Brian's Table

09/18/2026

Hey Folks!

Being a bit of a child of the 1970s, there was that Barry Manilow hit "Copacabana." Heading to Peru and Bolivia and discovering a place called Copacabana on Lake Titicaca, of course I had to visit it. And it turned out to be an important site and bookend on my Peru leg as it was the birthplace of the Incas and provided greater context to Machu Pichu and other sites seen before.

Join me on a quiet, albeit a bit challenging (because of the altitude) journey across Isla del Sol, a stunning, car-free island floating on the surprisingly vast waters of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. According to ancient legends, this breathtaking island is the exact birthplace of the Sun God, Inti, and the foundation of the mighty Inca Empire.

At 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level, walking the ancient stone trails of Isla del Sol feels like stepping back in time. In this travel vlog, we take a boat out onto the world's highest navigable lake, hike the historic agricultural terraces still used by the local Aymara people today, and explore the ruins of Pilkokaina—the ancient Inca Sun Temple.

If you are planning a trip to Bolivia or just want to experience the tranquil beauty of the Andes, sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible views of Lake Titicaca and this island.

If you enjoyed this cinematic travel experience, please LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE for more silent walking tours and cultural documentaries from around the world. Let me know in the comments if you would ever hike at this altitude!

Isla del Sol, Bolivia: Exploring Lake Titicaca and Isla del sol (Te...

09/11/2026

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/czo0P5bI4yA

Welcome to Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao, the massive, vibrant heart of Bogotá, Colombia! In this vlog, we walk through one of South America’s most incredible local food hubs to explore its endless aisles, exotic fruit displays, meat sections, and authentic daily market culture.

So... I had an ethical quandary in posting this video - I was filming in a place that I thought was public that turned out to be privately owned. When I stopped filming I found I needed to get permission to film. I feel this is a gray area - it was a public market, and there were no signs stating no filming allowed, AND, in the final edit presents a positive view of this lovely market while showing the evidence of my error in not checking. I know this also is a quandary in respecting local laws and culture. My solution/position: I will remove it if requested by the Market.

From endless stacks of rare Andean fruits like Guanábana, Lulo, Granadilla, and Yellow Pitahaya to the chaotic, fast-paced energy of local vendors, this video gives you an unfiltered look inside an aspect of daily life in Bogotá. And let me know the names of the fruits and vegetables I missed! If you are planning a trip to Colombia or love immersive travel walking tours, Paloquemao is a spot you definitely have to see.

If you enjoyed stepping inside Bogotá’s biggest market with us, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Comment below with which section you’d want to explore first!

09/04/2026

One of my favourite pieces of public art, and great landmark to meet arriving passengers, is a massive bronze sculpture of a horse in Barcelona's airport. That sculpture was was made by Fernando Botero - one of Colombia's most famous artists. And he has a distinctive style like no other. So, of course when I was in Bogota, I had to visit!

So, why did world-renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero paint and sculpt his subjects in such massive, exaggerated proportions? Step inside the historic La Candelaria district of Bogotá, Colombia to explore the world-famous Museo Botero (Museos del Banco de la República) and the historic Casa de Moneda (Mint Museum)!

In this walkthrough, we uncover the secrets of "Boterismo"—Botero's signature artistic style exploring volume, sensuality, and proportion. See some of his iconic masterworks up close, including his famous volumetric version of the Mona Lisa, alongside international masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, and Dalí that Botero personally donated to the public—completely free of charge!

Right next door, we step into Casa de Moneda, a 17th-century colonial mint house where South America's very first gold coins were struck in 1621. Discover how Colombia's currency evolved from pre-Columbian gold trade to modern paper money inside one of Bogotá’s most peaceful historic courtyards in the heart of the city centre.

If you enjoyed this visual museum tour of Bogotá, Colombia:
👍 LIKE this video if you love Botero's unique art style!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Brian's Table for weekly travel, food, and culture documentaries worldwide!
💬 COMMENT below: What do you think of Botero's style—genius or bizarre?

One of my favourite pieces of public art, and great landmark to mee...

09/03/2026

What's the significance of our partnership with Ottawa Farm Fresh () this weekend? With rising food prices, it challenges the balance of how to affordably follow a healthy diet. The imperative on us to create a local sustainable food system to maximize and encourage the production of more fresh and seasonal foods. We are all responsible to make sure that happens here in Canada and around the world.
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09/02/2026

What does the dining experience at Ottawa Farm Fresh () look like this weekend? We will be dining at the farm with a new table set up. We are still debating whether it'll be 4 or 5 courses, but its all about what we can turn this weeks produce into a tasty, healthy meal and sharing it together with friends new and old. C'mon out and enjoy!
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09/02/2026

One of the inspirations for this upcoming dining experience with Ottawa Farm Fresh () and my private dinners is showing folks that heathy food can be sexy, tasty food. Anything farm-to-table tends to be either fine dining or homestyle. We operate in a different space where we focus of bringing out the most of fresh, seasonal local ingredients with a few global inspirations.
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09/01/2026

Hey folks: This Friday & Saturday, Ottawa Farm Fresh () in partnership with yours truly are hosting (the first) farm fresh dining experience on site at the farm. How did it come together? Watch and find out about the journey to this point.
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08/28/2026

Video Link: https://youtu.be/2e0kkqPzAEk

My walking tour of the city of Bogota continues!

Join me as I explore the world-famous Gold Museum to the colorful streets of La Candelaria. Along the way we discover Colombia's legendary emerald district, fascinating indigenous history, vibrant street art, local markets, and hidden corners that many visitors never see.

This walking tour isn't just about sightseeing—it's about understanding the history, culture, its indigenous past/present and everyday life that make Bogotá one of South America's most fascinating capitals.

A huge thanks to Felipe and John from Tours Premium Bogota for sharing their local knowledge and making this an unforgettable experience. If you're planning a trip to Colombia or simply love authentic travel experiences, this outfit is for you.

If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe and let me know in the comments:

What surprised you most about Bogotá?

Thanks for watching…

Remember

08/21/2026

Video: https://youtu.be/An9C7P_oOPo (Apologies, Meta is blocking my YouTube links).

Did this place remind me of the book "The Davinci Code?" Yes. Yes, it did.

Is St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta the most lavish church in the world? Unlikely (I think the Vatican won that contest), but... From the outside, it looks like a plain, austere military complex built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565. But step inside, and you'll find over 60 kilograms of real gold leaf, intricate marble tomb floors, and world-famous masterpieces by Caravaggio!

In this tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral, we cover the basics you need to know before visiting this Cathedral. Learn how to skip the line with online tickets, explore the 8 chapels dedicated to the European Langues of the Knights, discover the story behind Caravaggio’s famous 'Beheading of St. John the Baptist', and look inside the Grandmaster's Crypt!

Whether you are traveling to Malta or love history, art, and architecture, this walking tour gives you an inside look at one of Europe's greatest Baroque treasures.

If you enjoyed this travel and history documentary from Valletta, Malta:

👍 LIKE this video if you were blown away by the gold interior!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Brian's Table for weekly food and travel adventures worldwide!
💬 COMMENT below: Which part amazed you more—the 60kg of gold or Caravaggio's art?

08/19/2026

Don’t Flush This in South America | Travel Tip

Hey folks! Here’s a travel tip that might surprise you — in Argentina and many parts of South America, you don’t flush toilet paper.

Instead, it goes in a bin beside the toilet. And no, it’s not random — there are solid reasons behind it.

A lot of the infrastructure in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador is older and not designed to handle paper waste in the sewage system. Flushing it can lead to blockages and expensive maintenance issues.

By keeping toilet paper out of the system, communities are able to maintain more efficient and affordable water services.

Also, in many parts of the world — from Southern Europe to places like India, Pakistan, and Japan — people rely on bidets or water-based cleaning methods, which are often considered more hygienic.

It might feel unusual at first, but understanding these differences helps you travel smarter — and respect how local systems actually work.