Off the Beaten Path

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.

Today we head to New Zealand’s North Island, to Auckland, the country’s largest city. A modern metropolis where the ocean meets volcanic landscapes and wild nature. Its multicultural identity is shaped by Māori heritage as well as Pacific and Asian communities. This unique atmosphere drew Peter from Bardejov, who moved here eighteen years ago after living in the United States. He now works at a local university and found the relaxed pace of life to be exactly what he was looking for. We visit a fish market to try fresh sashimi and the local delicacy pāua. On a beach overlooking Rangitoto Island, we enjoy a classic meat pie, and wrap up the day with New Zealand’s iconic Kiwiburger. With Peter’s friends, we explore native flora and taste mānuka honey, before ending our journey with a traditional Māori hāngi shared among friends.

Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is a country completely surrounded by South Africa. Despite economic challenges, its people have kept their optimism and warmth, qualities that brought Veronika from Slovakia here nine years ago. Originally from near Banská Bystrica, she now lives in Lesotho with her local partner and their son, while also supporting children in need. Thanks to her energy and openness, she has become part of the community she now calls home. We explore local street food, sample traditional dishes, and discover how Lesotho’s sweet bread is made. We meet fishermen and shepherds who show us how they prepare meat and process goat wool, which women weave into beautiful traditional carpets. After tasting local treats, including fried dough and boiled chicken feet, our journey ends in a mountain village near waterfalls, where we are welcomed with open arms.

Our journey begins in Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city, where Tomáš lives. The local market offers a snapshot of the region’s cuisine, from dried omena fish and tilapia to beans and fresh vegetables. In simple conditions but with genuine hospitality, we are served traditional dishes, including ugali, a thick maize staple. We continue to a fishing port outside the city. Although Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, life here is becoming harder for local fishermen. Many now supplement their income by extracting sand from the lakebed or making woven furniture. Sugarcane also thrives in the region, providing work in local mills. We end our visit at a children’s centre where Tomáš works. Over a shared meal of boiled chicken and fresh chapati, we see how dedication can create a place of hope on the shores of a vast lake.

Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Braňo arrived here twenty years ago with twenty dollars in his pocket and a lot of determination. He started as a kitesurfing instructor and now also works in off road sports. A former motocross racer, he has built a life on the island and now shares his experience with a younger generation. While the capital Oranjestad is the island’s centre, everyday life unfolds beyond it. We visit a farm that grows fresh produce despite the dry climate, where freshwater is scarce and comes from desalination. We taste local seafood, including ceviche and fried fish, and learn about aloe vera, one of Aruba’s few export products. Our journey ends with a beach barbecue among friends.

Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, lies in the northwest of the country in the Antioquia region. Founded in the early 17th century, it’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its elevation, mild climate, and lush surroundings. This unique atmosphere also drew Nicole from Slovakia. A passionate traveller and Spanish translator, she met her husband in the Canary Islands, and together they are now building a life in Medellín. We’ll start with a traditional Antioquian breakfast, then enjoy bandeja paisa in a local home. In the hills above the city, we’ll discover the tradition of flower carriers, and on a nearby coffee farm, sip Colombian coffee during a tropical rain. We’ll also taste arepas and prepare sancocho in the park, just like the locals do.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and is home to around 18 million people. We head to the southwest, to Koh Kong province and the town of Srae Ambel. Alongside its rich natural beauty, the country is known for its warm and welcoming people, most of whom are Khmer. This peaceful way of life drew Marek from Slovakia, who moved here nine years ago after years in London. He and his wife were searching for a quieter life and found it here. Fishing is a key part of daily life, so we’ll grill freshly caught fish and enjoy it with pork broth. On our way through the fragile mangrove ecosystem, we’ll stop at a cashew grove and visit the village of Nesat, founded by locals and foreigners living side by side. Here, we’ll taste traditional Khmer breakfast and Cambodian red curry.