a salute to the boards...

[TapSiLog]

hey tpunks..

well, the day has come...it's finally my turn...in a few hours time, i'm off to Australia.. it will be a 20-day journey with a side trip to Bali and i'm going alone for the very first time!!! B) woohooo!! this is a big leap for me.. i know it's not long enough but it's the best that i can do.. those bastards wouldn't allow me to take at least a month off!! but it's all good..

well, i just felt the need to write something.... i think i owe this one to the boards and also to let all punkers know that it is this site and the cool members of the boards who have driven me to, as TP would put it, "pull the trigger" and go on with my first backpacking adventure... the vacation leaves i'm going to take for this trip is originally meant for me to go back to the philippines and be with my family and friends, whom i haven't seen for a little while now.... they were all expecting me to come home and needless to say, everyone was stunned by my decision (i swear, i can hear my mom nagging from miles away!! ) ... but no regrets.... i'm incredibly excited about this trip and somehow i know i will have the time of my life !!!.. man, the process of preparing for the trip alone is a great experience in itself !!....

i have spent the past month going through the boards gaining valuable infos which undoubtedly proved to be very useful from my purchasing of my backpack to planning my trip (or the lack of it!! ) all the way to packing!! not to mention the kick-ass topics in the member's lounge.. ..always a good read!!...although, i'm not actively participating, it has been a habit to visit the boards daily before i start the day working...i never get tired of it!!....in fact, i find it very therapeutic!! it's such a comfort to know that there are still people who are willing to help without expecting anything in return except for a simple thank you maybe?...

but what i'm really grateful for, more than anything, is this site has given me a new attitude in life...damn, that sounds intense huh? but hey, it really did!..it has made me realize how much i have been missing... you see, backpacking is literally unheard of from where i come from (i had a difficult time explaining to my folks!! they thought i am taking off with just a school backpack for my trip and were VERY worried!! )...since i got into the boards, i've been asking myself, why the hell did i allow my life to pass me by!?!!?!....i grew up in a country wherein not getting a college degree would guarantee you a miserable life and even if you got one, you will have to work your way to death in a rat race...from the time i got out of college, i started working in a corporate shit and so I NEVER had a REAL BREAK!!!. ....it seemed okay for a time just because everyone else i know are in the same pathetic state... everyone is struggling to better their lives by working way too hard disregarding the more important things life has to offer...this is why i like the site's quote, "Get busy living or get busy dying", so much....almost 6 years of working and by far this trip will be the longest break i ever had...ok..ok, enough of the ranting, it's not too late and i'm glad i have finally decided to do something about it (credit goes to you guys!! )... so i think, this gives you an idea on how big a deal this is to me... sorry for getting too sentimental here....

i believe that you guys have inspired many people accross the globe to move their lazy ass, go out and see the world!!! and more importantly to LIVE LIFE!!!
that's a huge accomplishment, i think.. be proud of yourselves people!!... B)

so thank you all, for keeping this excellent community of wise nomads and amazing individuals !!!
oh yeah... i would like to thank GOOGLE as well for showing me the way to travelpunk!!



cheers!!
rj
a.k.a. tapsilog



and hey, thanks for reading this one.. it's lengthy, i know..

[Diorama]

Dude! what wonderful words. Thanx for putting a smile on my face. I'm so glad that your going to aus. I agree we live in a weird world. Education and a good job is just a small slice of life. Yet people make it seem like those two can determine your happiness. Everyone is different, therefore everyone has a different route in life. I have to say congrats to YOU, because you did one thing that lots of ppl find hard to do. You went the other way, and now your doing something that YOU want to do. That takes courage ! People will always look at you like your crazy and your parents will probably always shake their head in disbelief. But I think that's the fun part. Who want's to be normal when you can be unique! Enjoy your trip and get ready to get a disease called the travellers itch. Most of all RELAX!

oh and make sure you tell me about AUS. cuz I'm heading there pretty soon and I want to hear the scoop.

[Ozpacka]

Have fun down under RJ... (nice time of the year too!)

Cheers Mate

Leeroy.

[travelpunk]

Putang ng na, chong ! Thanks for the compliments! Salamat! You're right, these Tpunker's RAWK, and they should be proud of themselves!!

This community inspires me daily! Thanks, especially, to our fabulous Mod's and big-time regular's who have devoted so much of their time to this community! Thank you guys & gals!

Bro, I hope that you have a fantastic time in OZ! Take a picture, or two, or seven! It's great that you're doing what you feel lead to do! Your family is together and in good hands...you'll be fine and you'll definitely see them again!

This is about you growing, and really, uncategorically, unequivocally, living life and making the most of it! You are now , "Getting busy living!"

I hope you have a great time and pleeeeease keep us up to date on your travels !

[TUI]

hey Im with ya on everything you said, TP IS SHWINGIN!

[katdawg]

RJ! I don't know how I missed this post, you're probably having a blast in Oz right now as I type!!!

Loved reading your post by the way. I also am super glad I stumbled across Travelpunk -- nothing but good vibes here and lots of awesome people!!!!
Literally I've been inspired, comforted, entertained and then some! Even though it's only through these message boards, I feel a kinship with all of you!!!
But I digress. RJ, I'm happy that you are taking this time for a well-deserved break from the rat race we call life. It's all about the journeys we take in life, the people we meet, the sights we see and the experiences we can treasure for a lifetime.

ROCK ON and don't forget to hit us up to let us know how you're hanging down under!

[TapSiLog]

hey guys!!

greetings from down under!! sorry it took me a while to respond.. i'm havin a blast!!! sydney is awesome!! damn, i wish i can stay here for a much much longer time..

i stayed in a friend's house over the weekend.. so i saved a few days of accomodation.. i am now staying at wake up!! it's really clean!! and great location as well..

and thanks all for responding to my post..

gtg.. till next time! i'll try to get some pics uploaded..

[worldwidemike]

Tapsi, YOU are part of the inspiration process, too, you know! I know reading your post made me feel more certain that I am on the "right path" to travel like I do.

Some people may think that traveling like we do is a selfish thing, that it is only self-gratification. But I think that ordinary people like all of us, out there befriending others from across the world, are what truly promotes peace and understanding. And how can making the world get along with each other better be a selfish thing?

Don't let your friends and family convince you otherwise, Tapsi. You are doing the right thing by following your travel bug. And one day, they will agree, and tell you that you were right, and that they are proud of you...

worldwidemike

[travelpunk]

Well said, WWM B)

Hey Tapsilog, hope your trip is going well!
It's about midway into your trip and you're probably having a blast and meeting tons of people (Spread the word about the Tpunk boards!).
Hope that you're taking lots of pics for posting here!

Cheers to you, bro!