Exploring Amsterdam with Tracy Metz Welcome to the final episode of TravelZoom! Today, we take you on a captivating journey to the picturesque city of Amsterdam. Tracy Metz, an esteemed urbanist, author, and Amsterdam enthusiast, joins us to share her deep insights into the city's culture, history, and architecture. Join us as we explore the hidden gems of Amsterdam, uncovering the essence of this vibrant and charming city as well as the relationship of the Dutch with water. Guest Inf...

In this episode of TravelZoom we take you to London. London dates back millennia. its history was shaped by the Romans, Vikings, Normans leaving behind a rich tapestry of culture and architecture. Aga, the host, interviews Steve Chapman. Steve is an artist, writer, speaker, and most importantly he’s lived in London all his life. He talks about the hidden side of London, its art scene as well as the impact Brexit had on the city. More about Steve Chapman: Website: https://www.canscorpionssmoke...

In this episode of TravelZoom we pay tribute to Hong Kong. The host, Aga Skoczypiec who lived in Hong Kong for 8 years, interviews Pete Spurrier, the author of an exceptional series of guidebooks to Hong Kong. Pete takes us on a tour through Hong Kong's past and tells us how the city has changed during its short modern history. He uncovers the stories behind Hong Kong's most visited landmarks and attraction and creates a customized itinerary for travellers who'd like to discover H...

Today we have a Singapore bonus episode for you – our interview with chef Petrina Loh. When we were conducting the interviews for the main episode, Petrina was travelling in Japan and Korea doing food research and looking for inspiration for the menu at Morsels, the restaurant she is the chef and owner of. We missed her back then, but we caught up with her upon her return. This year, that’s in 2022, Petrina received the World Gourmet Award as the best female chef in Singapore. But...

In this episode, we're going to city-state Singapore. We speak to: · Eisen Teo, a historian, museum curator and author about how Singapore has evolved from being one of the poorest countries in 1960s into becoming one of the riches places on Earth. · Dzung do Nguyen, urban planner working in Singapore, about the cutting-edge yet sustainable architecture in the city-state. · Mikka Wee, the food writer, about how Sing...

In this episode, we're going to Paris, France and talk about: · While setting the standards for what's synonymous with urban beauty today, is Paris becoming a boutique city that only some can enjoy? We talk to Alexandra Senes, a journalist, traveler and a fashion brand creator - kilometre.paris. · Paris hidden architectural gems and a walking tour through artistic Montmartre with the writer Ruby Boukabou. Ruby is the author of The Architecture Lov...

In this episode, we're going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and talk about: · Rio’s extraordinary natural setting and the city’s complex urban life with the local architect Sergio Poggi · Rio’s glorious decadence, its physical representations, and hidden gems with Tom Winterbottom. Tom is author of A cultural History of Rio de Janeiro after 1889: Glorious Decadence. · Food and drinks culture and where to eat in Rio with ...

In this episode, we're going to Melbourne, Australia and talk about: The early days of Melbourne, gold rush boom and the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney with Robyn Annear. Robyn is author of six books of history, including Bearbrass, A City Lost & Found: Whelan the Wrecker’s Melbourne, and Nothing New: A history of second-hand. Architecture and hidden gems with Julie Willis, the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at University of Melbourne. F...

In this episode, we talk about: History and culture with Dennis McDougal, author, and journalist. His book, Privileged Son, was described by New York Times as “illuminating reading for anyone interested in 20th-century Los Angeles”. Urbanism and architecture with Wendy Gilmartin, LA-based architect and writerHidden gems with Liz Ohanesian, LA mag journalistFood culture with Minh Phan, a chef, and owner at Phenakite, LA Times’ Restaurant of the Year (2021) References: · &n...

In this episode, we talk to Carme Ruscalleda, a world-renowned Michelin star chef, and learn about local cuisine and her favorite culinary experiences in the city. We talk culture with historian Dani Cortijo, and learn how the city transformed after the 1992 Olympics and why Catalans celebrate a 'pooping log' instead of Santa Claus (true story!). We learn about Barcelona’s exceptional architecture and urban planning with Bruno from architecture blog - Fourth Wall. And since food in B...

Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world. It retained a lot of its cultural identity with deep and visible roots in its history and traditions. It also acquired Western influences. Some of its neighborhoods feel like a vision from the future, with ever taller, sleeker structures. Others evoke the past with wooden buildings and glowing lanterns. Every corner hints at possible discoveries. In this episode: Dave Hackerson takes us through Tokyo's origins as Edo village . ...

In the inaugural episode of "TravelZoom" we are going to Hong Kong. The host, Aga Skoczypiec, interviews Pete Spurrier, the author of an exceptional series of guidebooks to Hong Kong. Pete takes us on a tour through Hong Kong's colonial past, and tells us how the city has changed since he moved to Hong Kong in the early 90s. She also talks to Jowett Yu, the Executive Chef of Ho Lee Fook - a popular contemporary Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong. Jowett shares his thoughts on Cantone...

"TravelZoom" is a new travel show hosted by Aga Skoczypiec, an avid traveler and globetrotter. In every episode we will explore a new destination beyond the surface of landmarks and attractions. We’ll talk to local insiders to get a sense of the social and cultural context of each place. We’ll look for the hidden gems that you are not likely to find in the guide book. We’ll also get a taste of the uniquely local, yet not so obvious, cuisine. Premiering 14 February If th...