Experience the world from your sofa | Part 5

As the days start merging into one, it’s sometimes difficult to keep a positive and motivated mindset. What’s one of the keys to a positive attitude you may ask? Always have something to look forward to. Even if it’s small things like reading a book, watching a captivating film or writing a shopping list for a new dish you’ve never tried before. 

Enjoy Part 5 of Experience the world from your sofa and remember to spread the positivity. 

The best travel programmes, films, music, books, recipes, games and more

TV

Around The World For Free

Photo credit: Amazon Prime

Take some time out of your day to unwind and watch ‘Around the World for Free’. Become encapsulated in traveller Alex Boylan’s mission: to travel the world without a penny, relying only on the kindness of strangers to help him achieve his adventure. Let Alex take you on a non-stop 159-day journey across the world and witness his extraordinary pursuit. We’re sure you’ll be glued to the telly in no time! 

Watch this series on Amazon Prime Video here. 

Film

Netflix – Wild

Be inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s performance in ‘Wild’. After her mother’s death and many poor life decisions, her character makes a brave (although some would say wild) decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, alone and with absolutely no experience. Be wowed by the beautiful landscapes, along with her sheer determination and drive for self-redemption. Our only advice is to prepare yourself for an emotional journey. 

Find this film on Netflix (UK).

Podcast

Women Who Travel – Condé Nast Traveler 

Condé Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey explore the realities of travelling as a woman today. They celebrate women who stir things up when it comes to adventure, food, hospitality, travel and journalism. 

Highlighting the reasons why they refuse not to travel, it’s hard to stop your mind wandering and dreaming about destinations around the world you’re itching to get to. Steal ideas off these empowering women for your first trip after lockdown. 

Listen to this binge-worthy podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Book

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

Are you looking for a book that’ll keep you hooked for hours? Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is a great start. A thrilling novel about how an Australian criminal escaped from prison and fled to Bombay to avoid his fate. Follow his gripping story which covers a variety of themes such as friendship, love, poverty, crime and exile, and experience the criminal underworld from your cosy sofa far away from it all. We promise it is a page-turner.

Buy this book from Waterstones, download to your Kindle or listen on Audiobooks.

Quiz

Lonely Planet – Friday Quiz

Trivia Fridays! Lonely Planet is releasing a difficult quiz every Friday to put your knowledge of the world to the test. Feed your competitive side and challenge your friends virtually. Good luck and have fun.

Find the quiz on the articles page on their website.  

Recipe

Vietnamese Caramel Pork Lettuce Wraps

Another delicious recipe to ramp up your weeknight dinners. These delicious Vietnamese caramel pork lettuce wraps have been recommended by our Vietnam Travel Specialist, Miles.

“My travelling adventures have allowed me to experience many different cultures and cuisines that I didn’t even know existed before. I love the food in Vietnam, the flavours are always fresh and distinctive.”

Caramel Pork Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

For the caramel pork: 

½ cup dark brown sugar tightly packed

1 tablespoon water

1 ½ cups coconut water

2 medium-size shallots halved lengthwise and sliced very thin

3 garlic cloves finely minced

2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

2-3 teaspoons chilli garlic sauce

2 ½ pounds trimmed pork shoulder cut into 1/2-inch pieces

To serve:

2 cups finely sliced red cabbage

2-3 Persian cucumbers (small seedless cucumbers) thinly sliced

2 cups shredded carrots

Boston, bib or butter lettuce leaves

Chopped salted peanuts

5-minute Easy Peanut Sauce

Method

• Combine brown sugar and water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir until combined. Once the mixture begins to bubble, continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add remaining ingredients, stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a steady, simmer. Simmer for 60-70 minutes uncovered, stirring every 15 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the pork is tender.
• Continue to cook at this point, stirring frequently until the pork reaches a deep caramel colour and most of the liquid is gone and pork is glazed.
• Serve with shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, thinly sliced cucumbers, Boston, bob or butter lettuce, chopped peanuts and peanut sauce.

Find the full recipe here.

More inspiration, coming soon

Liked our travel-inspired round-up? Pop back next week for another round of inspiration, with our top picks of the best film, TV, books, music and more to keep you entertained.