Naifu grew up in China  as a boy, and had yet to return as an adult. In this podcast, Jordan and Naifu discuss the differences between China and North America, touching on topics such as Food & Culture, Individualism, Business Practices,  and the sheer amount of humans in the People's Republic.

TOAST

Returning "Home" After Decades in Canada

Full Video:  https://youtu.be/aWrtTHaCMxY In 2016, my good friend @vincityx took the leap and followed his dream of moving to Europe. In this episode, we discuss the good and bad that comes with moving to a foreign country as well as the challenges that come with moving back after years of living a new life.  .  In the end, we both agree that moving abroad is a life-changing experience, one that will allow you to learn more about yourself and give you a new outlook on your life and the world as a whole.

Taking the Leap: New Country, New Life? with Vince Paquette

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/KUldp0-2JBk Switching up from the TOAST usual, I have my brother in (his own) studio talking about our respective experience of China.  How much has it changed? What did Marc do that I didn't and vice versa?   Our stories and experience diverge quite a bit but the overall thing to take away is that we both have numerous stories and incredible experiences from the trips.

Comparing Trips: China with Marc Angelo Coppola

Full Vid: https://youtu.be/_yxXG48JaYs Have you ever tried to make yourself a garden only to find a large white brick in the ground then you ask the government about it and get your (and your neighbours') home repossessed by the government to dig out a Roman amphitheater? . Yup, that's the official story of how this 2100 year old structure was (re)discovered and further reconstructed in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. . Hear about one of my favourite spots in Central/Eastern (depending who you ask) in today's video.

Recently Discovered Roman Amphitheater in Europe's Oldest City

Full Video: https://youtu.be/J9C8wLTexi8 They say bad things happen in threes.. but what about good ones? . It seems like my whole experience in Bulgaria and subsequent Romania were just a string of luck that just so happened to fall into categories of threes. . Today's episode I introduce Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and a lovely city that I can't wait to return to. . I made some awesome friends there that I have visited a few times since. .

A Bulgarian Serendipitous Domino

Full vid: https://youtu.be/ANe0xmiqKzE Being in Europe and stumbling upon an entire village made with schist, a method of stacking stones without any adhesion, is absolutely mind boggling. . Bringing in feelings of Alberobello in Italy or incredible Incan villages in the Andes (South America), this Schist village blew me away. It's so prehistoric and meditative to build structures in a manner that contradicts gravity thanks to balance. . Needless to say, Coimbra shouldn't be muffled as it's a historically important university city which is almost as photogenic as the ruins in the hills.

Schist Village & Coimbra

Full video: https://youtu.be/clFq20RdBPw The beauty of the Algarve region is impossible to overrate. Looking back on some of my experiences I realized how happy I am that next time I visit I'll be able to converse (once I practice the EU pronunciation rules) with the locals and drastically modify my experience. . Leaving for a year abroad in early 2017 made me a little... frugal. . Luckily I have no issues making friends and traveling budget friendly when I'm alone so I made it all work out. . Check out the story and let me know if you have suggestions for future countries!

Southern Portugal on a Shoestring

FULL VID: https://youtu.be/zI1TaRUoJ1I . After snorkelling and driving around the sandy Fraser island.. it was time to turn up the adrenaline. . I don't consider myself an extreme sport enthusiast but there definitely is something to be said about adrenaline rushes. I feel like time moves more slowly when your body is convinced it's going to meet its end.

Jumping From High Above - Skydiving and Bungy Jumping in Australia

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/6B4hzeziFfI Dropbears are terrifying enough to have nightmare about, dropping from trees and endangering lives of all those who walk under them.. but luckily this story doesn't have any close encounters with them. . Hitting some of Australia's most scenic spots on the northeastern coast, I cut the story in two episodes because nobody could handle that much awesome in one sitting. 

Australia - Brisbane to Cairns Pt.1

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/av3DO6BOQXM . Snowboarding in August, bungy jumping in the midle of a canyon, switching ecosystems multiple times a day.. Seems like a normal day on the south island of New Zealand! . As you may know, NZ has left a really long lasting imprint on my life as I went there 9 years ago and it hasn't budged from its position in my top 3 countries. . Instead of reading this, you'd be better off hearing me get all excited in the episode :)

August Snowboarding & Bungy Jumping in New Zealand

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TbfK_CjUaVM New Zealand shouldn't strike you as anything less than awe inspiring. Sheer untouched nature around every corner, ecosystems that change at the drop of a hat and yet somehow alluring enough to keep you guessing. . Going to NZ I had high expectations that were literally pulverized, blown out of the water and shipped into orbit because the sights, sentiments and disposition (of: do I reeeeeally wanna catch that flight home??) were overwhelming. . Check out the story so I don't waste your time with this text :)

Glaciers, Beaches & Mountains in Kiwiland (NZ)

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/sARASgV5cYQ Imagine setting out to travel 2000+km with nothing but your thumb and silly dance moves. . Now imagine appealing to some Chilean ladies so much that they let you tag along their trip for 3 days. . I guess today's episode is about my middle name, Fortunato, which I am. . Luck seems to be tightly linked to persistence. Every time I'm at the verge or in the middle of giving up, the tides turn and I get rewarded for my patience.

The Ultimate Hitchhike - Carretera Austral

FULL VID: https://youtu.be/oQFBH_tygC0 We all know the journey is more important than the destination so this fabled adventure gets two stories. . Using only my thumb, smile and over the top dance moves I made it from the top to the bottom of Patagonia. Glaciers, mountains, tons of wildlife and a whole lot of introspection were encountered. . Sometimes the toughest trials are where the magic of personal growth and fear mesh to make you a better human person. . I hope you're all safe and speaking words of peace, love & acceptance in these trying times. 

Carretera Austral - Chile's Most Bountiful Highway Pt. 1

FULL VID: https://youtu.be/gnHYO-zdcdA Travelling alone is probably my favorite way to travel because, well, you're never really alone. You latch on to or acquire fellow travellers as you see fit but most importantly you make lifelong friendships from unplanned moments.. like long bus rides, or simply sitting in the right hostel at the right time :) . Follow my journey from America's first city to some of Colombias best hidden treasures!

Cartagena, Minca & More with The Germans

FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/8uAFN3oVBsU Traveling through a country or region should always spark the search "what cultural events are happening there while I'm around?" on your browser. . Think of someone visiting the USA or Canada in early July just to spend our national holidays camping or on a day-long bus ride.   . Luckily, I didn't need to worry about missing this one as it's a worldwide cultural phenomena (season?) that I wouldn't have missed even if I had been in North Korea.

hubhopper

TOAST

hubhopper