Eastern Approaches

Ben and Andrew pick a few different towns and cities in Czech Republic NOT named Prague. We play a little game called ‘You Know You’re in Central Europe If…’ where we pick out specific characteristics like its superb cafe culture, good train networks, tasty palacinky & dumplings and its pastel Baroque churches that easily let travelers know where they are. We wrap up this episode where we reveal the inspiration behind our name Eastern Approaches.

Andrew’s first time traveling in Estonia. Our biggest SNAFU on a tour. Off the beaten path picks in Austria & Slovenia and so much more!!

Our first with a guest. Listen in as Our Man in Yerevan discusses a whole host of expat issues in Armenia, including making friends with locals and surviving as a vegan/vegetarian in Armenia. We also discuss the current conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and how it's impacting life for those in Yerevan.

In our second half discussion on empires that shaped this part of the world, we look at what it means to the traveler. What monuments are left from these empires, their legacy on borders and travel infrastructure to the empires’ fingerprints on autonomous regions that are today nearly off-limits for most travelers. Plus some tips and ideas on how to capture the essence of travel and keeping in touch with the travel community while staying in your own home town.

Deep dive into the many empires that have shaped Central and Eastern Europe. Who were the major empires and what have been their influences historically. Plus the the pros and cons of getting a later start in life to traveling.

Destination focus on Bulgaria. Ben recalls his first trip to Budapest back in 1992. And we play a little game called "You know you're in the Balkans if..."

In this short episode, a direct follow up to the main issue of expat destinations covered in Episode #3, Andrew reviews his thought process and goes through all the countries to see why they were not given much consideration or in some cases, just barely missed the cut as destinations to consider for expats.

Ben and Andrew each pick 3 places of where they could see themselves moving to next and discuss essential qualities and considerations for expats. 

Why do we still have this outdated concept of Eastern Europe? Andrew’s first trip to Russia or how to chill out with Moscow gangsters on the Trans-Siberian. Our personality affecting where and how we travel.

Get to know Andrew and Ben. Defining the region of Central/Eastern Europe and overview of what we want to discuss on our podcast. Destination focus on Bosnia. Our weekly practical tips and picks for film and music.