French surfer waits tables at Siargao resort
Julien Charlier, 25, is a self-confessed adventurer who takes odd jobs in-between travels. MARLET D. SALAZAR
Foreigners are not unusual sights in Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. Surfers from different parts of the world troop to this side of the Philippine archipelago to enjoy the waves. But a Frenchman waiting tables at a resort will definitely elicit curious gazes.
Julien Charlier is a 25-year-old adventure traveler who takes odd jobs in-between living his life as a citizen of the world. He taught himself how to surf at a young age.
“My grandmother and uncle live near the sea,” Julien says. “So, every time we go on vacation, I try to surf. I also took notes from other surfers who gave me some advice.”
Surfing is what brought Julien to the island and made him decide to stay until the end of June. Since money is running low, he sought employment and was advised by some locals to try Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa because it just recently opened and might need reinforcement because it’s peak season.
He tries to explain how or why he decided to suddenly leave France and travel. But reading between the lines, he just wanted to say: It just happened.
“I just like meeting new people and learn about new culture,” he says.
Wanderlust
Julien’s cheerful attitude fits well with sunny Siargao. He could carry a good conversation with the locals and guests and seems to be going along well with other resort staff.
He gamely relates how he first realized his love for traveling. Julien’s first out-of-town excursion is a school field trip to Holland when he was 12 years old. At 17, he started working and bought his own car. Together with friends, he would scour the countries in Europe for two-week vacations or even longer. He says he has visited Austria, Croatia, Germany, Italia, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.
Before coming to the Philippines, Julien has been to Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and New Zealand, where he stayed for one year. He learned about Siargao from the friends he made in his travels and decided to check out the island after a brief stay in Manila.
Asked what he thinks of the Philippine capital, he says: “It’s a big city, but I like small islands like this,” referring to Siargao.
He’s also been to Baler and is looking forward to seeing Palawan. “It’s very famous, right?” he asks.
Julien has been in the Philippines for only two months. In that short period, he had made the Pacifico surfing site his favorite and not the famous Cloud 9.
According to Surf Forecast, “Pacifico is an exposed reef break that has consistent surf. The best wind direction is from the southwest. Waves more likely to be from local wind swells than distant groundswells and the ideal wave direction is from the northeast.”
“Cloud 9 can get crowded sometimes,” he says. “In Pacifico, I don’t have to fight for the waves with other surfers.”
Surfing and finding the perfect surfing spot are not the only reasons Julien travels. “One of my main considerations is the culture,” he says.
One of his best experiences was in Laos where he helped out a family with their rice harvest for one week. In return, they gave him roof over his head and fed him. They urged him to come back and help in the next harvest season. Even if he had several encounters with law enforcers there for crossing prohibited borders, Julien couldn’t hide the deep affection he developed for the country.
“I love Laos,” Julien says quietly.
Carpenter in Paris
As a carpenter in France, Julien has worked in the renovation and restoration of historical monuments, castles and churches. According to him, he worked as carpenter at Paris Hotel L’Ombre, the private hotel of the prince of Qatar. He also helped build a bar in Vietnam.
Aside from carpentry, the young Frenchman is also a drummer “but it has been two years since I last played.” While he does not have a professional training in bar-tending, Julien can build simple drinks and cocktails. This skill also allows him find employment wherever he goes.
Julien used to do some skateboarding until he decided to pack his bags and see the world. In New Zealand, where he was able to practice his English, he stayed in the mountains for three months. In Vietnam, since there is no place to surf, he did some kayaking.
Julien’s parents are supportive of the life he chose and surmises that he probably got the passion for traveling from his parents.
“My mom and my dad said it’s nice that you’re doing what we’ve always dreamed to do but never did,” he says. “But when you decide to come home to France, do drop by and at least say hello.” He has a younger brother aged 19.
Julien promises to be back in September to watch a surfing competition in Siargao.
“After the Philippines, I would like to visit Vietnam again and see my friend,” he says. “After that, maybe go to East Asia or work in Canada or go to South America.”
Julien wants to visit countries in Africa and South American continents as well as discover life in countries in Asia like India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
However, he still has no idea when he would stop traveling. “Maybe when I have a wife and kids but not in the near future,” he says.
The young adventurer says that you don’t have to leave your country to enjoy traveling. “You just have to enjoy it,” he says.
