Great news everyone! You have been asking when Sam will be here and I am happy to announce that she will be hanging out on the forums next week from Monday the 13th through Friday the 17th. I will open this forum topic Sunday night so that everyone may begin posting their questions and comments.

I would like to welcome Samantha Brown back to the forum! The forum will be closed for new topics and is only open for replies on this topic. The goal is to keep all of the questions in one place. I will open up a second topic later in the week if this topic begins to get too long. Thank you again for joining us Samantha! I am sure everyone will enjoy the visit.

Thank you for coming back to the forum! I’m sure we’ll keep you busy this week!

My question is:

What is the worst part about your job? Another way of saying that is, if you had to give it all up, what would you miss the least? I don’t mean complaints, mind you, nothing so gauche, just a little dose of reality for those of us who believe that you really do have the best job in the world; hence it must be perfect!

Thanks.

Welcome back to the forums Sam!It has been a long time since your last visit. I have some questions for you regarding your experience with crusing. First of all, could you tell me a little more about your Mediterranean cruise experience? Are you passionate about crusing? Do you plan on taking many more cruises and if so, do you think you will make a show out of it like Great Hotels? Speaking of Great Hotels, when does the new season start? There are thousands of suggestions on the Great Hotels forum that I would love for the producers to consider, that is if you do another season. If you did, I would strongly suggest you visit the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island- everyone seems to recommend it. I'll hold the load of questions because I've already asked you enough! Again, welcome back!!!

travel1st

Good day, Ms. Brown, it is an unexpected pleasure to have the opportunity to address you personally! Also, welcome home! I sincerely hope you thoroughly enjoyed your European adventure and will return many, many times. I travel there frequently (& soon) and share a small residence in Paris, so Western Europe is very much a second home. I truly miss the place if away too long and if you were there for any length of time, I’m sure you’re feeling the same. So, where are your favorite places? Capttuttle has quite a fondness for the UK, he has said, and I’ve many friends in London and in the south & west so agree that England is indeed wonderful. But France is still my favorite, even though my imperfect language skills put the local population in stitches. For example, there was the time when my Parisian girlfriend explained that our waiter looked rather alarmed with me because the way to say “I am finished” is “J’fin,” not “je suis fin,” as I had said since it means, “I am dead.” <sigh> But, if you can’t really choose a favorite place, where in Europe would you prefer to return without a camera chasing you about? [Have you been to Tuscany?]

Also, and forgive me for taking so much of your time, but several of us have suggested that you consider writing a travel book series, such as has Rick Steves. To be sure, you have nothing to prove to those of us who admire your work as a Great Hotels writer. [God only knows The Discovery Channel Store could use a decent book on its shelves.] But moreover, it is a matter of perspective. Hopesong (herein) recently observed that Rick’s work tends to be directed toward the museum-chaser crowd (like me); however, the right person to ask where the night life can be found is – well, you, frankly. Will you consider it?

Many more questions, but I shall move on for now. Allow me to express my admiration for your work both on and behind the camera, Ms. Brown, and I sincerely wish you the very best of continued success.

Regards,

Intl Doc

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bosley39:
I was watching the Disney special and my wife really liked the Red Sweater (Holiday Design) w/hood the night you went to the parade on Main Street. Now I have looked all over the internet for something similar and came up empty. Could you please advise where or who made that sweater. I think it would be one of the best surprise Christmas presents that I have ever bought for her. Thank you for you time and input.

Sincerely,

Jeff Christensen

Welcome back, may your time at home with family and friends during this time of year bring you joy and a well deserved rest, and thank you for taking moments of your vauluable time to spend in the forums with us.
May you have a very Merry Christmas and that the following year will again bring you success at work and open up other avenues for your career.

Robert

This message is a little to serious so:
"What is brown and green, and if it falls out of a tree it will kill you?,"

"A pool table"

Hey Sam,
I had a couple of questions about what's coming next.

I know that you are filming a half hour show- 30 eps- Passport to Europe.. and the first two are in Rome and Florence.. where else do you go?

Can you give us an idea what the shows will feature and what it's all about?

Will you be taking advantage of being in Europe and film some Great Hotels of Europe for a future season of Great Hotels- or would you have to come back just for that? and will you in the future have a Great Hotels Europe show?

When will you be back in the US for more Great Hotels?

What other shows are in your future? Asia, Australia, Canada adventures? How about an across the US adventure show- where you show case each states best stuff?

Are you planning any more cruise shows? the caribbean, or alaska or hawaiian or disney cruises would be great to see. or even a mystery cruise.

what one hour specials are coming up from you?

anyway i also wanted to thank you for the advice you gave me on Hawaii- it was the best vacation I ever had.. There are a few things I did that you've done and a few you haven't and I was wondering if you were ever going to go back to Hawaii- i'd love to see some of these on your show.

Examples-- Great Hotel eps of- the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and also the Hilton Hawaiian Village. and you can show activities of the following-- Luau at the Royal. Don Ho show at the Waikiki Beachcomber. Blue Hawaii show at the Waikiki Beachcomber. Take the Hummer off road movie set tour- by Kos Tours- it's the most awesome trip. Atlantis Submarine. Did you go to the Dole Pineapple Plantation- i can't remember for sure but that's a must. i know you went to sea life park, poly cult center and pearl harbor though.

anyway thanks for being great.

when are your shows coming out on dvd?

and when are you going to do a coffee table book of all your adventures - facts and stories about places and hotels and inside stories of your adventures with lots of pictures both from the show and behind the scenes?

thanks again-- can't wait to hear from you.

i know that a lot of people have suggested a great hotels at the grand hotel on mackinac island-- but instead of just a half hour ep- would you ever consider the following--

1 hour special- mackinac island - grand hotel-thru the seasons.
summer season when the island is hopping with activity
in the fall they have a somewhere in time weekend that would be awesome to see
in the fall they also have a murder mystery weekend that you would be great at
and maybe in the winter if they have something for christmas i'm not sure.

i was also wondering if you'd ever consider another hour christmas special-maybe 2 hours if it's a lot of stuff.. i loved the disney one but i was thinking you could showcase all kinds of ways to celebrate the holidays. see a little more disney- i would have loved to see the wilderness lodge done up.. and then maybe new york city during the holidays.. maybe even some europe cities.. some ski resorts in colorado and vermont- how they do the holidays.. maybe a small inn in vermont- sleigh ride and all that. maybe hawaiian christmas. maybe a christmas cruise. or graceland at christmas. also i know that hershey does something special as well so going back there would be awesome.. also the same concept for halloween as well. would be great.

Hi Sam,

Thanks again for spending time with us. Hey we took our frist cruise this summer-- to Alaska. Much to my surprise I really liked it (except for the constant "I told you so's") I typically perfer mountain hiking. We were on the Serinade of the Seas and between climbing the stairs, the rock wall and the kayaking I actually lost weight. Of course the scenery was fanstastic but the ports were owned by the cruise lines and were very Disney like-- not real.
Anyway

They have been running the older Hotel shows and we noticed that you're not aging. What's your secret.
also, how strong are anti american feelings in Europe? Where is it less and where more? thanks

Hi Sam!!!!!!!! I saw the episode of when you stayed at the The Muse& The City Club Hotel. I was just wondering what is the name of the restaurant that had the $29 hamburger? Thanks!!!! Your show is awesome!!!!

We all want to be you or at least travel with you!

Living the Life Styles of the Rich and Famous.

Our Dream is to buy and sell Hotels and Resorts around the world. I bet it is most of your fans wish they could own the hotels you have showcased.

With all the places you have visited, where would you buy your own hotel or resort? You might already own a couple. We own HotelsforSale.com. check it out.

Any chance for a Sam’s Resort? You have great Taste!

Good luck in Europe. When you are in one of the towns of our 480+ listings, let us know.

Have a nice holiday! Happy New Year. We can't wait for the new season.

Steve

hmmmmmmmm. I guess it would all the things I miss when I'm away. Weddings, baby showers, party's, birthdays. It's really a downer when my family gets together but I can't be there...again. However everyone in my life knows what I do and understands.

intldoc,

I liked the cruise a lot but I wouldn't say I'm passionate about the idea. It is something I would definately do with a large group of friends or family just so everything you wanted to do was taken care of. Have you ever been the planner of a trip? It can be so tedious. so I thought that cruising was an effortless way to travel. But when I travel with my mom or my boyfriend the effort part is what I like.

As for The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. If there's one hotel that keeps coming up in every forum it's that one. even on a forum about European travel. I absolutely agree and so does Travel Channel that Mackinac is not just a great hotel but a fabulous one. Because of time we were never able to go to Michigan to do only one hotel. But believe me one day we will go.

Sorry Travel1st I addressed that to the wrong member

Itnldoc

So far and I do mean so far it's Italy. I've been there a number of times mainly to Tuscany and it's difficult not to fall hard for the place. I would like to explore the whole country and hopefully will get to do so with this series.

As for a book series there's certainly nothing in the works yet but I will say with Rick Steves-those are some pretty big shoes to fill. I love his books and he's a travel expert in the true sense of the word.

I have never been to the French countryside but Paris is no slouch. The language is tough to navigate and i once mistakenly stomped on a poor elderly womans foot and exclaimed MERCI!!! how embarrassing.

[This message was edited by mod_ben on 12-13-04 at 06:23 PM.]

travel1st

I think it's by a company called Joie. good-luck!

Well thank-you very much for your warm holiday greeting. I am very happy to be home enjoying time with my loved ones. Being able to come online and talk to the people who watch my show also brings me so much happiness and I have looked forward to finally spending time with everyone here for a long while.

How are you doing Sam? It's nice to see you on here again! I watched your cruise episode (of course), and I thought it was so nice of you to let people get a tiny peek of what your apartment looked like! I realize that shows like this get edited down, so did anything exciting happen, that didn't get shown on the Cruise Show? It looked like you had an amazing time! I've never been on a cruise, so I think I have the same reservations you did, before you got on the ship. I'm very much looking forward to your new European traveling show! Hey, how's your cat Fiona? Did she get mad at you again, for being gone?

I've had a busy week! I had to practice & perform in my church's annual Christmas play. Our church goes all out! It was called, "Journey To the Manger." I sang in the choir, pretened I was a wife waiting for her soldier husband to come home, and being a flapper(yes a flapper) dancing the Charleston Dance. I had a blast working on the play this year! I got a lot of exercise too! See, I truly am a dramaqueen. I won't be lonely this year for Christmas, because I have a boyfriend! He's a true gentleman!

That reminds me, the last time you were on here, you had a boyfriend who you thought was a winner. I realize this might be an invasion of privacy, so you don't have to answer this question if you don't want to; but did that relationship work out? If it has, I'm happy for you! If it hasn't, you can always throw darts at his picture. Okay, I think I've written too much already, so I'll go for now, but I'll be back. See ya later Sam!

Hi Sam,how have you been? In the time you have been away I have gotten married,had two kids,bought a house,a new car,and found a new job Well actually none of those are true,but it's great to have you back! You know that you have the greatest job in the world,second only to the guy on the Thirsty Traveller,right? That guy has reaaally got it good. So now that you have been everywhere and done everything,what does the future hold in store for you? Look forward to hearing from you and have a fantastic Christmas!!

Dear Sam,
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise. In my opinion,I think cruising is the most relaxing way to vacation. Just standing on the promenade deck and looking at the ocean is an amazing feeling. The best thing about is that it is like a "package." You don't have to worry about transportation, food, entertainment, or accommodations. The only time when I think I would be trapped on a ship would be on the smaller cruise ships. So, do you think you will be able to say things like... " I'm cruising the new england coast on Holland America's Maasdam," "I'm cruising the Atlantic Ocean on Cunard's Queen Mary 2," or, "I'm cruising Alaska on Radisson Seven Sea's Mariner, you get the idea.There are many cruises waiting to be experienced!

travel1st

Hi Sam! I just want to say that I love your show and you look absolutely fabulous! May I ask what type of workout routine you follow? And also, how did you land this amazing job(you are a perfect fit!)? Again, I love the show, and keep up the great work! By the way, I am one viewer who never tires of palm trees and beaches!! Thanks!

Samantha,

My golden retriever Bogey (12 1/2 years young!), my wife and I welcome you back eagerly to "new programs on The Travel Channel" with Samantha Brown! Yayyyy!

OK, so I see already you really liked Italy, Tuscany in particular. As one who has not yet "taken the plunge" on cruising, even though we will be watching with baited breath Tuesday night December 14 (10pm EDT on The Travel Channel, folks), what did you enjoy most about cruising?

Also, you have an open invitation to visit us in our newly-renovated home in Wayland, Massachusetts. It could be a "Great Vacation Home" stop for you, with plenty of deer and birds.

Last, but not least, do you have a sister who has done a TV commercial for Boston Interiors? The actress who does the commercial is the spitting image of you.

Chris DeVany
Avid Samantha-Fan

Hey Sam,

How are you doing. I am like one of your biggest fans. I love your show. You are so funny and smart. I get pleasure watching your show. If I am down and then I watch your show I am in a good mood agian. Your show is that good. I have so many questions for you but I will only ask a few. Which is your favorate great hotel. Mine I think is the Ritz-Carlton, Naples. That was a nice hotel. Also have you ever thought of coming to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, or come to the Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, NC. They are very nice. Do you think you have the best job in the world. I and everyone else seems to think so. Are you still
making Great Hotel episodes. I hope you are and you will continue to do so. And where else are you going to go. I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season.

May God bless you and your Family.

Sammy,
We sure missed you being in Europe for so long! For heavens sake it's getting ready to snow here again and having lived here for 4 years, (Central New York) you know the sun only comes out, oh, NEVER! It rained all summer, so I'm glad you were in the Sunshine! The new show looks great! Can't wait to see it in Jan. Hope your heel is all "Healed"! Lose the shoes and get some Converse Hi-Tops! Com-fort-able! Did the Pope pinch your Tush? Ha Ha
Bill

Yeah, I know, very funny. Happy Holidays! This Internet monster you created has been feeling neglected so you’ve made your long awaited re-appearance just in time.

Hope your travels have been fun and exciting. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise special. Like you, I have never been on a cruise and haven’t had any desire to go on one, but after seeing your adventures I may have to give it some more thought. BTW, you gave us a look at your humble abode. It looks like you live in a converted loft (I have one of those). Is that the original apartment that you were being threatened with eviction from or is it the new place?

I also got a kick out of the new videos including the hilarious bloopers on the website. These are some of the behind-the-scenes looks at the show some of us have been looking for. And let me offer my congratulations to the team on the Emmy win. It should be the first of many more.

Tell your Mom for me that she has great taste in cheesesteaks. Made the trek to Sammy’s in Reading during my visit in April and found the food delicious (the other Chicagoans I was with did too, although one professed his preference for our own Italian Beef sandwiches). I had a picture taken of myself just outside the establishment to show you, but it didn’t come out too well and I have since lost it to a subsequent hard drive crash. I also wanted to get a photo at the Pagoda, but when one of the locals pointed out that it was on top of a mountain, I said forget it. I did enjoy the hills and valleys of that portion of Pennsylvania. The wedding was at a lovely old converted mansion called The Stirling and it was the perfect setting for a beautiful ceremony.

I did my bi-annual trip to Hollywood and the Cinecon movie convention (33 screenings in 5 days, whew!). Once again stayed at the fabulous Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood and Highland. As soon as I hit the complex, I made a beeline for the Nestle Toll House cookie shop. I did my best Cookie Monster imitation by wolfing down 7 of the Oatmeal Butterscotch cookies during my stay. Between those and all the buttered popcorn I ingested during the shows it’s a wonder I didn’t end up in the same hospital ward as a certain former president.

Congratulations on your Red Sox winning the World Series. I’m sure you’re still parading around in all your carmine finery making all of NYC envious. Now maybe we can concentrate on my town of Chicago with a combined 182 seasons without a World Series champion. All I can say is thank God football season is here (Go Steelers!).

Love to hear some more stories from your European adventures. Thanks again for taking the time to share with us. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas. Take care of yourself and, as always, safe travels.

Merry Christmas Samantha and happy New Year.I hope its the best ever.Im Looking forward to your new show,Can you tell us a little more about it?Thank You,and God be with you.Love Mary.

Dear Sam,

Where are you currently on the autograph photo requests? Did you enjoy the Mediterranean with friends or family? Was Venice anything like the Venetian Las Vegas? In your opinion, do you believe the Mansion on Turtle Creek truly has the best service in the world? Could we hear a little about your new upcoming series? What was the very first Great Hotels episode? Did you know that there is going to be a new hotel in Las Vegas called Wynn Las Vegas- the same guy who made Bellagio. It's supposed to open in the spring of 2005 and I think you should check it out. Are Girl Meets Hawaii and Great Vacation Homes finished? For someone who stays in numerous hotels, do you ever feel tired and bored? Well, that's enough for right now. But be prepared for more- hee,hee,hee...

travel1st

Samantha~
I've been waiting forever to catch you here! I've loved watching all of your shows, starting with Great Vacation Homes.

First, some compliments
I love your personality on camera, so very fun, fresh and a bit mischevious. Your episodes always make me laugh, smile, and I get some great travel information, too.
I also happen to love your clothing style. You always look great!
I just visited my first "Samantha hotel" which is what I call hotels that you have visited on the show. It was DIsney's WIlderness Lodge, a wonderful resort. I asked everyone if they met you, and they had nothing but compliments.
My two questions are:

Where do you like to shop? I'd love to know where you get some of your clothes.

Is there any way I could get an autographed photo? I'd so very much appreciate it, just let me know how I should go about it.

Merry Christmas, Samantha, and keep up the good work!

Hi Samantha,

I really enjoy the commentaries you make during your Travel Channel series and specials, they're informative and there's always something you say that brings on a smile. It's good to see that you're continuing to develop new projects with the network and Passport to Europe seems like it will another interesting series.

Will your European shows concentrate on individual cities or will each episode highlight a particular region of a country? Besides Italy, can you tell us what other countries you might be visiting (or is it a secret)?

Thanks and best regards,
Dave

Good to hear from you again, Ms. Brown. Two comments, one on "Great Hotels" and one on your new show.

1) Last year, you were taking suggestions on what hotels in certain cities to see. My home of Seattle was one of those, and I posted some places. Did you ever get a chance to make it up here?

2) I've been to Europe twice; in college my family did the Clark Griswold-esque, misadventure-filled journey through Britain, France and Italy, and a few years ago I spent a week in London by myself. When/next time your show takes you to these places, here are a few sightseeing suggestions and tourist tips.

London -- There's a company called London Walks, which hosts a variety of walking tours with different themes. No reservations; you simply show up at a designated Tube station, pay a modest fee (it was 5 pounds on my 2001 visit), and walk wherever the guide takes you. I went on a South Bank pub crawl; there are also literary-themed walks as well.

Paris -- Don't know about now, but back on my 1986 trip, the city was known for rude shopkeepers. I've since read that the best way to avoid rudeness -- and this works stateside as well -- is to say "Bonjour" to the shopkeeper when you walk in and "Merci, au revoir" when you leave, regardless if you bought anything or not. Apparently, walking in, looking around, and leaving silently is considered bad manners; so if you simply greet when you enter and leave, you'll be considered polite and will be treated as such.

Nice -- We stayed at a great (albeit expensive) hotel called La Perouse; it was built into a cliffside, and every single room was different. This would be a natural for a "Great Hotels" European edition!

Italy -- I remembered that multi-course meals were standard in all of the restaurants; we were presented a salad, then an antipasti, then a meat course, a pasta course, a cheese course, dessert and coffee at every single restaurant. These certainly ruined the pasta-as-main-dish Italian restaurants we have over here for me. Did you get a chance to try these restaurants? And is gelato as good and the Italian people as warm as I remember them to be?

Happy holidays, Michael Ligot in Seattle

Samantha, I just wanted to say that I LOVE your show, love your sense of humor and love the way you "get it" about what's important in a hotel or any destination. You are the best host on TV!

Good luck on the new show! I'm eagerly looking forward to watching your adventures in Europe!

Hotelsfan

phew, now that's a list of questions. for the Passport series we have been to Edinburgh, London, the English countryside, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Bavarian Alps, Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Swiss Alps, and Zurich.
After the holiday break we will head to Austria and back to Switzerland for some winter episodes after that who knows?

this will be a comprehensive travel series where we will feature a hotel but it will be maybe 2 to 4 minutes of the show.

hotelsfan

I would love to do a Christmas special about what people do around the world. That's a great idea.

Hey Spineynorman nice to hear from you again!

I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Europe is certainly united in their disapproval of the Iraqi war but it has not affected us at all. Even in France where it's safe to say there are some pretty hard feelings between our two countries It just never came up. I thought that people might treat us differently when Bush was re-elected because it was such a definitive win and the last election was not but again we have only experienced cooperation. But that's what I love about Traveling it's not political.

that was very nice, thank-you

that 29 dollar hamburger can be yours at the DB Bistro on 44th street (or was it 46th?) Although we shot that a year and half ago so it's probably more expensive now. I will say it was pretty amazing.

no way jose! Even owning my own B&B would send me over the edge. I waited on tables long enough to know that it is in no way glamorous to own your own restaurant. And I figure a hotel is just a restaurant where the guests sleep over. I love hotels that's for sure but I will always be on the right side of the reservation desk. That said kudoos to all those who work in the hotel biz. They make it look easy, it's not.

Dramaqueen!!!!

How are you? A soldiers wife AND a flapper? Meryl Streep watch out!

I was a little nervous showing my apartment mainly because the day of shooting I realized I should probably clean it. During that day a HUGE blooper happened that unfortunately happened while the camera wasn't rolling so I'll tell you about it now:

Remember when I got into the taxi and said Barcelona here I come! Well When we were done getting all the potential angles of me in the taxi, me putting my bags in the trunk, the taxi going by etc I got out let the cab go because it was a working taxi and started discussing things with my producer. A few minutes went by before I realized I HADN'T TAKEN MY LUGGAGE OUT OF THE TRUNK! My newly bought luggage with all my wardrobe for the cruise. I ran so fast up the middle of the street trying to catch up to the taxi. It was like a scene in the last five minutes of a romantic comedy where the guy is trying to find the girl in the yellow taxi and all the taxi's look alike but if he doesn't locate the exact one she'll be gone forever. Except in this movie the girl happens to be my luggage with all my clothes. Luckily we had used one of the rare mini van taxi's so I saw it a few blocks ahead. also working to my advantage was a little traffic slowing the cab down. Anyway, I got my luggage.

nice to hear from you again, sorry it's been so long.

I know, I know it's been way to long. SECOND to the guy on the Thirsty Traveller? Aw c'mon! Does HE do live chat forums? hmmmmmmmmm? I know you weren't making a comment on the two of us personally but as a woman I have the right to turn your words around. What I should have said was "Second to the guy on the Thirsty Traveller? did you just say I was fat?" Great to hear from you again, write back soon

shellshock33,

A new face! Welcome to the forum.
well now that I'm not threatened with bathing suit scenes anymore my routine had slackened a bit. But basically I jog and do Pilates. I also always take the stairs in whatever hotel I'm staying at. I rarely use the elevator but that really has more to do with impatience than physical fitness.

well thank-you for your warm welcome. Give Bogey a good scratch behind the ears for me. Its funny the first question I answered today was "what's the worst thing about my job?" I said missing friends and family but i just realized what it REALLY was: I can't have a dog.

what did I most enjoy about cruising? It had to be the ease of the entire experience. I was with an amazingly fun crew and we simply had an awesome time. I think people would be surprised at how "un-fun" things can be when you are shooting a travel series. Things rarely run smoothly and you are constantly deconstructing situations. But working on the cruise was honestly just like a vacation so I can only imagine how great it would be to really be on a vacation.

no that's not my sister but I want to see who she is now...maybe it's online.

weatherandhotelboy,

Why is Ritz Carlton Naples your favorite hotel? It certainly is a fabulous establishment. Did you know that the Ritz Carlton makes the best chocolate chip cookies? It seems you really like the Grand Hotels have you ever seen the Greenbriar or Homestead? Biltmore Estate is definitely on the to do list.

my heels have heeled yet about two months ago I negotiated the height of the tub rather poorly and broke my toe on the side. will there be no end to my foot woes?

Do you think that in the future you will have a Best Of List, for the hotels that you have visited?

Dejardin

How are you! I can't wait to tell my mom you went to Sammy's. I think my parents went there as teenagers that's how long it's been around.

Yeah, it's a loft and yes my days are numbered. But what can I say easy come easy go. Maybe I can work a living arrangement out with the nearby Ritz Carlton something around 300 bucks a month. think they'll go for it? throw in room service everynight and I'll give them 350 dollars.

What do you do in life that you see 33 movies in 5 days and more importantly: WHY DIDN'T I KNOW THERE WAS A NESTLE TOLL HOUSE COOKIE SHOP NEAR THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL?

If you want to hear more European stories I've been keeping a journal don't ya know and you can read it. The Italy entries are already on the website and the UK should be up anytime.

It was lovely hearing from you again and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Hey Maryoflakewood,

warm holiday greetings to you as well. Passport to Europe will be a travel series where I travel to the greatest destinations in Europe and experience a combination of the most popular sites and activities as well as those not so well known. It will differ from Great Hotels in that we are trying to incorporate the full spectrum of being a traveller. It's not just the hotel experience although a hotel is in every episode

Hosting and writing this series has been the most fullfilling experience of my life and I hope it's as well received as Great hotels.

Happy Holidays

a picture is yours if you want it The quickest way to do this is to leave me an email address on your next reply. I will then send you an email asking for you address. If you feel uncomfortable doing that not to worry just send a request to "Publicity" at Travel Channel. One Discovery Place, Silver Springs MD. (forgot the zip) this process will take around 3 months. But either way you'll get your picture. Thanks for asking.

I would love to send you a photo see above posting for info. My clothes are from all over. I love Theory, Laundry and Michael Kors. Luckily because I live in NYC I go to sample sales and get these brands inexpensively. NEVER PAY RETAIL!!!! when my stylist shops for me it's mainly Banana Republic

it's no secret at all and I realized that I hadn't written an intro with all that information to this forum but forgot to post it. We are mainly showcasing cities but sometimes we'll do episodes on the Bernese Oberland or Bavaria. Here are the destinations we have covered so far: Rome, Florence, Edinburgh, London, the English countryside, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Bavarian Alps, Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Swiss Alps, and Zurich. In January I leave for Vienna, St. Moritz and Geneva. After that who knows? I think it's Greece