Tania Leszczynski
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. - Jawaharial Nehru
Two Years ago, when I first embarked on a Free and Easy trip, I never expected it to have the impact on my life that is has. Little did I know my first backpacking experience would evolve into a completely new way of life and one of the most satisfying jobs I can imagine - helping to show travelers to some of the most incredible places in the world. Things have sure changed since I left home as that nervous first time traveler seeking excitement outside the boundaries of my everyday life. It is amazing that simply seeing a poster, grabbing the little tab, and attending an info session would relieve me from everything that I was needing to escape; Stress, school,work, and routine.
2009 will mark my third summer in the "Land of Smiles" and my first guiding experience. I am so happy to have the opportunity to show others the same places that made me fall in love with Thailand. There is nothing quite like riding on a bus through the jungle while your i pod plays a favorite tune, or gliding along pristine waters as you venture towards another exotic island destination. For me those travel moments are just as great as the destinations themselves!
Culture intrigues me. There is nothing better for mind expansion than travelling to a far off
place and living as the locals do. Eating bugs, partaking in local
customs and trying foods that you never thought you would try; daring
to experience things that may frighten you. Whatever strange
experiences you encounter on your travels, you're sure to learn and
grow from them. When you explore a new country, there is the very
rewarding task of learning the basics of a new language; engaging in
conversation despite a significant language barrier can be difficult
yet thrilling at the same time. These are the best parts of travel to me....stepping out of my bubble and then finding that my bubble got a little bigger!
I was born in Cranbrook B.C and lived in the small town of Radium Hotsprings before moving to Edmonton. I am currently living in Calgary attending SAIT. Although my plans for the future are a bit fuzzy, one thing is clear - travel will always be apart of my life. I love being outdoors, surrounded by nature. It may sound strange, but I find trees to be the most incredible things; just wait until you see the trees in Thailand! and Laos!! and Cambodia!!! They're intense!
One of my favorite places in the world is our family cottage, where days are spent fishing, lounging and cooking kubi on the fire. I have a weakness for dancing. Turn on some beats and I can't help but bust out a shoulder wiggle. Don't be alarmed if I try to start a dance circle, just let loose and join in!
I am so excited to share the experience that is Thailand with all of you! See you there!
Chok de ka
Tania