Introduction : A Traveler and Storyteller

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
“Experiencing culture, traveling and sharing stories about it”

As I was growing up, I was always been known to wander off, I was a daydreamer. I never stuck with the norms and all I wanted to do was travel and discover new things, and it all started with a National Geographic documentary about the End of the World.

Hey Steemit! My name is Jaiun and I’m a 22-year old freelance writer, project manager and events organizer based in the Philippines. When I’m not working, I think about traveling. I have always developed this passion to explore and travel when I was young. When I was around 9, it was one cold rainy morning and I decided to turn on the TV, I stumbled upon this National Geographic documentary that narrated the Second Coming of Jesus, this is where my interest in history sparked. I have always been a writer by heart just like my father, ever since my Dad bought me my first Nancy Drew book at the age of 11, it inspired me to create stories.

As I grew older my passion for traveling got inspired by reading about Egyptian history and Greek mythology. All I wanted to do was just get out and explore hidden civilizations, undiscovered gems and experience the world. I wanted to know what lies beyond the four corners of my classroom. I did not conform to the norms compared to others, when others were busy talking about the latest celebrity gossip my nose stuck to another history book.

"All I wanted to do was explore new places and experience different culture"

As someone who got to travel at a young age, I wanted more. I got to live in Auckland, New Zealand for two years and also go on an exciting Hong Kong vacation with family, but back then I didn’t get the chance to fully embrace culture, and that is where it all changes.

Strawberry taho from Baguio City sold at the bus terminal
25 pesos only

When I graduated from a fine arts course in college, this got me inspired to make it a habit to visit new places every now and then. 2016 became the fresh start of my travel journey, I got to experience being a solo traveler going to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental also known as the City of Smiles.

The Ruins, Bacolod City

With money saved on hard work spent, my 2017 became a journey. I got to travel to beautiful places around the Philippines, including Kalinga, home to the last original mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattoo artist) Whang Od of the Butbut tribe. Locals and tourists travel all the way up to the mountains of Busculan Village, Kalinga to get inked by this notorious national treasure.

The last original mambabatok of Kalinga

Inked by Whang Od

A few days after my birthday, I traveled to Cambodia, it felt great because it was my first time traveling outside the country with friends. Experiencing the culture of Cambodia was indeed an experience, I got to visit temples such as Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat, learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge through an entertaining circus act, and appreciate the beauty of Siem Reap while riding on a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled vehicle).

Chilling in Bayon Temple, mesmerized by the carvings located around the temple

With my ethereal love for travels and writing, this is where I can share travel stories. Because of my love for mythology, Egypt and Greece became my end-goal, but right now I am excited to embrace the history and culture of countries I will travel to soon. Who knows, maybe I may discover a secret underground civilization in the future? laughs

MY JOURNEY IN STEEMIT

When I heard about the Steemit community thanks to my wonderful friend @pizzanniza, it made me happy to know that I can use it as a platform for travel blogging. Not only do I want to share stories about my travels, but I also want to connect with a budding community filled with passionate and creative people. I look forward to an awesome experience in Steemit, let’s start the beginning of this amazing journey together.

Time to make a post on my travel experiences now.
Continue on chasing dreams, thanks everyone!