One of Botswana’s claims to fame is the belief that it was the birthplace of modern humans, approximately 200,000 years ago. Obviously with no written records until (relatively) recently there’s a bit of guess-work involved in understanding the intervening hundreds of milennia, but we do know that cattle were introduced to southern Africa around 2,000…… Continue reading Week 91: Botswana
Week 90: Kyrgyzstan
I don’t think anyone I’ve mentioned this week’s adventure to has heard of poor ol’ Kyrgyzstan, but there’s a very well-documented and more or less continuous record since antiquity. I only know of it through learning Russian – in that the “ky” and “gy” sound combination (you know, the whole entire country’s name) is impossible…… Continue reading Week 90: Kyrgyzstan
Week 89: Belgium
Chocolate. Beer. Waffles. Tell me your mind didn’t go there first, like mine did. I do love me some rich, dark Belgian chocolate, but I sure wasn’t going to try and make some from scratch. Same for beer, I haven’t set up the home brew kit I’ve been fantasising about for so long, so I’m…… Continue reading Week 89: Belgium
Week 88: Malaysia
As a country, Malaysia is a relatively new entrant on the world scene – but evidence of human habitation dates back over 1.8 million years. I knew it was a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, so was quite excited about this week! There were a number of centuries where the area was dominated by…… Continue reading Week 88: Malaysia
Week 87: Tonga
Tonga, an archipelago in the South Pacific, has a history shaped by Polynesian migration, European contact, and its unique status as the only Pacific nation never to be fully colonised. The traditional culture of Tonga, including its culinary traditions, reflects its deep connection to the sea, reliance on local produce, and a strong sense of…… Continue reading Week 87: Tonga
Week 86: Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, has a history deeply rooted in nomadic and Silk Road cultures. While the culinary traditions of Turkmenistan may not be as widely known as some other regions, they are influenced by its nomadic past, Turkic heritage, and the agricultural practices of the region. Photo by Ebrar Karabulut on Pexels.com The…… Continue reading Week 86: Turkmenistan
Week 85: Vietnam
Vietnam has a rich and complex history that has greatly influenced its culinary traditions. The country’s history can be broadly divided into several periods, each contributing to the diverse and flavorful cuisine that Vietnam is known for today. Photo by Tomu00e1u0161 Malu00edk on Pexels.com The earliest Vietnamese civilizations were centered in the Red River Delta.…… Continue reading Week 85: Vietnam
Week 84: Guyana
Learning a little about Guyana was an interesting read this week! I thought it was a Caribbean island nation, but I was mistaken. It’s the only English-speaking country in South America, wedged in between Venezuela (which claims more than half of Guyana as its own, more on that later…) and Suriname (which claims a decent…… Continue reading Week 84: Guyana
Week 83: Comoros
The history of Comoros, an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, is marked by a blend of indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and political challenges. The islands have been inhabited for centuries, with Arab and African traders contributing to the islands’ cultural diversity. In the 16th century, the islands…… Continue reading Week 83: Comoros
Week 82: Belarus
The history of Belarus is a complex tapestry woven through centuries of shifting powers, cultural influences, and political changes. Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, Belarus has been inhabited since ancient times by various Slavic and Baltic tribes. By the Middle Ages, it became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a vast…… Continue reading Week 82: Belarus
Travelling by Tastebuds 