Steve has to be one of Canada's up and coming writers. His in-depth, insightful and hilarious commentaries on his world travels, merits a Pulitzer Prize. Rest assured, we will be hearing more from, and about this young, up and coming writer.
Dale Harley – Editor of Communications Issues
Monthly newsletter of Harley House Consultants Inc.
Its was very extraordinary! A must se- uh. . . read book!
Valerie Todd
I laughed so hard, chocolate milk came out of my nose.
Strange thing though--I don't drink chocolate milk.
Bob Royko
I can hardly wait for the movie.
Robert Royko
Once I got past the question marks that showed up in place of any regular punctuation, these writings were a great read!
Mr. Royko
Travel….the only frontier. These are the travel logs of Stephen P. His lifetime mission: To explore strange new worlds… To seek out new life; and civilisations… To boldly go with his wife and parents where no one in his right mind has gone before!
T. Dregely
Runner-up for the Oprah Book Club.
Oprah
Steve Pankiewicz’s reports from Alaska and California are so vivid and amusing it made me very proud of him. I believe he has the ability to become a worldwide known Reiseberichterstatter (travel reporter).
His 85 years old aunt Rita Hietsch from Tirol, Austria.
The best cure for insomnia.
Robert Royko
You'd never know he's that witty by talking to him.
Dave Kennedy
Stephen's writing lends to the reader's mind that which a cup of honey-lemon-ginseng tea lends to the soul; It's energizing, entertaining and is delightfully bitchin’.
Bosh
"A literary genius with exceptional use of blank verse."
**Whispering in the background**
"Wait a second, that wasn't intended to be blank verse?"
Derek Decloux
I LOVE getting Steve's trip reports. I receive them with a mixture of excitement and jealousy! I am always excited to read the humorous side of travel, especially with family! Then, as I'm reading I feel insane jealousy at the places you have been and the marvelous things you have seen. You are indeed very lucky! Merry Christmas! I hope you continue your adventures and that we get to read all about them for years to come!
Mary-Lynn Berti
Highly original, extraordinarily riveting, erotic and exotic... Steve Pankiewicz weaves storytelling magic in a series of tales of his adventures around the world. This book is a fun, fast, funny and wonderfully intriguing blend of mystery, intrigue, travel accounts and touching personal moments that's hard to put down and should not be missed.
Louise LeClair-Stein
"Two Thumbs Up" from the daily dating and terminally single news file...
Stephen Pankiewicz's writings are the definition of “Insanity with Family”. His witty yet often cutting reports from the far reaches of the trailer park are amusing to all (almost). A few of his targets will occasionally get offended at the cold hard truth. He debunks the common myth of trailer park antics (almost) with his amusing tales of hair curlers, crazy neighbors and testy parents. Critics will say of him that he is too harsh on some members of his family, yet we all still find it sadistically hilarious. Trailer park boys it's not...but thank god for that!
Lara Heinrichs Reporting
Two thumbs up! But in your case, two oysters (thrown) up!
Paul Jozefowicz and Leslie Coolen
Next we look at the writing of Steve Pankiewicz. While many writers these days are looking deeper into the world of fiction, Steve has stuck with biographical work, focusing on his trips around the world. While some critics point out that the locations have gone down hill as of late (from European wonders to a simple trip to the States) Steve continues to thrill fans with his long stories.
The main character is Steve himself as he boldly travels forth into the known. While the locations do change many plot elements remain the same such as *spoiler alert* Steve is tall. The other main character is his wife Mary who does well at serving as a foil, the person who just doesn't understand the suffering that Steve goes though. Also, by pointing out that Mary is attractive the writer also shows that he has good taste in women.
The plots of the stories more or less reflect the real travels of Steve, with some issues getting extra focus. For example without these writings, the bathrooms of other countries will still be more myth than reality. However, perhaps it is the overall mood of the stories that give them the widest appeal. Steve has been to many different countries; locations that anyone would love to go to just once. Knowing that this might inspire envy, Steve writes his stories to make it seem that he had a horrible time in his trips and that it was no fun at all. This allows readers to sit back and enjoy.
So for those interested in bathrooms, or just want to see a misunderstood man on a nasty trip, Steve's travel logs are a good read for all.
Brian Dalke
Words of Encouragement
Hey Steve,
I hope you never stop the writing. The funny stories and events have always been worth reading. So if you ever publish it, tell me! I'll be one of your first buyers!
Valerie Todd
Steve,
You've been alive now for what..? 60..maybe 70 years? And your writings always get better! The portrayal of talent through your writings I'm sure will be remembered by everyone whomever has known you. You are an AMAZING man and have been blessed with a gift that is truly your calling in life. Not only are you an amazing, accomplished writer, but an incredible teacher with a love for music I've never seen another soul possess. I am truly honoured to have been part of your life for those 4 years of high school and I'm sure that generations to come will agree with me! I hope you remember what a mark you've left on this world. Wishing you the best always,
Melissa Ramsey
a.k.a. Loud flautist in the front row who never shut up..
Fine literature from a fine person. In your writings, you have triumphed in nestling among the eloquent passages and sweeping imagery, such acute descriptions of the author's gassiness.
Robert Royko
Dear Steve,
I don't even know you, and I am a devoted reader! I can't wait to hear more! I feel as if I'm "there"...and it's not even my vacation! Please keep me on your mailing list!! Your memories will stay in MY memory!!!! Pretty cool!!! You are talented!!!!
Angie Shaheen
Dear Steve,
I would like to say Thank you, you have been a teacher, a leader, and most importantly a friend to me and all your students for that matter. In many different ways you inspired us all and got us to appreciate many different types of music, Mr.P. I miss you and your music class too, I've spent about six years with you and I think its one of the best things I ever did in high school. Best of luck in with future music brats
With Love: Lindsay (Jindsay) Joiner
Hey P!
This is Dan, just letting you know that your California trips were funny and interesting, every time I finished one I hoped another one was on the way, I’m giving it 2 thumbs, 8 fingers, and a couple toes up! Keep on writing!
Dan Lefebvre
Dear Steve:
I so enjoyed your travel journals. I sometimes felt like I was right along with you. With your talent, you should write a novel.
Love you. Grandma Barlow.
Hi Steve
I think that you were the best music teacher I ever had. I miss playing in the school band; it was lots of` fun, especially with all the trips we took. I hope that you have a wonderful school year and a very Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Regards, Amy Power - ECE Student Teacher
Dear Steve
Reading your incredible journal entries was almost like visiting all of those places myself....except, I didn't have to sleep in a trailer with your parents!!! Thanks for the effort.
Jen Pepper
Dear Steve,
We probably enjoyed your writing more than anyone as we feel we know your humorous side. It seems to us that, especially the Alaska trip, you push our funny bones pretty regularly!!! We looked so forward to each new installment from each trip. In summary, we had many a good laugh, to the point of tears running down our faces! We certainly hope that you will continue to pursue the special knack that you possess.
Judy & Ken Zutz
To Steve,
I am pleased to have an opportunity to comment directly to you on the excellence of your writings these past years when you shared your thoughts and observations on some of North and Central Americas “hot” as well as “not so hot” spots. In several of your chronicles, I was able to “revisit “ places I had visited, in some cases, many years ago. For example I found your visit to Las Vegas significantly different and decided to take it off my list of “must see again’s”.
Your prose was very descriptive and occasionally somewhat unflattering of your fellow travelers. I understand however that a good journalist reports what he sees and the reader makes up his or her own mind whether it’s good or bad. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would award you a 9 only because on one of your earlier journeys you were occasionally slightly unflattering of your distinguished patriarch with whom I can identify in both age and family status. Remember it is his trailer, he’s the driver and you are there by invitation.
Seriously, I enjoyed your writings very much and ask that you keep me on distribution for whatever future adventures you and your family have in store for those of us who remain your devoted readers.
Earl Sinnett
Teacher extraordinaire, talented pianist, prolific writer, world traveler....Steve, your talents and exploits are too many to Liszt!
Merry Christmas, buddy!
Larry Strachan
Dearest Stephen,
You are honestly the only person in the world who can write better travel reports than us - and we've got lots of experience doing them!! As fellow travelers, we really enjoy your crazy mad-cap antics and the way you write about them. They always make us want to get our backpacks and traveling shoes on! Keep writing - you'll know you have at least 2 avid readers in your Toronto pals!
Tim and Melissa Locke
Dear Stephen,
Paul and I enjoyed reading your travel logs very much. We would make a pot of coffee, print off a copy, and sit down for a good read and some belly laughs. Your images made us feel like we were right there (and sometimes, we were glad we weren't!). We both love oysters - so of course you've traumatized us - it's been a slow recovery. And Paul completely relates to your Californian gas pump troubles. He had the exact same experience while traveling there.
We hope you publish a book someday. You are a very talented writer, and we thoroughly enjoyed your stories and images. We just want a digital photo of Mary's cross stitch masterpiece.
Keep the keyboard warm, Leslie and Paul
Dear Stephen,
Your writing is like sunshine on a cold rainy day. It has a way of chasing away the blues and brightening up our day. Well, not really. Frankly your writing, although almost as funny as your pathetic attempts at teaching, does nothing more than clog my inbox and make me feel a vague sense of guilt for never responding to them. I quite appreciate all of the time and effort it takes for you to compile those incredibly banal observations of American, Canadian and European life, however it pales in comparison to the time and effort it takes me to hit the "delete" button and then feign knowledge of their content when I meet you face to face again. Only kidding bud, there have been many times Jen and I have huddled near the laptop screen holding our sides laughing and enjoying every minute. It's the next best thing to not having you around in the summer - well probably better.
The one and only Keeb.
Dear Stephen,
From one fellow geographer to another, it’s a wonder where you learned to write because last time I checked, that was an English thing. And we all know that albedos and the earth’s eccentricity is NOT English essay writing. So you are putting your geography roots to shame! Shame I tell you! But you did comment on the Alaskan tundra which I thought was very nice. Now, from absolutely no experience on the topic, I do firmly believe that you should become a journalist, a traveling journalist, so that way you can comment on the world’s cultures and their toilets since you do seem quite interested in those things. I honestly don’t understand the male fascination with toilets, and other bodily functions that occur. (Sigh) Oh well, but keep in mind to say out of the Middle East due to some conflict that has been happening over there for the last six years… I can’t seem to remember what though… And all we need is this huge euphonium guy to run up to the wrong person and ask them their opinion on the town’s brew, and then BLAM!!! Dr. McInnis would become the newest Wind Ensemble Conductor and change it into a competitive Jazz Band. Wouldn’t that be crazy?!?!?! P.S Don’t bring your parents traveling though, I don’t think any English side streets would appreciate the rather large RV. Now I swear I have gotten off topic, so back to the point. I positively adore your writings and I am sad not to be apart of your travels anymore, because the stories were always the best way to reminisce about the journeys. I guess I’ll have to do with the second hand story from a first class story teller. I hope to continue getting your travel diaries for years to come and hopefully tell you a few of my own eventually. We will talk about the climate change and inaccuracies of different idiographic approaches. Hahaha. Continue to write for years Stephen, it’s what draw people to you; the humour, the creativeness and the smile we get afterwards. Keep it up old man, we expect it now!
Cheers,
Allison Laker
To Mary and Mary’s funny hubby.........
I can't thank you enough for the numerous stories your wonderful and talented husband (well okay Mary you provide the material for his writings!) has penned that has provided such humour in a sometimes stressful day. My children have rushed downstairs to the computer room wondering what their normally stressed-out mother is laughing so hard about, only to have to listen to .... the camping trip with the in-laws!
Thanks so much and keep that pen rolling!!
Lynn Penney
Hi Steve,
When words are strung together they sometimes trigger a thought or a story or even a memory. While you were in Las Vegas I thought of this chuckle:
"With more churches than casinos in Las Vegas, (believe it or not) many worshippers put betting chips into the collection plate instead of cash. Because there are so many different casinos, the churches send the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once the tokens are sorted, a junior priest hits the casinos, changing the chips into cash. They call this priest the chip monk."
Your - church - going and casinos- going mother-in-law
When you were traveling with your folks in their RV my memory served up a scenario that even today brings a chuckle to Jim and I.
While visiting my parents in their mobile home (before kids) my father cautioned us about setting off any alarms, buzzers, lights or timers. They had a yard light that would blind a robber, a motion detector-dog that would scare the hell out of you by barking loudly when you walked by him, and a bug zapper that cooked any bug large or small that was attracted to its blue light. The place smelled like a BBQ! And of course there were the humungous pad locks on the doors and timers to put the lights on in the house as well as outside. Needless to say we were scared to make “whoopee” on their pull out sofa in case we set off any unmentioned motion detector and the bed folded up with us in it!
Thanks for the laughs,
Sandra Blais
Hi Steve
I wish I knew you better but from what I have seen I think you are a good man and a great writer. We enjoyed all of your road trips, laughed a lot and learned something of your destinations. I loved reading your stories, almost felt like we were there. I know from Gaby and Caro that you are a wonderfully talented music teacher, a man of many talents.
Aime appreciates your enthusiasm for the work that he does, you make him feel that he can remedy anything and this makes Aime even more confident about himself, which is a good thing. You are so appreciative of everything Aime does and the extra tip to go out to dinner showed a great deal of class for the kind of man you are. Aime appreciates your openess, honesty and caring spirit.
It is a pleasure knowing you and he can't wait to go back and work for you again.
Our sincerest regards,
Diane and Aime Faubert
Hey Mr.P!
Hope you and the GPS system are getting along...words of advice...don't call it names or it'll never work out! I always enjoyed reading your crazy trips with the family!
Amy Desrosiers
Dear Steve,
Thanks so much for keeping me entertained with your travelogues! You're a great writer .... my vacations always seem so dull and uneventful compared to the stories about yours! I've enjoyed working with you at St. Francis for the past 6 years and look forward to at least a few more! Your OCD is a bit of a nuisance at times but we all have to take the good with the bad!!
Thank you for always appreciating what secretaries do!
Bev McLean
Stephen,
Of course, we may be slightly biased, but we know that you are a terrific author. You already proved this with your Grade 6 camping report!!!!!
Now, as a sometimes reluctant subject of your sense of humour, we, your parents, chuckle, or laugh outright, when re-reading your trip reports. You have a knack of making, even miserable situations comical events on paper. I Mom, do not often laugh till tears stream down my face. You can take the credit for this occurrence! Dad’s smile widens when my curlers roll down the Alaska Highways. Now he will also always remember to clean the “black tank” below the window while you are eating a late breakfast. Do join us on another trip.
The ordinary, becomes a time to remember, when viewed through your eyes. We wish you and Mary could join us on our Mexican adventure. We can only imagine the “exaggerated” descriptions that would fill the pages of such a trip. Hmmmm ----- maybe we should document everything in point form and you can embellish on it for us!! (Just kidding). Instead we look forward to reading about your future escapades.
Certainly we encourage you to continue using your GIFT of turning a phrase. Your writing style surely reminds us of the Bill Bryson books. Like him, you could use yourself as a subject of “sometime ridicule” in your future endeavours. Different customs, annoying people or situations (e.g. Your attempt to destroy our awning support by repeatedly butting it with your head and eliciting some vocabulary foreign to me your Mom), shocking food experiences, are some examples where you could redirect. Dwell on your own reactions to these conditions; with your usual humorous style.
“DAD APPROVES THIS MESSAGE”
PS. When you publish, remember that we expect a percentage of your royalties.
Love,
Mom and Dad
