Chichen Itza

by Regin Reyno

Tuyok

Day 7, November 14, 2019.

4th leg: Cancun and Piste, Mexico

My alarm sounded at 4:00 am. I really wanted to have more sleep after days of traveling and having a few hours of sleep. But, that day was one of the most important days on my around-the-world-journey. I was about to explore one of my ultimate dream destinations; Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, is a place I’ve been longing to visit. I’ve watched documentaries about this place countless times. I dream that one day, I’ll be exploring this mysterious place. And that day was the day that dream became a reality.

After a warm shower at my lovely hotel; Hotel Chichen Itza-which by the way-was my best hotel on this journey, I headed to the lobby where a car was waiting to take me to the famous site. Together with another traveler from India, we departed at around 4:45 am, hoping to be at the site at 5am. It was Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour. We will be exploring Chichen Itza before it officially opens to the public. Which means, no annoying crowd, photo bombers, and vendors. 

My 2019 Travels

by Regin Reyno

January

1.Tianjin, China 

Mode of transportation from/to Beijing: CRH Bullet Train

Accommodation: Ibis Hotel 

A very cold winter. We strolled from noon till evening. Hot chocolate drinks at the Italian concession, frozen river with a view of the Tianjin Eye; the only Ferris wheel in the world suspended on a bridge. It was a memorable, romantic walk. This city is perfect for strolling. It feels like you’re in Europe, seriously. The next week, I walked on the river while watching locals ice fishing. 

Tuyok: A Solo Around-the-World Journey

by Regin Reyno 

On December 16, 2019, at around 6:30 am, my plane landed at Manila International Airport. I’ve experienced many landings before, but this one felt special. This landing told me I’ve completely circumnavigated the globe. 

My ultimate travel dream come true.

Manila, Philippines

Tuyok

by Regin Reyno

In October 2011, during our semester break, I watched travel movies, Last Stop for Paul, A Map for Saturday, The Art of Travel, and Up in the Air.

In June 2012, while backpacking in Siem Reap, Cambodia with my buddy, Franz Calipusan, we met Japanese backpackers-Tsubasa Asanuma and Masayuki Ubukata-traveling solo around the world. They showed us photos of their adventures on their digital camera and tablet and told stories about their wonderful adventures all around the world; traversing African countries via buses and trucks, meeting locals and fellow backpackers in South America, experiencing different cuisines, and learning about cultures of other countries. 

These two encounters, are what sparked my initial interest to travel around the world. They inspired me. I told myself that one day, I will do it, too.

In 2017, I bumped into a video on YouTube about CNN's Richard Quest, traveling around the world for 8 days, using budget airlines only. 

Then, in October 2019, I came across 7 wonders of the World in 7 days Challenge videos of Simon Wilson, a travel vlogger/YouTuber.

They awakened my 2011 dream.

A Glimpse of North Korea

by Regin Reyno

In December of 2015, I was in North Korea. It was winter. It has been a great desire-a longing to be able to set foot on this hermit kingdom. It is one of the least visited countries in the world; and to be able to visit and tour some parts of the country, I felt so accomplished. 

Due to its government's policies, and the media's vilification of this country, not a lot of people have been to this socialist state, or are even willing to go visit; which makes it fascinating, enigmatic, and mysterious. (I was the only Filipino tourist who was there during the time of visit). 

So I am sharing some of my shots from my 5-day visit to North Korea, so you'll have a little glimpse of this country. I didn't have a DSLR, so iPhone and GoPro cameras were used. Nevertheless, photography is about the eye, so here we go.

Locals using their public transpo to go to work (or so I assumed). This was taken at Kim Il Sung Square. This is the place where we usually see photos and videos of the North Korean military parade.

My 2018 Travels

by Regin Reyno 

2018 just ended. It’s another year. Happy new year! We are given once again, a new sheet of paper to write on. I thank God for this new year.  A chance to start over again. It’s like pushing that reset button on a computer game. Let’s fill it with experiences.

But before I embark on 2019’s adventures, let me look back and reminisce the travels I did in 2018. That year, I become more focused on eliminating things that I don’t need or don't add value to my life. I spent less on material things; purposely decluttered and continued spending time for meaningful experiences, like traveling. 

"The great thing about experiences is not only are they fun at the time, but you also get to think about them beforehand, and after."--James Wallman, Stuffocation

My 2017 Travels

by Regin Reyno

2017 has been a great year, especially in terms of travel. I was able to visit for the 1st time, 5 countries in total and lots of domestic travels. Since I started this yearly travel summary on my blog in 2011, I think this year is my most traveled year. I thought I traveled a lot in 2012, but this year surpassed it. 

The Lord has been gracious and faithful. Despite the tragedy that happened to our family this year-which was the death of our grandma and cousin-overall, I still experienced His grace, love, mercy, and Him being true to His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

So I praise and thank God for all these wonderful travel opportunities.   

I am also intentionally living with less material things. Acquiring less and giving more importance and focus on things that matter; relationships, spiritual life, experiences, and memories.  

1. January 2017: Russia

Transportation from/to Beijing: Aeroflot Russian Airlines 

The Hermitage Museum
Saint Petersburg, Russia