December 2013

RAVEL ALEST T

agatasmaytrip.blogspot.ca

ust on my

Sandals

Also in this issue:

Contiki’d out

teimoshi Conquers AsiA

D

cadencetravel

Explore the world... in luxury, style and comfort

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Masthead

Anna Santiago Editor-in-Chief

Contributing WritersRex Michael KnightChristine Fernandez

Timothy Sear

ColumnistJoanna Dee

Art Director Anna Santiago

Contributing DesignerRyan Rivera

published quarterly by New Media Inc.3000 Lowell Road

Vancouver, BC V0J 1X9

RAVEL ALEST T

Unique

Journeys

Email your stories to: mytrip@traveltales.com

www.tripcentral.ca

Hello everyone! Welcome to yet another collection of unique travel adventures here at Travel Tales.

In this edition, we are featuring Rex Michael Knight’s two-week pilgrimage through Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Enjoy his recap of this once in a lifetime journey.

Also in this edition, don’t forget to check out Teimoshi’s travel diary entry from his Asian escapade.

Finally find out more about Contiki tours from passionate traveler Christine Fernandez.

As you begin to read about these wonderful adventures, I encourage you to share your own. Tell us about your travel experience (whether it’s good, bad, disappointing or funny) and show the world your captivating and hilarious photos.

Happy Journeys!

inside RAVELT TALES

5

This month:

My Travel Diary

Teimoshi Conquers Asia

9 Contiki’d Out

Dust on my Sandals

Feature Story

Follow Rex Michael Knight’s journey of self-discovery as he embarks on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands.

6

Teimoshi Conquers Asia

The Travel Diary of Timothy Sear

SEPTEMBER 28-JAPAN

E. Honda - You’ve got nothing on the

Mongolian on Electric Avenue

The title is for the appreciation of the Street Fighter 2 geeks out

there. Today we went to Sumo wrestling and Electric City, the

place to go for electronics in Tokyo. We started out the day in

search of a bank machine that will actually take our cards. We

were a little unsettled when the first two banks, completely in

Japanese, spat our cards out as us like it was a white guy

eating a Japanese fermented plum (almost happened on the

plane). Luckily, corporations came to our rescue as the 7/11

down the street had a 7/11 bank machine that took internation-

al cards. We were set. Next stop Electric City.

On the way to Electric City, I saw this cool sign on the

Japan rail line platform. I interpreted it as “If you are a young girl

and you lost your hat, a man with a freakishly long claw arm will

retrieve it for you.” I searched for this man in vain. I wanted to

shake his hand.

At Electric City, you’ll find a smackload of things that

beep, buzz and ping, and some crazy plechinko game where

everyone smokes like a chimney. You’ll find all you could ever

need if you wanted the latest phones and gadgets. Plus there’s

an alley full of shops with electrical components so you can build

your own Astroboy. Good times. We didn’t buy much, other

than an XD Card Reader because I left my camera USB cable at

home.

Page 5Travel Tales Dec 2013

Walking around, we saw the fire department and a crowd of

people. On a separate trailer, they had a mock up of an apart-

ment on hydraulics. It was an earthquake simulator. So we did

the natural thing...we asked if we could try it out and they were

more than happy to oblige. The whole thing shook back and

forth for what felt like a very long ten minutes. I did my best to

look completely terrified but couldn’t stop laughing at how

ridiculous it was.

The crowd of

Japanese people

gathered around was

completely entertained

and gave us a round of

applause after we

completed the

Earthquake Ride of

Death. For our troubles we were awarded a delicious can of

Mackerel.

Good times. Next, we headed to the Sumo wrestling

match and it was probably one of the best experiences I’ve had

so far... (continued on page 8)

newshopper

biffybeans

newshopper

Sometimes, we just need to take a break from the world.

Sometimes, it’s not always about getting where you want to

be. Sometimes, time for ourselves is exactly what we need...

and what we have been ignoring. These days, everything is

so fast-paced that we forget to catch our breaths, wait for

a moment and internalize all that’s happening around us. I

am guilty of this sin. Being in the medical field, my profession

demands a lot of time and dedication that I barely have time

for other things. However, after passing my board exams,

I knew that I finally have the chance to explore the world.

More importantly, I now have the time to explore the world

within myself and exploit this chance for personal growth.

I took the year off from work. Since I’ve gotten

through the first of many hurdles I’d be facing in this field

(that being the Medical board exams, of course), I figured it

would be the perfect time to pursue my other interests with-

out as much consequences to worry about. I don’t want you

to get the wrong impression, though. I, unquestionably, love

being a doctor – to save lives for a living is an honor given

to only a select few, and it is more than a fulfilling job as it is.

However, that’s not to say that we, too, lose a bit of motiva-

tion. Who doesn’t, right? Hence I told myself that Medicine

will always be there, waiting for me to come back, once I am

ready to pursue the noble art again. In the meantime, I’m

grabbing onto this chance for self-discovery.

The highlight of my “break” was our Holy Land

Pilgrimage. The tour was arranged by a local Church and we

were referred by a friend. As part of my mother’s bucket list,

we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. The following is a let-

ter I wrote to our companions after our short yet memorable

trip a few days after we got back home:

Page 6

Peter’s adventures

archersdirect

Travel Tales Dec 2013

“Sometimes, time for ourselves is exactly what we need.”

Dust on my SandalsRex Michael Knight

Today, while packing my things for another few hours at the gym, I noticed a few grains of sand left on my sandals. I took

a few moments to glance at it, if only to revel at the images that flashed rapidly – uncontrollably – into my mind. It all just seemed

like yesterday. The first time I learned about Pilgrimages was about four or five years ago when I read a book from the acclaimed

inspirational author, Paulo Coelho, one, so appropriately entitled, “Pilgrimage”. From that point on, I made it a personal quest to

go on that same journey of devotion. Of course, subconsciously, I expected it to be, at least, 20 or 30 more years before I’d actually be

able to do it. Little did I know that the quest will be fulfilled at a much, much sooner than I anticipated.

It’s funny that just about 3 weeks ago, my mother and I had gone into a frantic shopping mode - buying clothes, bags, food

and whatnot for the trip. Just 3 weeks ago, we knew 21 less people. About three weeks ago, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem were

all abstract places we only heard about in Bible stories.

Our little expedition took us to marvelous places; places that I never even knew existed. Jordan showed us part of the

Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, the long King’s Highway that heard nothing but our complaints on the bus, forgetting

that God’s chosen people had once travelled that same road on foot. Moses’ final resting place, Mount Nebu, where he got a glimpse

of their destination, only to fall short at the end. The wonders of the city of Petra, that left all of us dumbstruck and speechless with

its elegant natural beauty, combined with the uncanny talents of the Nabatean civilization that helped shape it. Egypt and its in-

comparable richness of ancient history, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Sphinx, from King Ramses II to King Tutankhamun

– names I only used to hear about in movies, documentaries and history books. I climbed the summit of Mount Sinai and watched

the most picturesque sunrise one would ever see; an accomplishment I never ever fathomed in my wildest dreams. And finally, the

sacred grounds of the Holy Land, itself, the Promised Land – Israel. Oh, how I’ve fallen in love with the place. Walking the very

steps that Jesus Christ, Himself, had walked. Touching the very surfaces that His skin touched. Bathing in the waters that He had

been washed in. Catching, with each breath that we took, the very air that He once breathed. Seeing where He lived, worked, and

preached... where He suffered.

But the Pilgrimage was a whole lot more than the physical places we visited. More than the tears we shed with the suffering

portrayed in Yad Vashem. More than the sympathy we felt for the Jews praying at the Wailing Wall. More than the pretty people

that we so shamelessly gawked at (haha!).

It was mostly about the 25 people that gathered to become one in discovering their faith anew. It was about developing new

friendships, in as much as it was about rekindling old relationships. It was about finding love, losing it, and rediscovering it once more.

It was about finding one’s own happiness in seeing the joy of those around you. It was about getting over one’s loneliness, and finding

company amongst new faces. It was about the strength one finds in sacrifice, of beating odds and battling with disease. It was about

each person’s selflessness in praying for their loved ones, as well as learning one’s capacity to forgive.

The Pilgrimage stands for a lot of things, but most importantly, it was about each person’s personal conquest of finding who

God is in each one of our lives.

Our Pilgrimage was not confined to our travels through Jordan, Israel and Egypt. In a much deeper sense, it was a journey to

get in touch with our very souls. Living in a busy world, where we lay down our own timelines, set our goals, obsess about what steps

should be taken next, we, oftentimes, forget to sit back for a moment and take in all that is happening around us. We have forgotten

the value of self-reflection, soul-searching and discernment. We are always in a hurry to keep ourselves busy, afraid that the world will

leave us behind. The world moves forward... but nowhere does it say that we can’t take a step back, if only to enjoy the surroundings.

This was the blessing that we have been granted. To take our rest from all the turmoil and chaos. And, for a few moments, listen to the

call of our hearts.

I finally brushed the dust off my sandals. The moment of reminiscing has passed. It was a glorious three weeks, indeed. But

like these grains of sand, memories, too, shall be blown away with the wind.

Page 7

My Travel Diary...(from page 5)

OCTOBER 4-JAPAN

Spreading the VC

We explored more of Tokyo including Shibuya and Shinjuku(?).

Eric took some great shots of Harijuku girls all dressed up. Maybe

Eric can upload some. We met up with Kumiko’s work friends

Rose and Mei, and hit up what Rose swears was the best Thai

food in Japan, even better than the ones in Thailand. We be-

lieved her because she’s from Thailand and she didn’t disap-

point. Another plus, the Thai restaurant had a Karaoke machine,

so we busted out Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline, Guns n’ Roses

- Knockin on Heaven’s Door, Bryan Adams - Summer of 69, and

Eric did an unforgettable rendition of Limp Bizkit - Nookie. I think

there are a few loose pictures on Facebook via Kumiko. And if

you’re lucky, she will upload a sweet video of me doing my best

Axl Rose dance.

Page 8

OCTOBER 15-THAILAND

Full Moon Party - and I didn’t show my ass once.

We attended the infamous Full Moon Party today and made it all

night until the sun came up due to our lengthy training

sessions back in Vancouver. With our special “layering” tech-

nique, we survived the night without becoming one of the

fodder and carnage you see in the picture below!

Here’s the fodder I was talking about. They littered the beach

along with missing flip flops...one pair was Eric’s...I wonder where

they are now.

burnmagazine

Travel Tales Dec 2013

OCTOBER 17-THAILAND

Thai Boxing - Tonight ’s Main Event

We took in some Thai Boxing last night. Very cool, and just like

Sumo wrestling, there’s a lot of ceremony and tradition before

the fight starts. They do some really cool dances and what looks

like praying at each corner. It lasts for about 5-10 minutes and

each fighter’s dance is slightly different with crazy thai music in

the background resembling the sounds of a drum and an off-

tune clarinet.

Similar music plays while they are fighting, which they

bob and weave to. I have a couple of movies with the big guys

fighting, pretty bloody but very entertaining. Very entertaining

night though.

Off to Krabi tomorrow.

The Thai restaurant was in an area called Roppungi, which is the

entertainment district frequented by foreigners, i.e. us. On our

mission to discover somewhere to drink, I scouted out a 5th floor

establishment called Club Pascha...the elevator door opened

and I heard music, but saw nothing. As I stepped out of the

elevator, my shoulders were crushed by its closing doors. The

ensuing crash caused everyone to turn and stare at this t-shirt

and jeaned white dude stumbling into the lounge, nursing his

shoulder. An old man waddled up to me and said, “Japanese

Only” and promptly pushed the down button on the elevator.

Since the elevator was already on its way down, I stood there...

waiting awkwardly, as patrons took turns staring me down. I tried

to explain that there were no signs indicating that the club was

Japanese Only...but i think it fell on deaf ears.

Pinterest

Contiki’d Out Christine Fernandez was

New Zealand Australia

England and the Netherlands

After

It was fall of 2008 when I finally decided to

take the big leap- take a leave of absence

from work and travel for four months. It was

nerve-wracking and exciting. I have always

lived in the comforts of home with family; I

have always had the constant support of

friends; but this trip will be the first time that I

will be on my own.

I had the option to backpack or

create my own itinerary, and literally travel

by myself or book a series of tours. I went

to a Flight Centre and the travel agent

recommended Contiki, the ideal tour for

outgoing and adventurous 18 – 35 year old

singles. I chose the “budget” travel style and

chose my itinerary.

15 days in New Zealand

27 days in Australia and

47 days in Europe

It was perfect because it was

practical and comfortable. I shared

rooms with three other ladies and then

we switched roomies every couple of

days. Our tour guide was knowledgeable

and provided us with information about

both the North and South islands of New

Zealand.

The highlight of my New Zealand trip was

when I skydived in Rotorua. It was the

most amazing experience and the best

$500.00 I ever spent. I probably would not

have dared to do it if I travelled alone.

It was easier to do something risky like

skydiving because over 25 of us went.

This is one of the advantages of joining

an organized tour – it balances indepen-

dent travel (since you only meet fellow

travelers on the tour), with the opportunity

to share unforgettable travel experiences

with these strangers-turned-friends, some

of whom can become your friends for life.

First stop: Christchurch, New Zealand

My first Contiki group was a good mix of

men and women aged 22 to 34. A lot of

them came from Europe and a few from

North America. We stayed in basic hotels,

hostels and campsites – the standard for

budget-style Contikis.

Page 9

Second stop: Sydney, Australia

The group was mostly female, younger single Europeans on

their gap year (the travel year between high school and

university). It was interesting at first, but it turned out to be the

best Contiki group I’ve been with. The highlight of my Oz tour

was being able to sleep under the stars in sleeping bags right in

the middle of the Outback, where seven out of the 10 deadliest

snakes can be found. I never thought I’d experience this in my

life but being on the Contiki tour gave me access to these

locations with less or no fear. Tour companies with years of

experience do guarantee your safety especially in dangerous

areas such as the outback. After all, no amount of money can

buy your confidence while experiencing these amazing things!

Last Stops: London, England and

the Netherlands

The last leg of my four-month travel began in London, England.

My group was a good mix of men and women, mostly in

their mid-20’s to mid-30’s. This was an interesting tour because

we had to be together for 47 days. I found it a bit too long for

50 strangers to get along. It was an amazing group but we

definitely had days when we wished the tour ended sooner.

The highlight of my European trip was learning how to swim

in the Greek waters of the isle Corfu. I had a few new-found

friends who were persistent in teaching me how to swim. While

enjoying the beautiful beach in Corfu, they managed to teach

me how to swim. I was not a confident swimmer, but I was able

to swim for at least 10 to 15 meters, taking into consideration

the buoyancy of the ocean.

www.paprant.com

mgduncan.global2.vic.edu

gogreeceyourway

Page 10Travel Tales Dec 2013

It was an amazing crew and I definitely had fun overall until

our last destination where we all said our “goodbyes” or “till we

meet again” in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

After three consecutive Contikis with only a few days

breather in between, I was Contiki’d out at the end of the last

one! The disadvantage of going with an organized tour like

Contiki is the fixed schedule which does not allow flexibility

of staying longer in places you absolutely love or leave cities

where you think are not worth staying at.

My recommendation for a long-term travel plan such

as mine is to do a combination of organized tours and

self-planned ones. This gives a good variation of indepen-

dence and flexibility as well as an opportunity to meet new

friends while having the comforts of a planned itinerary. I

would also recommend reviewing other tours and doing a

thorough research before committing to one. Since organized

tours are more expensive than self-planned ones, it’s wise to

ensure that your chosen tour-type will fit most of your

expectations.

Pinterest

istockphoto