Modern Gonzo - Robin Esrock - Travel Writer http://www.moderngonzo.com The Online Home of Travel Writer and TV Host Robin Esrock Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:26:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 MC’ing the Explorer’s Club Annual Gala http://www.moderngonzo.com/mcing-the-explorers-club-annual-gala/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/mcing-the-explorers-club-annual-gala/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:59:32 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=2025 On March 17th, I’ll be the Master of Ceremonies at the 108th Annual Explorers Club Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. The sold out black tie event brings together around 1000 of the world’s top scientists, explorers, adventurers and is famous for its lavish buffet of culinary curiosities, like tarantula tempura, grilled scorpions and smoked alligator. I’ll be recording my experience for the Matador Travel Network, so stay tuned.

In Other News:

Check out my new columns from Sympatico.ca
24 Hours Around the Globe - what if you could be somewhere different, anywhere in the world, at each hour of the day?
The Top 10 Restrooms Around the World - hey, if it’s going to be a number two, may as well have a view!
Hand Signs from Around the World - in which I look at how one man’s “Good Luck” might be another man’s punch in the face.

Get Stuffed, a new TV show that I created, has begun principle photography at some whacky events around Canada. Like it up up on Facebook. It’s going to be an interesting summer.

Word Travels, is now airing on the FX Network in Canada. Resistance is futile, there’s just no way to avoid my ugly mug on your television.

And while you’re busy liking things on Facebook, find my official page as I’ll be shuttering my personal Facebook page in the near future.

Research for my upcoming book - THE GREAT CANADIAN BUCKET LIST - has taken me to Quebec, Ottawa, Ontario, Alberta and into the mountains of British Columbia. It’s shaping up to be quite the adventure, but I can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet. Although trust me, that’s one hungry kitty!

Travel safe,
Robin

]]> http://www.moderngonzo.com/mcing-the-explorers-club-annual-gala/feed/ Sharks, Volcanoes and Chocolate Hills in the Philippines http://www.moderngonzo.com/sharks-volcanoes-and-chocolate-hills-in-the-philippines/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/sharks-volcanoes-and-chocolate-hills-in-the-philippines/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:43:30 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1998 Robin Esrock and Python

In which I return to the warm islands of the Philippines exploring Cebu City, Bohol, Malapascua Island and Bicol, jumping into unusual landscapes, whacky primates, thrilling activities and one very large python.

If you like reading, here’s the REPORT
If you like photos, here’s the GALLERY
If you like videos, here’s the VIDEO as well as the SHARK DIVING clip

Major Announcements

I GOT A BOOK DEAL - Over the next 12 months, I’m turning my attention to Canada to compile the Great Canadian Bucket List, a book to published by Thomas Allen in spring 2013. I’ll be travelling around Canada, polling celebrities, and coming up with the definitive list of things to do in Canada before you die. Watch this space!

I’M MC at the EXPLORER’S CLUB DINNER GALA IN NEW YORK - The Explorer’s Club brings together the world’s top scientists, adventurers and explorers. You might have heard of some of them - Neil Armstrong, Edmund Hillary, Jane Goodall Taking place in March at the Waldorf Hotel, this famous black-tie event is famous for unusual dinner fare (scorpions, anyone) and the members who gather. Keynote is documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

New Stories

The World’s Top 10 Hot Springs (Sympatico.ca)
The World’s Best (and Worst) Airports (Sympatico.ca)
Top 8 Movie Locations You Can Visit (Sympatico.ca)
Wowed by Iceland (Globe & Mail)
Finland’s Smoking Hot Saunas (Globe & Mail)

Word Travels

In Canada, you can now watch Word Travels Saturdays and 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM ET, and Sundays 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM on CityTV. Or watch full episodes online.

This is my last post for a while as I get busy researching and writing my book. It’s been a 6th bumper year of Modern Gonzo - Papua New Guinea, Israel, Cook Islands, Philippines, Iceland, Alaska, New Brunswick, South Africa. As always, it’s been an honour sharing my words, photos and video with you.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, inspired and prosperous 2012,

Robin

Find me on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube

]]> http://www.moderngonzo.com/sharks-volcanoes-and-chocolate-hills-in-the-philippines/feed/ Cruising in Alaska http://www.moderngonzo.com/cruising-in-alaska/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/cruising-in-alaska/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:46:10 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1975 Glacier Pool

Alaska challenges the American consciousness like an unscratchable itch. After exploring the wild taiga by bus, boat, helicopter, train and plane, it’s all aboard the Coral Princess for a spectacular cruise down in the Inside Passage.

Read the Full Report
Check out the Photo Gallery
Watch the pulsating Youtube Clip!

Special thanks to Princess Cruises!

In Other News:

New stories from the Globe & Mail

Exploring Canada’s Drive-Through Province
A Taste of Mexico’s Tequila Route

New stories from Sympatico.ca

Top 10 Places for the Fall Traveller
Top 10 Night Markets Around the World
Top 10 Places to Spend Fall in Canada

And…

  • Vancouver View Magazine interviewed me about who I am, what I do, and why I Live in Vancouver.
  • As a roaming correspondent for San Diego’s awesome Scuba Diver Girls, I filed a report from my recent visit to Kauai (with sweet underwater video goodness)
  • I didn’t get a chance to visit Burning Man this year, but here’s some sweet photos and Ian Mackenzie’s beautiful video tribute to the Temple
  • Where Magazine did a Q & A with me, including my wildest experience, favourite food and most underrated destination.

    • Next month: My first visit to Hawaii, and its Garden Island, Kauai.

    Remember, when in doubt, Charge!
    Robin

    ]]>     http://www.moderngonzo.com/cruising-in-alaska/feed/     Into the Land of Fire and Ice http://www.moderngonzo.com/into-the-land-of-fire-and-ice/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/into-the-land-of-fire-and-ice/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:33:32 +0000 robin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1926 Robin Esrock - Modern Gonzo in Iceland

    Iceland is a pressure cooker of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, deserts and hot springs. Exploring the southwest with a fellow travel veteran, expect stunning images and bizarre images in a land at nature’s mercy.

    Read the Full Report
    Look at the Photo Gallery
    Watch the Video

    Special thanks to Adventure Center

    In Other News:

    New stories from the Globe & Mail

    Running with the Bulls in Portugal
    The Trans Mongolian Railway

    New stories from Sympatico.ca

    The World’s Best Caves
    Digging for Dinosaurs with Dan Aykroyd
    10 Wedding Traditions from Around the World

    Esrocking the Calgary Stampede

    in which I hit the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to party, dress like a cowboy, and eat bull testicles.
    A Hot Date with Prairie Oysters
    The Party at Night
    Esrock gets his Boots On
    How to be a Rodeo Clown

    It’s been a roller coaster summer, digging for dinosaurs, hiking volcanoes, riding mechanical bulls. The perfect way to welcome fall was a trip to Alaska with Princess Cruises, taking in the wild glacial terrain with helicopters, dogsleds, planes, trains, ATV’s, boats, and no shortage of salmon. But you can read all about that next time!

    Travel safe!
    Robin

    ]]>     http://www.moderngonzo.com/into-the-land-of-fire-and-ice/feed/     Finding a Slogan in New Brunswick http://www.moderngonzo.com/finding-a-slogan-in-new-brunswick/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/finding-a-slogan-in-new-brunswick/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:01:56 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1894 Esrock Deepeling in New Brunswick

    One of Canada’s less-trafficked Maritime Provinces is full of surprises, from jetboating on Class 5 rapids to rappelling off angry cliffs, ziplining massive waterfalls, kayaking, biking, whale watching, and even walking off a canyon head first. It’s a hot potato epic road trip, and a slogan for license plates.

    Read the Report
    Check out the Gallery

    In Other News:

    New Esrock stories from the Globe & Mail

    What Really Happens at a Vegas Bachelor Party
    Africa’s Great Migration, in Great Luxury
    Fast Cars and Slow Food in Italy

    New Esrock stories from Sympatico.ca

    Top 10 Difficult Places to Visit
    The World’s Best Volcanoes
    Top 10 Places to Go Glamping

    New Videos

    Chasing Tuscany with Bikes and Wine in the Okanagan
    Catching a Barracuda in the Cook Islands
    Esrocking China’s Yellow Mountain

    Esrocking the Calgary Stampede

    in which I hit the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to party, dress like a cowboy, and eat bull testicles.
    A Hot Date with Prairie Oysters
    The Party at Night
    Esrock gets his Boots On
    How to be a Rodeo Clown

    It’s been an eventful chunk of time since my last update. Trips to Vegas, New Brunswick, Calgary, Northern Alberta, Oregon, and a wild week getting married on Quadra Island. Up Next: Honeymoon in Alaska!

    Travel safe,
    Robin

    ]]>     http://www.moderngonzo.com/finding-a-slogan-in-new-brunswick/feed/     Diving into Papua New Guinea http://www.moderngonzo.com/diving-into-papua-new-guinea/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/diving-into-papua-new-guinea/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:34:20 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1868 Robin Esrock in Papua New Guinea

    The Scuba Diver Girls introduce me to a new world of tropical reef fish, alien coral and graceful sharks. There’s little point trying to understand the world’s most diverse country, but I do my best anyway. Volcanic rivers, outrigger adventures and tribal encounters ensue.

    Read the Report
    Check out the Gallery

    In Other News:

    Stories from the Globe & Mail

    Bring out your inner Ewok in Costa Rica
    Discovering Tea in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands
    Ranch Vacations for City Slickers

    Stories from Sympatico.ca

    Backpacking 101 - tips and tricks I’ve learned on the road
    A World of Spas - some of my more interesting relaxing experiences
    Top 10 Islands off the Radar - including Saba, Guadeloupe and the Comoros.

    New Videos

    My kick-ass new demo - shorter, punchier, with all the juicy moments.
    The Scuba Diver Girls (and me) rock this final clip from Papua New Guinea, because diving should always have a funky soundtrack.

    Papua New Guinea was absolutely wild. It’s not easy to get around, nor particular cheap, but I could not have asked for a better place to learn how to dive, and discover a new world above and below the water. This summer I’m slowing down to focus on a pretty big event: I’m getting married in July!

    Keep moving forward,
    Robin

    ]]>     http://www.moderngonzo.com/diving-into-papua-new-guinea/feed/     Serving up Paradise in the Cook Islands http://www.moderngonzo.com/serving-up-paradise-in-the-cook-islands/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/serving-up-paradise-in-the-cook-islands/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:55:13 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1853
    This is Living

    This Month: Cook Islands

    Bush pubs and emerald lagoons, deep sea fishing, hammocks, and the fresh sea breeze in my hair. Take one dose of the Cook Islands, and you won’t need to call anyone in the morning.

    Read the Report,
    Gaze longingly at the Gallery,
    and share the excitement of my first catch here

    In Other News:

    Stories from the Globe & Mail

    More Science, Less Fiction at Moscow’s Star City
    Blindfolded Walking Tours in Lisbon
    A Visit to China’s Sacred Mountains

    Stories from Sympatico.ca

    10 European Destinations You’ve Never Heard Of
    A Celebration of Green Scenery Around the World

    New Videos

    My kick-ass new demo - shorter, punchier, with all the juicy moments.
    The Scuba Diver Girls (and me) rock this final clip from Papua New Guinea, because diving should always have a funky soundtrack.

    I connected with the Cook Islands way more than I expected to. Great people, stunning islands, amazing food, and plenty of characters. Rocketing by scooter around the Clockwise road on Rarotonga at 3am in the morning, the sea breeze in my hair, was a perfect reminder that this is living my friends, this is living.

    A Peace On all Your Houses,
    Robin

    ]]>     http://www.moderngonzo.com/serving-up-paradise-in-the-cook-islands/feed/     More Parties, Less Politics in the Holy Land http://www.moderngonzo.com/more-parties-less-politics-in-the-holy-land/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/more-parties-less-politics-in-the-holy-land/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:11:09 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1836 This month’s Gonzo: Israel

    From the packed nightclubs in Tel Aviv to the modern vineyards in the Galilee, the temples, churches and mosques of Old Jerusalem to the receding shores of the Dead Sea, there’s a reason why this tiny country dominates the headlines, and our imagination.

    Click here to Read the Report
    Click here to See the Pictures
    Click here to See the Video

    In Other News:

    New Videos:

    Inside the Sambadrome (now this is a party!)
    The Exclusive Black Tie Ball at the Copacabana Palace
    My First Ever Scuba Dive (a taste of the Papua New Guinea goodness to come…)
    A Culinary Taste of Prince Edward Island (one scoop of ooey gooey)

    Stories from the Globe & Mail

    A Dream Honeymoon in the Maldives (all by myself)
    Planet Salt: Crossing the Salar de Uyuni
    Inside Rio’s Sambadrome!
    and of course: Dispatch from the Holy Land

    Stories from Sympatico.ca

    The World’s Top 10 City Beaches
    What Type of a Traveller Are You?

    Loose Bits

  • Limite Magazine wanted to know what I keep inside my bag, which incidentally, is a new Tilleys Intrepid that looks like it fell off the hip of Indiana Jones. So I told them.
  • In the latest issue of Outside Magazine, there’s a full page advert for Word Travels, which is now airing on OutsideTV. Now if I could only get them to buy one of my stories! You can watch a couple of full episodes online too!
  • Anyone with a passion for diving will enjoy checking out the Scuba Diver Girls, who introduced me the wonders of the ocean deep in Papua New Guinea. What I found there is for next month’s update, so in the meantime:
  • Word Travels is now airing in 3000 countries on 51 planets, and in 1200 languages! I always knew that show had universal appeal.

    Safe travels,
    Robin

    ]]> http://www.moderngonzo.com/more-parties-less-politics-in-the-holy-land/feed/ Showing off South Africa http://www.moderngonzo.com/showing-off-south-africa/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/showing-off-south-africa/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 01:23:29 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1807 southafrica

    Diving with Great White Sharks and huge Nile Crocodiles was the perfect way to show off South Africa to my fiance. Petting cheetahs and a couple nights at the Palace of the Lost City and the five-star Nambiti Hills wouldn’t hurt either. So much has changed I could hardly call it coming home, but South Africa will always be the country that tugs at my heart strings.

    Click here to Read the Report, See the Gallery, or Watch the Video!

    In Other News

    My Stories from the Globe & Mail

    Hit up New Zealand for an Adrenaline Boost
    Pink dolphins and piranha in Venezuela
    Unmasking Luche Libre in Mexico City
    Learning to Kitesurf with a Bajan Legend

    My Stories from Sympatico.ca

    10 Best Destinations for Young Travellers
    Top 10 Places for Tribal Encounters
    Romantic Escapes for Every Type
    The World’s Best Wine Routes
    Canada’s Top 10 Winter Festivals

    News and Views

  • Climbing U2’s favourite tree in Western Australia, as recorded in the New Zealand Herald.
  • Written in time for the Superbowl, here’s my Dose of Dallas from page 24 in Chill Magazine
  • Last month I was featured on both CBC Radio and CKNW weighing on whether its safe to visit Mexico. Short answer: Of course!
  • This month, I’m exhausted from a big month on the road, having checked out Israel, and Papua New Guinea. Time to catch up, and prepare for my next great adventure to the Cook Islands.

    Up Next: Getting Blitzed in the Holy Land

    ]]> http://www.moderngonzo.com/showing-off-south-africa/feed/ Tasting Delicious Mauritius http://www.moderngonzo.com/tasting-delicious-mauritius/ http://www.moderngonzo.com/tasting-delicious-mauritius/#comments Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:09:32 +0000 admin http://www.moderngonzo.com/?p=1735 There’s blue water, and there’s ridiculously blue water, and then there’s Mauritius water. My 100th country finds me in tropical island paradise off the east coast of Madagascar, tasting an adolescent dream of the honeymoon. Darting around the south coast, I slurp back urchins, pet lions, and steer boats around gorgeous coral islands. What would you expect for a country that rhymes with delicious?

    Read the Report
    Check out the Gallery
    SPECIAL: Watch the Youtube Clip

    IN OTHER NEWS

    Stories from the Globe & Mail

    If you’re in Canada, you can read my weekly column in the Globe & Mail every Thursday, or catch them online:

  • My Travel Gift Guide
  • Couchsurfing in Helsinki
  • Returning to Johannesburg
  • Nuclear Missiles in Ukraine

    • Stories from Sympatico.ca

  • 10 Different Ways to Explore a Country
  • My picks for the 10 Best Places to Spot Wildlife
  • Hungry? Here’s my favourite cuisines worth travelling for

    • This ‘n that:

  • A funny recount of the Legend of the Sour Toe Cocktail makes it into the UK’s Guardian
  • Yes, that is me writing about trees and cocktails in the New Zealand Herald
  • Mabuhay, the Philippines Airline magazine, will be running a story about Vegas, penned by You Know Who
  • Voldemort also features in the top spot of Best Adventure Tours for 2011, according to CNN. If you’re up for the adventure, why not join me on a 3-week trek to Everest Base Camp
  • Word Travels is airing on Travel Channel International in 100 countries and 18 languages, as well on Nat Geo Adventure, National Geographic, CityTV, OLN, and OutsideTV.

    Up next: Getting Wild in South Africa

    ]]> http://www.moderngonzo.com/tasting-delicious-mauritius/feed/