suspicion and a triumphal tone he then asked “What´s that?” while holding a roll of toilet paper in his hands.

What is Kraken road? Where does the name come from?

It´s the road of two Krakens, of two friends who like to explore the world. Everything has started in Spain. We traveled through Scotland and Norway together. Now we are travelling separately. Named after the Kraken rum, we had on that evening when we became friends.

What camera(s) do you use?

For traveling I use Canon A1, 2 fixed lenses and collor negative film rolls.

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of traveling around the world? Or hitch-hiking?

Just go.

What’s your song of the week?

Let´s be heroes

Where are you based right now and how is it inspiring you?

The moutain ranges opposite my window are not bad to watch over and over again in Queenstown, New Zealand.

What, besides photography drives your interest?

Trekking, mountains, manual work, drawing, painting.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Home. Wherever it will be.