FT: Name the most unexpectedly delicious food that you have
tried since being the host of The Voyager.
JG: Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest im-
pressions. I remember a brilliant group of chefs in Barcelona that
made me a steamed potato that was hit with a dash of salt, then
smothered in a unique aioli that was made from roasted garlic
and olive oil. That’s it. I’ve thought about it everyday since and
am dying to make it at home but considering I’ve been on the
road since January of 2016, it may be a while!
FT: We hear you like to sing. Is music a central part of each ex-
perience in another part of the world? How does music bring
you closer to the culture you’re visiting with?
JG: I don’t know who told you this or how you found out but it is
absolutely true. As much as I enjoy learning and hearing about
the music of different cultures, it’s not uncommon to catch me
rocking out to terribly cheesy pop songs by my lonesome. I’m
such a goober in my car or the shower and always trying to give
Mariah or Kelly Clarkson a run for their money. I fail miserably, but
have a blast doing it.
FT: What does a normal day of filming The Voyager look like?
JG: We have a lot to do in a short amount of time. And when you
factor in a hard-working, hungry crew, unpredictable weather, and
all the things I want to do, we’re looking at a very long day, and
you bet we’re up very early and in bed pretty late. It’s totally worth
it though.
FT: How important is cultural diversity? Is it hard for travelers
to integrate themselves into local traditions?
JG: To me, diversity is the spice of life. When I travel I want some-
thing different, a time stamp, a flair, anything to set this trip apart
from the others. To me it’s very important. And truth be told, in my
experience, most places have tourism events catered specifically
to exposing more people to the cultural diversity of that region.
Some are quite generic and touristy, others less so. Regardless,
it’s almost always very accessible if one bothers to get up and
seek it out. What you seek, is seeking you!
FT: Do you prefer to travel alone or with friends and family?
What are the benefits of being a solo traveler?
JG: Don’t tell my mom, but I love the freedom of solo travel. It
used to scare me to death. I thought I’d be lonely and bored, but
when you consider that the planet is loaded with friendly, chatty
locals and travelers everywhere you go, I was hooked! Solo travel
allows me all the fun and adventure to choose where I eat, what
I explore, when I pee, who I talk to, and how I get there. I don’t
have to bother with anyone but me. Maybe that makes me selfish,
but hey, in this context I’m TOTALLY okay with that.
Food Traveler | Summer 2017 | 107