3. Masthead
Anna Santiago
Editor-in-Chief
Contributing Writers
Rex Michael Knight
Christine Fernandez
Timothy Sear
Columnist
Joanna Dee
Art Director
Anna Santiago
Contributing Designer
Ryan 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!
4. 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
5. 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 5TravelTales 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
6. 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
TravelTales Dec 2013
“Sometimes, time for ourselves is
exactly what we need.”
Dust on my Sandals
Rex Michael Knight
7. 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
8. 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
TravelTales 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
9. 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
10. 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 10TravelTales 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.
