A while ago I was lucky enough to be invited to spend the day with explorer, travel writer and all around adventurous guy, Robin Esrock. Robin is the author of the Canadian and Global Bucket List books, filled with ‘one of a kind travel experiences’. He is also the man behind TV travel shows, World Travels and Get Stuffed and he has been published in over a dozen major publications worldwide! To say I was excited to meet this man was an understatement!
We spent the day with a really fun group of social media friends and experienced a magical day of exploring Edmonton, our own #YEGBucketList in style and comfort travelling in a 2016 Ford Edge and Explorer. Here’s what we did:
We started out at Commonwealth Stadium. Not just in the stands, like I’ve always only known, but on the turf! Now, I’m not exactly a hardcore football fan BUT just think of how many awesome musicians have been in that exact same spot!? So cool! (Also, I beat Beyonce, as her show was a few weeks later!) This gave us a chance to throw the football around and meet up with Robin as we learned more about what they day would look like.
Being that it was Ukrainian Easter for our Bucket List Day, it was only fitting that we partake in some traditional Ukrainian celebrations. My favourite Ukrainian tradition? The food, of course! We headed to Kitchen By Brad downtown for what I can confidently say was the best meal I have ever had. Kitchen has such a great feel to it, it was welcoming and felt like home with everyone gathered around the chef. We got a chance to help too!
As we were filling our bellies (okay, stuffing our faces), Robin shared some of his travels and stories with us. This man has been to over 100 countries on 7 continents! Guess what, it all started by accident when he was riding his bike and was hit by a vehicle. Robin was given a $20,000 insurance settlement from this and he decided to quit his job, take the money and see the world. I love that Robin searches for the authentic experiences in his travels and tries to find adventures that are accessible for the general public. His father often accompanies him on his journeys.
We jumped in our SUV’s and headed to our next destination. It was my turn to drive and I am so thankful for the park assist features on the Ford Edge I was driving because we were in a cramped little downtown parking lot and I had just enough room to get out! Hello bumper cameras and warning beeps!
After the parking lot stress, we were treated to an energetic and jaw dropping performance by the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble! These dancers are beyond talented. We were all impressed and mesmerized by their coordination, spins, jumps and even acrobatics. I decided to give it a try, but my food baby wasn’t having it!
As a gift to remember the day, Robin gave us each a copy of his Great Western Canada Bucket List book and I just so happen to have a signed copy to GIVE AWAY to a lucky winner! It’s a great reminder that you don’t always have to travel far from home to find extraordinary experiences. To enter simply do so below using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck and happy travels, where ever you go this summer!
XO,
Ah! We’d love this book! Awesome giveaway!
My #YEGBucketList would be to zip line at west edmonton mall