“A Collection of Journeys, One Leap at a Time.”
In train windows and fortress walls, I met versions of myself I hadn’t known before. East Asia is quieter in its transformation—discipline, history, long walks, and the soft bravery of navigating a foreign language alone. These are stories of first solo leaps, filming locations turned pilgrimages, railway journeys, and cities that asked me to grow. This is where independence stopped being an idea and became a way of living.
— CJ Oliva —

EAST ASIA
“Where seasons turn with quiet grace, and every train ride feels like a promise. From fortress walls and coastal cities to café corners and museum halls, these journeys were written in courage and curiosity. East Asia taught me patience, independence, and the beauty of getting lost—only to find myself stronger.”
- Last Day in Kaohsiung: Exploring Cijin Island and Farewell Views

- Exploring Hamasen Railway Museum and Pier-2: A Railway Enthusiast’s Day in Kaohsiung

- Kaohsiung Lotus Pond: Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Temples, and Pavilions

- Kaohsiung, Taiwan: Rhythms of the Local Train and Night Breezes

- Whispers of Hinoki Village: My Serendipitous Stop in Chiayi, Taiwan

- From Chiayi to Minxiong, Taiwan: Tracing Meteor Garden Memories

- Fenqihu to Chiayi, Taiwan: The Mountain Train I’d Been Waiting for Years

- Day One in Chiayi, Taiwan: Lost, Dizzy, and Grateful

- Visiting Coloane on My Birthday: Best. Decision. Ever.

- Whispers and Wanderings: A Pilgrimage to Macau

- Macau: From Memories to New Moments

- Macau Calling: Old Streets, Bright Lights, and Endless Wonders

- Hong Kong, We Meet Again!

- Last Day in Seoul City: Not the End, Just an Intermission

- From K-Dramas to Reality: A Day at the Korean Folk Village

- A Postcard Day: Exploring Gyeonggi’s Storybook Side

- Stepping Back in Time: A Palace and Hanok Village Adventure

- Exploring South Korea: A First-Timer’s Travel Journey

- Packing Memories, Leaving South Korea

- Whispers of the Joseon Dynasty: My Suwon Fortress Escape

- Falling for Nami: A Tale of Autumn Colors and Quiet Moments

- Back in Seoul: A Day of Returns, Realizations, and Radiant Wanders

- From Seoul to Busan: A Solo Journey of Firsts, Fails, and Fearless Steps

- At Lantau Island, Hong Kong

- Exploring Macau: A Culture Blend of East and West

- Hong Kong: My First Out Of The Country Trip

- Tracks, Lanterns & Pawprints: My Pingxi Line Day Trip

- From Kaohsiung’s Calm to Taipei’s Chaos—In the Best Way

- Kaohsiung in the Rain: A Solo Traveler’s Southern Taiwan Story

- One More Temple, Please: We’re Not Ready to Go Home

- Exploring Taipei: Museums, Memorial Halls, and Nightlife Highlights

- A Day in Tamsui: Wandering Paths and Hidden Moments

- Taipei in Motion: From Taipei Zoo Paths to City Lights

- A Quiet Morning at Zhinan Temple: Where We Ended Up

- From Rock Formations to Sky Lanterns: A Perfect Day in Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen

- White Tigers & Wistful Farewells: My Taiwan Finale

- Wishes on the Wind: Rediscovering New Taipei

- Hello Again, Taiwan: First Stops and Night Bites

- Taiwan, No Goodbyes, just ‘See You Again’

- Back to the Wild: Taipei Zoo & Maokong Vibes

- Backpacking Taiwan: A Return to the Island That Waited

- Taiwan It That Way: Taipei, I’ll Be Back—A Farewell Filled with Gratitude

- Taiwan It That Way: From Rock Formations to Lantern Dreams

- Taiwan It That Way: When Taiwan Took Me by Surprise
