On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Dr Francis Boorman. 

Francis is a British historian, an expert on certain 18th-century happenings in London. While not researching and writing books and papers Francis enjoys travel and exploring new and interesting places. What's a little more unique is that Francis uses his wheelchair to explore places afar and has managed to visit every continent except Australia, and Antarctica but let's not count that. 

Francis is an experienced traveller with a positive mindset and outlook, on the serendipity of travel and adventure, so why not get some interesting first-hand information on the accessible travel industry. 

In conversation, Francis reflects on some of his earliest travel memories as a kid with his family and (9:25) schoolmates. He's very candid in describing what his first international trips were like (again with his friends and family) after he became a wheelchair user (13:20) as a young adult. We talk about some of the places he's been and particular favourites (17:15) over the last 10 to 20 years. 

Flying with a wheelchair can make travel more complex. Francis gives a run down on what the flying experience can be like, navigating through airports and the logistics of moving seats and making sure the chair survives the journey (18:30). 

We talk about some travel mishaps (23:30) that although can often not be the most comfortable at the time, can end up a great anecdote. But I think one of the best things about Francis as a traveller is his attitude and mindset. His way of thinking could be adopted by every traveller, from everywhere. 

We get into some of the planning and the practicalities when travelling with a wheelchair (31:50) and touch on some things to think about, sites to check out, insurance issues and stuff to consider in general trip preparation. We talk about how the accessible travel industry has evolved and continues to evolve as greater investment, tech and general awareness becomes available (35:00). 

Things are still not quite there yet, better, but not perfect by any means. Dr Francis shares his thoughts on how he'd like to see the industry continue to improve (48:50) and has some good advice (49:30) for wheelchair users who want to travel when it's possible again, and also for their family and friends. 

The best thing as Francis says is to think positive, always enjoy it (it's a holiday after all) and if things do go wrong which they will from time to time, the best thing is to chill out, have a nice beer, and try again tomorrow... 

Enjoy. 

 

Further links:-

Back Up: https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/

SIA: https://www.spinal.co.uk/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Morgane Thöni. 

Morgane is from France but moved to Canada a couple of years ago where she works as a brewer in a rural brewery, kind of in the middle of nowhere, like a lot of Canada one could argue. Being French, I expected Morgane to be into wines (6:20) but Morgane is very much into her beers. Perhaps spending a lot of time in Germany studying, travelling and of course, drinking has something to do with that? 

Morgane and I met in Liverpool about 5 years ago when she was travelling with her friend and fellow beer enthusiast Mickael. We enjoyed taking a real ale pub tour (10:30) of the city sampling many traditional and some unique beers. 

In conversation, Morgane shares a few places around the world, countries and specific regions, (13:30) she has visited where she found the beer and culture to be interesting. We talk about beer tourism and how beer and culture might be related. Morgane shares of some particularly interesting experiences in Norway, where they use juniper in their brewing process (19:30) which is unusual and something Morgane was intrigued by. 

Beer culture has exploded in the last decade or so. It's now possible to get American style IPA all over the place, craft beers and some bizarre heavy beers made with lactose and marshmallow even, banana juice mixed with wheat beers etc. 

Morgane tells of some of her favourite places to enjoy a beer (27:45), typically outside in a Biergarten but she is also very happy to take a beer on the terrace at her work, and enjoy the view out to sea, providing it's not snowing I suppose. 

Morgane shares the path which led her to become a brewer (30:00) and made it to hold her position at Pit Caribou, in Quebec. She is one of the few female brewers in the industry but this is changing along with the times. 

Morgane elaborates on how travel influences her brewing creatively (39:00) and how she sees beer culture and the simple act of enjoying a beer as a way of breaking down barriers and finding accessible means to get to know people and make friends all over the (42:40) world...

Enjoy. 

 

Don't forget to follow Morgane and her beer adventures on Instagram @the.iron.mango

 

Since recording, Morgane wanted to share that her favourite foreign word is "Feierabendbier" which is a German word and means the beer that we drink at the end of a hard day's work.

 

Further links:-

Pit Caribou: https://pitcaribou.com/en/

plus their Instagram @micropitcaribou

Oak and Time Brewery in Oslo Insta: @eikogtid 

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Sixtina from sixmilesaway.com her website and blog. 

Sixtina says that travelling and living in diverse countries has helped shape her into the person she is today. Evolving from a self-proclaimed rebellious teenager, intolerant and stubborn, who wanted things her own way to a more rounded, simple-living woman who speaks multiple languages, is more tolerant, more patient, open-minded, spontaneous and good-humoured. Is this the result of the expat life? 

In conversation, Sixtina talks about her first living abroad experiences which happened in the USA on high-school exchange to improve English (6:55) of course but many other things too. 

We go on to talk about the meaning of the term 'expat' (8:55) at least what it means to us. I ask Sixtina what she believes makes for a good expat or a not so good one (10:15).

We discuss stereotypes, pre-judging people and how we have to be aware of how easy it can be to hold prejudices, boxing people into who we think they are, based on where they come from (15:40). On the road, we can always be surprised. That is one of the great things about travelling. Sixtina shares some of the occasions where her expectations have not been met, (23:20) both in good ways and not so good ways. 

Being involved in the community (28:55) is important to Sixtina's expat existence. She has some information on how she assimilates when she is abroad and gives tips on volunteering opportunities that can be found all over the world and websites like "Work Away" that facilitate this exchange of culture and goodwill. 

We talk about Homesickness. Can you become immune or is it something that will creep up on you from time to time (39:10) especially when far away from your family during special holidays? Sixtina has some tips on how to cope from her many years of experience living as an expat in the Netherlands, Mexico, Ireland etc where the customs are different from that of her native Germany. 

No matter whether you are a beginner expat, or have been playing this game for a while we can always improve. Sixtina tells us how she intends to continue to improve and be the best traveller and expat she can be (48:55). It's good stuff. So are you ready? 

 

Enjoy!

 

Don't forget to get out Sixtina on social media.

Her blog: https://www.sixmilesaway.com/

Her Insta handle: @sixmilesaway

And Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SixMilesAway

 

Further links:-

Work Away: https://www.workaway.info/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Valentina, aka "Kooky" from KookyLovestoTravel.com. 

She is a digital nomad, writer, and content creator with a big passion for photography and an even bigger passion for life. 

Valentina left her home in Croatia years ago and has since lived in three European countries and travelled through 13 or more. In this way, we are from a similar experience. But how does someone who loves to travel and explore like this respond to a global crisis where we are forced to lockdown and not really go far? 

In conversation, Valentina tells the reasons why she loves to travel nad (6:20) where it all began and what her specific motivations were to leave home and move to Amsterdam (11:10) and then onto Spain where she found herself at the start of the pandemic when the whole world began to shut down. I was curious to find out details on how Valentina managed to explore some of the Mediterranean islands during these Covid times with such a quiet atmosphere, being able to meet locals and not have to wait in line with tourists (17:45). 

Valentina explains (26:40) how she has been able to keep positive, stay happen and remain travel optimistic over the last year and a bit. She offers great advice on how to stay humble and maximise the opportunities that have been presented to us recently, the opportunity to travel more domestically and reacquaint oneself with one's home let's say. She has some tips for places even more interesting and less touristy to visit in Croatia now too (31:35). 

We talk about how we can create a travel philosophy for ourselves (40:05) or at least try to be the best traveller we can be in these modern 21st century times (41:30)... 

Enjoy.

 

You can follow Valentina on Instagram @kookylovestotravel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhwxpddM1GcemIBK7c9b9w

Blog: https://kookylovestotravel.com/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Emma Krebs. 

Emma is a lovely, friendly Canadian girl. She's still in her early twenties, so I am old in comparison and find myself sometimes today referring to people of a similar university age, like Emma is, as "kids" but not Emma. She has a wisdom, maturity, and a level of self-esteem as well as common sense far beyond her years. Whether this has anything to do with her unquenchable curiosity (so much so that she had to create and host her own podcast) or to do with her vagabonding experiences touring Australia for 10% of her life (at that time) is something we're going to discuss. 

In conversation, I ask why Australia? (6:25) Why go there?

Emma shares what a typical viewpoint of Australia is for someone not born and raised there, like myself. We reflect on reading 'Vagabonding' which is a travel bible by Rolf Potts and how certain types of travellers can be different from many people in society, leading to feelings of disconnection (14:00) from the mainstream. 

Emma shares a brief chronology of what she got up to during her two-year jaunt around Australia (18:25) notably her WWOOFING in the Daintree rainforest, farmwork in Queensland (34:00) and being broke-as in Melbourne.

Travelling is not always super fun, chilled or even glamorous you see. You can be hot, sweaty, hungry and afraid of spiders all at the same time. But it's certain moments even beyond these that can have an impact (22:30) and Emma is generous enough to share them openly as well as what living out of a backpack for two years (27:50) will teach you. We then challenge that whole stranger-danger narrative we were both fed as kids, growing up (29:30) too. 

I was curious to find out from Emma whether two years of life university in Australia would be better than actual uni (32:25) and what her best and worst moments were in her Aussie adventure (44:20). 

Emma rounds out the chat by answering how travel has helped her evolve into the kind of Emma she is today (50:00) and whether her experiences abroad have helped her establish or re-establish her connection to society and herself... 

Enjoy.

 

Don't forget to check out Emma's podcast, 'the Curious One' which is available everywhere and follow her on Instagram @thecuriousonepodcast too.

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Simon Palmer. 

Simon has been practising architecture for well over ten years in his home country of Australia and abroad too. The interesting thing about Simon, in discovering who he is and what path he would choose as a 20-year-old, is that his decisions stemmed from experiences abroad and the solo travels he made between studying at high school and undertaking tertiary qualifications. The so-called GAP year you could say:- 

Get A Purpose!

Or in Simon's words that cliche of, "Finding himself." 

In conversation, we reminisce on times at the University of Canberra (6:30) while we were both students there in 2005/2006-ish. Simon mentions how he felt grateful and even privileged to be allowed the opportunity to study at the university (12:20) to realise his career ambition to design buildings for his vocation. 

Simon explains in detail the events which happened in Berlin (16:45) where he was challenged about the person he was and the person he could be. This all happened in the beautifully designed Holocaust Museum and then his chance encounter with a soothsayer of sorts on the streets outside. 

We talk about savouring moments (29:00) and how at a young age Simon discovered this practice and has carried it with him throughout his life. This is interesting because it was this act that caught my attention in the first place. I have a very visual memory of Simon enjoying an obscure beer while chilling at a uni party where the rest of the students were drinking cheap box wine as quickly as possible. No savouring at all, and not even tasting most probably. Cause it tastes bloody awful. 

Simon shares some suggestions of places to go and savour life's moments (32:00) from his experiences. Places like the Greek islands, Croatia, Costa Rica and New Zealand surprisingly for one of the best night skies in the world.  Recently, Simon has found even if it's just a casual walk, run or bike in your 15min neighbourhood, this simple act can re-invigorate the mind, especially in covid times. 

We discuss (39:15) whether international experience, travel and working/living abroad impacts on your job and future prospects. (41:30) 

And to conclude, Simons tells of his thoughts on possible destinations to explore in the future in the upcoming post-covid global experience...

Enjoy.

 

Further links:-

Jewish Museum in Berlin: https://www.jmberlin.de/en/libeskind-building

Stoicism: https://aeon.co/essays/why-stoicism-is-one-of-the-best-mind-hacks-ever-devised

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Clive Drew. 

Clive and I met in actual 3-Dimensional space over 10 years ago near the end of 2010 on a night out in the East End of London. We have a mutual friend called Chris who organised a curry on the famous, Brick Lane, then to go on and enjoy Clive's gig at 93 Feet East in the old Truman Brewery. Good times - Apart from the overly inflated price of Jamaican lager. 

Clive is a passionate and creative person with over 12 years of experience in PR and marketing, specialising in the music biz. Writer, musician and conscientious worker, it makes sense that Clive excelled in work and life in the big city of London. So why did he move? 

In conversation, we talk about moving to London in your 20's and 30's (6:55) to pursue your best life and I ask questions as to why then after a decade or so Clive decided to pack up his life in London (9:25) and move abroad. Perhaps for a sea-change with a career change? 

Clive shares some of the preparations he made, (13:25) in terms of vocation and location prior to leaving London and also about his 6-week trip to India (14:55) he made in the time available between leaving the UK and setting up in his new job and place to live in Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. 

We talk about the timings of our big decisions in life (18:55) whether there is a right time, a wrong time, or just our time.

Clive explains what his motivations were for this experience living abroad (22:55) and working as an English teacher in Bari. And how this time has been beneficial for rediscovering some of his first-loved creative pursuits such as writing. 

We discuss the kind of discoveries, explorations (25:55) and mini-adventures Clive has made since living in Italy and how his lifestyle has been affected (31:10) by Covid times. 

In the end, we both agree that the best thing to do right now is to keep a positive mindset (35:55) and immerse yourself in culture (41:50) for creative inspiration. 

Clive gives his advice to anyone thinking of seeking a sea-change and maybe a career change and becoming a TEFL or a TESOL teacher somewhere in this wonderful world... 

Enjoy.

 

You can follow Clive on Instagram @clivedrew and don't forget to check out his musings on his writing website too http://setyourownscene.com/

 

Further links:-

Teaching English: https://www.tefl.com/ , https://www.tesol.org/

Clive's school: https://www.lordbyroncollege.com/teaching-opportunities/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Matt Chalupnicek. 

Matt is another Canadian and fits my descriptor of being cool, charismatic but kinda crazy.  We worked together for a few months in Australia when he was travelling the world with Matt, another Matt whom I also worked with. It was a little confusing at times working with two Matts, both Canadian, both kind of crazy. 

Matt Sebastian was the other Matt in fact, the other Matt who was on the previous podcast episode with Shaun McCord. It was this Matt, Matt C, who was one of the other riders on that epic east to west bike hike across Canada. 

In conversation, we talk about an accident in Calgary that could have killed Matt (10:10) ironically on a bike. While he was in recovery, with a busted jaw, broken arm and a sore head he was invited on the journey. After some deliberation, he decided to join but make the trip his own at the same time (22:40). And why not try to raise money for charity too. So he did. 

Matt tells of some of the mishaps he endured (38:10) like when he got sick in Quebec, all alone and had to make a deadline while cycling, soaked in the rain and dog-tired. The things you do for others I suppose. 

Matt explains how this journey changed him (54:40) and some of the achievements he is proud of (55:10) too. 

I was curious to know Matt's favourite memory (60:10) of the trip and why he would recommend (1:07:00) these kinds of epic adventures...

Enjoy.

 

It was great to have a chat with another old buddy after so many years. If there has been one benefit to this pandemic it has been the willingness of people to reconnect over Zoom. That's been pretty sweet...

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I have two guests on to chat. And these two guests are zooming-in from two different locations on either side of Canada. Today's guests are Matt Sebastian and Shaun McCord. 

Matt and Shaun are a cycling partnership. Together, they crossed the whole country of Canada, east to west. More or less. Shaun is from the west coast and Matt is from western-ish Canada but their journey together started on the eastern side of Canada, in a hostel in Halifax, Nova Scotia many years ago. 

In conversation, we talk about whose crazy idea (10:50) it was initially to attempt such a daring adventure to cycle from the eastern tip of Canada, all the way to the west coast. 

As with any trip, there are fears that have to be considered (15:35) and how these might be overcome. We talk about the unique route (18:50) that Matt and Shaun ended up taking and some of the picturesque vistas (28:50) they passed through, notably Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron. 

On a mega-long trip, such as this one, there will always be those inevitable scary moments (39:20) but I was caught off guard by what Shaun and Matt had to say about witnessing an awful racism encounter one evening in Manitoba. But on a more positive note, Matt Sebastian's life changed on this trip as he met his now-wife en route (44:50) in Ottawa. 

With so many weeks on the highways together I was curious to hear what Shaun and Matt experienced once they had finally reached the finish line (48:00), so to speak. I was confident that both Matt and Shaun would have comments about how this epic road trip - by peddle power - was life-changing (51:00) with countless opportunities for personal growth. And I didn't expect such heartfelt comments from both guys saying how much their riding buddy meant to the trip and their relationship in general...

Enjoy.

 

Shaun wanted me to make a note that he made a mistake about cultural greetings during the "Fav 4" at (56:20) and he actually texted me the correction, "Miigetwetch is not a Cree greeting expression, it is an Ojibwa word which means - thank you."

Cheers Shaun :)

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond podcast, I talk with Tatum Skipper. 

Tatum is an entrepreneur and travel is at the heartbeat of her enterprise. Some people know her as the fearless travel coach, others know her as the founder of Bonvoyage Babes Travel Blog and others still as host of 20 Till Takeoff podcast. 

If you've met Tatum on the traveller beat and didn't know these amazing things she is up to in her day-to-day life, you might know Tatum as a no-bullshit, dive headfirst traveller, who is a barrel of laughs, a classic drinking buddy perhaps, but no doubt, all-round good company. 

In conversation, Tatum reveals that certain toxic relationships (6:30) in her past pushed her to step outside of herself, and the person she'd fallen into, in order to rediscover her true identity again and travel helped her to make that happen.  But -  What does true identity mean? How much do we bullshit each other, and how much do we bullshit ourselves? (11:15) What I like is Tatum is refreshingly bullshit-free. 

We chat about travel social media and whether or not it is a true and authentic representation of the travel experience. (14:45) Is it better to have a positive experience rather than a negative one? How much do travel expectations (24:15) play a role in the outcomes of certain travel adventures? Tatum offers candid stories of some of her dumb-arse mistakes (26:15) from the past. 

Fear takes centre stage in the second half of the chat. Tatum expresses how she fears regret more than failure (34:45) and gives away some free advice with her "ATA GIRL" approach to travel and fears in life, in general. It's good stuff...

Enjoy.

 

If you want to follow Tatum, her blog and podcast you can find her at the following:

Insta: @bonvoyage_babes and @20tilltakeoff

Website/blog: https://bonvoyage-babes.com/

Tatum is also on tiktok and clubhouse if you prefer those platforms.

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond podcast, I talk with Drea Castro. 

Drea is an actress, producer, and also a fellow podcaster who was born in the Philippines and now lives in the USA. She loves the great outdoors (4:15) and uses camping, hiking, just being in nature as her therapy from her super busy work-life in the city. 

In conversation, we talk about the numerous options that exist in the lower 48 to get out into nature (13:30) with Death Valley being an all-time favourite place for Drea, and Zion too. It's the benefits of simplifying life (16:45) at least for a few days, just moving from point A to point B, the de-cluttering and decompressing that Drea knows that she needs to maintain a healthy and creative lifestyle. Stay sane... 

Drea explains that climbing mountains is something she (23:30) finds rewarding even if she is slow and steady, she'll do her best to make it. She has summited Mount Whitney which was a highlight but a low-light was a near death experience walking down the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River back in the day (26:15). The crazy things you do when you're young. 

We talk about whether the journey is more important than the destination. (33:45) Some of Drea's favourite experiences hiking so far were when both the journey and the destination were awesome (36:30) in the USA and abroad too. A recommendation (44:15) for a hike option is Treasure Lake by Bishop, in California. 

Drea started a podcast (47:45) during the pandemic, like me, and she explains why and how she fits it into her busy schedule, at the end of the chat...

Enjoy.

 

You can follow Drea on Instagram @imroamingtheearth and find her at this website too: 

https://www.roamingtheearthpodcast.com/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, it's just me - Allan Hill, that nostalgic vagabond. 

Easter Greetings (1:55) to all of you - my lovely listeners. 

Listen in to this one for a recap (3:35) on the podcast so far from August 2020 until now. Hear what I have discovered to be the best things (6:15) and worst things (9:15) about the podcasting experience during these lockdown days. 

I remind everyone what the major purpose of the podcast is (10:30) and still is, and then go into a story, a personal story of mine (13:45) of which I guess I need to create a working title: 

The Risk of Returning to Pre-Loved Destinations? 

Travel Expectations Can be Dangerous - Beware? 

Let me know what you guys think. 

Have a listen to my hopes (31:55) for the podcast and moving forward (32:30) and looking forward from here and what's coming up in the next episodes (34:15) of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond'. 

Don't forget, your journey is special...

Enjoy.  

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

 

 

 

On this Easter Monday episode release of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I'm talking with Matt Burnett. 

Matt featured on the 2020 Christmas Special where he played host for an ep and interviewed me, just to mix things up a bit. A job well done too. I enjoyed myself. 

This time we talk about road trips and how our driving-duo became informally known as the "Road Bogans" from our unique driving adventures where we travel on the cheap, we travel off the beat and we are obliged to go to smaller places that you would never really discover in guide books. These are affectionately named, "the bogan towns." 

In conversation, Matt and I reveal what it is about road trips that we find appealing (4:45) and where Matt's international road trip experiences began (8:20) as well as my own. (9:10) 

The USA is a wicked place to road trip (12:30). Both Matt and I have road-tripped in the States. I'd always go back for another and I'd bet Matt would too, however, Road Bogans was born on an initial trip where Matt and I explored the Island of Ireland in 2015. (17:30) 

We share some mega tips (19:30) on getting a car rental. How to not be done over by car rental companies which can hamper your trip financially and just put you in a mood. And you don't want that at the start of your holiday. Then we get into the drama of that funny time travelling in Ireland, Northern and the Republic of. And boy was there some drama... 

From Derry (33:00) to Omagh (40:45) along the Great Atlantic Way(45:30) and down the coast to legendary Galway (50:20) and around again. What were the high point and low point (1:08:30) of that trip?

This barely 2-week trip was packed with loads of entertainment and shit.

Literally. 

Actually... 

I'm really fond of this episode. Matt is not afraid to challenge me and in this honest chat some of my trait weaknesses in personality leave me left naked, bare-arsed, on my own pod mind you. But it's OK. I know I am not perfect. But I'm always trying to improve.  And I don't mind the trolling when it's done with a Leyland accent either...

Enjoy.

 

Further links:-

Tips on car rental: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Chris Ascroft. 

We chatted on the first series of the podcast, last summer, during the main wave of the coronavirus pandemic, linking up from Liverpool and Montreal to discuss travel, traveller hostel culture and teaching English abroad. At that time Chris was preparing to begin a new adventure in a new country, teaching more than just English as a second language but teaching all kinds of subjects in English to grade 3 kids, and over 40 of them in his class too. Woah! 

In conversation, we get straight into the Covid updates out there in (5:10) Taiwan. Basically, Taiwan is Covid-free as Chris tells. They are even conducting "Panmdemic Tours" to cater to domestic tourists as no international tourists are coming in right now (8:40). 

Chris reflects on summer last year when he packed up life again in Canada (9:40) and moved back to Asia. He was excited to come to Taiwan to live and work (17:00) and has discovered many interesting things about the place and some things many people don't know. There's so much good, local food there, (28:30) especially in Chris's favourite night markets. 

Chris explains what exactly his role as a homeroom teacher involves (33:40). And how this role has been different (37:10) from his previous teaching jobs. He shares what it has been like in his first 6 months teaching in Taiwan in the midst of a global corona crisis (38:15). 

Apart from working, there is a lot that Taiwan has to offer for leisure time, away from the classroom. Chris explains how much of the island is accessible by high-speed train (42:00) and the richness and diversity of places to visit, things to see and do. Beautiful beaches. Hilly hikes. Historical towns. Different cultural places. And incredible food. Everywhere! 

We conclude the chat on what Chris thinks will happen with Covid and teaching (49:30) for now and the future. Chris has tips for anyone considering English teaching abroad (53:10) as well.

One thing's for certain, (59:40) Chris is fond of Taiwan... 

Enjoy.

 

If you want to get in touch with Chris and ask him any questions regarding teaching abroad, he's been kind enough to provide you with this address:-

chris.ascroft@gmail.com

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Whitney Saldava. 

Whitney currently works at NATO and before that she worked as a journalist. You can just google her name and you'll discover loads of articles and various works she's written. Being a polyglot (5:30) and competent in six languages has no doubt helped in her career, though Whitney says the use of languages within her current role is a somewhat touchy issue. You'll hear more about that. 

In conversation, Whitney explains how she quickly grew too large for her native "small pond" in Latvia and since, her travel addiction (8:30) has taken her to over 60 countries, so far. She always grabs specific souvenirs (14:30) and no country is exempt, no matter how difficult these specific souvenirs can be to find. 

Whitney recounts the backstory on how she ended up in North Korea after completing the trans-Siberian Rail journey. She speaks highly of a travel company called Lupine Travel (24:15) who set up her North Korean adventure for her. Having a travel company or tour agent set up a travel itinerary for a North Korean experience is mandatory if anyone ever wants to actually get inside. 

I take Whitney through a 9-round rumour busting routine (31:00) and inquire on things regarding clothing and customs in North Korea, religion in North Korea, how the North Korean leaders are honoured and what kind of state surveillance exists, among other things. 

Whitney is well-travelled and it takes a lot to deter her, but there was one time when she was actually pretty scared in North Korea while staying at the Yanggakdo International Hotel. It's kind of like an island fortress for tourists in the middle of a river just outside the capital. 

The closest Whitney has come to South Korea, country number 60-odd is the DMZ, (48:45) on the North Korean side so no special souvenir from South Korea as yet, but in time...

Enjoy.

 

You can keep up to date with what Whitney is up to on Instagram, TikTok and Clubhouse.

@vitnijas

 

Further links:-

Lupine Travel: https://lupinetravel.co.uk/north-korea-holidays-and-tours/

Google Flights: https://www.google.com/travel/flights

Visit Estonia: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I'm talking with Tony. 

Tony is an American expat living in Vietnam. He's been stuck there (5:00) since the start of the pandemic for more or less a year now. Before the world shut down due to corona he was 8 months into another epic global adventure, continuing to work towards his ambition of exploring every country on planet Earth. 

In conversation, we discuss how travel, especially intial trips, can have life-changing consequences (11:15) where we re-evaluate the kind of life we wish to live, what our priorities are and what we feel is important plus the places we wish to invest our resources. Tony describes how long-term travelling is really a mindset (19:45) but special moments (23:00) like his time climbing Bromo in Indonesia can reaffirm in him the decisions he has taken to be a global explorer. No matter what oppostion he may encounter about his lifestyle. 

One of Tony's dreams is to run his own hostel, and such to be an extension of his personality. We talk about what makes for a good hostel experience (28:00) and what differentiates a hostel from a hotel or certain accommodation chains (34:15). Tony plans to one day build a unique hostel in Georgia. So (38:15) you can all watch out for that. 

Travel is like a drug (44:00) and it's so addictive, just like social media is addictive. Tony and I conclude this episode by sharing thoughts on the travel influencer space. Is it exploitative? (47:45) Is social media, in the travel space, a true and authentic representation of certain destinations or just a big ball of fluff to maximise (53:15) the grams? 

Enjoy.

 

And don't forget to follow Tony on his Instagram page, @trekwithtony

 

Further links:-

Friends Hostel: https://frendzresorthostels.com/

Tony's new book - 'The Endlust War' (available on Amazon):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0917PXFRQ

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Tash Samek. 

Tash is a creative strategy director and founder of Clayton's Cocktails in the UK. We met a few years ago at a screenwriters' conference at Regent's University in London. At that time I was unaware of how many fascinating adventures she had been on over the years in places like Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas. 

In conversation, we talk about Tash's initial independent trips away from home (4:50) and the moment she changed her mindsets on travel from a British Island hopper type to an uber-adventurous independent travel seeker. Tash shares some of her favourite experiences in Columbia, like that time she was hitching rides (17:45) off the back of trucks. Sleeping in hammocks on the beaches of a peninsula where very few travellers are brave enough to go. We talk about her haphazard journeys through deserted towns in Bolivia (24:55) climbing up mudslides to find her accommodation sometimes. 

We discuss the positives and negatives of a tourist path known as the Gringo Trail (36:50) and Tash is reminded of her bizarre experience at the Potosi mine (38:30). We also talk about the idea of planning and spontaneity when seeking off-the-beaten-track adventures (39:50). It's all in the decisions you make along the way.

I ask Tash, what does authentic travel mean (43:20) and I probe about her ideas on risk verse reward when it comes to seeking off-the-beaten-track adventures (49:05). Find out why Tash recommends off-the-beat adventures (54:35) as well... 

Enjoy.

 

You can follow Tash on Instagram @tashki123 and you can also check out Clayton's Cocktails, her new enterprise,  @claytons_cocktails

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

 

Her favourite foreign word is... TBA

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Catie. 

Catie is a very optimistic and adventurous student undertaking a Ba Arts at the University of Nevada. As well as working towards her degree Catie is an entrepreneur and recently started an online business. The self-proclaimed "risk-taker" of the family. 

At only 23, and while studying, Catie has managed to save a bit of money and travelled internationally to 12 different countries so far, all over the world. Her passion has been found in travel.

In conversation, Catie and I discuss how young Americans view international travel (6:20) as she reflects on her initial trip to Spain on a study program (10:00). We also talk about those life-altering experiences and witnessing moments that shift original perspectives on the world, one's home, and one's self. Is travel addictive? We talk about that too. (18:30)

Catie is very committed to sticking to her travel budgets and is generous enough to share some tips (22:30) here especially when it comes to things like ticketing, eating, and sleeping (27:50). We talk about the idea of solo travel (35:30) and whether it's your bag (or not) but more importantly how travelling might improve you, (39:40) if you let it.

Catie has a podcast called, 'Let's Travel Baby' (48:50) where she shares her unique experiences and gives away tips on travelling within a tight budget... 

Enjoy.

 

Don't forget to check out Catie on Insta to find out more about her journey and travel stories @catieeelala. 

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

 

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Zsófia Sáfár. 

She's from Hungary and currently bases herself in Budapest and sometimes in Italy where she works as a journalist and has written for multiple print and web publications. 

Zsófia describes herself as a beginner traveller, (4:30) but from the beginning, she has thrown herself in the deepened. Like cruising with strangers on a digital nomads cruise ship, and then backpacking around South America as her first solo trip. And from there, things continued to go up. Literally... 

In conversation, Zsófia shares her motivations for trekking to Everest Base Camp at the start of 2020 (12:00). This kind of trip is all about pushing the limits (17:15) of your fears, physical abilities and inner stamina. Being organised is important too (18:30) but sometimes things don't go according to plan. And 2020 was definitely the year for that. 

From experiencing altitude sickness on the mountain passes (24:00) to then not having the best equipment (27:45) to getting lost on the biggest mountain in the world (33:45) this trip was certainly a grand adventure as Zsófia explains. 

And because my guest is used to being the interviewer and not the interviewee I figured why not let Zsófia ask me a few questions too (47:10)... 

Enjoy. 

 

You can watch a video from Zsófi's trek here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSXb3lIED_I&feature=youtu.be

 

Further links:-

Nomad Cruises: https://www.nomadcruise.com/

Magical Nepal tour company: https://www.magicalnepal.com/

Work Away: https://www.workaway.info/

Couchsurfing: https://www.couchsurfing.com/

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Tamara Bee.

Tamara is a Canadian / British traveller with 3 decades of adventures and experiences. Her life changed in 1993 when an old school friend convinced her to pack up and embark on an ambitious overland journey across multiple continents from Paris to Cape Town in South Africa. We'll touch on this but mainly recount Tamara's return leg where she hitchhiked back up the coast from South Africa to Nairobi in Kenya. Solo!

In conversation, Tamara reveals that everything really all began when she moved from her home province out west to Banff to work in hospitality (6:00) but it didn't take too much convincing from school mate Casey (10:30) to take on this epic overland journey which was supposed to take only about 6 months but it basically took a year... And then some. 

Tamara explains why she decided to hitch back up to Kenya (16:00) and reflects on that time she was lost in Lesotho, (18:10) was propositioned by a guy like Richard Gere did to Julia Roberts in the famous film 'Pretty Woman' (26:15) as well as details of her crazy ordeals in Mozambique (33:30). 

Tamara has extensive experience travelling through Africa in the 90s and she's had the Malawia to prove it. (43:30) She's got some great insight on life and times in Nairobi (46:30) too. 

This trip was life-changing (48:00) and Tamaras tells of some of the most important lessons (51:30) she learned on this crazy odyssey and how it has shaped her (53:50) travel philosophy... 

Enjoy.

 

You can find out more about Tamara and her journeys on her website.

www.manyroadstravelled.com

She has her own pod too. 

 

 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com