Nestled at the southern end of the Grand Canal, Hangzhou is a city where ancient aesthetics seamlessly blend with the pulse of the future. Famed for the breathtaking West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and artists for centuries, Hangzhou is more than just a scenic escape.

It has rapidly transformed into China's silicon hub, serving as the headquarters for tech titans like Alibaba and a growing ecosystem of AI innovators.

Beyond the boardroom, the city remains a profound culinary destination, celebrated for its delicate Hangzhou cuisine and deep-rooted tea culture. In this episode, we dive into the dual identity of a city that honors its poetic past while driving the digital revolution.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Long Road to Hangzhou: Navigating travel logistics and the adventure of getting there.
• City Background: Hangzhou’s historical roots and evolution into a global powerhouse.
• Robots & AI: Exploring the cutting-edge tech and robotics shaping the region.
• Travel Essentials: Getting there, local climate details, and top accommodation picks.
• Alibaba & Jack Ma: Inside the tech giant's headquarters and Jack Ma's economic legacy.
• The Glorious West Lake: The hills, the water, the silk, and the beautiful people
• Souvenir Streets: Experiencing the charm and buzz of a local Chinese souvenir strip.
• Night Markets: A sensory dive into the vibrant atmosphere of a local night market.

Mark and David were guests of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Israel.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

We draw back the curtain on the mysterious land locals call Pridnestrovie – better known to the world as The Transnistrian Region or Transnistria.Join Mark, David and special guest JC as they explore this beautiful and little-understood corner of southeastern Moldova.

This time on the podcast:

• Crossing three borders in 100 metres
• Learning how not to take a shower
• Hotel beds: hard, soft, and everything in between
• A mystical Hasidic burial site
• Exploring Bender Fortress – ghosts included
• Vodka at 11 a.m.
• Lunch in a Soviet-era canteen
• "I do love a nice bit of gefilte fish"
• Going native: honey, pickles and herbal remedies
• Fun with Flags in Tiraspol
• Kosher, yes kosher brandy from KvintA fascinating journey into one of Europe's most intriguing and least-visited destinations.
Mark and David were assisted by Visit Pridnestrovie.


Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Welcome to a very special edition of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, coming to you live from Netanya in front of a wonderful audience as we celebrate five years of journeys, discoveries, and unforgettable conversations. 

Over the past half-decade we’ve travelled far beyond the departure board – exploring the Jewish and Israeli story across the globe, and meeting the people who make every destination come alive.

In this anniversary episode we look back at some of our most remarkable stops: from the soaring skylines of the United Arab Emirates to the layered history of Poland, from vibrant Panama to the crossroads of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, and of course the endlessly surprising landscapes of Israel and Europe.

Pack your bags – this is a journey through five years of travel, culture, and connection.  

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Moldova is one of Europe's most delightful surprises. Blessed with rolling vineyards, picturesque countryside, welcoming cities, and a fascinating blend of cultures, this small nation offers visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines, Moldova is also home to a remarkable Jewish heritage that spans centuries. From the elegant boulevards and lively markets of Chișinău to ancient monasteries carved into the cliffs of Old Orhei, this journey uncovers a country where history, tradition, and hospitality combine to create one of Eastern Europe's most captivating destinations.

This time:
• Discovering the contrasting sides of Chișinău, from lively markets to elegant parks and boulevards.
• Moldova's Jewish community and learning about Jewish life today.
• Exploring Chișinău's unique Jewish Cemetery Museum project.
• Visiting three renowned wineries, including Carlevana, a producer of outstanding kosher wines.
• Exploring Old Orhei and its solitary cave-dwelling monk.
• Learning about Orhei's Jewish heritage and historic cemetery.
• Experiencing the Eurovision Song Contest the Moldovan way. 
 
Mark and David were assisted by the National Tourism Office of Moldova.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Vienna isn’t just grand palaces and classical music—it’s a city layered with stories, ideas, and unexpected discoveries. In this episode, we explore a more thoughtful side of Austria’s capital, weaving together a powerful Jewish story with fascinating museums and a standout culinary experience. From philosophy and identity to language and innovation, this Vienna journey offers something genuinely different.This time:

• A powerful visit to the Viktor Frankl Museum — exploring meaning, resilience, and life’s deeper questions
• Discovering the newly reimagined Vienna City Museum and its take on the city’s past and present
• Stepping into a world of globes and exploration
• Esperanto, where language meets idealism
• A culinary highlight at Tian Restaurant Wien — a Michelin-starred vegetarian experience that surprises and delights

Mark and David were guests of Vienna Tourist Board.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Step into the flavors, stories, and nightlife of south Tel Aviv as Mark and David explore the vibrant Levinsky Market by day before heading out for a lively pub crawl after dark. From old-world delicatessens and fragrant spice shops to trendy gazoz drinks and buzzing bars packed with locals, this episode captures the unique mix of tradition and modern energy that makes the Levinsky area one of Tel Aviv’s most fascinating neighborhoods.  This time on the podcast:• We're just wild about Harry
• A visit to a traditional Turkish deli filled with Balkan and Ottoman flavors
• Exploring a Persian spice shop overflowing with aromas and history
• Fresh baked treats from one of Levinsky’s beloved bakeries
• Herring and chrayne - classic Ashkenazi comfort food
• Creative modern gazoz soda drinks inspired by a forgotten classic
• Discovering the remarkable synagogue that never opens on Saturdays
• Avital may possibly have the world's best job
• A nighttime pub crawl through the lively streets around Levinsky Market
• Meeting both young Tel Aviv partygoers and longtime locals enjoying the nightlife.
• David, the busspotter

Mark and David were guests of Harry's Baked Israel Food Tours and D-TLV Pub Crawl.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Budapest is a city that constantly reinvents itself—where grand imperial history, cutting-edge culture, and world-famous wellness experiences exist side by side. From sprawling green parks filled with architectural wonders to underground caves that tell the story of centuries past, and from historic castles to modern-day spa innovations, the Hungarian capital offers a journey through time unlike anywhere else in Europe. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Mark and David explore a city where every corner reveals a new layer of discovery, blending heritage, resilience, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.This time:

• Liget Budapest City Park – Discover one of Europe’s most ambitious urban cultural developments, where lush parkland meets world-class attractions, including striking new museums, the Budapest Zoo, a historic castle, and even a traditional circus—all in one vibrant setting.
• Budapest Castle & the Caves of Buda – Learn about the fascinating cave system under Buda Castle, uncovering stories from medieval times through the communist era, and discover how this historic area is being carefully restored and reimagined today.
• Ensana Thermal Spa, Margaret Island – Experience the cutting edge of wellness in a serene island setting, with unique treatments such as red cord therapy, menthol  ultrasound therapy, and therapeutic salt caves, all rooted in Budapest’s legendary thermal spa culture.

Mark and David were guests of Visit Hungary.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Snow-capped peaks, world-class skiing, and a rich cultural tapestry—Slovakia’s High Tatras offer far more than just a winter (and year-round) escape.

In this episode, Mark and David explore breathtaking alpine landscapes, glide above the mountains on ski lifts, and uncover the region’s fascinating Jewish history.

From historic spa traditions and modern thermal resorts to a luxurious stay at the iconic Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, this journey blends adventure, heritage, and indulgence in one unforgettable destination.  

This time on the podcast:

• A scenic ski lift ride over the High Tatras
• The geography, beauty, and stories of Slovakia’s majestic mountain range
• How skiing began as everyday transportation
• Preparing Slovakia’s national dish
• Explore Kežmarok’s former synagogue and Jewish cemetery
• Experience AquaCity Poprad, a cutting-edge thermal water park and spa complex
• Reflect at the Holocaust memorial at Poprad’s train station
• Marvel at stunning ice sculptures high in the mountains
• Hear the latest updates on flights connecting Tel Aviv to the High Tatras region
• Step inside the luxurious Kempinski hotel and discover alpine elegance at its finest

Mark and David were guests of Slovakia Travel. 

Budapest is a city where history, indulgence, and rejuvenation flow together—quite literally. Built atop a network of natural thermal springs, Hungary’s capital has long been a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and inspiration. From grand bathhouses steeped in centuries-old tradition to vibrant culinary hotspots and stories of Holocaust resilience that echo through generations, Budapest offers a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate every traveler. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Mark and David dive into the very essence of this unforgettable city—where healing waters, heritage, and modern flair meet.

In this episode:

• Ensana Hotels, Margaret Island – A peaceful Danube island retreat blending spa luxury with Budapest’s famed thermal waters.
• Unicum & the Zwack Family – A unique tasting paired with a powerful story of resilience and survival.
• Time Out Market Budapest – The city’s top chefs and flavors, all under one vibrant roof.
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath – Iconic outdoor pools and grand architecture at Budapest’s most famous bath.

Mark and David were guests of Visit Hungary and Ensana.

This episode continues our journey through Jewish China alongside the descendants of Jews who found a home here nearly a century ago. Shanghai was not just a stop on the map; it was a lifeline. As we explore the city’s cultural highlights, our focus remains firmly on the human story that still echoes through its streets. From refuge to renewal, memory to modern community, this Shanghai chapter reminds us that Jewish history here is not only something to be remembered, but something still being lived.