{"id":1294,"date":"2014-07-23T16:09:12","date_gmt":"2014-07-23T16:09:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/?p=1294"},"modified":"2014-07-28T14:32:58","modified_gmt":"2014-07-28T14:32:58","slug":"raw-travel-season-2-central-eastern-europe-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/raw-travel-season-2-central-eastern-europe-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Raw Travel Season 2 – Central & Eastern Europe Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"IMG_1406\"<\/a>
How they still do it in Transylvania, Romania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As of this writing, we arrived back from Central & Eastern Europe just over one week ago and already memories are beginning to fade. While so happy and appreciative to be home (and more comfortable), for me at least, there is always a sense of sadness and loss when I return from a trip. The excitement of a daily adventure gives way to the mostly mundane tasks of\u00a0 everyday living.<\/p>\n

But I’m fueled by the memories of the people we met along the way, the incredible sights and sounds of experiencing another culture, place and in many places another time. “Another time? It was a few weeks ago” you say? \u00a0 Ah but for perhaps the 1st time in my life I was able to experience what life may have been like centuries ago with castles from mid evil times and Roman ruins from BC times.\u00a0 More recently, World War II was for me mostly something my father had lectured about when I was a kid, but now I feel firmly in charge of at least a few basic facts and a small but better understanding of what actually went on (and the incredible and largely awful impact and implications for many of the destinations we visited).<\/p>\n

\"IMG_6065\"<\/a>
Mining salt in Krakow, Poland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I also felt just a little how the iron fist of the iron curtain could be so brutal. I couldn’t help but think how but for the luck of geography and just a smidgen of time, I could have been spending my days in an internment camp (I just know I would have never kept my head down and mouth shut). Or maybe, I would have been a different person in that different place and time and I would have dutifully fulfilled my obligation to the State, working to garner my quota as\u00a0 a farmer, miner or dutifully cleaning up the dishes at a Milk Bar, wondering what life would be like if I could simply do, say and be whatever I wanted.<\/p>\n

Yes, this trip has forever changed me, but so what? That’s no reason to spend precious money and resources to fly over a camera crew and work 41 of the 42 days we were there producing television is it? Yes, I think it is.<\/p>\n

For if travel has changed me (for the better) then it can and will change others. If there is anything we’ve learned from Communism, it should be that more knowledge for more people is a GOOD thing.\u00a0 But let’s face it, showing something on TV or via the web is not the same as going. No matter how good I am at my job of communicating I can’t change this completely.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1619\"<\/a>
Massive sunflower fields in Bulgaria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But maybe, I can give you, the reader and the viewers of the show, a small idea of what it is like. Just like centuries ago when sailors and other travelers came back from a journey and spun tales of far off places and the incredible things they’d seen, I can do the same, but through the magic of video’s sight and sound.<\/p>\n

And perhaps more importantly, inspire others to travel themselves. Across the planet if they can but if not, just across town experiencing their lives from a different perspective.\u00a0 If I were to work just one day in a taco truck or a Chinese Laundry or Korean nail salon for example, who is to say I would not be forever changed? Travel can take many forms.<\/p>\n

Raw Travel is a Travel AND Lifestyle show. Travel has taught me to LIVE differently when I’m at “home”. Thanks to travel I am an avid recycler. Thanks to travel I have more empathy for people I used to simply shove past on the street. Thanks to travel I appreciate kids more than ever and recognize they don’t need a video game but they MUST have love in order to have hope of a good life. Thanks to travel I view the news and media we consume very differently. Thanks to travel, I am more conscious about what type of food I put into my body, etc, etc.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_8785\"<\/a>
Charming in Romania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanks to travel I recognize that the TV business needs more life affirming, positive shows and less conflict, competition, or whatever the flavor of the month is and that is why I do this. It’s not easy sharing a small space with a crew or sleeping on couches. I thought those days of sacrifice were over for me. But comfort is not the same as happiness. Just ask some of the happiest people on the planet (and they usually don’t reside in the most advanced economies of our world).<\/p>\n

But enough about what travel and the show means to me. It’s what it means to the viewer that is most important.<\/p>\n

Each destination will have it’s own blog entry before each episode airs, but before memories fade to quickly, I wanted to recap each destination and to properly thank people who so graciously helped us along the way. I hope I haven’t left anyone out but it’s very likely that I have. There were just too many people helping us to remember and thank everyone.For that, I apologize in advance and ask that if you see an omission, please do not hesitate to let me know.<\/p>\n

Wishing you many safe (but not too safe) journeys!<\/p>\n

\"Entry<\/a>
Entry to Auschwitz – Outside of Krakow, Poland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 1 (Episode 201) – KRAKOW, POLAND<\/strong> (Premieres week of 9\/29\/14)<\/p>\n

BLOG:<\/strong>\u00a0 HERE.<\/strong> <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

PHOTOS:<\/strong>\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT:<\/strong> Counter-intuitive perhaps but visiting Auschwitz. It was very reflective and made something intangible very tangible.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT:<\/strong> Just the overwhelming jet lag. Oh and when our cameraman Scott tumbled down the stairs on day 2 or 3. Very lucky he didn’t break a bone and there goes the entire shoot (yes, always I’m selfishly thinking of the show!).<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS: Sara Egan, Brains All Gone<\/strong><\/a>, Schindler’s Museum<\/a>, Pawel Zleba and See Krakow<\/a>, Marek Pryjmko and Cafe Finska,<\/strong><\/a> Jerzy Elster & Crazy Guides,<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1142\"<\/a>
After the shoot in Bunkr Parakarku, Prague CR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 2 (Episode 202) – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC\u00a0 (Premieres week of 10\/5\/14)<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 HERE <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: Visiting the old communist nuclear bunker Bunkr Parukarka <\/em><\/a>and Cafe Potme (Cafe in the Dark) getting a feeling for what it’s like to be completely sightless (and raising money for the sight impaired in Czech Republic in the process)<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT: The overnight train from Krakow to Prague. It was a communism era “sleeper” car with no space and not much sleep going on . As a result we rolled into Prague sleep deprived and subsequently the crew began to get a little snippy with each other. (it wouldn’t last long thankfully).<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS: Gaell La Vu of Zouk Side Down<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, Eliska Mertova & Segra Segra<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, Loreta Museum,<\/strong><\/a> Woody & Rocket Dogz,<\/a> Lucky Hazzard,<\/strong> <\/a>Pavel Horejsi, Honza Hegre & Cafe Potme,<\/strong><\/em><\/a> Foto Eskoda<\/p>\n

\"Pork<\/a>
Ready to eat Pork Knuckle in Vienna<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 3 (Episode 207) – BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA & VIENNA, AUSTRIA <\/strong>(Premieres week of 11\/17\/14)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 HERE <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: Visiting Vienna and the Prater Amusement Park<\/em><\/a> and subsequent dining on Pork Knuckle (Deee-licious!) with travel writer Duncan Smith <\/em><\/a>aka the “Urban Explorer and author of “Only In… ” travel guides.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT: Getting repeatedly ripped off by taxis in Bratislava, getting lost in Bratislava, getting chewed out by a rude, condescending, bigoted, nosy and presumably Austrian in Vienna (for some strange reason he took exception to us shooting in the men’s room, the 1st toilet in Vienna or something another).<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS: Duncan JD Smith, Wild Elephant Hostel<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>owners and guests, Tomas & Bratislava Man Tours<\/a>, Brano & Authentic Slovakian Tours, <\/a>Kto Chce Co Chce Band (Do What You Like), Vladimir Raiman of Trunk & Wine Gallery <\/a>in Bratislava, Tostaman Tracher (Vienna).<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1221\"<\/a>
Crew tries on “Souvenirs” at Hospital in the Rocks – Budapest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 4 (Episode 208) – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (tentatively premieres week of 11\/24\/14)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 COMING SOON<\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: Taking a ride on the Children’s Railway, a fun, kitschy train run completely by children. So cool! and the Gypsy Musicians (Gypsy Musicians is how they referred to themselves) hanging out in their home and listening to their tradition, history and music.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT:<\/strong> I am tempted to say there wasn’t one, but alas, the final day, our final meal at the train station, I think I was ripped off. Still disputing the charge with my credit card company.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS:<\/strong> The Hungarian Tourism Board.. they were simply amazing and the ONLY tourism bureau that attempted to help us out on this trip. Thank you to Maria and the whole gang at GoToHungary.com<\/strong> <\/a>, Zach Tipton & Diane Librizi and the entire crew at Vinylize<\/a> , John McPherson and Herby Cobb, Hospital in the Rock,<\/strong><\/a> The Children’s Railway<\/strong><\/a>, Rocco from Bankrupt Band, Tibor and the Pudor Ruin Pub<\/a>, Mozaik Thrift Shop,\u00a0 Andy our “Gypsy” tour guide, Kalma & Ewa (Gypsy Musicians)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Novi<\/a>
Balkan Folk Musician in Novi Saad, Serbia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 5 (Episode 206) – SERBIA (tentatively premieres week of 11\/24\/14)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 COMING SOON<\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT:<\/strong> The entire city of Novi Saad and the wonderful and hilarious tour with radio DJ Dasko and his tour guide sister Jelena. What a treat? Attention talent agents if you are looking to import some talent, give these two a look when this episode premieres. They are incredible.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT:<\/strong> Eating way to much meat during the entire trip. We were literally hungover from all the wild game, sausages, etc. Granted, not a bad problem to have.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS:<\/strong> Dask0, Jelen and the Red Union Band<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, Route 66 in Novi Saad, Milos, Slikar Miscov (Artist), Helena (Belgrade), Katerina (souvenir salesperson), Darko and Kvazimodo Band, Ralph from the Serbia Nightlife Academy and IbikeBelgrade,<\/a> Belgrade Ethnographic Museum<\/strong> <\/a>and the people of Serbia fighting to recover from this summer’s devastating floods.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_8381\"<\/a>
Doru talks about the “Bleeding Potato” in Bucharest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 6 (Episode 203) – Bucharest, Romania <\/strong>(premieres week of 10\/12\/14)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 COMING SOON<\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: Visiting the emerging eco-reserve Vacaresti smack in the middle of Bucharest and stumbling upon a taxi driver fishing in his underwear. When he agreed to be on camera we were all ecstatic. His interview was possibly the best of the entire trip and the eco reserve is in such an unlikely spot… it’s wild, wooly and amazing.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT: When my crew accidentally locked themselves into the apartment and there was no way out. They were stuck inside, no food, no phone, no way out (8 stories up) waiting on my imminent return 3 hours later.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS: Doru and Robert from the Interesting Times Bureau<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, Ortaku (street artists), my old pal Dan Popuscu who simply wanted us to produce a good show about Bucharest, Gabby from Underworld<\/strong> <\/a>(thanks for the shoes!), Raizing Hell Band<\/strong><\/a>, the brave guys from\u00a0 Casa Jurnalustului <\/a>(House of Journalism) and all the wonderful people of Bucharest. Jurnalistului<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1585\"<\/a>
Milking sheep in Transylvania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 7 (Episode 203) – Transylvania, Romania <\/strong>(premieres week of 10\/26\/14)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 COMING SOON<\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: OK I know I’m not supposed to have favorites but how about the ENTIRE TRIP. Transylvania is amazing and Dracula had very little to do with it. OK, if I’m forced to recall our best moment was hanging out, herding and eventually milking the sheep with some local sheep herders who spoke not a shred of English. They kindly gave us a still warm glass of sheep milk and a big handful of freshly made sheep cheese. Simply surreal, simply amazing.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT: Getting stood up last minute and very unprofessionally by a British ex pat travel guide. During the entire trip this would be the ONLY time we were stood up by someone. How ironic that he was British (known for their punctuality and professionalism?) not a Romanian (supposedly not known for their punctuality and professionalism). This all worked in our favor however, when we were force to strike out on our own and this led to my Favorite Moment (see above). Several lessons learned here. More on this when the blog post goes up.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS: The sheep herders in Transylvania, the wonderful folks doing wonderful work at Little John’s House,\u00a0<\/a> Limui and family at the Scerma Scoala Cornatel Horse Reserve & Rescue Center, Gita & Mihaela of Casa cu Zarele<\/strong> <\/a>Bed & Breakfast just outside of Sighisoara and their Swedish guests, Tudobe (AKA the Spoonman) of Sighisoara, Daniel of Covinnus Travel<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, House of Vlad Dracula Restaurant, Gabby & Beth from Sibiu.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_9240\"<\/a>
With Karina of Koukery in Rouse, Bulgaria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

DESTINATION 8 (Episode 209) – Bulgaria <\/strong>(premieres TBA)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

BLOG:\u00a0 COMING SOON<\/p>\n

PHOTOS:\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

FAVORITE MOMENT: The Black Sea city of Sozopol. Simply amazing.<\/p>\n

WORST MOMENT: Our producer Erica getting pretty sick and visiting a rough looking emergency room in Burgas where they proceeded to misdiagnose her and jab the IV needle in the muscle rather than the vein. This would result in huge swelling of her arm and continued decline in Erica’s condition. We finally made it to the capital Sofia and visited an emergency room at a Japanese run hospital which set her straight on the road to recovery.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL THANKS:\u00a0 Katerina and Andre of Koukery Dance School<\/a> in Rouse, Scroletics Band, Flamingo Entertainment Complex and Dancers in Sozopol, Kristian Mitov in Sofia, International Women’s Club of Sofia and Dimko of Sofia Travel Holidays<\/strong><\/a> in Sofia.<\/p>\n

\u00a0ALSO THANKS TO OUR PALS IN THE U.S.A.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the U.S. I would like to thank Robert Kennedy and his Puritti Water Filters,<\/strong><\/a> Pati McGrath of Baggallini Bags<\/strong><\/em><\/a> and my associates Jon Krobot and Paul Rowen for helping hold down the fort while I was away. I should also shout out the dedicated crew, producer Erica Soto and camera (and writer of bad puns) Scott Gawlik. It was a pleasure traveling with you guys! And thanks to all my friends and family. Of course our over 100 affiliates and our sponsors. Geez, I’m going to shut up now. This is a blog post, not the Academy Awards. You get the point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As of this writing, we arrived back from Central & Eastern Europe just over one week ago and already memories are beginning to fade. While so happy and appreciative to be home (and more comfortable), for me at least, there is always a sense of sadness and loss when I return from a trip. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1327,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[627,600,689,651,644,681,597,458,687,669,634,664,661,675,667,668,665,671,466,683,666,673,676,680,688,617,685,690,677,618,637,641,672,9,678,594,686,662,625,460,679,691,684,682,670,674,663,643],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1294"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1294"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1294\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rawtravelblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}