Bt journal Issue 1 by Beach Travellers

Issue 1

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TO LEARN ABOUT HAPPY LENSTM VISIT SPYOPTIC.COM/HAPPY

DEDICA TED TO BEN Not a day goes by that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think about you my friend. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working on your orphanage project Ben, so others less fortunate can live like you, the legacy, the legend.

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BT JOURNAL #1

CONTENTS: WHERE WE’VE BEEN 10 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BT GUIDE 16 JUAN SURFO 20 EDITOR IN CHIEF Graeme Barker

FULL MOON PARTY 24

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Whitney Krutzfeldt wckphotography.com

SONGKRAN 28

DESIGN Paul Higgins

CONTRIBUTORS: Photographers: Taryn Baxter @ www.tarynbaxter.com Jeremy Koreski @ www.jeremykoreski.com Benjamin Rochette @ www.ouisurf .ca Amanda Jean Cooper Olive Graphics Ally Pintucci Whitney Krutzfeldt Jean-Philippe Pariseau Taylor Aikins Scott D Vanderbrink Vanessa Walker Alex Spidermonkey Jon Gauthier Writers: Graeme Barker Mitch Martin Carter Buan TJ Hermiston Harmonie Ann Vachon Anna Durante Noah Cohen

F o r a d v e r t i s i n g i n q u i r i e s p l e a s e c o n t a ct graeme@beachtravellers.com

BEACHTRAVELLERS.COM

A GUIDE TO FLYING 32 PACKING LIST 36 TJ 40 IN MY HEADPHONES 41 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 42 DIARY OF A CONTEST WINNER 56 GRAM ON ENTRIES 2013 58 FART STORY 60 MONTREAL 64 TOFINO 68 POSTCARDS 72 A/B TESTING 86 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from the publisher. ©2013 Beach Travellers Inc.

COVER PHOTO Picture: Taryn Baxter

CHAPTER 1

Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. - Benjamin Disraeli

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

PROFILE WHERE WE STARTED & WHERE WE’RE HEADED. By Graeme Barker

What a f’ing trip it has been thus far. We started with an idea and now, well, we are where we are. We’ve always been in a good place but it’s taken this long to finally feel comfortable. DISCLAIMER: Let’s not mistake being comfortable with slowing down. It’s been 10+ years and it’s safe to say we’re never going to slow down on this endless winding road we call life. As some of you may or may not know, this life long adventure all started from an idea based on experience. TJ’s lifelong dream was to travel to SE Asia after high school, mine was to move up to Whistler and play around on my snowboard. Plagued by endless injuries and forced into early retirement I had my eyes on Aus. I wanted to learn to surf in a new neighbourhood. Keep in mind this was when Hotmail and MSN chat were so hot right now... and it was a conversation late one night between TJ and I where the first mission to Asia was born. The impossible was possible and it was as simple as committing and buying a plane ticket.

-- have a quick rinse and don’t get shocked by the shower -there’s no TP, use the sprayer (wtf is a sprayer?), holy shit this sprayer is amazing -- throw on a tank and some shorts, we’re going out --- eat this song tam, papaya noodle salad -- spiciest thing I’ve ever eaten -- grab a beer, keep walking -Koh San, craziest thing I’d seen to date as that stage, people from all over the world packed into the streets talking, shopping, eating, drinking... enjoying life. -- Let’s go to this back alley --- eat this -- red curry, green curry, masaman curry -this shit is fucking hot, -- drink this, it’s a smoothie in a bag--- Drink this, it’s Sangsom (Thai whisky) -- come into 7/11, it’s got A/C and cheap beer --- Come in here, follow me, let’s sneak up here --

It’s always as simple as committing and buying a plane ticket. TJ picked me up on arrival with a sign and his new friends named Chang and Singha. Cruising through Bangkok at speeds of up to 150+km/h (Taxi drivers are insane if you request they go super fucking fast, especially with TJ cheering them on in Thai).

WTF is this place? Rooftop pool full of European girls, dive in, say hi to the girls, holy shit they’re actually friendly, no cell phones back then, no digits taken, keep moving. -- we’re going to an Irish bar, Shamrock bar -OK?

Right from the get-go it was a whirlwind trip with TJ running the show.

Wake up in the morning, where am I?

-- here’s your room --- here’s your key --

-- You’ve got 10 minutes to pack your bag --- Jump into the back of this truck --

Here we go again... Where are we going? Who cares... -- We’re headed South to the Full Moon Party on an island called Koh Phangan, here’s your train ticket --

That’s it, that’s all... That’s BT.

Overnight train? Buckets of 1L Heinekens on ice show up, how many baht? What’s this money even worth? $2 each? $2x$2x$2x$2 x ZZZzzzz.

We quit our jobs, quit school, all in the name of this idea. Our goal of sharing and developing our knowledge by improving that experience over and over and over...

-- Wake Up! --

We ran one trip of five in 2004, then two trips of 30 in 2005, then in 06’ & 07’ multiple trips totalling 100+ travellers, 300+ in 09’ and 10’, 400+ in 2011 and 2012 and today we’re doing 500+ and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

-- Get your bag, hustle to those trucks, get in the back, get off, walk over there, here’s your room -Seriously though, where the fuck am I? Relax? $3 massages? OK Hammocks OK Friends named Chang and Singha YUP Drink a bucket, what is this bucket all about? Whisky, coke, ice, redbull (the original kind, in a medicine bottle, like syrup), 100 straws... Techno? OK. Dance party. YUP. -- Eat this, drink that -What was in that shake? Why is this smoothie bar called free trip to the moon? I think I just pee’d my pants laughing Dance all night under the full moon Sand between my toes Go swimming Girls dancing everywhere in bikinis. This is fucked!? This continued for the rest of the trip… TJ spoke Thai, knew all the hot spots, good locals, good food, good guest houses, the best of the best... All the usual hassles of Where are we going? // What are we doing? // How much is this? // Is this a scam? // Are we going to get robbed? // Is this food cart legit or is it going to make #2 feel like number #1 later? Back home, the dream was over, I was enrolled in school studying business and noticed that upon telling my stories of SE Asia, peoples eyes would light right up. Even though I was doing my best to describe this new world I had discovered, words just couldn’t do it justice. Upon looking around the room and asking everyone who had been where... Maui, Mayan Riviera, San Diego, Cancun, Cabo, resorts resorts resorts... Are you really even in those countries if you’re trapped in a manmade resort? The idea had been mentioned and joked about many times throughout the trip. TJ was the ultimate combo between best friend and travel guide, one that you could trust. There was no wall between guide for hire and tourist. The idea was not to be tourists but travellers, rolling through these exotic foreign countries with someone they felt comfortable with, someone they felt like they’ve known their whole life. Someone who not only enjoys taking care of

the small stuff, but thrives off of delivering it in style, always upping the ante and in turn giving that life changing experience.

Those who know us and who have lived, worked, travelled, partied with us or let us surf their couches over the years know it definitely wasn’t life on easy street. It has been a long hard road to get to where we are today. Believe it or not if you add it all up it probably breaks down to 80-100 hour work weeks, 360 days a year with the exception of 4 days at the rents house over the holidays. >> But you’re always travelling? << Have you ever seen the movie “up in the air” with George Clooney? That’s life on the road, now try operating a start-up company in 3 different countries at the same time, while guiding trips, while booking flights, planning and executing fall and spring marketing campaigns, bookkeeping, accounting, booking and paying for events, building and developing a website, building and developing a reservations system, who’s going on what trip, packing and unpacking every 3-4 days... Now do it all from a hard drive because there is no skype or google docs or even wifi for that matter, “if” you have a laptop, it’s a fucking heavy one. Our’s was a first generation MacBook that we shared. Oh ya and you’re stuck with your business partner, 24/7 for 10 years, he knows more about you then you know about yourself. You’re married. We drove across Canada 4 times, and after that first trip is over, it definitely loses it’s charm. We’ve lived in our van (Julian RIP), we’ve probably slept on over 500+ couches each... Thank you all for hosting us btw. It’s been one crazy ride to get to where we are today. And we still don’t know where that final destination will be because there isn’t one in sight. Keep moving, keep building, enjoy life’s little challenges. One day at a time. We’ve learned some hard lessons along the way too, both good and bad, because everyone makes mistakes, but it’s what you do with what you learn from those mistakes that determines both what kind of person and company you are. Even though at times we’ve felt like our heads have been 50 feet below water for the past 10 years, we’ve learned to take both BT and life one day at a time. Brazil? What happened? Well my friends, that was a lesson learned, an expensive one at that. The R&D was a life changing experience,

Picture: Alex Spidermonkey Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper so were the trips we ran, but we can’t keep up with its booming economy and strength in currency. The Real (hey-aw). The truth is we imagined Brazil to be the next Thailand, but everything comes at a $ and our friend Brazil has taught us a hard lesson that we’ll never forget. As with all our trips we designed the best trip we could have ever imagined. 28 days in Brazil. Brazil is massive, therefore requires airplanes to get around, unless you want to take 28-36 hour busses from place to place, and the busses are pretty much the same price as the planes. Accommodations are about $50 per day (hostel dorm room) instead of $30 in Asia (amazing private beach bungalow, hotel or guest house), transportations are about $30 per day, and meals and entertainment on a medium budget will now run you about $80-$100 per day. Anyways in all fairness, unless you’re eating steak all day, we rate the food 2/10. Which brings us to the bottom line, roughly about $5000 up front, $3000-$3500 on M&E per person. Running in and around the neighborhood of about 8-10k per person for a month. Yet still our margins are too thin to operate on that number, we are barely able to pay our guides. That being said, despite the short term crush, we had to break up with Brazil until further notice, it’s not you it’s us... Ok it’s you... It’s complicated... We’ve turned yet another page in the book and we’re taking it back to where it all began, the homeland. In 2014, we’re happy to announce we’re launching TLC, and yes, we’ll be chasing waterfalls. After some serious R&D we’re introducing (Northern) Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

AKA [The Golden Triangle] Soon to follow you might ask? Well to name a few we’ve been working on some top secret ideas which may or may not involve Central America (Guatemala to El Salvador to Nicaragua to Costa Rica), Morocco, Sri Lanka // India, the list goes on. But remember it’s one day at a time over here, we’re not rushing into anything like we did in the past. We want to take our time before we let the world take our panties off, we want to ensure it’s the real thing. We want to be absolutely sure you’re the one we want to spend the rest of our lives with. Throwing your life into an idea is a commitment, a marriage if you will. A marriage to your commitment of delivering that wow factor. Setting the bar where it’s been set by others is easy, what travellers expect from other travel companies is our minimum. We’ve made a commitment from the time you first meet us, at an event, on the phone, over social media, to here in the Journal. >> We’re here to do and be something different << We’re the ones who actually give a shit, the innovators that once started with an idea that’s never ended. We love to travel, plain and simple. We want to inspire, something, anything... And we always love to hear about it. We’re just happy to have you here, as one of the family. // bt //

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@heart_beachtravellers

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BT GUIDE via Instagram @alexspidermonkey

@carterbuan

@nicolielaura

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CHAPTER 2

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

STALKING LOCALS

JUAN SURFO Words: Mitch Martin | Picture: Olive Graphics

IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN DOWN TO PLAYA GUIONES, COSTA RICA, AKA THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON THE PLANET, YOU MAY HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO CROSS PATHS WITH JUAN SURFO. CHANCES ARE YOU’VE HEARD OF HIM EVEN IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO PURA VIDA LAND.

This dude’s a f’ing legend. Entrepreneur, surf coach extraordinaire, and a close friend to the BT Costa Rica crew. Juan owns & operates El Punto, the numero uno surf shop in Guiones, and jumps in the water with our Costa Rica surf camps to help with coaching when we roll through town. We recently dug deep into the heart of our amigo good ol Juan Surfo.

Have you always had blond hair? Yes How many times can you kick a soccer ball without it hitting the ground? 150 What’s the best place in Costa Rica to be a surfer? Playa Guiones. What do you think of Beach Travellers? Canadians EH! Fun to teach surf. Closing words? I love you guys. Pura Vida

How long have you owned “El Punto”? 8 years, before I taught lessons and rented boards from my house. What’s the best part of being a surf shop owner? Everyday is like a vacation. What’s the worst part of being a surf shop owner? Broken rental boards. That’s a big board room you have there? How many rental boards do you have? Too many to count. More than 100. Anyone ever tell you that you look like Jeff Spicoli? Everyday. “Hey Bud, let’s party!” How do you deal with all the chicas in Bikini’s that come by your shop? It’s hard. jaja What’s the best Spanish swearword to yell at someone that drops in on you? Fuera! Fuera! (get out) Why do you sometimes surf backwards? Usually when the wave sucks. What’s the best Spanish word to pick up babes? Hola Guapa. I teach you surf. Favorite pre-surf comida? Black coffee. What’s the best way to get a girl’s top to fall off in the water? Big wave. What’s the best way to get a girl’s top to fall off at the bar? Cacique (rum)

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

Picture: Jeremy Koreski

Destination Spotlight

FULL MOON PARTY A GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE By Carter Buan Every month during the week leading up to the full moon, travellers from all walks of life flock to the island of Koh Phangan. Known for decades as a beach bum’s paradise by day and a raver’s haven by night, for the latter (for the record, no I’m not a raver, I’m a bucketeer) this island has the answer: the legendary, infamous, and downright rowdy Full Moon Party. Naturally, after 10+ years frequenting this beach party we feel right at home. No one is really sure how this party came to be. Rumour has a couple different scenarios; a massive bday party for a longterm backpacker, a successful catch by a local fisherman that

Picture: 26

Ally Pintucci

became a huge beach barbecue resulting in an even bigger after-party, or just a well-timed and well-promoted showdown put on by the locals, nobody can be sure. However, everyone can agree that it became a recurring thing in the late 1980s, and that it has grown to be the biggest and most famous party in the world. My most recent was my last Full Moon of the summer, and it was gearing up to be a massive one. 80+ Beach Travellers, a few other fellow guides and Thai friends, and 20,000 others ready to rage until the break of dawn.

Picture: @jonnobt

MY MOST RECENT WAS MY LAST FULL MOON OF THE SUMMER, AND IT WAS GEARING UP TO BE A MASSIVE ONE. 80+ BEACH TRAVELLERS, A FEW OTHER FELLOW GUIDES AND THAI FRIENDS, AND 20,000 OTHERS READY TO RAGE UNTIL THE BREAK OF DAWN.

Picture: Ally Pintucci

Below I’ve laid out my top 5 ways to survive the main event.

1. DRESS TO IMPRESS

Go shopping with your crew, pick up the tightest, brightest neon outfit of the exact same colour, and go all out. It’s surprisingly easy to pick your friends out of the 20k+ person crowd. If you can pull it off, pack a waterproof camera or a GO-PRO to capture the chaos.

2. GIRLS HEART BODY PAINT

Fluorescent body paint is available all over the island prior to the party, as well as at on-location booths that can get you done up for a small fee. This is a solid way to pre-game before hitting the party. Your friend requests a palm tree or YOLO, you throw down a giant male hot dog (without the bun). Get your best artist gf or dudebro to throw down a work of art and you’ll be the king//queen of the beach. And we know b**ches.

3. EXPLORE

There are usually anywhere from 7-10+ different bars spread across the beach with different atmospheres and music. You’ll find everything from hordes of babes gettin down to top 40, indoor clubs spinning house & trance, stages on the beach playing dubstep & drum ‘n bass for those who want to rage and twerk, and elevated bamboo bars with chillout and downtempo if you feel like cruising. We usually run the show on the far west of the beach, far enough to have a little extra space, close enough to be able to come and go as you please. There’s nothing worse than losing your crew, this way you can always find them. Come the break of dawn at west beach we’ve got our own dance party with the population of a small city.

4. OOOO LORD THERE’S A FIRE

TThere are several contraptions at the party that may look tempting, in the form of fire jump-rope, fire limbo and a large, steep, ultra sketchy slide running from a rooftop down to the sand. Way too many friends have limped home or to the hospital after an unfortunate face-off with these key features; 3rd degree burns and heels sliced wide open. Do yourself a favor and chase girls (or dudes), not fires and slides.

5. TIL THE BREAK OF DAWN

We’re talking about 7-8+ hours of full moon beach shenanigans! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people passed out in the sand by midnight. Yes they get dragged by locals into a fenced off pit full of passed out bodies. Don’t ask, just don’t be that guy or gal, pace yourself, follow the steps above, and you’ll be fist pumping to an epic sunrise with your victorious Full Moon comrades. Some of the coolest sunrises I’ve ever seen have been on that beach. Make it to sunrise and in all honesty it’s likely to be one of the most memorable sunrises of your trip. It’s not the man, it’s the motion ;)

I know, it sounds terrible right? The Full Moon Party is here to stay, and it usually ends up on 99.9% of SE travellers checklists, and for good reason. Even after attending 14 FMP’s, I still walk away from every full moon with enough stories to last a lifetime!

SONGKRAN

When in... Thailand... In April... By Carter Buan

Unlike the standard western fare of fireworks, champagne, and excessive overpriced boozing, Thailand rings in the New Year quite a bit differently. It goes by the name of Songkran and it goes down in mid-April for up to a week. It’s centered around a massive nationwide water fight! For reals, I’m not making this up. Songkran happens during the hottest time of the year in Thailand, and that’s why “water-fighting” (it’s a verb) became so popular. Traditionally, Songkran is a time for visiting elders, cleansing, renewal, the start of another year and the cusp of the rainy season. Scented water is poured over Buddha images for good luck and prosperity, and then captured and poured over the heads of friends and family to pass on the good Karma. These days however, people gather in the streets in hordes, especially in the cultural hub city of Chiang Mai, to huck water (sometimes ice cold!) at any passersby and get soaked in return. So many people visit the city every Songkran that the main roads are all closed and handed over to pedestrians for maximum frolicking. Not only is it unreal to watch such a playful display of a cultural tradition, it’s also the best excuse to buy a water gun and act like a little kid again. This year I headed up to Chiang Mai for the biggest water fight in Southeast Asia. I learned a lot, got very, very wet, and found my top ways to have the time of your life at the sickest New Year’s party on the planet! 1. Get a water gun. The more powerful, the better. I would recommend the Supersoaker 5000. This bitch holds the most water, gets the best distance, and packs the most bang for your baht (about 500 THB). Perfect for sniping during intense battles! 2. Dress modestly, but be ready: you’re gonna get soaked. It may seem like the ideal time to strip down to boardies and

bikinis, but remember that you’re in the city, and locals dress modestly. Keep those tarps on and embrace the wetness! 3. Watch the Buddha parade. Every day between April 1315, there is a procession of Buddha images from temples all over Chiang Mai province. Don’t be shy with that water gun; shooting them or tossing water on them is actually good Karma, as it signifies cleansing and renewal! 4. Check out the old city. Hang out at the stages set up along the moat surrounding Chiang Mai’s Old City. The busiest and liveliest is the AirAsia stage near Thapae Gate, which hurls free stuff at partygoers, blasts the crowd with powerful water cannons, and boasts live bands and DJs dropping beats all day long. 5. Get down with the locals. I vaguely recall being hauled into the back of a pickup truck by a group of young (and considerably intoxicated) Thai dudes. We consumed vast amounts of whisky and sticky rice, started a drum circle with empty water jugs, I taught them how to properly shotgun a beer, and we exchanged Facebook info while they made me a farewell necklace of our empty Chang cans when it came time to part ways. Oddly touching. 6. Hit Backpackers’ Alley, the prime nightlife area of the city (after a quick nap, of course). This is where the action happens after dark, with tons of bars keeping the party going and people spilling out onto the street to mingle. Definitely the place to be if you haven’t tuckered yourself out after a long day of aqua battles. 7. Leave the smartphones at home. Songkran is no place for Instagram selfies. If you think your 50 Baht dry bag is gonna cut it, you’re dead wrong, so if you don’t have a lifeproof case or the bahts to replace your soaked technology, keep it in your room safe and dry.

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper Picture: Vanessa Walker Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper 31

Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

11 tips

TO A HAPPY FLIGHT Words: Graeme Barker Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

I RECENTLY READ SOMEWHERE THAT TAKING OFF YOUR SHOES ON AN AIRPLANE IS A FAUX PAS, APPARENTLY IN SOME PEOPLES EYES IT’S SEEN AS RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL. THE REAL QUESTION IS “WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE THAT FLY WITH THEIR SHOES ON?” AS I SIT AWAITING THE YVR - NYC LEG OF MY FLIGHT TO TAKE OFF, I PROUDLY KICK OFF MY SANUKS AND STRETCH MY BEAUTIFUL BARE FEET. I GOT TO THINKING HOW FLIGHTS CAN BE A COMPLETE DISASTER OR AN ENJOYABLE TRAVEL DAY SPENT 50,000 FT ABOVE THE CLOUDS WITH THE SUNSHINE’IN... 35

A Guide to Flying

Babies can fly

If you decide to show-up ill equipped for the worst case scenario, it’s not the babies fault it can’t sleep for 5-10 hours straight without getting hungry or pooping itself. My tools of choice: Nixon “The Jam” earbud style headphones, Earplugs

Your precious feet

Taking your shoes off is a must, let those b**ches breathe. If you’re planning on going somewhere hot, get flip flops on those pasty white feet from the get-go. Even if there is snow on the ground you’re going from house to car/taxi to heated airport. Represent the fact you’re going somewhere you can rock those flops 24/7. If you’re going somewhere like NYC like I am at the moment, ensure those stylish yet comfy shoes are ready to be kicked off upon sitting down. Weapon(s) of choice: Sanuks: “Sidewalk Surfers” or “Beer Cozy” sandals

Be a creep or a pirate

You may ask yourself, it’s not fucking sunny out so why has that creep been wearing shades for the entire flight. Because they’re waaay ahead of you. Flying is an art form and between battling for arm space and wrangling with the flight attendant to keep your phone and headphones on pre take-off and post landing, you need the upper hand my friend. The less light the better, it’s easier to sleep, you can also keep your eye on everything from people watching to stewardess dodging and lastly, if you don’t feel like conversing with chatty Cathy or Jimmy trying to get your phone number, they’ll never know if you’re actually sleeping or not. Tools of choice: SPY Fold and for serious sleepers I strongly recommend an eye mask.

El Musica

Heading out for a flight without a playlist pre-programmed into your iPod or iPhone is a sin. How are you going to let the sweet vibes of Tribe Called Quest coach you to sleep if you haven’t got it pre-loaded? Come packing heat.

Snack attack

The flight cost you a decent chunk of change and now you’re going to boycott the food for purchase? I used to be upset about how food was no longer free on flights, like it was in the good ol days. Then I thought about how often an $7 pint is a non-issue, so why starve yourself over spite of what used to be, you’re the one who’ll end up on the shortbus. Go for it, you’re always on vacay when you’re up in the air. Life’s better up here, enjoy it.

Drink up

Did I mention you’re on vacay, it’s sunny out up here. Let the drinks of choice flow and eventually put you to sleep. My personal choice is a dirty gin ceaser, followed by a cold cerveza and a nap. If I still can’t get to sleep after that for whatever reason a stiff scotch on the rocks, or two, will do the trick.

Drugs are your friend

Gravol, prescription sleeping pills, something that starts with V and sounds like stallion, you name it. They’re all great for those long haul flights. You can only watch so many movies. If you’re a light sleeper I recommend seeking out a prescription of so and so. If you’re just looking for some Zzz’s, the over the counters will do the trick. And no don’t double down on item 6 and 7, it’s one or the other ;) Tools of choice (use at your own risk): Prescription Over the counter - extra strength gravol or 1 nightquil tablet. Back pain, one robax platinum.

A Guide to Flying

Climate Control

A housecoat turned backwards is a million dollar idea. Pack a nice lightweight hoodie, Billabong makes some gems, and you can be a millionaire too. Use it as a blanket, put it on backwards and catch those much needed zzz’s. It’s not too often you get off the plane and don’t have a million different things coming at you. You’re not going to be getting those same perfect sleeps like you get at home, so stay calm and sleep on.

Shake and Bake

A wise man from talladega nights once said, “if you’re not in first you’re in last”... Always be one of the first travellers to board. They’ll call business class (not you or me), pre-boarding for kids and those that need special assistance, and then no matter what they say after that, that’s you. Row X is now boarding, it doesn’t matter what row they’re calling, that’s you and they’ll take you as long as you have your ID out and greet them with a great big smile. 100+ times and counting without getting turned away. 101 was this morning and I tried to pre-board with the kids and got turned down. The key is to be almost at the front of the line, let those who are actually going to approach to board go ahead of you, and you’ll feel like a true gentlemen, “no you go ahead” again with a smile and you’ll be the first to board. Why, you may still be asking? Moving onto #10...

10.

Mi Casa Su Casa

If you haven’t already noticed the trend of people bringing on the equivalent of gear you’d bring for an around the world trip rammed into their oversized carry-on, well, those are the ones who are going to take up all your precious space. Your jacket and your daypack have the same rights as those oversized suitcases, you all paid entrance to ride the same ride. Since you were the first to board, you’ve got all the overhead space in the world to choose from. Your bag will be safe from a jammer (someone who will try to ram their suitcase in with yours and potentially crush or give your electronics a couple nice wacks) if it’s on the left or right of the overhead compartment. If on the off chance someone has the nerve to ask you to put your daypack or jacket under your seat because they feel their oversized monster bag is more important than your daypack, just kindly say “no thanks, I really need my leg space”. They boarded late, they’re in last and the stewardess will always find room or gate check their bag for them. And always, if the opportunity presents itself, help the elderly by throwing their bag up and take it down for them. Hopefully our youth will do the same for us someday on a spaceship 50 odd years down the road.

11.

Window trumps all

We all know, middle is the worst. Technically good plane etiquette states the middle has the rights to the arm rests. They got the shitty seat, they get the arm rests. This never ever happens, so unless the person is extremely Texas style overweight and blooming into you, everyone will play armrest free-for-all. That being said, middle is worse case scenario, avoid it at all costs. If you didn’t want to pay the $20-$30 premium seat selection fees, which I personally feel is worth it on any flights over 5 hours, be sure to check-in 24 hours in advance and grab yourself a window or an isle. I’m a window guy, I have broad shoulders, which often get bumped and/or someone accidently puts their hand on your head instead of the back of your seat and they struggle to the bano. “yes, but aisle has easier access the bathroom”. Well the closer you are to the window the more rights you have to wake people to get out if and when nature calls. Another reason window trumps aisle and middle, all the gravol in the world isn’t going to save you from someone interrupting your precious beauty sleep.. LET'S RECAP THE ROMANTIC HITLIST: Headphones and Earplugs Sanuks Spy’s and an eye mask A credit card for a snack attack Booze, drugs and chill out tracks A light hoodie for snuggling with yourself A day pack with all the necessities in case your baggage gets lost it happens 1/5 of the time Room for your day pack and first to sit with the window. Enjoi 37

PACKING LIST

HERS

BILLABONG “Duck Dive” Rash Guard, BILLABONG “Clouds Above” Tank, BILLABONG “Surfari Triangle” Bikini Top, BILLABONG “Surfari Tropic” Bikini Bottom, BILLABONG “Wave Ride” Shorts, BILLABONG “Its Sweet End” Beach Blanket, BILLABONG “Aloha brah” Strawhat, MIZU “M8” Water Bottle, NIXON “The Mod” Watch, NIXON “The Slice” iPhone 5 Case, NIXON “Blaster” Bluetooth Portable Speaker System, NIXON “The Jam” Ear Buds, BEACH TRAVELLERS & BILLABONG “STATT” (#summertimeallthetime) Collaboration Tank, SANUK “Cabrio Poncho” Shoes, SPY + ALANA BLANCHARD “OMG!” Sunglasses, INCASE “Camo Capsul” Backpack

PACKING LIST

HIS

BILLABONG “Flip” Boardshort, BILLABONG “Predator” Tank Top, BILLABONG “Stay Wet” T-Shirt, BILLABONG “Union St Stroll” Hat, BILLABONG “Geo Fringe” Towel, SPY “Fold” Sunglasses, MIZU “M8 Nixon Lock-up” Water Bottle, NIXON “Blaster” Bluetooth Portable Speaker System, NIXON “Passport” Watch, NIXON “Diamond” iPhone 5 Case, NIXON “The Apollo” 3 Button Mic Headphones, ROARK “Sea Hobo” Pocket Knife, ROARK “From the Sea” Flask, BEACH TRAVELLERS & BILLABONG “STATT” (#summertimeallthetime) Collaboration T-Shirt, SANUK “Block Party” Shoes, INCASE “EO Travel” Backpack

CHAPTER 3 What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on? - George Carlin

Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

Things you should know ABOUT TJ 1 - He can speak, read, write and cook in Fluent Thai 2 - TJ has structure. His morning routine is so productive it makes Mr. Rogers look like a slacker 3 - He’s always got your back 4 - He’s fucking hilarious 5 - He runs a hotel out of his apartment 6 - He would thrive as a homeless man 7 - He’s shreds on a skateboard 8 - He has never lost a freestyle battle in his life, he’s even rapped alongside CHALI 2na 9 - He’ll always beat you in an eating contest 10 - He has a secret addiction to chicken mcnuggets 11 - In 2011 he declared his drink of choice green tea and scotch 12 - Once upon a time he broke his collarbone in Lombok and now believes his newfound ‘nook’ to be exceptionally comfortable for females to snuggle

13 - He tried to order pizza pops and a glass of milk at an Original Joe’s. He got the milk, which he never even wanted 14 - He loves the cloud - Google docs, icloud, gcal, Skype, Dropbox, you name it, it’s all about the cloud 15 - He can play “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans on guitar, including the full rap 16 - He once individually plucked dozens of sandals off the beach and from the feet of passed out people at a Full Moon Party and sold them for 50 baht a pair the following morning 17 - He ages in reverse by 15 years when he shaves his beard 18 - He loves his motorcycle, even in the pouring rain 19 - He does a stellar Forrest Gump impression 20 - He’s an amazing musician; guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals, you name it, it all makes the girls melt

THE AVETT BROTHERS February Seven BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS With My Own Two Hands CAKE Wheels BON IVER Re: Stacks DR DRE What’s the Difference CHAD VANGAALEN Willow Tree FLEET FOXES White Winter Hymnal TOM PETTY Two Gunslingers KENNY ROGERS The Gambler PINK FLOYD Comfortably Numb FLAMING LIPS Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots WARREN G Regulators JACKSON 5 I Want You Back (Including video) NOTORIOUS BIG Juicy THE DOORS Roadhouse Blues (live in NYC 1970) THE BEATLES Across the Universe BOB DYLAN Tangled Up in Blue JEFF BUCKLEY Hallelujah - (Leonard Cohen cover) RADIOHEAD Bones AQUA Dr Jones

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper 43

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GO CHASING WATERFALLS TLC (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia) Please youtube this song and press play before reading.

BY TJ Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Last Halloween I set out on a 3-month research mission through Northern Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Despite being

these

countries

numerous times, my mission was different this time. The goal was to experience as much as humanly possible throughout the country and design a trip that would take 46

BT trips to the next level. From past R&D experience, I knew what lay ahead would be spells of sickness from trying every food available under the sun, ringing ears from shooting AK-47s and endless smiles from the raw beauty. I was set on the ever daunting and never boring TLC “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls”

research

trip. 47

The thing about research trips is that there is never a dull moment. You can expect everything and anything. I would meet the good, the bad and the ugly in all shapes and forms in people, places, and things. The key is to keep my eyes peeled and no matter what keep an open mind, soak it all in, and above all; document the shit out of it. Beachin It My first mission was to find a beach landscape and island atmosphere that would blow peoples minds. It started off with some boat hopping, chatting with a few backpackers, locals, and anything I could find online. I eventually found the perfect place to set the tone for the trip. The pictures don’t really do it any justice and I’ve seen a lot of beaches in my day. This was nothing but pure serenity. I met a number of travellers on this island and we gathered to do a sunset bbq boat cruise to a private beach. The beach went as far as the eye can see, had pure white sand and bluest of blue tropical waters. As day ended we had smiles ear to ear, Angkor beers in hand and a sunset to write home about. I had found yet another true paradise well off the beaten trail. Busses, vomit, and breastfeeding Bus from Phnom Penh to 4,000 Islands started off on the wrong foot. The bus circled the city in no particular order and packed it to the tits. Since I have never have issues passing out cold on these busses I had fallen asleep. When I awoke, to my surprise, the entire bus was overflowing with people. I had put my bag on the seat next to me before falling asleep so it was the only seat that wasn’t being used and people were too polite to move it apparently. When I woke up we were at a lunch stop and a Chinese solo traveller climbed out of her seat very upset yelling “she wammi on me”. I had no idea what she meant as I was in a half-asleep daze so I nodded and everyone climbed off the bus. Outside I saw what she meant. She was wearing bright blue gypsy pants and they were soiled with vomit. She was fucking pissed off and b-lining it over to the bathrooms to clean herself off. When we all had finished eating we climbed back on the bus. The same Chinese girl asked to sit next to me which I agreed to. Her hands were all covered in blue from the ink in the pants bleeding. She then explained to me that the elderly Cambodian woman sitting next to her had puked directly on her. The woman had the option of the aisle, her own bag, between her feet, but no, she chose to lean directly on the Chinese girl and fill her lap with asian breakfast. The Chinese girl explained all this to me and then as she slowly boiled with anger, she explained that she “just wan say FUCK”. I suggested that she should express herself, so she leans over to the woman and smacks her shoulder and yells “FUCK!”. I was startled by the shoulder slap but I broke down laughing. I couldn’t help it. Later on we eventually transferred. The 10 of us foreigners shipped off and loaded onto a minibus. All of us laughed at how overpacked the bus was. We couldn’t even close the back of the mini-bus, the bags had to all be tied in. I now sat next to a woman and her 7-year old daughter. Soon enough after making a few funny faces at the young one; the cross-eyed, the monkey etc, the 7-year old was comfortable enough to lay across me and her mothers lap. I was having fun cuz she was helping pass the time. Next thing you know I have a limp hand hitting my neck and side of my head. I look over and the 7-year old girl is latched onto her moms nipple and is fucking breastfeeding. I double took, I triple took and then removed her hand from my head but I couldn’t avoid her still laying across me while getting her fill of milk. I thought kids stopped breastfeeding by the age of 2??? Needless to say, they got off the bus at the next city and I stared out the window in shock till we arrived at the Cambodia/Laos border in the middle of the night.

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Temple Time As I explored Angkor, I thought about life, and things that people should see before they die. Angkor Wat is one of the 7 wonders of the world, dating back to the 12th century. The mere size of the temple grounds is unfathomable, expanding over 3KM. The place is like some sort of dream. Monkeys are scattered throughout playing, throwing shit, and posing for photos. Meanwhile the novice Buddhist monks are walking around the grounds and there are giant stone structures that have so much history of art, religion, war and peace. You sit and watch the sun come up over the temple as reflections off of the water are scattered with lily pads and lotus flowers. I believe that when I’m on my deathbed, that this will be one place I’ve been that I will reflect on feeling lucky to have seen such an amazing place. Design from experience We aim to see just how bad things can get before they get good, so we know exactly what to avoid on all fronts. The shitty hotel rooms and busses, the sketchy border guards, the endless scams, shitty food that ends up causing diarrhea spells, puking incidents etc so we can build from experience. So we can find the creme de la creme. On these missions we make sure that we experience all the ups as much as the downs. We need to know what to expect and how we can wow our travellers into a frenzied shock so they can reflect on the day, the week, and the trip as something that truly blew their minds and expectations. Memories they will reflect on for the rest of their lives. After several years of research in Northern Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, I know this is going to become one of our most adventurous trips. It’s a graduation from beaches of southern Thailand to university of the jungle. And the Coles Notes version goes a little something like this: Bangkok, perfect beaches in Cambodia, history and AK47’s and a double decker boat party, the 7th wonder of the world, night market, river tubing in Laos with beers, endless rope swing waterfalls, longtail boat rides through villages, finally ending on a celebration full of tears, new best friends after a month of non-stop laughter. Above all, these R&D trials and tribulations are what we endure so that our travellers go home feeling something different than what they arrived with. That, for me, is what BT is all about. Freedom to explore.

Picture: Taylor Aikins

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper Picture: Taryn Baxter

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

CHAPTER 4

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharal Nehru

Picture: Benjamin Rochette 57

Diary of Our Contest Winners Harmonie Ann Well I guess the story all starts with a typical day of procrastination. It was one of those days where I should have been studying or being productive but I was on Facebook instead and I came across this competition. The page read “Win a Trip to Thailand” and just like everyone else I thought “well that would be unreal”. Everyone hopes to be the winner of these miscellaneous contests and draws but you never think it could be you. Everyday there were challenges on their Facebook page to become a finalist. I decided to use a Youtube video to set myself apart from all the other contest hopefuls and sure enough, I was chosen. At this point I realized I could actually be the winner and I became determined to make it happen. Three weeks (and 1400 Facebook votes) later I was deemed the winner of a 24-day trip to Thailand courtesy of Beach Travellers. The competition ended on December 10th and by December 27th I was on a 30 hour journey from Ontario to Bangkok. The next part was fun, my flight from Toronto was cancelled and I fought with the airline managers for 6 hours to be rerouted through China so I wouldn’t be set back another day. I also ended up sprinting through 3 airports to make my connections but eventually I arrived. Unfortunately, I told BT the wrong arrival date by mistake so there was nobody there to retrieve me. I spent the next 6 hours roaming the Bangkok airport alone before figuring out who to contact and where to go. In hindsight I can laugh at all of my misfortune, but at the time I was not a happy camper. I finally met up with my guide Nikki and we travelled South for 9 hours (via bus and ferry) to meet up with the rest of our group. We joined them on the island of Koh Phangan which is notorious for hosting one of the world’s largest events, the Full Moon Party. By this time it was December 31st so the party just happened to fall on New Years Eve. To say I started the year with a bang would be an understatement. I arrived at Full Moon with my new BT family, the 17 amazing people who I would spend the next 20 days travelling South Asia with. We walked onto the beach right at midnight as fireworks exploded over the 30,000 bodies screaming about the new-year. Looking down the shoreline it was a wild display of energy, lights, music and madness. I already knew I loved the country, but it was confirmed when I realized alcohol was sold by the beach pale. The shenanigans continued until sunrise and as I stood with my feet in the ocean, I realized for once New Years exceeded all expectations. From this point we travelled to 5 other beautiful locations. Each destination is so beautiful and unique in their own way. Next we took a long-tail-boat to a raft house that floated on a lake within a vast National park. The floating houses were nestled in a quiet bay, surrounded by mountains and the jungle. This place was untouched by tourism, traffic and all signs of the modern world. It was so isolated and serene, but the best part was that it literally felt like I was in Jurassic Park. We spent the next few days floating around the raft, drinking buckets and getting sloppy. Every morning we were awoken by the sounds

of the jungle, which was mainly a bunch of rambunctious monkeys. We also went on a wild jungle hike. I’m pretty proud to say that I successfully trekked upstream, through a cave, in complete darkness, with no headlamp and with bare feet for a kilometer. I’m afraid of heights but I even managed to climb up a waterfall somehow. During my adventure I had so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I learned to scuba dive and saw the gorgeous Thailand marine life, rode on elephants through the Thai country side, stopped wearing shoes, pet some tigers, saw a ping-pong show (if you don’t know what that is, google it… Bangkok is a crazy city), volunteered at a Thai elementary school and learned all about a new and unique culture. Most of all I met a so many fantastic people who I now consider my friends. I could spend all day writing about the experience, but ultimately words cannot captivate what happened. Whether you are a stranger reading this or my best friend, nothing I say will truly do the trip justice. To hear about an experience or see pictures gives you an idea of what something is like. But to become the person telling the story is life altering. We never really have the money or the time to do these things because we have responsibilities. But I think people often confuse commitments with priorities. To make this trip happen I failed accounting for the second time, missed a couple weeks of school and ended up spending most of my savings. Some may think this is irresponsible. But dollars and grades are just numbers on a page. Experiences are real and they’re what make your life worth living.

“Dollars and grades are just numbers on a page. Experiences are real and they’re what make your life worth living.”

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Laura Ophium

Morgan Rieger

Erin Hunt

Edward Lee

Ashley MacDonald

Elicia Wood

Maddie Johnson

Rebecca L

GRAM ON!

Amanda Quintino

CONTEST WINNERS

Every summer we host an online photo contest made up of our travellers day in the life snapshots as they travel the globe. Thanks again to everyone who participated. Big congrats to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner @pocketjlo (Amanda-Marie Quintino), see ya in Bali ;) #summertimeallthetime

Shawn Rudland

Andrea Mancini

DEAR DIARY GUIDE TALES

FAR T S TO R Y From Anna Durante

Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

CHAPTER 5

“Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you’ve never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground.” - Judith Thurman

Picture: Jeremy Koreski 65

ON THE HOMEFRONT

MONTREAL Q&A with Ben Rochette of OuiSurf.ca Interview by Mitch Martin

How long has OuiSurf.ca been around? Since 2010.

or for worse, a surf trip is always a positive thing. I also thought it represents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Franglaisâ&#x20AC;?, which is what most of us here speak.

Did you start it to meet girls? Or, what actually inspired you to create it? I started it to share my videos and see if anyone else liked them. It was just a hobby at first. Then people told me they loved the videos, they started following OuiSurf, and it grew from there.

Seems like OuiSurf took you on quite the journey. Tell us a bit about the path it led you down. Once my videos started gaining popularity, I got some invites to join surf trips and film. I met tons of great people and had tons of fun filming them. I eventually started a WebTV blog to showcase these surf/travel videos and shed some light on Quebec surfers. Some sponsors got on board to help fund more trips, and then I was able to film and produce entire WebTV seasons, and now I travel for a living which is unreal. The best

Why the name? It means yes, surf. Simple as that. Oui is a statement. Like, you wanna go on a surf trip? The answer is simple. YES. For better

Picture: 66

Jianca Lazarus

Picture: Jean-Philippe Pariseau

MY JOB IS TO GET EVERYDAY PEOPLE TO APPRECIATE THE WAY THAT SURFING MEANS A DIFFERENT WAY TO TRAVEL. SLOWLY A SCENE IS DEVELOPING, AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE ITS GOING, BUT I AM HAPPY IT’S HERE.

part of the journey so far was bringing the OuiSurf webTV vibe into a TV show and learning how TV shows are produced. And how did BT come into the mix? It was a pretty natural thing. Mitch (you) called me up, said you liked OuiSurf and thought we should work together. We met for coffee once, shared some stories and laughs, and 2 months later I was in Costa Rica filming a BT Surf Camp. BT & OuiSurf share the same values - travel with friends, surf, have fun - so it was an easy fit for the 2 companies to work together. And now we’re lovers for ever, right? Until death do we surf and drink cervezas together? For sure Playo !! I’ll travel with the BT crew anytime. They know how to have a good time. Tell us a bit about your TV show? It was a crazy idea I had 2 years ago. I pitched it to some TV producers, and Canal Evasion jumped on board. I don’t think any of us knew what we were getting into. They gave us “Carte Blanche” for the show, which was amazing. We just got on a plane to Asia for 3 months with boards, cameras, and a vague idea of where we were going. The real challenge was making a whole season of 1 hour shows without making it boring. Most people in QC don’t want to watch 1 hour of surfing (especially since we’re not great surfers), so we had to mix in lots of culture, travel mishaps, and random activities. We ended up with a documentary-style show, and it was a huge hit. People say they really got the feel of being with us in the country we were travelling in, which is great to hear. Describe the surf culture in Quebec for us Anglos? I hate that question. It’s kinda weird. I think the real surfers here are the ones in the shadows that don’t talk about it much. They are hard to find. The surf scene is very present here. Purists will say there isn’t a scene here, but there is. I can’t complain, as it made a job for me. People love the surf culture, but I think it’s mostly a love for travel and good times. There are a few hardcore surfers here, but most of them are probably living somewhere with waves now. You can’t be a real surfer in QC, because there are no waves! My job is to get everyday people to appreciate the way that surfing means a different way to travel. Slowly a scene is developing, and I don’t know where its going, but I am happy it’s here. How’s the river wave? I heard your penne can fall off if you surf it too much. For sure its dirty water. My penne is still there and still working good. Maybe it will fall off one day. Montreal has a reputation for having beautiful women everywhere. Your thoughts? So true. The most beautiful in the world.

You’re pretty good on both sides of the lens. What makes a good cameraman in your opinion? Lots of practice, trial and error. You have to be interested in observing. You also have to be able to stay on beach and film rather than surf, which is not easy. You have to be patient, get close to people, and listen to people. And always smile. Cinematography inspirations? Taylor Steele, Vincent Laforest. What’s next for OuiSurf? Season 2...Africa baby! We’ll be producing the show ourselves now, which will be a new challenge. I’m excited to work with my co-stars Jean-Michel Peloquin & Jean-Philippe Pariseau who helped make it a reality. Without them the TV show would not be possible. I’m lucky to have them on board. Why do you always call me playo? Playo Mitch - because I love you! (people will have to find out what playo means - slang) Best poutine in MTL, sti? Banquise. When you’re all fucked up after a big night, it’s the place to be!

Pictures: Jean-Philippe Pariseau

ON THE HOMEFRONT

T F N

O I O Picture: Kyler Vos

W E LO V E Y O U 70

Words by Noah Cohen

Traveling has a certain glitz and glamour to it. Whether its speeding down the coast highway on a warm southern Californian night, a lonely surf check in the deserts of Morocco, staying up late enough to watch the sunrise in Rio, or taking in the sunset while enjoying tapas in northern Spain, the allure of adventure seems to have engulfed us all in one way or another. It has caused most of us to imagine ourselves in one of the previous scenarios or places, with each daydream unique to its fabricator. Fortunately for myself, surfing has allowed me to experience such things and much more across the globe, with each trip differing from the next, and almost always seemingly more exciting than the one preceding it. Many people go through great lengths to get their fix of foreign pleasure, working outlandish hours wherever opportunity lies, biding time and pinching pennies until the piggy bank is full and the next journey begins. And while I’ve been lucky enough to skip the work part thus far, I’ve still gone through some things to find waves that were, in hindsight, just plain stupid. But, it seems the speed bumps that you encounter as a traveller which at times are exhausting and deflating and frustrating, while they are hitting you in the face like a hot Thai red curry, they

are also the ones that turn out not only to be the stories that you regurgitate to your pals upon returning home, but are also imperative in making you appreciate how smoothly and easily things tend to go in your home nation. I’m from the small coastal town of Tofino, which happens to be where many of the aforementioned “penny pinchers” have saved up to travel to. Three months of the year (actually less, due to the infamous month of “fogust”), it turns into a beachgoers paradise, complete with sunshine, turquoise water, bathing suit clad tourists, and, sometimes, even waves! Outside of the summer months, however, is when it truly turns from a touristy beach destination into a quiet little surf town. Constantly pounded with pacific winter swell, it is a rare occurrence to witness a winter day without waves. And while it is often pouring rain, and miserably cold for weeks at a time, it’s still those winter months that most Tofino locals relish and enjoy, based solely upon the waves themselves and the decrease in the number of people chasing them. Tofino has become a community that, over the years, has shifted from a fishing and logging town into that of a much more youthful feeling. A home away from home

for numerous Canadians hailing from east of the Rocky Mountains to the far far east in the maritimes. Many people (my mother, for example) arrived in Tofino with no intention whatsoever of living here, but were either taken aback by the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty it holds and set up camp, or simply made so many connections with people transient or otherwise, that they just didn’t see it logical to leave the place. But despite the ever changing atmosphere of it, Tofino remains “old school” in the way that you still need to put in your time with a positive and respectful attitude before truly making friends with the sometimes surly older locals and the rest of the eccentric folk that have called it home for so long. It has a way of weeding out the bad apples for the better, and makes you feel as though you truly belong after spending a few long winters immersed in it all. I’ve heard someone say, without any sarcasm implied, that there is “never a bad day in Tofino.” And while that may be a very laughable quote to many longtime locals, it should at least makes you stop, think, and appreciate how lucky we are to live in a place that many only wish they could visit for a few days, let alone call home.

Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

POSTCARDS UNIQUE PICTURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. 74

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

Picture: Taylor Aikins

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Picture: Benjamin Rochette

Picture: Taylor Aikins

Pictures: Amanda Jean Cooper

Picture: Scott D VandenBrink

Picture: Amanda Jean Cooper

Picture: Whitney Krutzfeldt

EN FERMANT

Picture: Taryn Baxter

A / B TESTING

LET ME TAKE A MOMENT TO INTRODUCE MYSELF... perspective

Words: Graeme Barker

B] in particular is potentially the master of social, they see the Living this life to the fullest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be good times on easy street. Living world in a different way. life to the fullest is always based on the perception of the individual. How we choose to see and They understand what we experience things determines how we live our life. used to refer to as street sense, which is in a big way is today’s I’ve got a few stereotypes here and we’ll see where it takes us. social sense. And these individuals that didn’t choose to make the A] Take “the bookworm”, for example, we picture someone who is studious, someone who grade in the classroom are thriving is smart, someone who has a career path set out for them from the day they first set foot in today’s world because there’s a place into the classroom. and numerous platforms & opportunities for them to do so. Their quick wit and social Strait A’s in highschool > a 4.0 GPA in university > perhaps then into their understanding makes them a fit for a different masters or settle on into a nice career they are satisfied with at any institution of type of workplace, be it creative, entrepreneurial their choice. start-ups, mktg, desk jockey, anything is possible and as it’s not only laid out in a text book or video. They are They probably met a girl // guy in university or at a younger age, who living life one day at a time. they’ll end up marrying and having kids with. From there they will live life one day at a time, day in day out. And to them, they are living life Inspiration comes from many places and as cliche as it sounds, to the fullest. the grass is in fact always greener on both sides of the fence. B] On the other side of the spectrum we have “the While one is not bound by material things the other likes the look of wanderlust”, the happy go lucky. Living life one day, one job, consistency, routine and plan. one paycheck or no paycheck at a time. I’m not talking about a bum or a tramp, I’m simply talking about The Bookworm wonders what it’s like to break free, the what if I took a someone who’s bound by almost nothing. Free to different turn way back when? What if? Where would I be? Some take action roam. From a young age the rules are there only as into their own hands. They stop questioning and wake up one morning and guidelines, they are always pushed just enough make that change in their life. They make a leap over that fence to the other side, until they are broken, along with whatever drop the drawstring, and water that grass they’ve been admiring all these years. consequences come along with that. The one who thinks outside the box, who is Some will continue wondering, forever. But forever is forever and why wonder? No more fascinated by the hierarchy out fucking regrets right? Think about that for a minute, you’re damned if you do and you in the playground instead of in the damned if you don’t. The challenge exists for anyone from all backgrounds, for you to take classroom. the fork that feels right. The road less travelled, anytime, with anything. Both places have their own Whatever feels right is the freedom to explore all avenues that we see as living life to the fullest. challenges for learning how the world works. Life, la vida, is one of those precious journeys that never ceases to amaze me.

Picture: Benjamin Rochette