Recently I had the pleasure of attending a talk and book signing given by The Travel Channel’s Adam Richman. He spoke at the Barnes and Noble at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. While his tv show “Man Vs. Food” is definitely not a vegan program, I thought it would be exciting and interesting to hear the words of a career traveler!
His speech was not at all lengthy. However, I did indeed find it to be fascinating. It kept my interest, especially since his story spoke of a vegan food, the “bagel”. He recounted the story of how the bagel, as we know it came into existence. I listened attentively as he revealed the doughy breakfast food’s journey from country to country across Europe, passing through the eatern portion of the continent. It was first created in Austria by a Jewish baker for the king of Poland to thank him for protecting his country from the Turks. The bagel made its way to Russia and became a symbol of good luck. As eastern European Jews immigrated to the United States, the American bagel craze started. He spoke of Murray Lender and his bagel emporium as it swept the United States around a half century ago.
Adam emphasized the idea that food, culture and travel go hand in hand. His speech, though brief had emphasized my quest for global travel and experiencing international foods. He was on a book signing tour promoting the book he wrote about foods he encountered during his travels in the United States. As mentionned a few months earlier, I published an EBook offering travel advice for vegan travelers. It can be purchased online at www.traveltheworldasavegan.com.
It did not matter that he did not specifically mention vegan meals. His passion for food and culture served as a reminder to me that by experiencing the cuisine of other lands, your travels bring you closer to the international peoples and understanding their world better. You may be given the opportunity to ask the tv host about vegan foods he encountered during his travels. Better yet you could even raise your hand and mention that you feel it is about time that television networks develop an on air program for vegan travelers. Who knows.. the host even go back to his network and tell the executives about your idea! He appeared authentically appreciative of the importance of world travel and the local food to represent the people and their culture.
I strongly encourage every vegan traveler..everyone in general to take advantage of any opportunity to attend a talk given by a Travel Channel host. It will most definitely fuel your desire to continue your vegan travels and experience other cultures through their meals!