2017-09-15
Alternatives to Anthony Bourdain
After i finished editing, remastering and uploading my latest origami crane videos, i binge-watched three travel-food channels on YouTube. In 2006, i discovered Anthony Bourdain in "No Reservations", and since then, i like this kind of format and style. I dreamed about travelling around the world, but this was all i got: 142 episodes full of travel and food. I saw so many different people, and how they lived, i wouldn't have otherwise. I liked the point of view of Anthony Bourdain, but every show will end at some point, and so did his. Luckily, with the rise of YouTube, people can put all kind of content out there, and some of it do fill the empty spot he left behind.
All three channels i binge-watched are run by Canadians. Not necessarily by my own choice, but rather by chance. It does makes sense too, since i watch almost only videos in English. And Canadians travel more abroad, and are perceived as friendlier, than the average American. I grew up with German television, but i don't have a TV anymore since a long time. This made me learn and like the diversity i get through content in English. Because there is just more of the good stuff on the internet than in any other language.
I really enjoy "Samuel and Audrey" and "Simon and Martina": Married couples travelling around and trying local food. Their happiness feels real and is contagious, unlike other YouTubers, who are more bad actors than good people. I almost didn't watch "The Food Ranger", also known as Trevor James. Because he was smiling too much at first. But his "local friend", also known as "Chu Chu" from Chengdu, made me keep watching his videos. Then i got his point of view and it made me subscribe to his channel. But all these YouTubers are not in the same league as Anthony Bourdain. He is just hard to beat for many reasons.