I've followed Anthony Bourdain's show, No Reservations, for years. I've read his books, and love viewing the world with him on his show. I was recently sent a review copy of No Reservations, Collection 7: Forbidden Detour to Cuba and Beyond. It's a glimpse into life in countries or locations where life isn't easy, for one reason or another (politics, regimes, nature, etc.).

Episode locations within No Reservations, Collection 7: Forbidden Detour to Cuba and Beyond:
Disc 1: Haiti, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Vienna, Ozarks
Disc 2: Brazil: The Amazon, Boston, Japan: Hokkaido, Cuba, Macau
Disc 3: Naples, El Bulli, Ukraine, Kurdistan, Cajun Country 

Truth: I wanted to wait to write about this dvd until I'd seen all 3 dvds in the case. However, it's so good that I can't wait. In fact, I dole each episode out slowly to myself, as a treat. Sort of like how you dig into the Halloween/Christmas/Easter candy a few weeks before, and love every single sneaked bite. Rather than have you all wait until I've doled out the treats to myself, I thought I'd give you this goodness all at once.

So, here are my thoughts, partway through the set.

I was stunned (stunned!) by the intercultural component of the show. Bourdain digs deeply into each culture that he visits, from history to politics to daily life. Yes, food is a central part of the show, but more as a showcase for exploring the culture. I've watched (so far) Cambodia, Cajun Country, Brazil: Amazon, Ukraine, Cuba, and Kurdistan.

Each one is a complete treasure - overflowing with life, personal exploration, full of interesting cultural informants; each one teaching a great deal about the place. I can't say how impressed I am with this set, and already have bought a few for gifts. It's the perfect viewing time for me - learning about a place with someone that understands that culture is important. It's not a tourist route, for sure. And while Bourdain seems to offer at least one tiresome cultural reference to Kardashians or Paris Hilton in each episode, that's easy to overlook with the excellent glimpse into local culture. And the food - oh, the food. While it doesn't take center place, as you might think, it definitely plays a key role. For what better way to bond with locals - and learn about a culture - than by eating together? From shopping at local markets to eating in homes and restaurants, Bourdain gives a real glimpse into life in these difficult places.

In the episode on the Ukraine, the team visited Chernobyl - something that happened in my lifetime, and I was glad to learn more about what it's like now (hint: scary). Meanwhile, the food looked amazing.

Zamir and Tony on their way out of the old Soviet submarine base in Balaklava. 'Please don't ask me to explain Zamir's sailor suit. It's from his days with the Russian version of the Village People.'

In the episode on the Brazilian Amazon, I reeled back to my college Anthropology classes, and was sad that not that much has changed, for some of these tribes - although grateful to Bourdain for showing the humanity within the Amazon. 

Chef Ofir prepares dinner for Tony and other guests. The meal consists of filhote fish and pato no tucupi (duck in tucupi sauce)

In Cajun Country, I was elated to see a community come together to cook and eat. It's a glimpse into gathering to use everything within an animal - from raising it to butchering it, and everyone cooking - and then eating! Remarkable. There was also a segment on recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and good eats within New Orleans.

At Treme legend Willie Mae's Scotch House with author, journalist and writer for Treme, Lolis Eric Elie and the chef

Tony assists in the butchering of the hog

In the episode on Cuba, I was enlightened as to the cultural effects of being cut off for so long, from ancient cars to crumbling architecture. What I loved about this was the part on baseball - truly fun!

La Esquina Caliente aka 'the Hot Corner,' arguing about the national religion.

Tony travels to Cuba to find the heart and soul of the island nation that's rich in good food, time-honored traditions, glorious architecture and pristine cars from a different era. Tony embraces the passions of the native people and marvels at one of the more beautiful cities he's ever seen. 

In Kurdistan, I loved seeing the locals - and how they were so involved in building their future. Bourdain also ate with three US soldiers, and their insights into the local culture (and military presence) were enlightening. While the No Reservations team had to undergo extensive hazardous environment training (skip if you freak out at blood, even fake), luckily the trip went without incident. It goes to show you that great preparation (and an extraordinary security team) can really make a difference.

Kurdish wedding party

The geographic region of Kurdistan comprises land that touches five countries: eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, western Iran, northern Syria and Armenia. Tony and his crew ventured to the war-torn Kurdish region to explore the tragic history and the hopeful future of the Kurds, and sat down with three US soldiers stationed in the fledgling country.

In the Cambodia episode (we're publishing a book on Moving to Cambodia next month, so I was extremely interested), he notes:

It's good to be alive, back in Cambodia...

Since my first trip here ten years ago, I've been to nearly every corner of the globe...after a while, even the most beautiful scenery threatnens to become moving wallpaper, backgroung. But other times it all seems to come together - the work, the play, all the places I've been - where I am now. A happy, stupid, wonderful confluence of events.

How do I sum up Cambodia? That's the wrong question. You don't sum it up.

Open your eyes
Let it happen
Breathe it in

Tony enjoys a meal with a rice-farming family in Cambodia

Tony and Dr. Kek enjoy fresh crab in Kep

See? I can't recommend this series highly enough - it's the first tv show I've seen that GETS why we travel - to connect with locals, and understand how they live. Tony Bourdain is a true global citizen, educating the world.

All photos courtesy and copyright Travel Channel No Reservations.