Ivan Bafike, who is from the small village of Anga in Western Highlands Province, holds a dream that is close to his heart yet stretches far beyond the misty mountains of his home. A dream to one day be reunited with his daughter. For Ivan, the opportunity to travel to the Manus Province means that he would finally get to see his daughter after so many years. “I have not seen my daughter for a very long time,” Ivan shared with deep emotions in his eyes. “She lives at Lombrum Naval Base with her husband. “I have never been to Manus but I hope I do get to go someday.” Should his name be drawn in the Post-Courier Travel Competition, Ivan has already picked the perfect travel companion – his only son, Junior Bafike. “Junior is my only son amongst all the girls,” he said proudly. “I would like to take him with me because the trip would mean a lot to him, just as it is for me.” Ivan is no stranger to the Post-Courier. A loyal reader since the days when the paper cost just 25 toea in Port Moresby, he has maintained his connection to the newspaper despite the changing times and prices. “I used to buy the Post-Courier every day when it was K3. Now that it is K5, I still buy it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” he said. “I love reading overseas news to know what is happening around the world and PNG sports news because my sons and nephews are into rugby league. “The layout is so clear and nice that it makes reading enjoyable.” Ivan is also an enthusiastic participant in the ‘Escape with Post-Courier Travel PNG’ competition. Every paper he buys is another chance to make his dream come true. “Every coupon I fill, I take straight to the Post-Courier office in Mt Hagen,” he explained. “I also make sure to not miss a single one.” He also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity the competition provides but hopes to see more regional representation. As entries pour in from every corner of the country, stories like Ivan’s remind us that travel is not always about new sights – sometimes, it is about going the distance for love, family and the chance to reconnect.