uggh, today has been a crazy holiday day so i didn't answer as many posts as I wanted to. But I will respond. It's great to have so many to read. okay, bedtime.

Thanks for responding to my last post, and I've appreciated how you've responded to all my other posts in the past. Like many other people on this forum, may I ask for an autographed picture? I've received autographed pictures from various athletes, but this would be my first from a television celebrity. You or Discovery can contact me at fmligot@aol.com. Thanks, and if you ever make it out here to Seattle any time for "Great Hotels" or any other travel show, I'd be glad to give you some pointers on what to see and do.

-- Mike Ligot

Glad to see our favorite vet “reporting for duty”. Yes, the success of the Black and Gold has been a pleasant surprise and more than compensates for a baseball season that started well and ended with a whimper. Mr. Williams appears determined to re-make the team. Our stars have become so disposable (Magglio out, Jermaine in). But maybe we’ll finally get a squad that can beat out Minnesota.

How does Christmas sneak up on you in Chicago? Answer: when there is no snow on the ground. I’m not sure if we should be envying MotherO in the Land of Lake Effect (I like that) or she envying us, but I’ve missed the white stuff. And speaking of that dear lady, it is time to proclaim that Syracuse Orange is out, Illini Orange is in!

The best to you and yours (particularly your Mom) this holiday season. Stay out of high rises without sprinklers and keep all the critters happy.

Hi Sam!

I am so glad I finally can chat with you. I have been reading some of the replys in the forum all week, but everytime I would begin to right a post of my own, either I would have to go to school (senior year of high school! yeah! ) or I would have to go to work. But, I know today is supposed to be the last day, so I don't care-work and school can wait! ) Let me start off by saying welcome back. I am so glad that I only have two more days until I am out of school for two weeks. Then I can finally watch Great Hotels again. It comes on at 3:00 p.m. and I have to go to work at 1:30 so I have missed it for a while. Would you be willing to call my school and tell them to let us have a class all about Great Hotels? I mean even teenagers need to know where the best places to go on vacation are and the best resturants and spas. How much more educational can a show get? (Or maybe I can get you to come in person- I think my principal would be much more likely to say yes, don't you think? ) I can not wait to see your new show. The previews are amazing and you look like you are having more fun than ever. Now, I know everyone has probably already asked this, but will you be doing more GH in the future or is the new series going to be it? I can't wait to hear from you and I hope it's not too late!

Steven

long time no see girlie! i hope you new show is grand and wonderful for you. i didn't get to see the cruise one. will you do a disney cruise in the future? and will there ever be a second edition of vacation homes? i recently got a dvr and i dvr all of your shows. my husband and i continue to enjoy you wit and candor in your show. we miss you here on the message boards. and personally i hope to see you do more hotel shows in texas. the cresent court is awesome!!!

Merry Christmas to you and you loved ones.
and best wishes in the new year

showgirl643

Sam,
they finally posted the January schedule of your new show- Passport to Europe- they are playing 15 eps total (with some of them repeated on multiple days)- I noticed London got 2 eps. Which rocks.. First question--PARIS CULTURE - EPISODE- DO WE GET TO SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER AND CHAMPS ELLYSE, AND ARC DE TRIUMPHE AND THE LOUVRE DURING THIS EP? with a title like Paris Culture- i wasn't sure what was included. OR DO WE GET A SECOND PARIS EP?
2nd question--I NOTICED THAT ALL THE ONES YOU LISTED FOR US WERE ACCOUNTED FOR EXCEPT THE SWISS ALPS AND ZURICH- I ASSUME THEY WILL COME UP IN FEB I HOPE- RIGHT? WHERE IN THE SWISS ALPS IS COVERED AND HOW MANY EPS DOES THIS INCLUDE?
if each of those gets two eps and vienna, st moritz and geneva each get one- that leaves 10 - next question-- WHERE IN GREECE DO YOU THINK WILL BE COVERED AND WHERE ELSE WOULD THOSE 10 EPS COVER?

thank you for the heads up---

for those who want to know here are dates and times for eps-- (also consult for additional repetition dates for these shows on the sched)

Mon Jan 3rd
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Rome, Italy
230pm- Prague, Czech Republic

Tues Jan 4
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- London Now
230pm- Florence, Italy

Wed Jan 5
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Edinburgh, Scotland

Mon Jan 10
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- English Countryside
230pm- Classic London

Tues Jan 11
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Lisbon, Portugal
230pm- Berlin, Germany

Wed Jan 12
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Seville, Spain

Tues Jan 18
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Bavaria, Germany
230pm- Paris Culture

Wed Jan 19
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Madrid, Spain

Thurs Jan 20
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
11am- Munich, Germany

Mon Jan 24th
Travel Channel- 1/2 hour
Passport to Europe- with Sam Brown
230pm- Barcelona, Spain

Hi Sam,
How are you today? Me? Well I have a sore throat, & feel very run-down. So I probably won't be on the computer that long. Speaking of computers, I didn't like mine yesterday! I tried getting back on here to talk to you, and my computer kept feeding me the line that there was an error. I love technology in some ways, but in other ways I could do without it. Know what I mean? I have been thinking about a few questions to ask you.

1. What's your favorite color? Mine is royal-blue.

2. What's your biggest pet peeve? Mine is either people blasting their base in their car, or people chewing with their mouths open.

3. Is it snowing where you are? It sure is here! I live in MI.

4. What's your favorite season? I love summer! I like fall too, because of the beautiful colors on trees.

5. What's was your best birthday? I'd have to say my 21st birthday. I'm 23 1/2 yrs. old now.

These are just some random things I thought I would ask you. I hope you don't mind. I hope you have a wonderful day Sam! Ta ta for now.

Your shows are great. You are always funny. What do you like best about doing the shows?

Hey Sam! Love your christmas @ Disney World & Great Hotels: Grand Floridian! What are your fave things @ WDW & @ the Floridian? I love them all!

Happy Holidays Sam!
Tiff aka tvnut7

Samantha -

Since our resident Anglophile Capttuttle has suffered an unexpected (and uncharacteristic) bout of shyness, let me ask what parts of the English countryside you visited (and hopefully enjoyed). Capttutttle is a southeast Channel coast, Dover, Liverpool fan, but I'm the pastoral type, usually found banging around Devon, and somewhere on the southwest coast (like Branscombe). I've friends who own an 18th century B&B in Uppottery whose business is so good that they take only repeat customers - which for their isolation is surprising, but maybe it's the isolation in those ancient rolling hills that make it so beautiful. I truly hope you were there!

In any case, stemming from an earlier conversation, we were both curious if you had an opportunity to experience the UK train system. [We agreed the answer was probably no, but thought it polite to ask and be sure.]

As for moi, and validating the extremely good taste of those who have sworn by Paris, did you ever take a ride on the Metro? Late night, street musicians occasionally ride in the cars which adds such a nice ambience to being pickpocketed, but I digress ...

In the event (or hope, as you might have it) that I cannot return, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and bountiful New year!

Best,

Intl Doc

Hi Sam,
It's me again. A feel a tiny bit better than I did earlier. Anyway, I wondered if you had all your Christmas shopping done, or are you procrastinating like I am? If I feel totally better by tomorrow, I should get some shopping done. I'm supposed to go shopping with my boyfriend, but I have to see how I will feel by tomorrow. I like to shop, but sometimes I have no idea what to get my friends & family. Do you ever have that problem? I hope you are doing well, and it's been nice talking to you!

Dramaqueen
Tiffany

Samantha~
I sure hope you are getting all that Christmas shopping done! And I hope that while you are reading these you are wearing flannel pajamas, sipping eggnog, and eating cookies (my name being BakingTraveler, I just baked gingerbread and shortbread cookies with pistachios- I'd give you some if I could)

I just wanted to thank you for talking with me and for taking the time to talk with all your adoring fans~ I really appreciate it, knowing your busy schedule.

Also, I just wanted to make sure you got my e-mail address for a pic....BakingTraveler367@yahoo.com

By the way, have you tried the Emergen'C packets? They sound similar to the product you mentioned- it's a flavored powder (orange, raspberry, cranberry, lemon-lime, etc) that you mix with water and it becomes effervescent. It has TONS of Vitamin C, tastes great, and helps me feel better! I buy mine in boxes of 36 at GNC or a health food store, you can also buy them individually.

Take care Samantha, have a Merry Christmas, and I looke forward to seeing you on Passport to Europe! Blessings!

So being you were out having a grand old time in Europe, Have you seen the 2005 Ford Mustang yet? I know you like Mustang Gt ragtops. The fastback model is out now with the Convertible to follow next year. Hope ya like it.
Bill

Hi my name is John David Newton. I love watching your show Great Hotels. I was wondering how you got a job doing that. I would love to do something like that. Also I think they should do something like that except for Amusement Parks. I live in Delaware. There is not much to do around here. You should go to a hotel in Harrington Delaware called AmericInn. I love seeing all the designs and things about hotels. See, I used to watch your show in Florida but, then we moved to Delaware. And I didn't get the channel with comcast. So tomorrow the DirectTV guys are coming and installing it so I can watch Travel Channel. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
John David Newton.

Add me to your list of fans. I love Great Hotels, mostly because of your good humor and wit.You just seem like someone we would all love if we knew you in person. You have such a winning personality.

I am planning my first trip to Europe next year. Italy to be exact,and can't hardly wait. I will be watching your new show whith great interest.I am sure it will be a hit.It is to bad they will not be showing it in an evening time slot. Oh, well, the recorder will be on.

May I also request a picture? my email is: pita430@rmci.net

Thank you so much!

Have a wonderful Holiday!

Good evening to you, Sam! My trip overseas is going to be 10 days and it includes visits to St. Paul's Cathedral, West End Theatre Performance, Anne Hataway's Thatched Cottage, Shakespeare's Birthplace, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Bunratty Castle, Muckross House in Killarney National Park, Blarney Castle, Roman Baths, and Stonehenge. That was pretty much a "copy & paste" of my trip. I, personally, am looking forward to visiting the castles, but then again I know little about the other sites and am positive I will be pleasently surprised from what I have heard. The trip is actually a school trip, senior trip, with the exception of a few underclassmen and my family won't be traveling with me.

As for right now, I just found out the dates of my exams this winter and I now have off from the 25th of January to the 30th and I may be planning a ski trip with some friends. I think I recall you saying you enjoyed skiing. If so, any mountains on the east coast you have enjoyed? I am looking into Mt. Snow, which I loved last year, but I am open to any other suggestions.

Have a great night, Sam!

Ashley
GoofyAsh@mousehut.com

jlarrc,

oh boy you're talking to the wrong person, because I don't have children of my own I don't have that experience. I think Cruises in general are very expensive. But my best advice is to rent apartments in the destination you choose that way you will save on hotel and food costs since you will have a kitchen. Thanks for watching the show even though it's about a single traveler with no apparent budget

how are you? wow it's been awhile. I haven't been to PA in sometime because my mom mostly comes to visit me. The cruise I was on had big wings that stabilized the ship so it wouldn't rock or I would be the same as you. take care and Happy Holidays!

How was London? I can't believe we missed each other by a few days. so close and yet....

i love your suggest for Austria. You're right it might be too challenging to shoot but it would make a great day off excursion.

It's not Patty's fault at all! the shoes come from higher up. In fact Patty sometimes carries around comfy shoes for me to rest in. If it was up to her I would be wearing UGGS.

Passport starts Monday January 3rd at 11am and 2:30. But I believe the shedule is now up.

Great to talk to you!

BetseyPaige,

So nice to hear from ya! I really enjoy traveling alone as well even though one comment I frequently get is "you're always alone, its so sad" Its when I am alone that I have more spontaneous experiences, where I open up to strangers and they reach out to me. that wouldn't happen if I was with someone. One lesson traveling abroad teaches you is how stereotypes of people are just plain wrong. One on One you meet the nicest and best people.

hope all is well.

Well, Sam, I was only going to post once...a "drive by" hello and then be on my way. But, you have a way of drawing us back!!

I can happily say that even though the last 2 nights I worked were extremely stressful and busy, I did not loose any of my patients. There are very few true sugical emergencies and they all seemed to hit my door at the same time Monday. I have mixed feelings about the animal planet show. They do seem to practice good medicine.

I bought a christmas present today. I'm on my way now! I was supposed to go out tonight and shop after a spinning class, but ended up sleeping for 3 hours on the couch instead. Can't seem to shake this cold thats been making the rounds. Maybe tomorrow... (actually the gift I bought was the DVD Cinema Paradiso...)

Hey...still looking for your opinion on where to go for a bike trip!

Glad to hear that your mom is doing well. We are too, although there are lingering effects and daily reminders of how much the past 8 years has changed us all. We plan on a quiet family Christmas as always, with a killer Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner. Always sure to clog the arteries!!! But worth looking forward to every year.

I see Ashley has made her way back, and I'm sure Tuttle will too. You know, you've helped create quite a circle of friends here.

Ok...I'm heading to bed. I'd love a hot toddie, but nyquil will have to do. Take care Samantha. Don't be a stranger to us all!

kel

Ruin Christmas? Ruin Christmas!?!? I'm just trying to MAKE it to Christmas.

Ah, Ms. Brown, you must assuredly know that you are virtually the last person on Earth whose Christmas I'd wish to ruin had I even the power to do so. I am no Prospero with his magic books, however - merely Capt. Tuttle (and even that's pretty dubious). But I'm not certain you understand the magnitude of the situation here.


There's this crazed old geezer with a long white beard - and believe me this is no Santa Claus - trying to separate me from my head. In his whackings he's taken serious chunks out of my beloved leather Chesterfield couch, broken my Queen Victoria bust into smithereens, turned bookcase after bookcase into a shambles. This is all most upsetting, Miss Brown. He keeps growling, "Bring out your dead!" and I keep reassuring him, "I'm not dead yet," and that "I'm really feeling better" (I did have a mild cold last week). But he just replies, "You're not fooling anyone, you know," and mumbles something about possible copyright infringements.

Fortunately he's older than dirt and I can still do a 7 1/2 minute mile when needed - much as you, homing in on that offending taxi with your departing luggage like a cheetah closing in on dinner (that must have been a magnificent sight, worthy of display on your Animal Planet) - so I've cheated Death so far. In fact I've worn him out for the moment and he's snoozing by my gas logs (what nerve) but I cannot talk for long (right) and am risking my life for you even now. But it's already near the end of your week with us (Oh, I am Fortune's fool!) and in these extraordinary circumstances I've been unable to clog up your forum every day as I otherwise no doubt would have done. How could this have happened, I wonder? What a loss to humanity. But I've worked out a bargain with him (too hideous to explain in public) whereby if I elude him until your forum closes Friday night I'll be spared (much rejoicing). But a huge sacrifice on my part, as I'll be unable to post anymore this week. Yet it has to be.

But I promise you, Samantha, that I'll watch all your European adventures with rapt attention and affection. Just remember to keep Pantheon and Parthenon in the right cities, and to make sure to etch into your mind every lovely view and vista you encounter there. I can replay so many English and Italian visions in my mind at any dull moment in my life, and am quite certain that with your sparkling imagination and nimble mind you can do the same as well.

I do hope you're writing your own scripts/improvs for Passport. It was evident to me that in the Cruise show sadly you had not, and that was a loss for us. Lovely as you are to see upon the screen (and as your attire seems the primary focus this week, both G. Reaper and I agree you were most fetching indeed in that flowing off the shoulder blouse thing in the City Club episode - you won my heart once again) it is yet in your poetic and articulate verbal expressions that your performances are so appealing and intriguing. Quite a talent you have, and it dazzles us, but the G.R. is beginning to stir in the other room, I fear, and I need to run away again.

Yet I would not ruin your holiday for all the teas in the St. Regis, Ms. Brown (catch that, Kel?), nor abandon you in the ethernet, although I'd like to keep my head on all the same. Ruin Christmas, ideed; I hope it will be your very best, Samantha. And I wish for you indestructible toes, Audrey Hepburn-esque escapades through Europe, the fascination of being in the Pit of London's Globe or the dark sepulchral silence of St. Bart's