Eastern Approaches

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.

To coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Ben and Andrew bring up the idea of dark tourism, debate its merits and discuss some of the destinations they've experienced this in such as Chernobyl, Auschwitz and bone church or ossuary in Czechia. They also delve into a few travel wish-lists so get ready to learn more about Russia's Golden Ring and a Bavarian Wagner festival.

To ring in 2021, Ben and Andrew tackle a big fish, the issue of Russia and Turkey being part of Europe or not. Do these countries belong in their own special category or are they really Europe? Ben waxes poetic about his first time in Bosnia where a still war-torn Sarajevo had not revealed all of its charms. Andrew recalls rubbing elbows with a soon to be Croatian President during his first time in Croatia.

Ben & Andrew reveal many Hungarian destinations outside of Budapest where the average English-speaking traveler are few and far between. We also discuss picks for our most-anticipated destinations of 2021.

Ben & Andrew discuss how service culture is different in this part of the world compared to the U.S. Some phrases and some insightful tips will help you to be less concerned over the fact that your waiter doesn't smile at you. Beyond Expectations, Below Expectations, No Expectations takes a look at various destinations such as Batumi (Georgia), Wroclaw (Poland) and Split (Croatia) and how the reality matched up to our initial expectations. Practical tips include an App for vegans and a travel photographer to keep your eye out for.

Eastern Approaches admit their shortcomings with a focus on those destinations they know little about including Slovakia. Learn about holiday traditions and the Christmas scene in both Czech and Slovenia. Andrew recounts some memorable travels with his father through Poland and the Baltics. We focus on great places for hikes and nature in Montenegro and Slovenia.

Is everything in C&E Europe just amazing, awesome and 100% super? Our short answer - NOPE! So Ben and Andrew have produced their most grinchest Grinch episode yet. Over-rated? Check. Tired of going there? Check. Actually not that interesting sights or history? Check again. Plus some lumps of coal dropped into the most deserving stockings. Who ever said we were homers?

Ben recalls many of his not-so-fond memories ‘surviving' his first time in Romania. Andrew waxes poetic about Sunday brunch and double-features in Prague. And they both discuss why Zagreb and Plovdiv are two great cities that aren't on most travelers' radar (yet).

Listen in as Ben Curtis and Andrew Villone embark on their first ever Live Stream podcast of Eastern Approaches. This is the Pub Trivia edition, giving you insight into the history, oddities, minutiae, and little know facts about Central & Eastern Europe. Along the way, they talk about pub grub food in their respective countries, craft beer, and the art of ordering while in a foreign country. Bust out some snacks, crack open a beer, keep score at home and join us for a bit of virtual pub trivia night. And remember to send us your scores, prizes may be awarded...

In this episode we explore one of the least-known cultures in Europe: the Seto people in Estonia. Setomaa ("the land of Seto") is a fascinating place, and our guide Helen Külvik brings it to life. She tells us what makes the Seto people distinct, all about their most notable traditions and customs, and how they have survived until the present day.

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.