Unravel Travel

Send us Fan MailPerth may be one of the world’s most isolated major cities, but Western Australia is anything but empty.In this episode, Malcolm returns to 1997, when he travelled from Singapore to spend two weeks with friends living near Scarborough Beach. Dave wasn’t on the trip, so he supplies the questions, reactions and occasional disbelief as Malcolm retraces his journeys around Perth and across Western Australia.The adventure begins in laid-back Perth, beside the Swan River and its black swans, before heading to Rottnest Island for beaches, cycling and an introduction to the island’s famously friendly quokkas.Travelling south brings an unexpectedly green side of Australia: forests, vineyards, wildlife and the Margaret River wine region. In Pemberton, Malcolm tackles the Gloucester Tree—climbing towards its former fire lookout using metal pegs spiralling around the trunk. Going up is one thing; getting down while other people are climbing towards you proves rather more alarming.The landscape changes again heading north. Malcolm visits the strange limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert before undertaking the much longer drive towards Shark Bay and Monkey Mia. Along the way are Shell Beach, wild dolphins and the extraordinary stromatolites of Hamelin Pool—living structures offering a glimpse of some of the earliest life on Earth.There are also small hire cars, enormous distances, an improvised roadside repair and a confusing encounter with an Australian speeding ticket.Malcolm finishes by recalling later visits to Perth, including watching Ashes cricket at the old WACA Ground, before he and Dave consider whether Western Australia should feature on a modern Australian itinerary.Places and subjects mentioned Perth and Scarborough Beach  Swan River and Perth city centre  Rottnest Island and quokkas  Margaret River and Western Australian wine  Pemberton and the Gloucester Tree  The Pinnacles and Nambung National Park  Shark Bay and Monkey Mia  Shell Beach  Hamelin Pool stromatolites  Western Australian wildlife  Driving distances and road trips in Western Australia  The WACA Ground and Ashes cricketIf you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailA trek to K2 Base Camp is difficult enough with an organised expedition and a team of porters. In 1994, aged just 21 and with very little overseas travel experience, Stewart set out with four university friends to carry everything they needed through Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains.In this episode, Malcolm and David are joined by Malcolm’s brother Stewart, who recounts an extraordinary journey towards K2 involving rockfalls, landslides, dangerous river crossings, severe illness and some decidedly improvised expedition planning.The episode opens with the tragic news of the Broad Peak avalanche that killed mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers. Broad Peak stands close to K2 in the Karakoram, overlooking the same remote glacial landscape through which Stewart and his companions travelled more than 30 years earlier.Their adventure began with a gruelling journey from Islamabad to Skardu along the Karakoram Highway. From there, jeeps and sections on foot took them towards Askole, the last village before the traditional K2 Base Camp trekking route.Unlike most expeditions, the group had no porters. They travelled with an experienced local guide, Mansur, but carried their own tents, food, climbing equipment and supplies for a journey expected to last around three weeks.Even reaching the starting point proved dangerous. Landslides had destroyed sections of the mountain road, forcing the group to cross unstable slopes while rocks continued to fall around them. One large rock narrowly missed a team member’s head and struck his backpack instead.Beyond Askole, the route followed river valleys towards the enormous Baltoro Glacier and the mountain amphitheatre around Concordia. This is one of the most dramatic high-altitude landscapes in the world, surrounded by K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.The group encountered broken paths, exposed ledges hundreds of feet above the valley floor and an improvised wire-and-basket crossing over a raging glacial river. At night they experienced bitter cold, while the days could be intensely hot. In the distance, flashes and artillery fire provided a reminder of the continuing tensions along the nearby Pakistan–India border.The expedition began to unravel when their lightweight water filters became blocked by glacial silt. Stewart was eventually forced to drink water treated with purification tablets but not properly filtered. Several days into the trek, he became seriously ill with what was later diagnosed as both giardiasis and salmonella.Dangerously dehydrated and losing weight rapidly, Stewart had little choice but to abandon the attempt. He and the group’s designated medic, Mark, turned back while the remaining three trekkers and Mansur continued towards their objective.After several difficult days, Stewart and Mark reached the camping area at Jhola, where they waited for the others to return. With no means of communication and no idea whether their companions would arrive in hours or days, they created a chessboard on a sleeping mat and improvised pieces from playing cards.Feeling slightly better—and apparently having learned very little from his illness—Stewart then set off alone to climb a nearby mountain, sleeping overnight on a ridge before returning to camp.The group also encountered remarkably tough local porters, some crossing glaciers in little more than sandals while carrying enormous loads. At one point Mark used much of the expedition’s medical equipment to treat a porter whose badly injured foot had become dangerously infected.Stewart reflects on the expedition’s rudimentary planning, the mistakes they made and the experience of travelling through one of the remotest mountain regions on Earth. He also explains how the journey influenced his attitude towards risk, adventure and preparation for the next 30 years.In this episodePlanning a K2 expedition before internet researchTravelling from Islamabad to Skardu on the Karakoram HighwayTrekking from Askole without portersCarrying three weeks of food, tents and equipmentCrossing landslides, exposed ledges and glacial riversWalking on the Baltoro GlacierWater purification problems in the mountainsContracting giardiasis and salmonellaTurning back while the rest of the team continuedMeeting climbers returning after losing teammatesThe lives and extraordinary resilience of local portersWaiting without communications at JholaHow extreme travel changes your attitude towards riskPlaces and subjects mentionedK2 • Broad Peak • Karakoram Mountains • Baltistan • Islamabad • Rawalpindi • Skardu • Askole • Karakoram Highway • Baltoro Glacier • Concordia • Jhola • Gasherbrum I • Gasherbrum II • Pakistan–India border • K2 Base Camp trekking • high-altitude illness • unsupported trekkingIf you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailA cabin in the woods sounds wonderfully romantic—but what is everyday cabin life really like when there is no mains water, electricity or sewage, and the nearest regularly occupied neighbour is around two miles away?In this episode of Unravel Travel, Malcolm takes us inside the remote cabin he has owned for around nine years in the Czech Republic. David, who has visited the cabin six or seven times, contributes the perspective of a regular guest who knows both its pleasures and its practical challenges.Beginning with Henry David Thoreau’s Walden; or, Life in the Woods, Malcolm and David discuss the Central and Eastern European tradition of escaping from city apartments to simple weekend cabins in the countryside. Malcolm’s cabin is more isolated than most: hidden in woodland beside a river and reached by a rough track, it can sometimes feel completely cut off from the outside world.Malcolm explains how the original two-room building—with no chimney, running water or indoor toilet—has gradually been enlarged and improved. Water still arrives in 50-litre containers, power comes from a generator and a small solar-powered 12-volt system, and cooking ranges from a camping stove to surprisingly ambitious meals prepared over an open fire.There is also an honest look at the less glamorous side of off-grid cabin life: mowing a meadow full of ticks, keeping food away from mice, emptying wastewater buckets, running out of cooking gas and maintaining a composting toilet. More successful innovations include solar-powered lighting, USB charging, an outdoor shower using a rechargeable pump and a winter bath beside the wood-burning stove.Along the way, Malcolm and David share stories of enormous campfires attracting the attention of low-flying helicopters, an emergency bottle of seriously out-of-date beer and the difficulties of keeping food cold without a permanently running fridge.Malcolm also recounts his latest journey to the cabin by e-bike, travelling partly by train through Znojmo before cycling the final 40 kilometres. His return journey covered approximately 100 kilometres in six hours and provided a useful test of the bike’s real-world battery range.Away from the practical work, the cabin offers what matters most: long walks, swimming, music around the campfire and the freedom to explore the Czech countryside. A 15-kilometre woodland walk leads Malcolm to otters, signs of wild boar, a secluded lake and an active beaver habitat hidden away from the main paths.For anyone interested in cabin life, off-grid living, slow travel, Czech Republic travel or a different kind of European countryside escape, this episode explores both the inconveniences and the considerable rewards of having a place in the woods.Topics covered:Cabin culture in the Czech Republic and Central EuropeMalcolm’s nine years of owning and improving the cabinLiving without mains water, electricity or sewageSolar panels, batteries, generators and USB chargingOutdoor showers and composting toiletsCooking over an open fireFood storage, water supplies and cabin planningTravelling to the cabin by train and e-bikeHiking and navigation in the Czech countrysideBeavers, otters, wild boar and woodland wildlifeWhy winter cabin life deserves an episode of its own (and many more)Mentioned in the episode:Walden; or, Life in the Woods by Henry David ThoreauThe Czech Republic/CzechiaZnojmo - historic and beautiful border townwww.Mapy.cz - free and perfect for walking or cycling routes and navigationRechargeable camping showers - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laserbeak-Camping-Portable-Handheld-Electric/dp/B0744938XLE-bike touring and battery managementSolar-powered cabin lightingCzech/Moravia cabins for sale -  https://jiho.moravskereality.cz/prodej/chaty-chalupy/?sff=1  (warning this is a rabbit hole) 28czk=£1If you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailCan a music festival replace a traditional summer holiday? In this episode of Unravel Travel, Malcolm and David revisit more than three decades of festival travel, free concerts and trips built around live music.Their festival memories begin at Glastonbury Festival in 1992, reached from North Lincolnshire in an ageing Mini with camping equipment—and a portable toilet—strapped to the roof. They recall James, Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine and several emerging performers they failed to appreciate fully at the time, including Blur and PJ Harvey.Malcolm returned to Glastonbury in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1999. He remembers the smaller stages, comedy, crafts and bars beyond the main programme, as well as the festival’s increasingly formidable fences and ticket arrangements. His memories also include Tom Jones, a burning wicker figure, comedian Rob Newman, or was it?Malcolm’s first major festival was Reading Festival in 1991, where he attended on Sunday to see The Sisters of Mercy. Only afterwards did he appreciate what he had missed on the other days—including Nirvana. It demonstrates one advantage of attending an entire music festival: discovering performers you did not originally plan to see. And a guest appearance by John Peel.The episode then travels to Rock Werchter in Belgium, where David saw Metallica, Neil Young with Booker T. and the MG’s, Faith No More, Lenny Kravitz, the Levellers and Sonic Youth in 1993. Compared with major British festivals, tickets, food and drink in Belgium were surprisingly affordable.After starting a family, Malcolm returned to festival life through the family-friendly Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Between approximately 2010 and 2013, the family saw performers including the Waterboys, the Damned, the Levellers, the Saw Doctors, Dodgy, Dreadzone and the Human League. Wychwood combined live music with comedy, crafts and children’s activities.Free festivals also feature strongly. David recalls the 1994 Carnival Against the Nazis in Brockwell Park, featuring the Levellers and Manic Street Preachers, and seeing John Cale with the Soldier String Quartet at Belgium’s Lokerse Feesten. At Gentse Feesten, the historic centre of Ghent becomes a ten-day city festival of music, theatre, circus and street performance.Although, not quite offering the same vibe the same vibe, the rise of one day festivals like British Summertime Live (Hyde park, London), usually offer great line ups and give a great reason to visit a place and hook for a memorable trip which can include other activities in nearby locations.Finally, Malcolm and David discuss travelling to see bands, including The Wedding Present in Ghent, New Model Army in Brno and concerts at venues such as Nottingham Rock City, the Marquee and Wembley. They finish with memories of the Great Xpectations Festival in Finsbury Park and the pleasure of discovering free local live music such as the summer delight of Cap r live music in Breclav, Czechia.Places mentioned Glastonbury and Pilton, Somerset  Reading  North Lincolnshire  Cheltenham and Cheltenham Racecourse  Brockwell Park, London  Finsbury Park, London  Hyde Park, London  Ghent, Belgium  Werchter, Belgium  Lokeren, Belgium  Brno, Czechia  Bradford  Bristol  Nottingham  Wembley and Hammersmith, London  Singapore  New York Other subjects and performers mentioned Festivals as alternatives to conventional holidays  Travelling overseas for cheaper concerts  Discovering unfamiliar performers  Festival ticket ballots and security  Glastonbury’s fences and unofficial entry  Camping equipment and the portable toilet  Arriving early and leaving after the crowds  Family-friendly festivals  Free festivals and politically motivated music events  Following New Model Army around Europe  The Wedding Present in Ghent  Festival camaraderie  Famous music venues  Pulp and David Bowie  James, Carter USM, Blur and PJ Harvey  The Sisters of Mercy and Nirvana  Metallica and Neil Young  John CaleGreen Day The CureThe Damned The Levellers and Manic Street PreachersIf you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailPeru and the Inca Trail: Lima, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the AmazonIn this episode of Unravel Travel, we revisit an organised group trip to Peru, built around the legendary four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The full journey lasted around 17 days and took in several of Peru’s most memorable travel experiences: the humidity and history of Lima, the altitude and strangeness of Lake Titicaca, the relaxed beauty of Cusco, the physical and emotional challenge of the Inca Trail, and an Amazon extension filled with night boats, jungle walks, macaws and football in unlikely places.This is a classic adventure travel episode: part travelogue, part cautionary tale, part celebration of one of the world’s great walking routes. We talk about altitude, camping, group travel, porters, local food, jungle wildlife, and the moment when Machu Picchu finally appears beneath you after days of trekking through the Andes.What we cover in this episodeStarting in LimaThe trip begins in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, where the first impression was the extraordinary humidity. We talk about arriving in a city that feels heavy with heat and history, and visiting Lima Cathedral, with vultures circling overhead and adding a slightly surreal edge to the scene.We also visit the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History, one of the key cultural stops in Lima, with collections ranging from ancient textiles and ceramics to Inca stonework and other pre-Hispanic objects. It is a useful grounding point before heading deeper into the landscapes and stories of the Andes.Train to Lake TiticacaFrom Lima, the journey moves towards Lake Titicaca, one of the most famous high-altitude destinations in South America. At over 3,800 metres above sea level, the lake is often described as the world’s highest navigable lake, and the first real experience of altitude can be dramatic.We discuss what it feels like to be at altitude for the first time: the breathlessness, the strange physical sensations, and the way even simple walking can suddenly feel much harder.The episode also covers the Uros Floating Islands, the man-made reed islands of Lake Titicaca. Built from totora reeds by the Uros people, these floating platforms are one of Peru’s most distinctive cultural sights. We also visit Taquile Island, where a training hike in beautiful weather helps prepare the group for the Inca Trail.Cusco: churches, cafés and altitudeNext comes Cusco, the old Inca capital and one of the great travel cities of South America. After the intensity of Lima and the altitude of Lake Titicaca, Cusco feels sunny, warm and relaxed.We talk about Cusco’s mix of churches, cafés, plazas and mountain light, and the way the city gives travellers time to acclimatise before heading onto the trail. There is also a personal “John Peel” moment in the notes: a reminder that travel memories are often tied to music, atmosphere and tiny details as much as to monuments.Cusco becomes the pause before the hard part: the gateway to the Sacred Valley, the Andes, and the trek to Machu Picchu.The four-day Inca Trail trekThe heart of the episode is the four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. This was the classic group adventure: camping, mountain paths, porters, altitude, basic toilets, tired legs and moments of real wonder.We talk about the mistaken confidence of thinking that football fitness would be enough. The Inca Trail is not just about being generally fit; altitude changes everything. Even people who feel sporty at home can find themselves struggling once they are walking and climbing at over 3,000 and 4,000 metres.There are also the practical realities of trekking: camping, tiredness, shared routines, and the unforgettable toilet tent. The notes include a collapsing toilet tent, a hole in the ground, and a personal toilet faux pas — the kind of travel detail that may not appear in the brochures but often becomes one of the stories people remember most.One of the lighter moments is playing football against the porters on an old camping field. At altitude, even a casual kickabout becomes exhausting. The porters, of course, are operating in their natural environment and are usually far better adapted to the conditions than the visitors.The hardest physical point is Dead Woman’s Pass, or Warmi Wañusqa, the highest pass on the classic Inca Trail at around 4,200 metres. It is the point where the trek becomes a serious test of lungs, legs and morale.Arriving at the Sun Gate and Machu PicchuAfter days of walking, the emotional high point is arriving at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This was the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu for those approaching on the Inca Trail, and for modern trekkers it still carries a powerful sense of arrival.The first view down onto Machu Picchu is one of the great travel moments: the famous lost city below, the mountains around it, and the sense that the effort of the trek has built towards exactly this reveal.We talk about the spiritual feeling of reaching the Sun Gate, the first sight of Machu Picchu, and why walking there gives a very different emotional connection from simply arriving by bus or train.After exploring the site, the group takes the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.Aguas Calientes: hot shower, hot springs and beerAfter four days on the trail, Aguas Calientes feels like luxury. The first hot shower in days becomes a major event. So do the hot springs and a beer.This part of the episode captures the strange pleasure of basic comfort after a trek: clean clothes, warm water, a proper bed, and the feeling that every ordinary thing has become special.There is also a classic Peru food moment: guinea pig for dinner. For many visitors, trying cuy is part curiosity, part cultural experience, and part test of how adventurous they really are.Amazon extensionThe journey then shifts from the Andes to the Amazon, adding a completely different side of Peru to the trip. After mountain walking, altitude and Inca history, the Amazon brings heat, water, jungle sounds and wildlife.We talk about a night boat trip looking for caiman, the excitement of scanning the water in darkness, and a jungle hike that was meant to be about seeing giant river otters but ended up becoming a macaw experience instead.The notes include macaws at a salt or clay lick, a tame macaw at the jungle lodge, and another unlikely football match — this time with the macaw somehow becoming part of the story.It is a reminder that organised trips rarely unfold exactly as described in the itinerary. Sometimes the thing you expected to see does not appear, and something stranger or funnier becomes the real memory.Key places mentionedLimaLima CathedralNational Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and HistoryLake TiticacaUros Floating IslandsTaquile IslandCuscoThe Inca TrailDead Woman’s Pass / Warmi WañusqaInti Punku / the Sun GateMachu PicchuAguas CalientesPeruvian AmazonWhy this Peru trip stayed memorableThis journey stays memorable because it combines almost every kind of travel experience in one country. There is the capital city of Lima, the history of Peru’s museums and cathedrals, the thin air of Lake Titicaca, the charm of Cusco, the effort of the Inca Trail, the emotional arrival at Machu Picchu, and the wildness of the Amazon.It is also memorable because of the contrast between the grand and the ridiculous. On one hand, there is the spiritual feeling of reaching the Sun Gate and looking down on Machu Picchu. On the other, there are toilet tents, football at altitude, hot showers that feel like miracles, guinea pig for dinner, and a macaw that somehow becomes part of the story.That is often what makes travel powerful: the famous places bring you there, but the odd details are what you end up retelling years later.KeywordsPeru travel podcast, Inca Trail podcast, Machu Picchu travel, Lima Peru, Lake Titicaca, Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island, Cusco travel, Dead Woman’s Pass, Warmi Wañusqa, Sun Gate Machu Picchu, Inti Punku, Aguas Calientes, Peru Amazon, Amazon jungle Peru, caiman night boat, macaws Peru, organised group travel, adventure travel Peru, altitude sickness Peru, trekking podcast, travel stories Peru, Unravel TravelIf you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailAlcohols of the World: Beer First, Then Spirits of TravelSpecific episode mentionsHook Norton Brewery tours -  https://www.hooky.co.uk/visit-us/book-a-brewery-tour/That bar in Bratislava - ZilVerne Craft beer pub  - https://www.beer4you.sk/zil-verne/ El Floridita  - The Hemmingway bar - https://www.barfloridita.com/The Raffles Long Bar - https://www.raffles.com/singapore/dining/long-bar/De Trollekelder (The Troll Cellar) is a legendary, troll-themed pub in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, located on the historic Bij Sint-Jacobs square. Famous for its impressive menu of over 300 Belgian beers, its defining features include its cozy, 15th-century medieval cellar and quirky troll-themed decor.https://share.google/q0ht1pvIWfGRCrZ03Belgian Trappist beersChimayWestvleterenOrvalRochefortWestmalleAchelThe lovely craft gin made in Goa: Stranger & Sons GinEpisode summaryIn this episode of Unravel Travel, we explore the drinks that become part of the travel experience, starting with beer around the world before moving into the stronger stuff: local spirits, national cocktails, fruit brandies, rum, aniseed drinks, rice wine, and after-dinner liqueurs.The first half looks at beer culture and brewery travel, from traditional brewery tours such as Hook Norton, to Belgian beer, IPA, Singapore’s Tiger Beer, and the fun of beer discovery in places like Bratislava.In the second half, we move into spirits of the world, including Central European fruit spirits such as slivovice and hruškovice, Cuban rum, Peruvian pisco sour, Greek and Cypriot ouzo, Italian limoncello, Vietnamese rice wine, arak, Metaxa, and the Singapore Sling at Raffles.This is a travel episode about taste, place, memory, hospitality, and the caution sometimes needed when trying local drinks abroad.What we cover in this episodeBeer, breweries and drinking cultureWe begin with beer as one of the easiest ways to experience local culture when travelling. Beer is often tied closely to place, whether it is a village pub, a historic brewery, a Belgian beer café, or a city where you simply order something unfamiliar and see what arrives.We talk about brewery tours, including places such as Hook Norton Brewery, and the appeal of seeing how beer is made, tasting local styles, and understanding how brewing traditions become part of a destination’s identity.The conversation also covers Belgian beer, strong ales, specialist beer cafés, and the difference between old brewing traditions and newer beer trends such as IPA. We touch on the rise of beer tourism and why travellers often remember the setting as much as the drink.We also include Bratislava beer roulette, where the fun comes from choosing unfamiliar beers, taking a chance, and discovering something unexpected. Beer can be a low-pressure way into a place: casual, social, and often very local.Finally, we mention beer in wider travel settings, including Tiger Beer in Singapore and the role of well-known local lagers as part of the travel experience.Spirits, cocktails and stronger local drinksIn the second half, we move from beer to spirits and cocktails. These drinks often have stronger cultural rituals around them, and sometimes much higher alcohol content.We start with the powerful fruit spirits of Central Europe, including slivovice, hruškovice, apricot spirits, walnut liqueurs, sour cherry spirits, lemon drinks, date spirits, and other homemade or regional varieties. These drinks are often offered as a sign of hospitality, but they can be stronger than expected.From there, we travel to Cuba, where rum is central to the drinking culture. We discuss mojitos, Cuba Libre, and the famous Hemingway bar in Havana.In Peru, we look at the pisco sour, made with pisco, egg white, bitters, and lemon or lime. Around the Mediterranean, we cover ouzo in Greece and Cyprus, Metaxa, and the wider family of aniseed drinks including Ricard and Pernod in France. We also stop on the Amalfi Coast for limoncello, a drink closely tied to lemons, sunshine, and Italian coastal travel.Further east, we discuss arak, Vietnamese homebrew rice wine, and the need to be careful with local spirits in Southeast Asia, where homemade alcohol can be unpredictable in both strength and safety.We close with Singapore’s more famous cocktail culture, including the Long Bar at Raffles and the Singapore Sling.Why beer and spirits matter in travelBeer is often the social entry point into a place. It can lead you into pubs, breweries, cafés, beer halls, bars, and local conversations. A brewery tour or a simple glass of local lager can become part of the memory of a trip.Spirits can be more ceremonial. They are often offered after meals, poured at family gatherings, or linked to national pride. A glass of homemade plum brandy, a mojito in Havana, a pisco sour in Peru, or limoncello on the Amalfi Coast can connect taste, place, and story in a very direct way.But drinking around the world also requires judgement. Some local spirits are very strong, some homemade drinks are not regulated, and travellers need to understand local customs, personal limits, and safety risks.This episode is not about drinking heavily. It is about how beer, spirits, cocktails, and local drinking rituals help tell the story of a place.keywordsalcohols of the world, beer around the world, travel drinks, brewery tours, Hook Norton Brewery, Belgian beer, IPA, Bratislava beer, beer roulette, Tiger Beer, national drinks, local spirits, slivovice, hruškovice, pisco sour, Cuban rum, mojito, Cuba Libre, ouzo, Metaxa, limoncello, arak, Vietnam rice wine, caipirinha, cachaça, Singapore Sling, Raffles Long Bar, travel podcast, Unravel TravelIf you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailBath vs Bristol: Two Cities, Two WorldsEpisode summaryIn this episode of Unravel Travel, we compare two of the great West Country city breaks: Bath and Bristol. They sit close together on the map, yet they feel like completely different worlds. Bath is elegant, Georgian, polished and deeply historic. Bristol is colourful, creative, messy, musical and restless.We start with a contrast inspired by Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” and Massive Attack’s “Protection”. Both songs suggest urban life, vulnerability and atmosphere, but in very different ways. That contrast becomes our way into the episode: two cities that almost touch, but are a world apart.Bath: Georgian architecture, Roman history and classic English eleganceWe begin with Bath, a city that offers one of England’s most recognisable historic city-break experiences. If Bristol feels loose, urban and creative, Bath feels composed, classical and straight-laced.Bath is famous for its Georgian architecture, and we talk about some of the city’s best-known sights:Royal CrescentThe CircusPulteney BridgePulteney WeirBath Abbeythe elegant streets and squares of the old cityUnlike Bristol, Bath is not a city covered in graffiti and street art. Its beauty is more formal and more immediately recognisable. For many visitors, especially international tourists, Bath may feel like the more “classic England” experience.We also discuss Bath’s major attractions, including the super historic Roman Baths, the Thermae Bath Spa, the city’s links with Jane Austen, and its smaller museums and galleries. There is a sense that Bath works very well as a refined weekend break: a B&B stay, a canal boat trip, a walk through the old town, a visit to the spa, and perhaps a rugby match at The Rec.Bristol: street art, music, harbour life and creative energyWe then turn to Bristol. Malcolm has been visiting Bristol since the early 1990s, first through friends and nightlife, and more recently on trips with Petra. Today, Bristol has become one of his go-to cities from the Cotswolds.We talk about Bristol as a vibrant, alternative and slightly hippy place. It has always had a strong music and club culture, from legendary venues like Thekla, the boat-venue in the harbour, to memories of St Pauls in the 1990s and the city’s wider live music scene. There are also personal memories of seeing bands around university refectories and student venues, including Radiohead on The Bends tour.Bristol’s art scene is another major part of the discussion. The city is inseparable from street art, with Banksy works such as The Mild Mild West and Girl with a Pierced Eardrum, but the real appeal is that the art is everywhere. Bristol is a city where walls, streets, galleries and public spaces all seem to contribute to the atmosphere.We also cover some of Bristol’s major visitor highlights, including:SS Great BritainClifton Suspension BridgeBristol HarbourArnolfiniM ShedRoyal West of England Academythe pleasure of simply wandering around the cityFor us, Bristol is not just a checklist city. It is a place to drift through, look up, get lost, find a bar, cross the harbour, notice a piece of street art, and feel the city’s energy.Practical travel notes: visiting Bath and BristolBoth cities work well as day trips or short breaks, but they offer different experiences.Bath is probably better if you want beautiful architecture, Roman history, elegant streets, spas, museums, tea rooms and a more traditional city-break experience.Bristol is probably better if you want nightlife, music, street art, independent culture, harbour walks and a more alternative feel. It rewards repeat visits and aimless wandering.We also touch on the practicalities of visiting, including driving, parking and using park and ride options, especially in Bath, where the city centre can be awkward by car.So which is better: Bath or Bristol?The real answer is that Bath and Bristol are best understood together. They are close enough to visit on the same trip, but different enough to feel like two separate worlds.Search themes: Bath travel, Bristol travel, Bath vs Bristol, West Country city breaks, UK city breaks, Cotswolds day trips, Bath Georgian architecture, Bristol street art, Bristol music scene, Roman Baths, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge.Episode keywords: Bath, Bristol, Bath vs Bristol, UK travel podcast, West Country travel, city break, Bath architecture, Bristol street art, Roman Baths, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Royal Crescent, Massive Attack, Tears for Fears.If you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode 27 we go back to Sri Lanka to discuss how Malcolm visited in the early 2000's with a very young family.  Many shared perspectives and a few differences and an exploration of a different side of Sri Lanka.  This has much more cricket in it, not all of it good.A guide to the nicest and most unusual p;aces to stay in Sri Lanka, look around there are some absolute delights to be found.We both agree Sri Lanka is one of the few places we would both go back too, simply amazing.  It is the Jewel of the Indian Ocean.If you have any question on this or another travel topic, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode 26 we thought we would address the backlog of questions from listeners leading a to a diverse episode covering a range of topics, some on which we agree and some on which we don't.How different is it to live overseas, rather than just to visit?How often do you still travel together and what trips are you planning?How to progress from snorkeling to scuba diving?Tips on connectivity?How do you handle medical issues?If you have something you want to ask for the next questiontime, just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailJoin Malcolm and David on this first episode of a double header as they explore the incredible island nation of Sri Lanka.From the bustling streets of Colombo to the scenic tea-covered hills of Ella and the wildlife-rich national park of Yala, they uncover the diverse experiences that make Sri Lanka one of Asia's most captivating destinations.Along the way, they discuss the country's rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, world-famous cuisine, warm hospitality and the genius that is Duran Duran.Whether you're planning a future adventure or simply love discovering new places, this episode offers an inspiring journey through the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.In part 1 we focus more on David's journey travelling alone and with public transport.  In part 2 we will be looking at Malcolm's trip with small children, a driver/guide and much more cricket.If you have something you want to ask just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, David & Malcolm are joined by Izzy to take you on a tropical journey through Bali and Gili Trawangan, two of Indonesia’s most captivating destinations.The adventure begins in Ubud on Bali, where lush rice terraces - such as Tegallalang, ancient temples, waterfalls, white water rafting on the Ayung river near Ubud  and a coffee plantation specialising in Kopi Luwak create the perfect blend of culture, relaxation and nature.From drinking coffee and bathing in hot springs overlooking volcanic landscapes of Mount Batur to exploring the artistic heart of Ubud, Bali offers something for every traveller. We dive into the island's rich traditions, incredible food scene, and the laid-back atmosphere that has made it a favourite destination for visitors from around the world. And no trip would not be complete for film buffs without visiting some of the sites in the film ' Eat, Pray, Love'.Next, we hop across the sea to Gili Trawangan, a car-free island paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. Here, life slows down. Days are spent snorkelling alongside sea turtles, taking an electric scooter around the island, and enjoying beachfront dining as the sun dips below the horizon. We share the highlights of island life, from vibrant nightlife to peaceful moments by the ocean.Our driver and guide was Nyoman who can be contacted through WhatsApp on +62 877-3700-5650 if you are interested in arranging a holiday in Bali.We are soon to record Episode 26 where we will catch up with the questions we have received so far, so if you have something you want to ask just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this third episode of the New York Trilogy we look into some of the details of food and gallery visits.We talk shopping in New York, Old buildings and new concepts like trip planning with AI, when to trust it and when to ask again.In episode 26 we will be catching up on questions from the first 25 episodes, so if you have that burning question on the tip of your tongue then just ask.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this second episode of the New York Trilogy we are joined by Izzy for a slightly different take on New York.  All the deep and meaningful culture that Malcolm didn't bother with.We talk about Dumbo, the best sort of Diner breakfasts and why the big apple is obviously Green.The highline, Twin towers memorial and we finally settle the dilemma about what is an acceptable Broadway musical to see.And don't miss the definitive Yorkshire man's guides to tipping and how to let people who tell you Jazz is an art form down gently.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we take our first bite out of the big apple.We talk about musical influences, first impressions and getting around.Walking is good, too much walking is bad.Visa applications pitfalls, the worst immigration (unless you have had the rubber glove treatment).Bridges and other assorted architecture and David's love of South Park.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we continue our review of Cornwall, this time with more of a focus on the cultural, covering:St Ives (Tate and the Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden).Tremenheere Sculpture gardensThe Minack TheatreThe Eden projectCharlesTownSt Michael's MountTintagelWe also discuss accomodation, Victorian hotels, Fawlty Towers, tiny AirBnBs and where and where not, to wild camp.Of course, as usual, there are various random reminiscences and tales thrown in.This episode is brought to you by Chiltern Walks who provide guided walks and walking holidays around the UK. If you'd like to be added to Chiltern Walks mailing list to receive details of our walking holidays please follow this link to join the Chiltern Walks WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6e0xptc88z0B27aJlEHNwIf you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailTo celebrate the May Bank Holiday and the inevitable forecast of rain, what could be more appropriate than a discussion of Cornwall?  The A30 will be packed with visitors eager to get away for some summer sun, walks, fish and chips and the inevitable seagull attack.  This will at least give you something to listen to as you crawl down the A40 or scour St. Ives for the mythical parking space (should have taken the train).In this first half of a review of Cornwall we discuss travelling to Cornwall, food and walking. Including the various Rick Stein restaurants, Jamaica Inn, fish markets and the South West Coastal Path.This episode is brought to you by Chiltern Walks who provide guided walks and walking holidays around the UK. If you'd like to be added to Chiltern Walks mailing list to receive details of our walking holidays please follow this link to join the Chiltern Walks WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6e0xptc88z0B27aJlEHNwIf you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode David and Malcolm discuss the basics of trekking, including how best to avoid and deal with altitude sickness.They talk about how the gear is transported on a trekking expedition and they fall down the rabbit hole of what actually is a mule!! The correct answer obviously being: a mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). They also discuss local initiatives to keep mountains and other tourists hotspots clean from rubbish brought in by tourists.David used Sherpa Expidition and Trekking on his Annapurna base camp trek: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CM14kkqqu/

Send us Fan MailIn the 2nd part of this episode on Scottish Canoe Expeditions we explore some of the practicalities like travel and hire.  Also tents, sleeping and the usual juvenile toilet topics.We talk about how to work your way up to a trip like this, what the kit might cost and who sits where in a Canoe.https://snowgoosecentre.co.ukhttps://www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk/This episode is brought to you by Chiltern Walks who provide guided walks and walking holidays around the UK. If you'd like to be added to Chiltern Walks mailing list to receive details of our walking holidays please follow this link to join the Chiltern Walks WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6e0xptc88z0B27aJlEHNwIf you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we are joined by Malc's brother Stewart to talk about Canoe expeditions in the wilds of Scotland.This is part one of a two part topic where we cover some basics:- Canoe vs Kayak- Preparation and planning- The importance of Weather- Weather making or breaking a trip- Safety and weather- Yes, weather (Just in case you missed it)- The  www.windy.com app- Provisions and how much you can live off the land/seaStu also talks about the wildlife on show and some near misses and having a plan B to turn to.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Malcolm and David use their many years of travelling independently to give advice for people without experience of independent travel. We discuss how to identify and manage the risk of this sort of travel and how to plan to get the most out of the trip and how to navigate and mitigate mishaps and the inevitable challenges. David, discusses the risks of catching Lyme's disease from a tick. However, these comments are specific to the UK where far fewer ticks carry Lyme's disease than in other parts of the world, such as some areas of North America.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Malcolm and David discuss their favourite places to hike in the UK.Hear us talk about the best places to stay, eat and walk. We discuss, waterfalls in Yorkshire and the Yorkshire 3 peaks hike. The differences between the dark and white peaks of the Derbyshire Peak District. The best that Wales has to offer and the Viking Way in Lincolnshire and the seals and birds of Norfolk.This episode is brought to you by Chiltern Walks who provide guided walks and walking holidays around the UK. If you'd like to be added to Chiltern Walks mailing list to receive details of our walking holidays please follow this link to join the Chiltern Walks WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6e0xptc88z0B27aJlEHNwIf you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we discuss Malcolm's Winter trip to Iceland.Hear us get to grips with plate tectonics, geophysics, atmospheric phenomena and avant-garde Icelandic art . Whilst avoiding snow blindness, scolding water and fermented fish based meals, sometimes all at the same time.We check out the well traveled Golden Circle route from Reykjavik including Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser and Gullfoss Waterfall.  We talk about hunting for the Northern lights and name check this helpful forecast service: https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn the second part of Overland to India we follow Ollie as he explores Kashmir and does a pre-mobile phone needle in a haystack hunt for Becca in Northern India.We continue to categorise the world by how it takes it's tea, and discuss whether dressing in local clothes is sensible or cultural misappropriation.After flying the last leg of the journey to Singapore, for some event or other, Ollie and Dave enjoyed Tioman island in Malaysia (one of the few places outside Europe that all three of us have visited) and a likely candidate for another episode.Finally, some reflections of the journey and future travel plans.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Malc and David are joined by Ollie to talk about his epic overland journey from the UK to India.  This first part focuses on the journey through Europe, Turkey, Syria and down into Lebanon then back up and through Iran before stopping at the Pakistan border.We talk about the journey itself events that happened on the way and the best modes of transport for this sort of journey.  Also tea, lots of tea.It looks increasingly unlikely any of us will be travelling through Syria or Iran in the near future so we hope you enjoy this look back on a more peaceful time.Part 2 is coming soon covering the Subcontinent, the final leg to Singapore and travels after Singapore.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we discuss the pros and cons of travelling solo or with a buddy. Malcolm discovers an unlikely resemblance to a famous film star and David shares some ideas on how to make a success of a holiday when travelling with a smaller group of friends and how this may change for a larger group.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we discuss Malcolm and David's previous safari experiences, including your traditional guided safari and your less traditional self drive safari. We talk about Malcolm's experiences with malaria and the safety procedures in place for camping while on safari, including how not to keep mosquitoes out of your tent and how to prevent monkeys getting to your food. You can learn from our mistakes.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we discuss David's recent island hopping trip in the Philippines. We will delve into: the activies on the trip, the food, the other people on the trip as well as the Filipino support crew. There is a discussion of toilet facilities both on land and on the boat. And Malcolm reveals a surprising fantasy, although David always suspected as much 😜The trip was organised and hosted by Seatours Palawan:https://seatourspalawan.com/We also compare this trip to David's 2016 diving live-a-board trip in Indonesia to Komodo island. What safety protocols were ignored and would travel insurance have been void if the worse had happened 😱

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we discuss the wine culture of the Czech Republic (Czechia if you are under 30, Czechoslovakia if you are over 60 and the Austro-Hungarian Empire if you are dead).In particular the South Moravian wine growing region where Malc happens to spend quite a lot of time.We will be talking about the small villages and cellars (sklepy).  What a wine tasting is like, when and how to just drop by to try and buy and how much you might pay.  In other parts of the country how to buy your small producer wine from Vinotekas.This very helpful website has loads of information on the topic: https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/things-to-do/places/gastronomic-tourism/wine-tourism/g-wine-culture-south-moravia

Send us Fan MailToday we are discussing a necessary evil, estate agents do make a surprise appearance, but the topic is planning.Too much planning stifles the enjoyment and spontaneity.Too little planning, well you would never get out of your front door.We discuss the pros and cons, when to dig deep, when to free wheel.Planning successes, failures and some epic near misses.And then an update from David's trip to the Philippines, today his move to a new location and diving including with Whale sharks.If you have a story to share or some advice on what to do in a Philippine bridal suites just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailWell, we were going to talk about Safaris and catch up with Dave after he landed in Cebu.  But as he was right royally messed around by hosts through Booking.com, instead we discuss how it went.  What to do and not to do when your accommodation falls through not once, but twice. Is once unlucky and twice careless?Will Dave get a refund?Will the world's tiniest violin make an appearance?Will anyone answer the awkward question of why he is alone in a Bridal suite? You will just have to listen to find out.Of course we also discuss the wider context, refunds, comms while travelling and Malc gives a hosts perspective for balance.If you have a story to share or some advice on what to do in a Philippine bridal suites just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this Episode Malc and Dave discuss Winter breaks and escaping the Grey.As is often the case, Malc tends to go on shorter breaks, commonly the Med Islands at the beginning of January or to Central Europe where it is cold crisp and blue.  Whereas David migrates to: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and now the Philippines, to escape for longer periods.We discuss both, looking at bargain travel, the advantages of going on holiday when everyone else isn't and the mental benefits of escaping the grey.If you have a story to share or some advice on escaping the grey just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailWe are old school friends (yes old), we have traveled together often, and separately much more.Whenever we meet we spend out time talking about our travels, with one eye whistful and nostalgic, and the other fresh and experienced.  Add to the mix that we both have a foot in the business of Travel, Dave with his walking holidays and Malc with his AIrBnB hosting, it means we have a broad and unique perspective on all aspects of travel.This trailer has a few clips and an intro with background etc. to give you a feel of what we are about.We are launching with five episodes and will be posting weekly from the middle of January.  Is there a reason we are going live on Blue Monday? Other than our enjoyment of New Order (actually more so Joy Division), it is also that we all need cheering up to look forward to the holidays to come.If you have a story to share or some feedback to give just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIf you have never done any international or long distance home country travel for business it probably sounds glamorous and interesting; spoiler alert...it really isn't.  It is a pain in the proverbial.  However, there is a way to take the edge off it and that is what we are looking at today.Malc and Dave talk about their experiences of business travel and the bonus experiences they have got from it that they would have struggled to achieve otherwise.  The hacks and tips about booking and planning, who to ask and what to ask.When you go somewhere for work you meet and spend time with people from that place, they are usually incredibly proud of their home and willing to share the best of it with anyone willing to listen, so if in doubt just ask.We cover countries including: Saudi Arabia, India, USA, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore and many more.Dave discusses which offers to accept and which to politely decline in Saudi Arabia and Malc talks about planning in advance and why trucks and airplanes should not be allowed to mix.  If you have a story to share or some feedback just contact us at [email protected] theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/

Send us Fan MailIn this first full and long episode Malc and Dave talk about their Interrailing in the early 90s, spilling the beans on newbie travel and the lowest of low cost travel around Europe.  Talking about the formative effect it had on our future travel lives and the joy of not planning.The episode covers all the major European cultural centres Paris, Florence, Hull, Amsterdam, Venice, Munich and did I mention Hull? We cover city center camping, sleeping on trains, sleeping on stations and how not to cook Calamari.In the 2nd half we talk about our more recent experiences of rail travel and friends recent EuroPass travel experiences (Interrailing) how much it costs and how we might do it differently these days (with much more travel experience behind us).Coming in Episode 3 - Corporate holidays (fitting in travel around business trips)If you have a story to share or some advice on Interrailing just contact us at [email protected] notes:It looks like the campsites we used in Amsterdam and Florence are no longer there, but this one looks decent: https://www.campingzeeburg.nl/Also see this helpful video for how to convert the six person seating zones in European trains into three beds: https://youtu.be/qB9Fs0ceUGI?si=1YQZtLJ2BavDgcMPOur theme music is Traveler's Blues by Jerzy Gorecki from Pixabay (with licence)https://pixabay.com/users/jerzyg%C3%B3recki-2233926/