Robin Esrock is one of the most interesting people I’ve met this year. A few stats on Esrock: former Travel Channel host, recently visited his 102-3 country (depending on date of post) and one of the most cultured people I’ve been happy to meet. I met Robin during my trip to Israel, he was a great additional wealth of knowledge to have in a country like such. As a world traveler, I invited Robin to be our next guest. Enjoy.

Name or Alias – City, State or Location

Robin Esrock sometimes known incorrectly as the Modern Gonzo Vancouver, British Columbia

Identify all items in your bag (shown in image).

The Bag:   Real men carry bags, because real men don’t load their pockets.  I recently upgraded from a Crumpler Maurice (ooh la la) to a Tillys Intrepid, which has been dipped in Scottish ear wax or something, making it impervious to just about anything.  It’s the right look for a travel writer too.

Wallet:  A gift from my fiance.  Made of stingray. I’m presuming it died of natural causes, and like to think it’s karma for the bastard that killed Steve Irwin.

iPhone:  I held out as long as I could, but when clients expect you to be online all the time, another baby smiles in heaven, and Steve Jobs counts his shekels.  It’s loaded with music, naturally. 

Notebook: Because trying to illustrate something on an iPhone is like finger painting trigonometry.  I’ve been carrying these particular little black books since I was 15.  They’re the right size and thickness, and don’t flake apart.   You can only get them in South African stationery stores. With two pens, minimum.

Headphones:  I like the buds that stay in the ear.  Recently bought a solid pair of Sennheisers, but they don’t fit in the bag.

Sunglasses:  Ray Bans, scratched to shit.

Camera:  Panasonic DMC-ZS3, now with a chip in the lens.  Upgrade expected soon.

Kindle:  My newest gadget and one I should have bought years ago. Loaded with 900 books.  Currently reading Bill Bryson’s new book about the history of the household. I love trivia and learning the stupid origin of things.

The Boywonder:  I’ve had this little guy since I was in journalism school.  It’s Robin the Boywonder, pointing at his eye, reminding me to open my eyes and look around me. There’s a slight chip from when I tried to use him as a bottle opener. That was really bad of me.

Lip Balm:  I’m not addicted, like some people I know.

Business Cards:  Back-ups, because you never know when you’re going to gate crash a convention.  With photo, which is crucial.

Water Bottle:  So I don’t contribute to the plastic waste and and commercial scam of bottled water when tap water perfectly suffices.

Alarm Clock:  As a traveller, I never trust a wake up call.  That includes when working at my desk.

Burning Man Necklace:   A vial containing the ashes from three Temple burns.  If you’re a burner, you’ll know how powerful that is.  It comes on the road.
Kangaroo Scrotum Bottle Opener:  My proudest souvenir from my journey to 101 countries.  I don’t usually carry it in my bag, but wanted to reward you for reading this far.

Why do you have these items in your bag? What do they mean to you?

Essential items for any journalist really, especially the bottle opener.  Usually there’s a laptop too, but this would be the “I’ve got a meeting” bag, and not the “I’m going to work at the library” bag.  There’s a good mix of technology (iPhone, Kindle) and old school reliables (notebook, business cards).   I’m not overly superstitious but I like having the Boywonder and Burner necklace around for good luck.  I’m in planes, buses, rickety taxis and unusual locations a great deal of my time, and have never had any problems.  No use rocking the boat if I’ve come this far.  

Which are your absolute must-haves? What can’t you live without on a daily basis?

I’m in the business of communication, and I need the tools to communicate. Being able to check my email is crucial, but worse comes to worse I can use an internet cafe.  A credit card, certainly.  If I lose this bag, it’s an inconvenience. If I lose my health, my family, my poor sense of humour or my optimism, I’m screwed. 

What do you think these contents say about you?

Here is a man who relishes efficiency, likes to be productive, and does not want to be bored.  As long as there’s something to listen to, something read, someone to talk to, something to take pictures of, and something to write, I’m in my element.