I gave my routine a break and let my followers decide on my day in Edmonton

My morning routine is what I’d call relatively similar to others my age. Wake up around 6 a.m., do my morning exercises at home, and get ready for a full day of work. Nothing too crazy, but I was itching for something exciting, something that would shake up my routine— and that’s why I let my followers decide what I do in Edmonton for a day.

The plan was simple. I’d post on my main Instagram story and ask my followers to decide on what I’m doing for the day. I’d give them two options for the three choices they’d have to make throughout the day, and we’d go from there.

It was my first time ever doing something like this, and let me just say, it was totally worth it.

First part of the day

I woke up and started my day off as I normally do, getting ready for work and morning exercises. This time, however, I set off with a plan: I was going to have an eventful, full day. With this in mind, I asked my followers which park I should visit in the city.

For a while, it was a pretty close vote, but the people settled on Mill Creek Ravine Park.

This… didn’t go exactly as I had planned.

Although the day was hot and sunny, and the outdoors were perfect, it was I who was the problem. I had entered through the park’s north entrance, and I was under the assumption that everything was fine, dandy, and great to visit.

I was wrong.

The section of the park I had entered through was going through major construction, with most pathways and bridges being blocked off in some sort of way. I did a short walk through the parts that were open, got a great view of the ravine, but the trip was mostly cut short.

In the future, I’d probably check beforehand to see if there would be any construction instead of showing up and being surprised. I still would call this a success, though, because at least I got outside and got some steps in.

My second venture of the day

Following my rather short walk, my followers decided I should get a sandwich nearby. I was already in the area, so this was a great choice by my followers.

There was absolutely no question about where I would go if this were chosen, and thus, I was elated. Farrow Ritchie was a couple of minutes’ drive away, and although it wasn’t technically on Whyte Avenue, I’d call it close enough.

Farrow is a sandwich shop that has been an Edmonton staple since 2014. I’ve grown to love it more and more over the past years— not only for its incredible sandwiches, but also for its impeccable service and community-driven attitude.

I got my usual order, the Chef Beef, which is a roast beef sandwich with crunchy chips and delicious pickled onions. I always ask for double meat and rosemary aioli instead of its horseradish, and I would recommend my order to anyone going.

I ate and sat in the shop itself, which had a vibrant atmosphere at 11 a.m. I just couldn’t recommend Farrow and its sandwiches enough, and I was so happy my followers let me grab one in the first place.

My third and final trip

The third (and final) decision made by my followers was to go swimming — score!

I’d been looking for an excuse to go swimming recently, and this was my chance. I’d packed up a swimsuit and some gear beforehand, called up my girlfriend, and we were off to Millennium Place, one of my favourite pools in the Edmonton area (although, technically, located in Sherwood Park).

Let me just tell you— we had an absolute blast.

Considering it was a Wednesday at 1 p.m., when everyone would regularly be having lunch or be at work or school, the pool was almost completely empty. This gave us free rein to mess around, play mermaids, and have the most fun we’ve had in a while.

The amount of gratefulness I felt to my followers for choosing this option was insurmountable.

Would I do this again?

In all honesty, maybe my followers were reading my mind. All the options chosen were ones I had really, really wanted. That’s probably why I’d say I’d do this again, but only because most of the options were favourable in one way or another.

Despite the park plan going a little awry, I still had fun being outdoors and taking advantage of the weather. Not to mention, my sandwich and swim date was incredibly entertaining.

This day really allowed me to let loose and take advantage of the days we have. I can’t remember a time recently when I’ve felt more carefree. Letting my followers take over was more fun than I could have ever imagined.

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Alyssa Gallardo

Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.

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