ABOUT ME ๐Ÿ‘‹

Adventure Seeker ๐ŸŒ | Storyteller ๐Ÿ“– | Solo Traveler ๐ŸŽ’ | Railway Enthusiast ๐Ÿš‡

Hey there! Iโ€™m CJ Oliva.

Welcome to The Pen Rebel’s Blog!

This is where I document my travelsโ€”both the well-known and the hidden gems. Iโ€™m not a professional writer, just a storyteller capturing moments, lessons, and adventures along the way. Whether youโ€™re here for travel tips or just a good story, Iโ€™m happy to have you along for the ride! ๐ŸŒโœˆ๏ธ

A reflective shot of a lone traveler walking through a quiet train station in Fenqihu in Chiayi, Taiwan, early in the morning, capturing the peaceful essence of solo exploration.
Chiayi, Taiwan | 2025

๐Ÿ’ผ What I Do

I document my travel adventuresโ€”partly as a hobby, partly because I always forget to finish my travel journal once Iโ€™m back home. This blog is my way of preserving those moments, sharing stories, and reliving the journey.

โœ๏ธ Why The Pen Rebel?

Writing has never been my profession, yet here I amโ€”journaling my adventures, thoughts, and life experiences. I embrace imperfection, breaking away from conventional storytelling to share raw, unfiltered moments from my travels.

“The Pen Rebel” reflects my journey of writing without rules, exploring the world without limits, and documenting life in my own way. Whether it’s through words, photos, or experiences, this space is where I go beyond the ordinary.

Welcome to my little corner of rebellion. ๐Ÿš€

๐Ÿ“ Favorite Destinations

Not biased, but while Iโ€™ve explored some corners of the world, Taiwan and South Korea hold a special place in my heartโ€”vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and endless culinary delights!

A side-by-side collage featuring the modern glass exterior of Busan Station in South Korea on the left, and the vibrant, colorful stained-glass "Dome of Light" installation at Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on the right.
Hello from Taiwan and South Korea.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ My Journey So Far

My love for solo travel started with my solo backpacking adventure in Banaue, Philippines, in 2013.

A nine-photo grid collage of a solo traveler exploring various landmarks across Southeast and East Asia, including the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, ancient temples in Thailand, and the Rain Vortex in Singapore.
Some of my solo travel adventures.

๐Ÿ“– Why I Blog

Every trip has shaped my perspective, teaching me resilience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for different cultures. And the journey is far from over. Travel isnโ€™t just about placesโ€”itโ€™s about the stories, the people, and the unexpected moments. Through this blog, I hope to share insights, practical guides, and personal experiences to make your own travels more enriching.

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