Interview with Mike, a travel-foodie from Gastronomad Experiences5 min read

Interview with Mike, a travel-foodie from Gastronomad Experiences5 min read

Reading Time: 4 minutes

I had a pleasure to talk to Mike Elgan an American journalist, blogger, columnist and podcaster. He writes for publications including Insider Pro, SecurityIntelligence and Fast Company.

Hi Mike, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your lifestyle?

Sure. I’m a technology columnist, which means (among other things) that I can work anywhere. My wife and I are what you might call super-foodies, and we love exploring food cultures around the world. When there’s no pandemic on, we spend a total of probably 8 or 9 months abroad, with trips back to the US to see family. 

Three years ago, my wife launched a business called Gastronomad Experiences, where we host other travel-foodie fans for a week in some amazing location where we tast and make wine, cheese, bread and more. We do these in France, Italy, Spain, Morocco and Mexico. 

As a result of these experiences, we visit each of these locations at least twice a year, and squeeze in other locations — preferably ones we’ve never been to before — when we can. 

What is your current destination and what you are planning next?

We’re sheltering in place with family in California right now. We’re hoping to make it back to Spain in August. (Near Barcelona.) 

What do you like the most about being a Digital Nomad?

It enables me to live abroad most of the time. I love being the only American in the room, in a town or in the area. I love living life more or less how others live it. I think people watch movies and read novels so they can imagine what it’s life to be another person living a different life. I feel like my life is an endless series of movies and novels… but it’s real. 

I’ve met so many incredible people around the world. I get the opportunity to befriend thousands of people, and the people I do end up forming friendships with are just the most amazing people imaginable. 

Is there something that you do not like?

Living as a digital nomad and living abroad are two different things. There’s nothing I dislike about being a digital nomad. Living abroad takes me away from my 3-year-old granddaughter, and that’s very hard. 

Having said that, my book on the subject, called Gastronomad, has five chapters and one whole chapter of that book is about the downsides, risks, fears and problems. But, again, that’s not about being a digital nomad; that’s about living nomadically abroad. 

What is a place/country you liked the most while travelling and why?

The place I’ve been to most recently tends to be my favorite. But overall, I’d have to say that Mexico is my favorite country to travel in. The people are so warm and friendly and the food is mind-blowingly good. 

Would you like to recommend a certain coworking space?

Coffice in Mexico City is the best one I’ve seen because it’s very cheap and they serve high-quality healthy home-made food. 

Let’s talk about community. Is there a special place/city that you particularly liked because of people/community?

Every place. But I was pretty blown away by Georgia (the country). Such warm, friendly and refined people. 

Mike, can you tell us what is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is that I will eventually help millions of people abandon a tourism approach to travel and embrace the gastronomad approach — go somewhere and live as temporary locals. 

In case you have a motto, could you share it with us?

I try to make the case that in order to be a digital nomad, you don’t need some strange digital nomad job. You just need a work-from-home job, which are becoming far more common. Because — and here comes the motto — “If you can work from home, you can work from Rome.” 

Is there something that you would like to add?

Yes: In the post-pandemic world, it’s time to re-think tourism. With more people working remotely and crowded spots plagued by over-tourism a risk to health, it’s time to embrace very, very slow travel while working. 

Could you share with us the names of two inspiring digital nomads that you are following?

I don’t really follow any digital nomads.

Written by: Kristina Lukacova, a DN that enjoys good food, good wine and good vibes.  If you would like to know more about Mike visit his blog or his site Gastronomad Experiences.

Kika

Kristina Lukacova, a DN that enjoys good food, good wine and good vibes.

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