I recently travelled overseas for the first time in my life. I explored the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as Helsinki, Finland. My time was spent learning about history, trying local cuisine, and taking in the experience of being so far from home.

While in Helsinki, I had a conversation with a cab driver about Edmonton. The city was on his list to visit, and I emphasized that there is more to Edmonton than a certain large shopping mall - a fact of which he was thankfully already well aware.

Being away certainly helped me appreciate home. The timing of the trip was purposeful. Besides being between deadlines for the paper so as not to affect our publication schedule, I also could not imagine missing my favourite seasonal festivals like the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Blues Festival, and, of course, our very own Heart of the City that takes place in Giovanni Caboto Park. 

I’ve always been a huge fan of staycations. They are more affordable, less stressful, and don’t come with days of jet lag. I also enjoy conversations with people from outside the McCauley and Boyle Street neighbourhoods who find they enjoy coming here to shop, dine, or take in local events. Some of them never knew how much the area has to offer.

In fact, in the cities I visited I was able to go beyond just the “touristy”  areas into other parts that helped me to learn more about the cultures and histories of these places. Anyone abroad who is reading this should be sure to visit McCauley and Boyle Street if you are privileged to have the opportunity.