On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Dr Francis Boorman. 

Francis is a British historian, an expert on certain 18th-century happenings in London. While not researching and writing books and papers Francis enjoys travel and exploring new and interesting places. What's a little more unique is that Francis uses his wheelchair to explore places afar and has managed to visit every continent except Australia, and Antarctica but let's not count that. 

Francis is an experienced traveller with a positive mindset and outlook, on the serendipity of travel and adventure, so why not get some interesting first-hand information on the accessible travel industry. 

In conversation, Francis reflects on some of his earliest travel memories as a kid with his family and (9:25) schoolmates. He's very candid in describing what his first international trips were like (again with his friends and family) after he became a wheelchair user (13:20) as a young adult. We talk about some of the places he's been and particular favourites (17:15) over the last 10 to 20 years. 

Flying with a wheelchair can make travel more complex. Francis gives a run down on what the flying experience can be like, navigating through airports and the logistics of moving seats and making sure the chair survives the journey (18:30). 

We talk about some travel mishaps (23:30) that although can often not be the most comfortable at the time, can end up a great anecdote. But I think one of the best things about Francis as a traveller is his attitude and mindset. His way of thinking could be adopted by every traveller, from everywhere. 

We get into some of the planning and the practicalities when travelling with a wheelchair (31:50) and touch on some things to think about, sites to check out, insurance issues and stuff to consider in general trip preparation. We talk about how the accessible travel industry has evolved and continues to evolve as greater investment, tech and general awareness becomes available (35:00). 

Things are still not quite there yet, better, but not perfect by any means. Dr Francis shares his thoughts on how he'd like to see the industry continue to improve (48:50) and has some good advice (49:30) for wheelchair users who want to travel when it's possible again, and also for their family and friends. 

The best thing as Francis says is to think positive, always enjoy it (it's a holiday after all) and if things do go wrong which they will from time to time, the best thing is to chill out, have a nice beer, and try again tomorrow... 

Enjoy. 

Further links:-

Back Up: https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/

SIA: https://www.spinal.co.uk/

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Morgane Thöni. 

Morgane is from France but moved to Canada a couple of years ago where she works as a brewer in a rural brewery, kind of in the middle of nowhere, like a lot of Canada one could argue. Being French, I expected Morgane to be into wines (6:20) but Morgane is very much into her beers. Perhaps spending a lot of time in Germany studying, travelling and of course, drinking has something to do with that? 

Morgane and I met in Liverpool about 5 years ago when she was travelling with her friend and fellow beer enthusiast Mickael. We enjoyed taking a real ale pub tour (10:30) of the city sampling many traditional and some unique beers. 

In conversation, Morgane shares a few places around the world, countries and specific regions, (13:30) she has visited where she found the beer and culture to be interesting. We talk about beer tourism and how beer and culture might be related. Morgane shares of some particularly interesting experiences in Norway, where they use juniper in their brewing process (19:30) which is unusual and something Morgane was intrigued by. 

Beer culture has exploded in the last decade or so. It's now possible to get American style IPA all over the place, craft beers and some bizarre heavy beers made with lactose and marshmallow even, banana juice mixed with wheat beers etc. 

Morgane tells of some of her favourite places to enjoy a beer (27:45), typically outside in a Biergarten but she is also very happy to take a beer on the terrace at her work, and enjoy the view out to sea, providing it's not snowing I suppose. 

Morgane shares the path which led her to become a brewer (30:00) and made it to hold her position at Pit Caribou, in Quebec. She is one of the few female brewers in the industry but this is changing along with the times. 

Morgane elaborates on how travel influences her brewing creatively (39:00) and how she sees beer culture and the simple act of enjoying a beer as a way of breaking down barriers and finding accessible means to get to know people and make friends all over the (42:40) world...

Enjoy. 

Don't forget to follow Morgane and her beer adventures on Instagram @the.iron.mango

Since recording, Morgane wanted to share that her favourite foreign word is "Feierabendbier" which is a German word and means the beer that we drink at the end of a hard day's work.

Further links:-

Pit Caribou: https://pitcaribou.com/en/

plus their Instagram @micropitcaribou

Oak and Time Brewery in Oslo Insta: @eikogtid 

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com

On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk with Sixtina from sixmilesaway.com her website and blog. 

Sixtina says that travelling and living in diverse countries has helped shape her into the person she is today. Evolving from a self-proclaimed rebellious teenager, intolerant and stubborn, who wanted things her own way to a more rounded, simple-living woman who speaks multiple languages, is more tolerant, more patient, open-minded, spontaneous and good-humoured. Is this the result of the expat life? 

In conversation, Sixtina talks about her first living abroad experiences which happened in the USA on high-school exchange to improve English (6:55) of course but many other things too. 

We go on to talk about the meaning of the term 'expat' (8:55) at least what it means to us. I ask Sixtina what she believes makes for a good expat or a not so good one (10:15).

We discuss stereotypes, pre-judging people and how we have to be aware of how easy it can be to hold prejudices, boxing people into who we think they are, based on where they come from (15:40). On the road, we can always be surprised. That is one of the great things about travelling. Sixtina shares some of the occasions where her expectations have not been met, (23:20) both in good ways and not so good ways. 

Being involved in the community (28:55) is important to Sixtina's expat existence. She has some information on how she assimilates when she is abroad and gives tips on volunteering opportunities that can be found all over the world and websites like "Work Away" that facilitate this exchange of culture and goodwill. 

We talk about Homesickness. Can you become immune or is it something that will creep up on you from time to time (39:10) especially when far away from your family during special holidays? Sixtina has some tips on how to cope from her many years of experience living as an expat in the Netherlands, Mexico, Ireland etc where the customs are different from that of her native Germany. 

No matter whether you are a beginner expat, or have been playing this game for a while we can always improve. Sixtina tells us how she intends to continue to improve and be the best traveller and expat she can be (48:55). It's good stuff. So are you ready? 

Enjoy!

Don't forget to get out Sixtina on social media.

Her blog: https://www.sixmilesaway.com/

Her Insta handle: @sixmilesaway

And Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SixMilesAway

Further links:-

Work Away: https://www.workaway.info/

A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.

And, any comments or feedback feel free to email

the_n_v@yahoo.com