Medieval Times: an unforgettable experience

Magnificent pageantry. Heart pounding battles. Spectacular horsemanship. A feast fit for a king. This was Medieval Times.

Hubs and I dedicated this summer to exploring new places and trying new things. So far we have taken day trips to explore nearby towns, rocked out at concerts, played detectives at a murder mystery dinner and vacationed in Baaahstin. When CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) invited us to check out the show with our two nephews we were thrilled. We only get to see the boys a few times of year so were very grateful to be able to include them in one of our adventures.

As you only live once, we decided to take things to a whole other level. We surprised the boys (age 5 & 8) with medieval costumes to wear to the show. That surprise also included hubs and I dressing up. The boys vibrated with excitement. And who knew a dirndl could be fashionable at something other than Oktoberfest. I did mention #yolo, right?

From the moment we opened the doors to the castle we were captivated; thrown back centuries. Greeters and ticket takers were dressed as peasants. Armour lined the walls. Horses grazed in their stalls. The boys were very proud to show Lord Chancellor, who guided us through the Tournament of Knights, that they were ready for battle should any knight go down.

The Royal Court

The show was a spectacle of glory, chivalry, strength and courage. The evening featured six brave knights who competed in medieval games of skill including authentic sword fights and thrilling jousting. The games were exhilarating. Sparks flew and lances splintered. It didn't feel like a cheesy choreographed show but rather a true competition.

One of the games challenged the knights to spear his lance through a ring. This pretty much blew my mind as I can't feed thread through a needle let alone do it while galloping on a horse.

 

Crowd Rousing

The tournament is designed for guests to feel a part of it. Knights battled for glory in jousting and hand-to-hand combat using an assortment of medieval weapons. Each section had a dedicated knight denoted by the colour of crown received upon entry to the castle. We cheered loud and proud for our red knight every time he was in action...

...or when evil was captured from trying to take reign. We also heckled the other knights. We were encouraged to. I promise.

A falconer showed off his skills. It was pretty cool to see the falcon swoop so low over the audience. My hands may have acted as a shield in case he had some business to do.

 

Brawn and Beauty

The Andalusian stallions were magnificent. We were all in awe of their beauty. They were powerful yet graceful, especially during the Versace performance. Bond between knight and horse was evident. Both oozed proudness having all eyes on them as they gaited around the stadium.

Eats

We were served in true medieval style: pre-silverware fashion. The boys were befuddled at using their hands as utensils. Eating like barbarians took a bit of getting used to.

The feast was absolutely fit for a king. Holy cow err, dragon was there a lot of food! Ok, maybe not real dragon but it was fun to pretend as the day started with slaying Uncle Aaron The Big Bad Dragon. On the menu was Dragon Scales (garlic bread) and Dragon Blood Soup (vegetable) to start followed by Dragon Toes (ribs), Baby Dragon (chicken) and Dragon Ears (potato).

The food was hot and fresh, plentiful and in itself worth the price of the ticket. Our man wench Corey dished out the fare over the course of the show.

After the tournament all guests were invited to meet Lord Chancellor, the Royal Falconer and the 6 knights who competed. Every person who was part of the games took time with each guest.We weren't herded out the door like you are after some shows.



The experience was well beyond my expectations. Everyone who was a part of the show lived Medieval Times. I went in thinking it would be geared to the littles but us bigs were just as enthralled. We all had a fantastic time. It was such an exciting show that the drive home was pretty quiet.

So, to all the lords and ladies, bigs and littles, should you wish to be treated like royalty, then check out Medieval Times. There are locations in Toronto, Chicago, Lyndhurst, Baltimore, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Dallas, Orlando and Buena Park.

A huge thank you to CAA South Central Ontario for providing us with an unforgettable experience. Memories were created that will last a lifetime.

Did you know that CAA members not only save on ticket prices to Medieval Times and other great items but you also earn CAA Dollars? Click here to learn more about the perks of being a CAA member.

24h Tremblant: who's ready to hit the slopes for kids?

The air is already hot from the sun. The leaves make music in the breeze. It's a perfect summer day in Ottawa. Earlier hubs said something like "at least you're not thinking of skiing". Aaah, ya, whatever.

Five months from today the 14th edition of 24h Tremblant will kick-off. I have been fortunate enough to participate in this amazing event for the last two years.

24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. 2,000 people. $2M for kids.

24h Tremblant is a relay style ski event, a festive and fun-filled weekend, but most importantly a fundraiser for the kids. It's a 24 hour non-stop, non-competitive ski & snowboard challenge. Teams even race through the wee hours of the night to record the most tracks carved. Proceeds support children in need through organizations like the Sens Foundation.

This is my absolute favourite winter weekend of the year. From the time you arrive to the time the final amount raised is revealed the energy is electric. It's a weekend of celebrating, emotion and connecting with amazing people.

You hear stories of young children who never in a million years should be dealing with what they are. Of courage. Of hope. Inspiration. It's a weekend that unites people.

The 14th edition of 24h Tremblant takes places December 5-7 this year. Register your team today and hit the slopes for the kids.

Click here to watch a wrap-up video of the 12th edition of 24h Tremblant by Volkswagen.

A night at the Carp drive-in...BINGO style

Winner winner; chicken dinner

Over the loud speakers with perfect annunciation B-14 is called. Daub. Followed by N-34. Daub. Then G-60. Daub. My heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest as I almost have a line. Ya, ya. Little things excite me. B-2. Zoot! O-69. O-69 is repeated. Woohoo! I lay my hand on the steering wheel and honk.

Yep. Honk. That's right folks. I honk the horn on my car. Why? Because I'm at the drive-in bingo of course.




Carp Fair drive-in bingo
Photo credits: Carp Fair & Auntie Times

This is the scene every Wednesday night of July in Carp, aka my community, aka the centre of the universe. Center ring at the fairgrounds is filled with excitement as the drive-in bingo has become a ritual for many around Ottawa and the Valley. Friends and families line the grounds to create unforgettable memories. Cause let's face it, how many people can say they've been to a drive-in bingo?

 

What to expect

When you pull up to the fairgrounds you are greeted by friendly volunteers. For 10 bucks you get 12 regular game sheets plus a jackpot game. Each sheet contains 9 cards so unless you're a real pro, it's plenty of bingo.

Blueberry goodness

After you are directed on where to park, hit up to the canteen. There's a BBQ and the best part? You don't have to cook. For dessert grab a slice of pie. Oh my gawd make sure you get the pie. They are all homemade and sooooooo delicious. If you wait for the break, there's no guarantee that there will be any left so get it early. Daubers are also available at the canteen in case you forget yours.

There's no golden rule on where you daub. While it's a "drive-in" some people bring blankets to spread out while others gather around in camping chairs. The Agricultural Society also sets up a few tables and chairs near the front for the keeners.

Around 8:00 pm the daubbing begins. Numbers are called old-school style: announced by a caller over the loudspeaker who repeats it at least twice. It goes fast but not so fast that it leaves your head spinning. The caller is good to let you know what colour card you are playing and the game (line, T, X, cross, blackout).

After an hour or so of gaming they take a short break. Enough time to grab a snack and some 50/50 cards. Sellers are set-up at red tables between the aisles. Cards have 3 boards and are $1 each. I've been on nights where the take home is well over $400. Not too shabby for a small town game!

It's not a super late night as things wrap up between 10:00 - 10:30 pm. Parfait for those who have to work the next day or need to get the littles to bed.

A few things to keep in mind

1. Bring a clipboard or a piece of cardboard. While the Agricultural Society has a number of boards to dab on, they do sometimes run out. Having something handy to dab on will make your life a lot easier in the event they're out.
2. Bug spray is a must. Whether you're in sitting outside or in your car the little critters can be nasty.
3. If you've got the lights or radio on in the car, it's good idea to start it every now and then. Makes getting home a bit easier.
4. Let the kiddos wear their jammies so you can plunk them right into bed when you get home.
5. Develop a system - for the special games (X, cross, T, etc) only dab those numbers within that shape. Trust me, you'll find the shape much faster. Plus you won't continue to ask "what game are we playing again?"

Now this one is for the "professionals" only: bring a headlamp. It gets dark and while there are lights all around the ring, you don't want shadows casting over your boards.




Professional dauber

Overall it's just a big excuse to get together and support a great cause. Proceeds from the evening support making the best little fair in Canada happen. So git'yur daubbers ready and we'll see you at the BINGO!

Deets

When: every Wednesday in July. BBQ starts at 6:00 pm; Bingo at 8:00 pm. Rain or shine.
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, Carp Road just north of March Road in the village of Carp (about 15 minutes west of Canadian Tire Centre)
Cost: $10 a board; $1 per 50/50 sheet. BBQ & snacks available
More info: www.carpfair.ca or 613-839-2172

Almonte: more than just a basketball town

If you've heard of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, then you have heard of Almonte. Or at least know of it as it was the town Naismith was born. What you may not know is that this cute little town just 20 minutes west of Ottawa is filled with unique, fab shops and restaurants, a vibrant arts community and much more. On the exterior it's like stepping back in time; the interior filled with contemporary treasures.

I spent a wonderful few hours in the quaintness of Almonte on Saturday. I had breakfast plans to catch up with a girlfriend who I used to work with. We decided on the Mill Street Crepe Company. It did not disappoint.




Tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus & gruyere crêpe

We were seated at a window overlooking the street with sun rays filling the room. We chatted over coffee then committed to placing an order. The daily special sounded too good to pass up so we both went for it: cream of tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus and gruyere cheese filled crêpe. My mouth is watering just thinking about our meal again. It was sinful. The perfect brunch combination.

Karen and I took turns sharing stories, more so the other could enjoy what was in front of us. Our server was friendly, attentive and engaging. She checked in numerous times even though the restaurant had filled.

What impressed me even more was when the owner came over. He didn't just ask if everything was ok. He noticed a draft and wanted to ensure we were comfortable. He ensured the food wasn't just OK but that we were happy with the quality. The attention he provided us in the 22 seconds he was at our table topped the already great experience for me. I would absolutely return to this café.




Greeting at cash of Hello Yellow

A couple of hours after arriving in the restaurant we toured the charming main street. There is something peaceful about no sky scrapers or modern designs overwhelming the senses. The exteriors are preserved filled with unique and eclectic finds. Hello Yellow is my absolutely favourite shop in Almonte. Essentially it's Etsy in a box. Emily (don't forget: small town where everyone knows your name) carries the cutest, one-of-a-kind accessories and home décor. Of course I did not leave empty handed. I needed to support the local economy after all.

There are lots of other unique shops in Almonte. The Tin Barn Market is a neat store that is filled with vintage - you guessed it: tin - items. You can't go to the Tin Barn Market without being sucked into Bob's Bakery next door. The aroma is like a hook with the bakers on the other end reeling you in. There are a few antique stores which are great to go treasure hunting in. You'll also find some funky clothing & shoe stores. I even saw a Minion on the main street on Saturday. So truly, something for everyone.




Waterfalls at the end of the River Walk

After you have your fill of goodies and want to burn a few calories off, head to the River Walk. Almonte has built a boardwalk along the Mississippi River that runs through the middle of the town. I stopped and got lost in the falls for a while. There is something absolutely mesmerizing about cascading water.

Almonte is also renowned for its fantastic festival lineup. A popular one is Puppets Up! an international puppet festival entertaining adults and children alike. For the music lovers there are Celtfest and the North Lanark Highlands Games.

No matter what your style or tastes are, there is something for everyone in Almonte. If you're planning a staycation this summer or looking for a quick day trip, I would highly recommend putting this cozy little town on your to-do list.

Shipping up to Boston

If your first thought was Dropkick Murphys when you read the title of this post, you're my new BFF. No. Seriously. We'll be rockin' out to some Celtic punk together soon.

It's June. The time of year when both hubs and I are coming off busy cycles in our respective jobs and dragging butt. When I normally start nagging, "what are we doing for vacation this summer?"

So what do the Dropkick Murphys have to do with my summer plans? Well, let me tell you. A couple of weeks ago hubs asked if I wanted to go to Boston this summer. I says wha?? Who are you and what the hell have you done with my husband?!!

In the 10 or so years we have been together this has never happened. Like ever. I'm always the one to suggest a weekend excursion here or travel there. Rarely does it actually come to fruition; at least relative to the number of times I propose it.

Needless to say the hotel was booked before he finished getting the words out and had a chance to change his mind. Thanks to a girlfriend, we're staying at the Westin Boston Waterfront. I can't say enough about this hotel already and we're more than a month away from our trip.

Within hours of confirming our reservation I received this message from Anna D, their marketing manager:

Thank you so much for choosing The Westin Boston Waterfront for your upcoming inaugural trip to Boston! We're so excited to welcome you and are happy to assist with planning fun activities. Please send along information about who you're traveling with, if you're celebrating a special occasion and what you enjoy to eat/drink, along with other likes/dislikes and I'm happy to personalize an itinerary for you. 

Again, we can't wait to welcome you to our wonderful city and I look forward to hearing from you.

Well shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat! Get out of me rum! It wasn't just a canned note. Anna knew that it was our first trip to Boston. And she was ready to help make it great.

In the little research I've done I know there is much to take in. We got a great deal through Porter Airlines cutting out full travel days on either end of the trip. Even with this, I'm worried that 5 days won't be enough to take everything in. The only thing I know for sure is we'll hit a ball game as the Jays are in Boston to take on the Red Sox the week we are there. <cough cough> Wife of the year. Right here.

I would really, really, REALLY like to go whale watching. I am absolutely fascinated with these magnificent creatures. Here's the thing: I get motion sickness. As in I have to take Gravol if I'm a passenger in a car for more than an hour so being confined on a boat in unpredictable weather has my stomach doing flips thinking about it. But then I look at these images from Boston Harbour Cruises and think, "how can I not do this?"

 

As you can tell, I'm very excited about our trip. We've received great service so far from the Westin Boston Waterfront.  Anna has been super accommodating as I've been THAT kid, already changing the dates of our stay. If this is any indication of what to expect when we get there, I know it's going to be a fantastic trip. Countdown to the next #TheARobsAdventures is on!

If you've been to Bahhhh-stin before, what do you recommend we hit up?

So for now, I'm off to find my wooden leg...

It's not all rainbows and butterflies ...

...oh no. There was sunshine and blue skies during the day and pink skies at night. Lush gardens and crystal, clear waters. I'm sure there was even a unicorn somewhere.

Hubs and I returned early Monday morning from a week in paradise. I'm sure it was Adam & Eve's abode once upon a time but is now the Iberostar Ensenachos. This was our third trip to Cuba. We have visited other Caribbean islands but since discovering Queu-ba (I'm flustered just thinking about those Spanish accents) we haven't been anywhere else.

This resort was by far the nicest we have been to. It's the first time we have said we would return. The grounds were luxuriant and mature. It's not a place for anyone with mobility issues as it's quite expansive but this was part of its charm for us. While it was close to being full some days - or so we were told - there were times when we felt we were the only people there.

The rooms were well appointed and laid out. Marble everywhere. Walk-in closest. Aahhh, hello ladies, I know you've got my back on this one! Stand-up shower and modern, acrylic bathtub. Large balcony with real chairs. And not just the plastic Walmart ones that you stick to 43 seconds after sitting down. Hot water anytime of the day (for anyone who has traveled knows that 86% of the time the hot water runs dry during prime times). Air-conditioning to the point I actually had to get a duvet.

You wouldn't know you had neighbours. Each bungalow had gardens and bushes in between them. Because they weren't on top of each other, it really felt like we were staying at a private, intimate hotel.

Kudos to the architects on all of these fronts! The resort layout was flawless in my - for it's worth - opinion.

Best part of the resort? The beaches. Yes. Plural. Because the resort was in the Cayos de Cuba (Cuban Keys) it was essentially on its own little island. When we stepped on the beach for the first time I couldn't believe what was under my feet. I swore I was walking on layers of silk. It was the finest, smoothest sand I have ever felt. Sigh. To be back there now.

Obligatory toe shot

"I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand"

Playa Mengano

Playa Ensenachos

And the water. Wow. It's the water you see in the pictures of travel magazines that you think has been photoshopped and doesn't really exist because it's so clear. I can now tell you it does. You can walk out hundreds of meters before it's above your head all while looking at the bottom of the sea.

There is a small coral reef right off the beaches that made for fantastic FREE snorkeling. We brought our own equipment so had the liberty of going whenever we wanted. Under the water we saw huge starfish, squid, sea veggies, and lots of other beautiful fish. We didn't need to take food out to attract them - they naturally performed all around us. And besides, it disrupts their natural feeding and can make them dependent on a new source so please just leave it at the buffet.

Getting to the beach was a bit of an adventure in itself. You walked across these long, wooden boardwalks through the mangroves that eventually opened up to the most amazing views. There were no skylines because the blue of the water was the same as the blue in the sky.



Boardwalks leading to the beaches

We stayed on the Spa side of the resort. In other words: adults only. We both work hard and in our spare time give back to our community by volunteering with different organizations. Translation: not a lot of downtime together. When we're away I don't want to worry about a little rugrats accidently kicking my drink over and wasting good alcohol or their mom's scurrying to cover their eyes because my girls were free and soaking up some sun.

 

There was one day of overcast so we turned it into an "activity" day. We hopped on the open air double decker bus (spend the extra couple of pesos and take a taxi, trust me) and went to the market where we partook in Cuba's national sport: 10 pin bowling. No joke. Lots of laughs. Me more so than hubs as I KICKED HIS ASS!! Back at the resort we played tennis & basketball before going for a long walk.

 

Selfie since hubs wouldn't take a picture of the proof I won.

 





Yup, he's 40. Can't you tell?

 

Overall the food was pretty good. We never went hungry. As with any resort we've been to, breakie was the best meal of the day. The servers, however, make up for anything your taste buds are lacking. I can't say enough about everyone who works in the restaurants. There was always a big, friendly smile waiting for you as soon as you walked in the door and you were doted on like royalty. From our observations, it didn't matter if you were young or aging, a couple, family or single person, everyone was treated this way. They really do know how to make you feel special. The guest services folks could learn a thing or two from them.

 

A huge thank you to our travel agent Alan Hedderick at RedTag Vacations. He was the one to recommend this place and we were grateful he did. Need an agent? He can be reached at 905.471.0056 x5841 or alan dot hedderick (at) redtag dot ca

 

 

 

Highlight of the trip? Having some time reconnecting with hubs. Don't worry, I don't often get all mushy. Just when I'm in a world of rainbows and butterflies.

 

The only two pics where we're in the same frame:
travel days

 

 

A few other great things about the resort:

 

Consideration for the environment. You could find recycling bins all over the resort.

 

Cappuccinos. Ohhh, the cappuccinos.

 

Air conditioning. You don't realize how much you appreciate A/C until you've traveled from -40 degrees to +40.



 

Privacy. Other than guests and staff, there are no locals hackling you to buy cheap souvenirs or trying to convince you to "com par-tay mon".  

 

  

 

Retail therapy: more expensive than a shrink

"My name is Sarah Robinson and I have a problem: I am a shopaholic."

Yes. It is true. I love to shop. I am the queen of sniffing out a deal. I will not pay full-price for anything. Here's the thing: my love of shopping is perpetuated 1,000,000,000,000 times when I am emotional.

How does this differ from anyone else who loves to shop? It probably doesn't. It's not like I need an intervention from Gail Vaz-Oxlade (although hubs may argue that). But I probably should have a sponsor - someone I can call when I feel the urge. Malls are my drug. Shopping for me fills a void. It is my emotional crutch.

Why am I writing about this? Because this morning I gathered everything I have bought since Maddie passed away on Friday, December 13 into a pile. And now I know why the credit card company was calling to see if my card had been stolen.

 

Don't worry - I can justify why I *needed* every single thing in this picture. I'll start on the left with the Kastle skis...even though I'm an Elan girl. 

 

Play Time: Worldless Wednesday

Dreaming of playing in the gentle Cuban waves. Soon. But not soon enough. Le sigh. Can't wait to get "my toes in the water, a$$ in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand" at the Iberostar Ensenachos.

Soaking Up Some Rays

My bestie is currently on a beach in the Cayman Islands. Am I jealous? Aaaah, hells ya! A good friend of ours exchanged vows there this week. After a wretched year, this is a much deserved trip for my bestie and her hubs. They made it through the fight of their lives.

While I hated not being there, it made it a little less painful knowing we were both soaking up some rays. My bestie: on the pristine white beach. Me: on the crisp white slopes.

Yesterday was the last day of spring skiing in the Ottawa region. And it was gorgeous. I'm not sure we could have asked for better weather. The sun was shining while the air remained cool keeping the snow hard and fast. The trails were perfectly groomed at Calabogie Peaks and the best part? No one there.

It's days like this when a little bit of me wishes winter wouldn't end. I know, I know. I did not just say that. But really, does it get any better than this:

Perfect day at Calabogie Peaks

 



Le sigh. Dreaming of next season already.

Ski Bunny

Dani is loving skiing. She's had a couple of lessons and this past Monday Jamers, her hubs, took the day off and they went out together. I'm squealing with excitement.

In December I was fortunate enough to participate in 24h Tremblant - a 24 hour ski relay fundraiser. Proceeds go to a select number of charities supporting children in need, with the Sens Foundation being one of them. The Foundation supports local organizations including Roger's House, CHEO and Candlelighters.

I would love to be able to attend next year's event with my bestie by my side. Never did I think Dani would be bombing down the slopes. It takes courage to pick up and try something new at thirty something (or 28 and holding as she will tell you). After the courage she demonstrated through her battle, I shouldn't be surprised.

Check out this awesome wrap-up video from Volkswagen to see why I can't wait to go back: