Off the Beaten Path

S١٠ E١ · ٨ فبراير ٢٠٢٦

Australia: Sydney الحلقة ١

Australia’s largest and most populous city is inseparably connected to the Pacific Ocean through its location and atmosphere. Beaches are a natural part of everyday life here, and the city is shaped by countless bays and inlets. Sydney is world-famous for one of the most iconic modern buildings ever built – the unique Opera House, which today serves as a vibrant center of cultural life.

S١٠ E٢ · ١٥ فبراير ٢٠٢٦

New Zealand: Christchurch الحلقة ٢

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, lies on its eastern coast in the Canterbury region – between fertile plains and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The city is known for its modern architecture, innovative public spaces, and strong focus on sustainability. It was precisely the sense of calm, open space, and close connection to nature that attracted Mirka from Bratislava. She arrived in New Zealand three years ago after spending time in Canada. Mirka works as a kindergarten assistant and, together with her British partner Peet, they share a love for hiking and discovering new places.

S١٠ E٣ · ٢٢ فبراير ٢٠٢٦

Philippines: Siquijor الحلقة ٣

Siquijor is one of over 7,600 Philippine islands between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. Still off the mass tourism radar, it offers quiet beaches and a slower pace of life. This is what drew Roman from Bratislava, who arrived seven years ago. With a background in natural sciences, he now guides tourists and scientific expeditions. Despite travelling much of the world, he found the Philippines to be the perfect blend of Latin America and Southeast Asia. On the island, we harvest sea urchins and taste them fresh by the shore. In San Juan, we try balbacua, a rich soup made from beef skin. Night markets offer a wide range of local food and goods, and Roman introduces us to kare-kare, a peanut-based stew. Known as the island of healers, Siquijor also reveals its mystical side as we visit a traditional healer and explore local rituals.

S١٠ E٤ · ١ مارس ٢٠٢٦

New Zealand: Auckland الحلقة ٤

Today we head to New Zealand’s North Island, to Auckland, the country’s largest city. A modern metropolis where the ocean meets volcanic landscapes and wild nature. Its multicultural identity is shaped by Māori heritage as well as Pacific and Asian communities. This unique atmosphere drew Peter from Bardejov, who moved here eighteen years ago after living in the United States. He now works at a local university and found the relaxed pace of life to be exactly what he was looking for. We visit a fish market to try fresh sashimi and the local delicacy pāua. On a beach overlooking Rangitoto Island, we enjoy a classic meat pie, and wrap up the day with New Zealand’s iconic Kiwiburger. With Peter’s friends, we explore native flora and taste mānuka honey, before ending our journey with a traditional Māori hāngi shared among friends.

S١٠ E٥ · ٨ مارس ٢٠٢٦

Lesotho الحلقة ٥

Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is a country completely surrounded by South Africa. Despite economic challenges, its people have kept their optimism and warmth, qualities that brought Veronika from Slovakia here nine years ago. Originally from near Banská Bystrica, she now lives in Lesotho with her local partner and their son, while also supporting children in need. Thanks to her energy and openness, she has become part of the community she now calls home. We explore local street food, sample traditional dishes, and discover how Lesotho’s sweet bread is made. We meet fishermen and shepherds who show us how they prepare meat and process goat wool, which women weave into beautiful traditional carpets. After tasting local treats, including fried dough and boiled chicken feet, our journey ends in a mountain village near waterfalls, where we are welcomed with open arms.

S١٠ E٦ · ١٥ مارس ٢٠٢٦

Kenya: Lake Victoria الحلقة ٦

Our journey begins in Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city, where Tomáš lives. The local market offers a snapshot of the region’s cuisine, from dried omena fish and tilapia to beans and fresh vegetables. In simple conditions but with genuine hospitality, we are served traditional dishes, including ugali, a thick maize staple. We continue to a fishing port outside the city. Although Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, life here is becoming harder for local fishermen. Many now supplement their income by extracting sand from the lakebed or making woven furniture. Sugarcane also thrives in the region, providing work in local mills. We end our visit at a children’s centre where Tomáš works. Over a shared meal of boiled chicken and fresh chapati, we see how dedication can create a place of hope on the shores of a vast lake.

S١٠ E٧ · ٢٢ مارس ٢٠٢٦

Aruba الحلقة ٧

Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Braňo arrived here twenty years ago with twenty dollars in his pocket and a lot of determination. He started as a kitesurfing instructor and now also works in off road sports. A former motocross racer, he has built a life on the island and now shares his experience with a younger generation. While the capital Oranjestad is the island’s centre, everyday life unfolds beyond it. We visit a farm that grows fresh produce despite the dry climate, where freshwater is scarce and comes from desalination. We taste local seafood, including ceviche and fried fish, and learn about aloe vera, one of Aruba’s few export products. Our journey ends with a beach barbecue among friends.

S١٠ E٨ · ٢٩ مارس ٢٠٢٦

Colombia: Medellín الحلقة ٨

Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, lies in the northwest of the country in the Antioquia region. Founded in the early 17th century, it’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its elevation, mild climate, and lush surroundings. This unique atmosphere also drew Nicole from Slovakia. A passionate traveller and Spanish translator, she met her husband in the Canary Islands, and together they are now building a life in Medellín. We’ll start with a traditional Antioquian breakfast, then enjoy bandeja paisa in a local home. In the hills above the city, we’ll discover the tradition of flower carriers, and on a nearby coffee farm, sip Colombian coffee during a tropical rain. We’ll also taste arepas and prepare sancocho in the park, just like the locals do.

S١٠ E٩ · ١٠ أبريل ٢٠٢٦

Japan: Okinawa الحلقة ٩

S١٠ E١٠ · ١٧ أبريل ٢٠٢٦

Cambodia: Srae Ambel الحلقة ١٠

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and is home to around 18 million people. We head to the southwest, to Koh Kong province and the town of Srae Ambel. Alongside its rich natural beauty, the country is known for its warm and welcoming people, most of whom are Khmer. This peaceful way of life drew Marek from Slovakia, who moved here nine years ago after years in London. He and his wife were searching for a quieter life and found it here. Fishing is a key part of daily life, so we’ll grill freshly caught fish and enjoy it with pork broth. On our way through the fragile mangrove ecosystem, we’ll stop at a cashew grove and visit the village of Nesat, founded by locals and foreigners living side by side. Here, we’ll taste traditional Khmer breakfast and Cambodian red curry.

S١٠ E١١ · ٤ سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦

Sri Lanka: Central Sri Lanka الحلقة ١١

Sri Lanka lies just south of the Indian subcontinent, along historic sea routes connecting India, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and Europe. But there’s much more to the island than beaches and fishing villages. Zuzka has spent years dividing her life between Europe and Sri Lanka. She works in tourism, organizes diving trips with her partner, and is a passionate freediver. Together, we’ll explore the rainforests of the central highlands and Udawalawe National Park. We’ll taste traditional konda kavum, see how kithul syrup is made from palm sap, and visit a local family. We’ll also discover how coconut husks are turned into strong rope before ending our journey around the family table with a traditional fresh tuna curry.

S١٠ E١٢ · ١١ سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦

South Korea: Jeongeup الحلقة ١٢

Jeongeup lies in southwestern South Korea, in Jeonbuk Province. Rather than a major metropolis, it’s a peaceful regional city surrounded by forests and farmland. High speed rail connects it easily with the rest of the country, including Seoul. The city is also home to a university where Lucia from Slovakia works. She came to South Korea as a researcher with the Slovak Academy of Sciences and found a quieter way of life here. With Lucia, we’ll experience everyday life in Korea, taste local specialties, visit the Yellow Sea coast, and discover the secrets of traditional fermentation and Korean drum making. We’ll finish by preparing gimbap, one of the country’s most popular dishes.

S١٠ E١٣ · ١٨ سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦

Thailand: Koh Samui الحلقة ١٣

Koh Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s southern coast. Its interior is covered in dense jungle and coconut groves, while its coastline has become one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Renáta moved here three years ago after living in the UK, where she met her husband, Mat. Cooking is her greatest passion, and she even showcased her skills on a British cooking show. Today, she runs her own restaurant on the island. With Renáta, we’ll explore local markets, taste Thai street food and fresh seafood, and discover the role food plays in everyday life. We’ll see how coconut oil is traditionally made, learn why Koh Samui is called the Coconut Island, explore the influence of Buddhism, and head out to sea to try our luck at fishing.

S١٠ E١٤ · ٢٥ سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦

China: Xi'an الحلقة ١٤

Xi'an, in central China’s Shaanxi Province, is one of the country’s oldest and most historic cities. Famous for its ancient city walls and the Terracotta Army, today it is a modern metropolis of more than 13 million people. Matúš from Slovakia moved to China five years ago and teaches German at a local university. He says living here has completely changed the way he sees the world. With Matúš, we’ll follow the legendary Silk Road, taste traditional baozi and local street food, and visit the Muslim Quarter, where we’ll prepare a unique soup with bread torn into the bowl at the table. We’ll discover how Chinese and Islamic traditions still come together in everyday life, and finish with hot pot, a perfect expression of China’s culture of sharing food.

S١٠ E١٥ · ٢ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٦

Colombia: Cali الحلقة ١٥

Cali, officially Santiago de Cali, lies in southwestern Colombia, in the Cauca River valley between the Andes. At around 1,000 metres above sea level, it is the country’s third largest city. Ľuboš from Slovakia spent years sailing around the world before settling in Cali four years ago. As he puts it, the city has become his new port. Together, we’ll explore the historic centre, taste fresh sugarcane juice called guarapo and exotic chontaduro fruit, and visit former print shops transformed into creative spaces. We’ll discover why Cali is known as the salsa capital and how music shapes everyday life. We’ll also try hot chocolate with cheese for breakfast, meet a local beekeeper, enjoy freshly grilled tilapia at a fish farm, and finish with traditional Colombian sancocho, prepared through the spirit of community.

S١٠ E١٦ · ٩ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٦

Ecuador: Quito الحلقة ١٦

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies in a narrow Andean valley at the foot of the Pichincha volcano. Modern neighbourhoods stand alongside colonial architecture, traditional crafts, and a culture deeply rooted in the Andes. Long before Europeans arrived, the region was home to indigenous Andean peoples and later became part of the Inca Empire. Discover Ecuador through the eyes of Marek from Slovakia as he guides us through Quito’s historic streets and bustling markets. We’ll taste traditional cuy, a local guinea pig delicacy, sample renowned Amazonian cacao, and enjoy fresh mangrove crabs. We’ll also uncover the story behind the famous Panama hat and experience the vibrant colours and unique atmosphere of South America.