Episode 394 (?): Summer Vacay in the Balkans

Honest talk on our personal memories of Ukraine and feelings on the Russian attack.

Ben and Andrew come back from a 3 month self-imposed exile to talk with Tomek Jankowski, author of the incredibly cool book entitled Eastern Europe!: Everything You Need to Know About the History (and More) of a Region that Shaped Our World and Still Does

After a long hiatus, Ben and Andrew catch everyone up on their summer travels. They welcome in EA's #1 fan and history professor Jaime Aguila to discuss his summer travels through the Balkans. Jaime talks first impressions, history, comparing Balkan foods with Mexican culinary delights and his unbridled love of statues covering his summer trip across Istanbul, Albania, North Macedonia and Thessaloniki. Practical information and updates on Covid and health protocols and border crossings from the region as well.

Ben and Andrew give their picks for some over-touristed destinations that won't be so touristy for this year and 2022. They also discuss ideas for more off the beaten path spots that could be all yours until tourism comes back to normal.

Ben and Andrew once again delve into the vast collection of EE stereotypes to discuss those which have more than a grain of truth to them. Guest host Cameron Hewitt, an avid EE traveler, guide and author from Rick Steves, joins in the conversation. All three pick places where travelers can still come in contact with some these stereotypical behaviors and settings in this corner of the globe.

On this special episode, which was recorded as a live stream on Facebook, Ben and Andrew are joined by Peter, their Canadian friend living in Hungary's Lake Balaton. Peter discusses Hungary as a destination for North American retirees, with a focus on the Lake Balaton area. We also discuss the Digital Nomad concept and Peter talks about his ongoing efforts to get a Hungarian digital nomad visa created.

Discussion of the biases and discrimination against 'Eastern Europeans'. Ben recounts is first time to Greece via cruise ship while Andrew discusses making it through his first visit in Poland with nothing more than a hand-drawn map. 

Andrew is joined by guest host Saso to chat with Monika about her farm in Slovenia's Gorenjska region.

Impromptu discussion of Andrew's recent travels in Albania. Lots of travel destination talk focused on the southern half of the country. Plus some discussions on communism, religion, hospitality and, of course, food.

Live streamed from northeast Albania, Andrew gives his thoughts and impressions of North Macedonia and Albania plus how it is traveling between countries during Covid.