Word Travels
Encyclopedia
Word Travels is an adventure travel television documentary
series. An original Canadian production, the show debuted on OLN on January 30, 2008 and airs in Canada on OLN and CityTV, and worldwide on Nat Geo Adventure. The show is co-hosted by Robin Esrock
and Julia Dimon, produced by Omni Film Limited, and filmed by Sean Cable.
The first season of Word Travels aired on OLN in Canada and began airing internationally on the National Geographic Adventure
worldwide in October 2008. The second season began airing on the OLN on January 18, 2009, and is set to air on National Geographic Adventure
in September, 2009. Season 3 was filmed between April and October 2009, and debuted in Canada on OLN on March 7, 2010. Word Travels is often misspelled as World Travels.
and Toronto-based Julia Dimon, as they journey around the world in search of stories to experience, write about, and file for their editors. It is the first TV show to reveal the working reality of modern travel writing
. Robin Esrock
is a regular columnist for Sympatico, Outpost Magazine, and freelances for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Julia Dimon was a weekly columnist for the Metro International
's Canadian edition. Esrock focuses on adventurous and physical stories, while Dimon focuses on cultural and people stories. Each episode has Esrock investigating a story, Dimon investigating a story, and both investigating a story together.
Travel writers, like all journalists, have different beats. Enjoying the "people" side of a story, Julia investigates indigenous female wrestling, while Robin hits the mountains to bike down the world's most dangerous road. Getting online to file and pitch stories may be a challenge, so it helps to be blessed by Andean priests on Lake Titicaca
African stories fill up notebooks in minutes, but before Robin and Julia can explore the 12th century rock churches in Lalibela, they have to deal with social issues, mechanical faults and each other’s ethical differences. Robin tests his theory of the people chain – following unlikely leads to a remarkable story – while Julia's shopping savvy is tested to the limits as she bargains for a goat in Africa’s biggest outdoor market. This is the first of two episodes filmed in Ethiopia
In this episode, the journalists head deep into the Orinoco Delta for a lesson in jungle survival. While Robin takes the plunge to swim with dolphins, abseil a canyon and catch a piranha dinner, Julia goes where only few have been before in a hunt for the elusive moriche worm. For each, it’s a journey full of surprises
Jordan is a country of contrasts, and so are the personalities of these writers. Julia lifts the veil to discover the hip bars and malls of modern Amman, while Robin channels his inner Indiana Jones and gallops into the ancient city of Petra. With posh hotels and five-star feasts in the desert, both relish the luxury of a sponsored press trip.
The job of a travel writer is to inspire, and to break myths. Far from being a war zone, our writers are stunned by Colombia’s warmth and beauty, but a bankable story needs more edge. Julia looks into the art of buying emeralds, Robin visits the infamous bulletproof tailor of Bogota, and both head to Cartagena for a dip inside the crater of a chocolate mud volcano
Robin and Julia brave an exhausting road trip to one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions inhabited by over 50 distinct tribes and cultures. Travelling through the Lower Omo Valley, what they discover both shocks and inspires them, as they grapple with their ethical responsibilities when promoting tourist activities. This is the second episode filmed in Ethiopia
Finding and experiencing stories is not always smooth sailing. In the world’s biggest boomtown, Robin decides to sandboard and snowboard on the same day, but the heat and glitz blow hot and cold. Meanwhile, Julia’s story falls through and her interview cancels, forcing a frantic rush before her looming deadline. In a city with the newest and biggest everything, it’s the history that saves the day.
Amongst stunning art-nouveau buildings and medieval cobblestone streets, Robin and Julia reveal their daily lives backpacking in a hostel. After looking into life backstage at one of the world’s oldest circuses, Robin probes stag parties while Julia decides to put herself through hell in one of the world’s most unusual hotels
It’s -30C in the “Great White North”, but travel writers rarely judge a day by the weather. Robin hangs out with huskies and learns about dogsledding from a Yukon legend, and Julia heads out to a frozen lake to hook a story about ice-fishing. After braving the cold, both taste the gnarly truth about the legendary Sour Toe Cocktail – a drink served with a severed human toe!
Some stories are important to write, even when they don’t want to be written. Researching the rise of genealogical travel, Robin traces his roots to a small town where his grandfather was born, and the tragedy of the Holocaust remains thick in the air. Julia looks into a quirky Soviet theme park, where the harsh history meets communist kitsch. Two unique experiences of the same country, and two very different stories to file under deadline.
Reversing their traditional roles, Robin and Julia switch beats as they head to northern Thailand. Julia looks into a Canadian-run Thai kickboxing school, taking a lesson in hard knocks, while Robin joins two very different cooking schools, succumbing to a chili eat-off. At a unique elephant reserve, both writers get their kicks in the world of “voluntourism.”
It’s tough to find something new to peak the interest of editors. In Hong Kong, both writers decide to head underground to find the cutting edge, Julia with the new sport of parkour, Robin with a late night fixed-gear bike race. Together they head to Macau, the world’s biggest gambling center, to see just how much they’ll risk to sell a story.
It’s the adrenaline capital of the world, so Robin swoops, luges, zorbs, agrojets and sledges his way to a double page spread. Julia explores the geo-thermal wonderland of Rotorua through the up-and-coming hobby of geo-caching.
Finding a good travel story often involves the help of serendipity, a word itself derived from the old name for Sri Lanka. Damaged by decades of civil war, this beautiful island off the coast of India is in desperate need of good press. Robin and Julia explore a remarkable religious festival, stumbling upon a bizarre, bloody ritual guaranteed to make your jaw drop. As Julia explores the impact of domestic turmoil on tourism, Robin learns about the growing and manufacturing of world famous Ceylon tea.
Investigating a story about travellers teaching English in Asia, Robin learns that teaching a class of 11 year-olds is as terrifying, and rewarding, as any adventure activity. Together, our journalists spend the night in a unique Buddhist temple, where tourists are invited to learn about Buddhism, and experience life in a monastery. In Seoul, Julia hip-hops her way into a story about the Korean B-Boy dance phenomenon.
Travel stories come in many guises, from activities and events, to culture and destinations. Exploring the island of Palawan, known for its incredible limestone cliffs and scuba diving, Robin focuses on the northern tip of El Nido, the place that inspired the book and film, "The Beach." In Manila, Julia’s gets a taste for balut
, a fertilized duck egg delicacy, which is a good story if she can stomach it.
Vancouver Island is an interesting destination for international readers, accustomed to images of snow-covered Canada. Robin is fascinated by Tofino's surfing community, and figures any story that features "surfing" and "Canada" is bound to stoke the interest of editors. Meanwhile Julia gets the low down on how to live off the land with Gisele, a local Tla’ Ook guide. Covering a story about a luxury expedition yacht, Robin and Julia reflect on how their jobs often give them a taste of a life neither of them could ever afford.
In this tiny nation, a jewel in Central Europe, Robin saddles up in Lipica, the birthplace of the legendary Lipizzaner horses. Julia prefers to write about smaller creatures in the form of traditional beekeeping. Heading north to the Julian Alps and the medieval town of Bled, viewers learn how different writers have different beats. Julia explores a gorge, while Robin soars overhead, paragliding amongst some breathtaking mountains..
There's more to Romania than vampire myths and gothic castles. Robin and Julia head into the Transylvanian countryside on a cultural tour, embracing the music, food, and farm life of a village that has seen little change in centuries. But there’s still time for a little paranormal investigation as Julia checks out one of Europe’s most haunted forests. In bustling Bucharest, Robin keeps up with the Hash House Harriers, a ribald running club that has sprouted up in over 178 countries.
Travel writers lead a nomadic existence, and relationships can be a real challenge. Writing about the world's ultimate honeymoon destination, Robin finds himself alone, feeling the irony of his "honeymoon for one." Julia leaves the tourist brochure behind to discover life in the overcrowded capital of Male. In this beautifully filmed episode, we learn that having a dream job on a dream tropical island is not all it's cracked up to be.
Genesis is the theme this week, as Robin and Julia head east to investigate a story about biblical tourism. Walking amongst ancient ruins, drinking from the well of the prophet Abraham's birth cave, they also reflect how much their own lives have changed since first meeting in Turkey several years ago. While Julia investigates a female-run cooking school, Robin's heads to Mount Nemrut, where massive 2000 year old statues greet the sunrise every morning.
Robin and Julia explore the “cradle of Slavic civilization” on the streets of Kiev. Following travel writing trends, Julia discovers the best things to see and do in Kiev in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Robin chases a story about an eerie former nuclear missile base. Together, they head off to Chernobyl, site of the world’s worstnuclear reactor disaster and a bone-chilling tourist attraction.
New travel writing assignments have brought Julia and Robin to Taipei. For her latest column, Julia decides to go against the tourism board’s wishes and write about the betel nut girls - young scantily-clad women, selling this addictive treat on Taiwanese roadsides. Meanwhile, Robin discovers the creator of fire therapy - a risky form of traditional medicine for both patient and doctor alike. Feeling the burn, he joins Julia to flush out an article about Modern Toilet, a bizarre toilet themed restaurant.
Travel writers are seasonal creatures, and it's the wrong time of year to enjoy the coastline of this small, Central American country. Instead, Robin and Julia immerse themselves in the jungle, surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins. While Julia enrolls herself in a jungle survival course, Robin goes underground to explore a vast system of cave waterfalls.
From the Blue Mountains to the gritty streets of Kingston, Robin and Julia learn about Rastafarians and dancehall - two cornerstones of Jamaican culture. Julia's foray into music takes her to record studios, musicologists, and finally an all night dance party. Eager to break away from the popular resorts, together they travel to the South Coast, where Robin takes advantage of a "Meet the People" program to connect with interesting locals.
Robin and Julia discover that there's more to tequila than a good night out and a hangover as they shoot back this week's story about Mexico's national drink. From the region of Tequila, they head to Mexico City, where Julia explores a local witches market and gets blessed by a Satan worshipper. Robin finds himself painfully pretzeled in the ring with the Luchadores, masked Mexican wrestlers famous for their acrobatics.
Robin and Julia head to the Masai Mara National Park for the legendary migration of the wildebeest. While the largest movement of animals on earth parade by, Robin reflects on his African roots, and Julia her love for Africa. Together, they relish the opportunity of staying in a luxury safari lodge
, learning traditions from local Masai villagers, and the etiquette of game viewing,
Not to be confused with the US state, Georgia has a rich medieval history, complete with weapons and folklore. As Robin suits up in traditional costume to learn the art of battle, Julia discovers her inner head banger with the help of local rockers, and online social networks. Top up the journey with a discovery that the region is the birthplace of wine and oh the hangover to come.
What is an active volcano if not the perfect slope to ride down? Robin hikes to the peak of Cerro Negro to feel the heat and the thrill of sandboarding while Julia investigates the story of fair trade coffee. From soil to cup she learns how consumer choices back home impact a small coffee-growing community. Things get serious as Robin and Julia examine the controversial trend of poverty tourism, when they visit families making a living inside Managua’s garbage dump.
Chile’s miles of coastline, soaring Andean peaks and parched desert, invite Robin and Julia to explore it all Fulfilling a life long dream, Robin cat-boards high in the snowcapped Andes. At sea level Julia explores Chile’s cultural capital to find out what attracts so many artists to this region. When the writers head north to the Atacama Desert they experience scenery so breathtaking and a sunset so inspirational it leaves them pondering life and the future.
Italy in the summer is a challenge not only for travelers but even more so for writers hunting down a never-been-told-before story to pitch, write, and sell. Julia finds a gladiator school that teaches Roman history in a truly hands-on environment. Robin heads to the “Engine of Europe” and the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories, hoping to test drive the world’s sexiest automobiles. Since Italy and food are one in the same, together our hosts slurp their way through Modena, home to the other black gold, balsamic vinegar.
Few landscapes are as awe-inspiring as the Canadian Rockies, so if there’s a story to be found, it’s likely on these peaks. Julia and Robin climb aboard a helicopter for the breathtaking experience of heli-yoga. Then, back on earth, sort of, Julia visits the town of Vulcan, famous for its Star Trek-based tourism. And since this is the wild wild Canadian west, Robin tries his hand at some real-life ranching.
Russia presents its challenges for journalists filming a TV show, but even with the red tape and permits stories must be found. Julia investigates the black market for sturgeon caviar while Robin takes a deeper look into majestic Moscow metro. Together they get an exclusive glimpse into the reality of space travel, visiting the Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.
The moment you step onto the island of Barbados you are wrapped in warmth, sun, and surf, but for travel writers filing stories that means turning vacation activities into story ideas. Robin attacks the turquoise waves from various angles with a Bajan surfing legend while Julia spends a little time up-close and personal with endangered, Hawksbill Turtles helping to send them off on their incredible life journey.
Robin and Julia head to Terceira, an emerald island in the Azores, for the thrilling summer festivities. Only here do bulls roam the streets, the beaches, and arenas, daring locals, and travel writers, to stare them down. Back over the North Atlantic to Lisbon, our writers explore alternative city tours, including a remarkable sightseeing tour that offers no sight at all.
The traffic, chaos, and 3000 years of bureaucracy can take their toll, so Robin and Julia choose to belly dance over the Nile. After a visit to the pyramids, Robin heads south to the Sinai desert for fun with an ATV, dirt bike, and dune buggy while Julia, following in the footsteps of her travel writing mother, learns about Egyptian aromatherapy and its role in modern day spa life.
Travel writers need to look beyond resorts. Under old mats in a small hut, Julia finds a delicious story in the form of furry guinea pigs. Robin heads to the mountains to meet a shaman, only to discover he’s been cursed. Together they visit local markets, party buses, and cacao plantations, discovering that there’s more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands.
Heading to Lapland, Julia confronts Santa Claus with some unanswered childhood questions. Robin turns the economic recession into an opportunity, by writing a story about exploring Helsinki one of Europe’s most expensive cities on just 20 euros a day. Together, under the Midnight Sun, things get sweaty when the writers strip down to understand the tradition of Finnish smoke saunas.
Robin and Julia arrive in North Africa for a challenging press trip. Shepherded to beautiful Roman ruins, they discover that old rocks can wear thin. Within the confines of a jam-packed schedule and the pressures of a boisterous local guide, their road trip becomes a hunt for something beyond the ruins of empires lost.
Africa is in dire need of good stories, and both writers are determined to find them. Julia explores the cosmopolitan side of Nairobi when she finds a local fashion designer determined to put Kenyan fashion on the international stage. Robin investigates the Flying Doctors, Africa’s largest air ambulance service, encountering its inspiring characters in the streets, the hospitals, and the air.
Documentary
A documentary is a creative work of non-fiction, including:* Documentary film, including television* Radio documentary* Documentary photographyRelated terms include:...
series. An original Canadian production, the show debuted on OLN on January 30, 2008 and airs in Canada on OLN and CityTV, and worldwide on Nat Geo Adventure. The show is co-hosted by Robin Esrock
Robin Esrock
Robin Esrock is an adventure travel writer and international television personality. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Esrock has written articles for major international publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Gulf News Dubai, South China Morning Post, Cape Town Argus, Sydney Morning...
and Julia Dimon, produced by Omni Film Limited, and filmed by Sean Cable.
The first season of Word Travels aired on OLN in Canada and began airing internationally on the National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure, formerly known as Adventure One but now commonly known as Nat Geo Adventure, is a subscription TV channel part of National Geographic Channels International and News Corporation...
worldwide in October 2008. The second season began airing on the OLN on January 18, 2009, and is set to air on National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure, formerly known as Adventure One but now commonly known as Nat Geo Adventure, is a subscription TV channel part of National Geographic Channels International and News Corporation...
in September, 2009. Season 3 was filmed between April and October 2009, and debuted in Canada on OLN on March 7, 2010. Word Travels is often misspelled as World Travels.
Overview
Word Travels follows the lives of two young professional travel writers, South African Robin EsrockRobin Esrock
Robin Esrock is an adventure travel writer and international television personality. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Esrock has written articles for major international publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Gulf News Dubai, South China Morning Post, Cape Town Argus, Sydney Morning...
and Toronto-based Julia Dimon, as they journey around the world in search of stories to experience, write about, and file for their editors. It is the first TV show to reveal the working reality of modern travel writing
Travel writing
Travel writing is a genre that has, as its focus, accounts of real or imaginary places. The genre encompasses a number of styles that may range from the documentary to the evocative, from literary to journalistic, and from the humorous to the serious....
. Robin Esrock
Robin Esrock
Robin Esrock is an adventure travel writer and international television personality. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Esrock has written articles for major international publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Gulf News Dubai, South China Morning Post, Cape Town Argus, Sydney Morning...
is a regular columnist for Sympatico, Outpost Magazine, and freelances for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Julia Dimon was a weekly columnist for the Metro International
Metro International
Metro International is a Swedish media company based in Luxembourg that publishes the Metro newspapers. Metro International's advertising sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 41% since launch of the first newspaper edition in 1995. It is a freesheet, meaning that distribution is...
's Canadian edition. Esrock focuses on adventurous and physical stories, while Dimon focuses on cultural and people stories. Each episode has Esrock investigating a story, Dimon investigating a story, and both investigating a story together.
Season 1
- BoliviaBoliviaBolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
- High on the Write Stuff
Travel writers, like all journalists, have different beats. Enjoying the "people" side of a story, Julia investigates indigenous female wrestling, while Robin hits the mountains to bike down the world's most dangerous road. Getting online to file and pitch stories may be a challenge, so it helps to be blessed by Andean priests on Lake Titicaca
- EthiopiaEthiopiaEthiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
- Agreeing to Disagree
African stories fill up notebooks in minutes, but before Robin and Julia can explore the 12th century rock churches in Lalibela, they have to deal with social issues, mechanical faults and each other’s ethical differences. Robin tests his theory of the people chain – following unlikely leads to a remarkable story – while Julia's shopping savvy is tested to the limits as she bargains for a goat in Africa’s biggest outdoor market. This is the first of two episodes filmed in Ethiopia
- VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
- Slugging It Out In The Jungle
In this episode, the journalists head deep into the Orinoco Delta for a lesson in jungle survival. While Robin takes the plunge to swim with dolphins, abseil a canyon and catch a piranha dinner, Julia goes where only few have been before in a hunt for the elusive moriche worm. For each, it’s a journey full of surprises
- JordanJordanJordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
- Press Trip Cinderellas
Jordan is a country of contrasts, and so are the personalities of these writers. Julia lifts the veil to discover the hip bars and malls of modern Amman, while Robin channels his inner Indiana Jones and gallops into the ancient city of Petra. With posh hotels and five-star feasts in the desert, both relish the luxury of a sponsored press trip.
- ColombiaColombiaColombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
- A Story Clear as Mud
The job of a travel writer is to inspire, and to break myths. Far from being a war zone, our writers are stunned by Colombia’s warmth and beauty, but a bankable story needs more edge. Julia looks into the art of buying emeralds, Robin visits the infamous bulletproof tailor of Bogota, and both head to Cartagena for a dip inside the crater of a chocolate mud volcano
- EthiopiaEthiopiaEthiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
- Going Tribal
Robin and Julia brave an exhausting road trip to one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions inhabited by over 50 distinct tribes and cultures. Travelling through the Lower Omo Valley, what they discover both shocks and inspires them, as they grapple with their ethical responsibilities when promoting tourist activities. This is the second episode filmed in Ethiopia
- DubaiDubaiDubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
- File Under: Boomtown
Finding and experiencing stories is not always smooth sailing. In the world’s biggest boomtown, Robin decides to sandboard and snowboard on the same day, but the heat and glitz blow hot and cold. Meanwhile, Julia’s story falls through and her interview cancels, forcing a frantic rush before her looming deadline. In a city with the newest and biggest everything, it’s the history that saves the day.
- LatviaLatviaLatvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
- My Job is a Prison
Amongst stunning art-nouveau buildings and medieval cobblestone streets, Robin and Julia reveal their daily lives backpacking in a hostel. After looking into life backstage at one of the world’s oldest circuses, Robin probes stag parties while Julia decides to put herself through hell in one of the world’s most unusual hotels
- YukonYukonYukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
- A Story Tough to Swallow
It’s -30C in the “Great White North”, but travel writers rarely judge a day by the weather. Robin hangs out with huskies and learns about dogsledding from a Yukon legend, and Julia heads out to a frozen lake to hook a story about ice-fishing. After braving the cold, both taste the gnarly truth about the legendary Sour Toe Cocktail – a drink served with a severed human toe!
- LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
- Digging Up Roots
Some stories are important to write, even when they don’t want to be written. Researching the rise of genealogical travel, Robin traces his roots to a small town where his grandfather was born, and the tragedy of the Holocaust remains thick in the air. Julia looks into a quirky Soviet theme park, where the harsh history meets communist kitsch. Two unique experiences of the same country, and two very different stories to file under deadline.
- ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
- I’ve Got a Big Story Here
Reversing their traditional roles, Robin and Julia switch beats as they head to northern Thailand. Julia looks into a Canadian-run Thai kickboxing school, taking a lesson in hard knocks, while Robin joins two very different cooking schools, succumbing to a chili eat-off. At a unique elephant reserve, both writers get their kicks in the world of “voluntourism.”
- Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and MacauMacauMacau , also spelled Macao , is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China...
- Underground And Over Edge
It’s tough to find something new to peak the interest of editors. In Hong Kong, both writers decide to head underground to find the cutting edge, Julia with the new sport of parkour, Robin with a late night fixed-gear bike race. Together they head to Macau, the world’s biggest gambling center, to see just how much they’ll risk to sell a story.
- New ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
- Nothing To Fear But Reality Itself
It’s the adrenaline capital of the world, so Robin swoops, luges, zorbs, agrojets and sledges his way to a double page spread. Julia explores the geo-thermal wonderland of Rotorua through the up-and-coming hobby of geo-caching.
Season 2
- Sri LankaSri LankaSri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
- Steeped in Serendipity
Finding a good travel story often involves the help of serendipity, a word itself derived from the old name for Sri Lanka. Damaged by decades of civil war, this beautiful island off the coast of India is in desperate need of good press. Robin and Julia explore a remarkable religious festival, stumbling upon a bizarre, bloody ritual guaranteed to make your jaw drop. As Julia explores the impact of domestic turmoil on tourism, Robin learns about the growing and manufacturing of world famous Ceylon tea.
- South KoreaSouth KoreaThe Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
- Find Myself, Find My Story
Investigating a story about travellers teaching English in Asia, Robin learns that teaching a class of 11 year-olds is as terrifying, and rewarding, as any adventure activity. Together, our journalists spend the night in a unique Buddhist temple, where tourists are invited to learn about Buddhism, and experience life in a monastery. In Seoul, Julia hip-hops her way into a story about the Korean B-Boy dance phenomenon.
- The Philippines - A Taste of Paradise
Travel stories come in many guises, from activities and events, to culture and destinations. Exploring the island of Palawan, known for its incredible limestone cliffs and scuba diving, Robin focuses on the northern tip of El Nido, the place that inspired the book and film, "The Beach." In Manila, Julia’s gets a taste for balut
Balut
A balut is a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell.Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors in the regions where they are available. It is commonly sold as streetfood in the Philippines...
, a fertilized duck egg delicacy, which is a good story if she can stomach it.
- British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaBritish Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
- Bags to Riches
Vancouver Island is an interesting destination for international readers, accustomed to images of snow-covered Canada. Robin is fascinated by Tofino's surfing community, and figures any story that features "surfing" and "Canada" is bound to stoke the interest of editors. Meanwhile Julia gets the low down on how to live off the land with Gisele, a local Tla’ Ook guide. Covering a story about a luxury expedition yacht, Robin and Julia reflect on how their jobs often give them a taste of a life neither of them could ever afford.
- SloveniaSloveniaSlovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
- Levels of a Story
In this tiny nation, a jewel in Central Europe, Robin saddles up in Lipica, the birthplace of the legendary Lipizzaner horses. Julia prefers to write about smaller creatures in the form of traditional beekeeping. Heading north to the Julian Alps and the medieval town of Bled, viewers learn how different writers have different beats. Julia explores a gorge, while Robin soars overhead, paragliding amongst some breathtaking mountains..
- RomaniaRomaniaRomania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
- On the Run
There's more to Romania than vampire myths and gothic castles. Robin and Julia head into the Transylvanian countryside on a cultural tour, embracing the music, food, and farm life of a village that has seen little change in centuries. But there’s still time for a little paranormal investigation as Julia checks out one of Europe’s most haunted forests. In bustling Bucharest, Robin keeps up with the Hash House Harriers, a ribald running club that has sprouted up in over 178 countries.
- The Maldives - Over the Honeymoon
Travel writers lead a nomadic existence, and relationships can be a real challenge. Writing about the world's ultimate honeymoon destination, Robin finds himself alone, feeling the irony of his "honeymoon for one." Julia leaves the tourist brochure behind to discover life in the overcrowded capital of Male. In this beautifully filmed episode, we learn that having a dream job on a dream tropical island is not all it's cracked up to be.
- TurkeyTurkeyTurkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
- Road Trip into Genesis
Genesis is the theme this week, as Robin and Julia head east to investigate a story about biblical tourism. Walking amongst ancient ruins, drinking from the well of the prophet Abraham's birth cave, they also reflect how much their own lives have changed since first meeting in Turkey several years ago. While Julia investigates a female-run cooking school, Robin's heads to Mount Nemrut, where massive 2000 year old statues greet the sunrise every morning.
- UkraineUkraineUkraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
- Radioactive Writing
Robin and Julia explore the “cradle of Slavic civilization” on the streets of Kiev. Following travel writing trends, Julia discovers the best things to see and do in Kiev in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Robin chases a story about an eerie former nuclear missile base. Together, they head off to Chernobyl, site of the world’s worstnuclear reactor disaster and a bone-chilling tourist attraction.
- TaiwanTaiwanTaiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
- Some Like it Hotter
New travel writing assignments have brought Julia and Robin to Taipei. For her latest column, Julia decides to go against the tourism board’s wishes and write about the betel nut girls - young scantily-clad women, selling this addictive treat on Taiwanese roadsides. Meanwhile, Robin discovers the creator of fire therapy - a risky form of traditional medicine for both patient and doctor alike. Feeling the burn, he joins Julia to flush out an article about Modern Toilet, a bizarre toilet themed restaurant.
- BelizeBelizeBelize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
- Oh Maya!
Travel writers are seasonal creatures, and it's the wrong time of year to enjoy the coastline of this small, Central American country. Instead, Robin and Julia immerse themselves in the jungle, surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins. While Julia enrolls herself in a jungle survival course, Robin goes underground to explore a vast system of cave waterfalls.
- JamaicaJamaicaJamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
- Roots, Rock n' Writing
From the Blue Mountains to the gritty streets of Kingston, Robin and Julia learn about Rastafarians and dancehall - two cornerstones of Jamaican culture. Julia's foray into music takes her to record studios, musicologists, and finally an all night dance party. Eager to break away from the popular resorts, together they travel to the South Coast, where Robin takes advantage of a "Meet the People" program to connect with interesting locals.
- MexicoMexicoThe United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
- Wrestling with Headlines
Robin and Julia discover that there's more to tequila than a good night out and a hangover as they shoot back this week's story about Mexico's national drink. From the region of Tequila, they head to Mexico City, where Julia explores a local witches market and gets blessed by a Satan worshipper. Robin finds himself painfully pretzeled in the ring with the Luchadores, masked Mexican wrestlers famous for their acrobatics.
Season 3
- KenyaKenyaKenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
Safari
Robin and Julia head to the Masai Mara National Park for the legendary migration of the wildebeest. While the largest movement of animals on earth parade by, Robin reflects on his African roots, and Julia her love for Africa. Together, they relish the opportunity of staying in a luxury safari lodge
Safari lodge
A safari lodge is a type of tourist accommodation in southern and eastern Africa. Lodges are mainly used by tourists on wildlife safaris, and are typically located in or near national parks or game reserves....
, learning traditions from local Masai villagers, and the etiquette of game viewing,
- GeorgiaGeorgia (country)Georgia is a sovereign state in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the southwest by Turkey, to the south by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital of...
- Wine, Weapons and Heavy Metal
Not to be confused with the US state, Georgia has a rich medieval history, complete with weapons and folklore. As Robin suits up in traditional costume to learn the art of battle, Julia discovers her inner head banger with the help of local rockers, and online social networks. Top up the journey with a discovery that the region is the birthplace of wine and oh the hangover to come.
- NicaraguaNicaraguaNicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...
- Writing on the Edge
What is an active volcano if not the perfect slope to ride down? Robin hikes to the peak of Cerro Negro to feel the heat and the thrill of sandboarding while Julia investigates the story of fair trade coffee. From soil to cup she learns how consumer choices back home impact a small coffee-growing community. Things get serious as Robin and Julia examine the controversial trend of poverty tourism, when they visit families making a living inside Managua’s garbage dump.
- ChileChileChile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
- Snow, Sea and Desert
Chile’s miles of coastline, soaring Andean peaks and parched desert, invite Robin and Julia to explore it all Fulfilling a life long dream, Robin cat-boards high in the snowcapped Andes. At sea level Julia explores Chile’s cultural capital to find out what attracts so many artists to this region. When the writers head north to the Atacama Desert they experience scenery so breathtaking and a sunset so inspirational it leaves them pondering life and the future.
- ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
- Indulgence in Italy
Italy in the summer is a challenge not only for travelers but even more so for writers hunting down a never-been-told-before story to pitch, write, and sell. Julia finds a gladiator school that teaches Roman history in a truly hands-on environment. Robin heads to the “Engine of Europe” and the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories, hoping to test drive the world’s sexiest automobiles. Since Italy and food are one in the same, together our hosts slurp their way through Modena, home to the other black gold, balsamic vinegar.
- AlbertaAlbertaAlberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
- Beam us Up, Cowboy
Few landscapes are as awe-inspiring as the Canadian Rockies, so if there’s a story to be found, it’s likely on these peaks. Julia and Robin climb aboard a helicopter for the breathtaking experience of heli-yoga. Then, back on earth, sort of, Julia visits the town of Vulcan, famous for its Star Trek-based tourism. And since this is the wild wild Canadian west, Robin tries his hand at some real-life ranching.
- RussiaRussiaRussia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
- Caviar in Space
Russia presents its challenges for journalists filming a TV show, but even with the red tape and permits stories must be found. Julia investigates the black market for sturgeon caviar while Robin takes a deeper look into majestic Moscow metro. Together they get an exclusive glimpse into the reality of space travel, visiting the Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.
- BarbadosBarbadosBarbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
- Island Life, Writer Style
The moment you step onto the island of Barbados you are wrapped in warmth, sun, and surf, but for travel writers filing stories that means turning vacation activities into story ideas. Robin attacks the turquoise waves from various angles with a Bajan surfing legend while Julia spends a little time up-close and personal with endangered, Hawksbill Turtles helping to send them off on their incredible life journey.
- PortugalPortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
- Blindfolds and Bulls
Robin and Julia head to Terceira, an emerald island in the Azores, for the thrilling summer festivities. Only here do bulls roam the streets, the beaches, and arenas, daring locals, and travel writers, to stare them down. Back over the North Atlantic to Lisbon, our writers explore alternative city tours, including a remarkable sightseeing tour that offers no sight at all.
- EgyptEgyptEgypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
- Belly Dancing through Chaos
The traffic, chaos, and 3000 years of bureaucracy can take their toll, so Robin and Julia choose to belly dance over the Nile. After a visit to the pyramids, Robin heads south to the Sinai desert for fun with an ATV, dirt bike, and dune buggy while Julia, following in the footsteps of her travel writing mother, learns about Egyptian aromatherapy and its role in modern day spa life.
- EcuadorEcuadorEcuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
- Travelling Guinea Pigs
Travel writers need to look beyond resorts. Under old mats in a small hut, Julia finds a delicious story in the form of furry guinea pigs. Robin heads to the mountains to meet a shaman, only to discover he’s been cursed. Together they visit local markets, party buses, and cacao plantations, discovering that there’s more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands.
- FinlandFinlandFinland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
- Lapland, Sauna and Santa, on a Budget
Heading to Lapland, Julia confronts Santa Claus with some unanswered childhood questions. Robin turns the economic recession into an opportunity, by writing a story about exploring Helsinki one of Europe’s most expensive cities on just 20 euros a day. Together, under the Midnight Sun, things get sweaty when the writers strip down to understand the tradition of Finnish smoke saunas.
- TunisiaTunisiaTunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
- Don’t Ruin My Story
Robin and Julia arrive in North Africa for a challenging press trip. Shepherded to beautiful Roman ruins, they discover that old rocks can wear thin. Within the confines of a jam-packed schedule and the pressures of a boisterous local guide, their road trip becomes a hunt for something beyond the ruins of empires lost.
- KenyaKenyaKenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
Nairobi
Africa is in dire need of good stories, and both writers are determined to find them. Julia explores the cosmopolitan side of Nairobi when she finds a local fashion designer determined to put Kenyan fashion on the international stage. Robin investigates the Flying Doctors, Africa’s largest air ambulance service, encountering its inspiring characters in the streets, the hospitals, and the air.
External links
- Official website
- Esrock and Dimon Interview with Brave New Traveler
- New Season of Word Travels
- Former Sun Columnist Travels to TV Screen
- TV Guide Pick of the Week Hit the Road with Word Travels
- Word Travels on Facebook
- Robin Esrock's Official Site
- Robin Esrock's Modern Gonzo Blog
- Julia Dimon Official Website