Off the Beaten Path

This episode is guided by Michal, who takes us to Thailand, to the Khao Lak region, once heavily affected by the tsunami. Fluent in Thai, he splits his time between Bangkok, where he works, and Khao Lak, where he supports a local construction company in marketing. Deeply connected to the culture and nature, he shows us the region from a local perspective. We visit a shrimp farm where we catch fresh king prawns for lunch, explore a deserted island jungle to pick raw cashews, and compare markets for locals with those aimed at tourists.

Ivana from Lamač has been living with her family in the coastal town of Rovinj for sixteen years. Her husband Paolo, a Croatian of Italian origin, now speaks fluent Slovak thanks to her. Together, they guide us through Istria, revealing a side of the region few get to see. Have you ever gone truffle hunting? Did you know that lavender is one of Istria’s symbols, and that some of the world’s finest olive oils are produced right here? Join us as we explore the flavours, traditions, and hidden gems of this beautiful Mediterranean region.

In the third episode, we will visit the magnificent city of Shanghai in China. We will personally meet the Suchánek couple (Michal and Zuzana), who have been living there for four years and are successfully working in their field—architecture. Together, they will show us the modern metropolis of China and introduce us to local gastronomic highlights. Thanks to their conversational Chinese, we will experience authentic situations in shops and restaurants. As respected architects, they will talk not only about food but also about their impressions of the city and will show us two interesting interiors of unique restaurants. In addition to Shanghai cuisine, we will also taste a Chinese recipe from a dormitory kitchen prepared by their good neighbor, as well as southern Chinese cuisine, which is similar to Arabic food. There is much to look forward to, as we will truly discover something unknown to us—we will discover what the world tastes like on a plate.

Bára, a cheerful and talented architect, has found her dream job in Barcelona. She shows us the city through her unique perspective. We visit stunning light installations and a one of a kind tile shop, stroll through the city at night, and dive into an unforgettable food experience just like the locals enjoy. Along the way, we discover why ink is added to rice in traditional dishes. Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring the iconic architectural masterpieces of Gaudí that define Barcelona’s character.

Katarína, a mother of three with endless energy, lives in one of Marbella’s most sought after areas. Together, we explore the stunning coastline of Andalusia, from the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús to the historic vineyards near Ronda and the whitewashed town of Estepona. Katarína knows exactly where to find the freshest and most unusual seafood, and she takes us to the best local spots. We also visit a farm to see how organic goats are milked. From coast to countryside, Andalusia delivers an unforgettable culinary experience full of flavour and character.

Katarína from Bratislava has two children and has been living in Cyprus for over ten years. Thanks to her extended Cypriot family, we uncover a cuisine full of hidden traditions and flavours. We taste fresh mandarins straight from the tree and sample sweet cactus fruit right in the field, discovering the island through its simple and authentic tastes.

Today we take our cameras to Moldova, a landlocked country between Romania and Ukraine. In its northwest lies Transnistria, a breakaway region not widely recognized internationally. The population is mainly Moldovan, alongside Ukrainian and Russian communities. Moldova is largely a landscape of open plains, where time seems to stand still. Though it sees few tourists, visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth. The culture reflects a blend of Romanian roots and influences from the former Soviet Union, while many people outside cities still live closely connected to nature. This quiet authenticity is what drew Emil from Košice seventeen years ago. He found a second home here, captivated by a country that remains largely undiscovered.

Europe’s culinary paradise can be found in Tuscany, one of Italy’s most celebrated regions. With Florence as its capital, this land of rolling hills is shaped by vineyards producing Chianti, along with olive groves and cypress lined roads. Once the heart of the Renaissance, Tuscany is filled with masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Donatello, found in museums, churches, and towns across the region. Its cuisine is built on simple, high quality ingredients, from wild boar and steaks to white truffles and the rich harvest of local produce. This lifestyle, culture, and food drew Mária from Bratislava here fourteen years ago. Today, she shows us why Tuscany is a place to savour with all the senses.

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies in the southern part of the country and is home to a mix of Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. Known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” the city reflects a unique blend of cultures and religions, with architectural landmarks shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Our guide is Patrik, a young and successful diplomat, who introduces us to the flavours and everyday life of the city. We visit his favourite ćevabdžinica, taste freshly baked somun bread, and enjoy a locally brewed beer. Outside the city, we try fresh kajmak cheese on a farm and pick pomegranates in a nearby orchard. Back in Sarajevo, we sit down for traditional Bosnian coffee in Baščaršija and share a home cooked meal of Bosanski lonac. To close, Patrik shows us a local initiative that provides food to those in need, highlighting the strong sense of community and compassion shaped by the country’s past.

Slovenia, located at the crossroads of major European cultural and trade routes, is largely mountainous, especially in its northern regions. The part of the Alpine massif that extends into Slovenian territory belongs to the Julian Alps. The Slovenian Alps owe their distinctive charm mainly to white limestone, which gives the treeless mountain peaks their unusually pale color and turns the rivers a striking azure blue. In this beautiful area, close to the Austrian border and only about 15 kilometers from Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav (2,864 m), Gabika has been living and working with her partner for eight years in the small mountain village of Dovje. Gabika is a mountain hut keeper, and her lodge is a typical Slovenian Alpine house more than a hundred years old. If you love mountains, prefer not to travel far, and enjoy tasting local specialties, Slovenia is definitely worth discovering.

Montenegro is a country in the western Balkans, at the southern edge of the Dinaric Alps. Its administrative capital is Podgorica, while the historic city of Cetinje remains an important cultural centre. After being part of Yugoslavia for much of the 20th century, Montenegro became fully independent in 2006. The country is home to a diverse population, with Montenegrins making up less than half, alongside other ethnic groups that shape its unique identity. This mix is now joined by Igor from Slovakia, who moved to the coastal town of Bar last year after years abroad and plans to stay for good. Igor is learning his tenth language and runs his own transport design studio. He also enjoys the warm climate, the sea, good food, and wine. Together, we taste local favourites like burek, lamb, honey, and regional wines, all set against Montenegro’s stunning natural landscape.

Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, lies in the eastern part of the continent within the Nile basin and has a largely equatorial climate. While rich in untapped oil and natural gas reserves, coffee remains its main export. Despite being landlocked, nearly a quarter of the country is covered by water. Biba, a doctor from Slovakia, has been living in Uganda since 2010, where she runs a non profit organization and leads a clinic for HIV patients. Her dedication and compassion help her stay positive despite challenging conditions. Through Biba, we experience local life and culture, taste traditional foods like posho, fresh peanuts, and sambusas, share tea with the community, and join a local nutrition workshop.

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, lies in the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its year round mild climate and diverse landscapes. Three years ago, Dalibor from Slovakia made this island his home, drawn by life by the sea and a new opportunity. A talented chef who spent 12 years in Latin America, he later accepted an offer to open his own restaurant here. Today, he lives on Tenerife with his family and continues to build his culinary success. We begin in the capital, Santa Cruz, where a local market reveals the island’s flavours. We visit a traditional mill producing gofio, explore a cactus farm, taste local wine, and enjoy grilled specialties prepared by Dalibor himself.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world, known for its vast rainforests, including the Amazon, and incredible cultural diversity shaped by its people. From music and cuisine to football and the world famous Rio Carnival, Brazil is full of energy and colour. This vibrant lifestyle brought Ivana from Slovakia to the state of São Paulo, where she now lives in the coastal town of Caraguatatuba with her Brazilian husband. After years in China, she found a new home here and works as a tour guide and translator. With Ivana, we start the day at a local café, pick fresh jackfruit for lunch, visit a Quilombo community to make cassava flour, taste Brazilian style sushi by the beach, and end the day dancing as we prepare for carnival.

Varanasi is a historic city in India’s Uttar Pradesh, located along the sacred Ganges River. With over 1.7 million residents, most of whom are Hindu, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major spiritual centre. Bustling and deeply traditional, Varanasi offers a unique glimpse into India’s past and remains one of the country’s most visited destinations. This spiritual atmosphere drew Lucia from Slovakia here ten years ago. While she doesn’t live here full time, she helps run a small guesthouse with her friend Sachin. With Lucia, we explore narrow alleyways, learn about Hindu traditions from a cremation ghat caretaker, take part in a river ritual, and taste local dishes and spices.

The Basque Country is a historic and cultural region in the western Pyrenees, spanning the border between France and Spain. The Basque people have lived here for over 30,000 years, making them one of the oldest continuous cultures in Europe. The northern part, known as Iparralde or the French Basque Country, lies within France’s Pyrénées-Atlantiques region. Around the coastal town of Biarritz, this area is known for its unique culture, cuisine, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. This is where Silvia from Slovakia has made her home for the past 25 years. She works as a coach and Shiatsu therapist, helping people grow and find balance. We begin in Bayonne, famous for its chocolate, and taste local specialties from artisan sweets and oysters to cured ham and regional cheeses.

Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is located on the eastern half of the island of Timor in Southeast Asia. The country offers beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and remarkable biodiversity. Its culture is rooted in local traditions and shaped by centuries of Portuguese influence. Tetum is the main language, though Indonesian and Portuguese are also widely spoken, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic diversity. This diversity drew Zuzana from Slovakia, a young linguist who came here to study Tetum. Fluent in five languages, she now works as a translator for a Portuguese institute and has built strong connections with the local community. We begin in the capital, Dili, where we explore the flavours and traditions of Timorese cuisine.

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.

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.

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.