I would like to be the first to welcome Sam back to her forums. She will be here all this week to answer questions and interact with her fans. Please keep all questions under this one topic.
mod_ben

Sure, I'll go first!

Hi, Sam, and welcome home. Instead of opening with a question, let me take a moment to say congratulations on a marvelous inaugural season of SB's Passport to Europe. As a viewer, Passport certainly didn't look like a first season and please convey congratulations and best wishes from all of us to the crew as well. While I'm on the topic, thanks for your perspective too. It didn't fall on blind eyes that your name frequenty appears as Writer before Traveller. The manner in which Europe and Europeans are presented is quite authentic, and elsewhere I've written that you've well-captured the essence of Europe. And that isn't always the easist job, as you mentioned in Berlin. Tuesday, well before dawn, I'll be back in the air heading that way again myself. I hope to bring only a tenth of the enthusiasm and joy you bring to the Continent and maybe I'll look a little closer at the place next time too.

Again, welcome home and please accept my heartiest congratulations. I'll look for you in the lobby! OK, make it the bar.

Best, Intl Doc

Samantha,
I am very impessed with how you where able to make an effort to make your hosts feel relaxed, you showed them that you are willing to learn their language, learn their ways and that you would change to suit them instead of making them feel like they need to change for you, after all it is their country and most americans don't understand that fact, we are visiting them, it is on us to make an effort, not for them.
Along with everyone else on here, I am glad that you are home safe, and wish only the best for you, and all that you desire will come true for you, and that you will make of your life what is your hearts desire.
Others on this board have criticized me for letting others on here know that it may take a long time to get a signed pic(of the greatest comedic actress of our time )if I offended you, then I am deeply sorry, it was not my intent, please forgive me for such insulance.
Welcome home Sam,get lots of rest, and above all, lots of chocolate :)

Robert
ambitiousduck@comcast.net

Hi, Samantha!

Along with everyone else I want to welcome you back from "across the pond" and back to the forum. You've done such a great job of representing the best side of our country to everyone you've met in Europe. And it's been a pure joy to see you revel in all of your experiences there! As for myself, I was particularly thrilled to see you have the opportunity to dance across the benches in the gazebo that was used in the film version of "The Sound of Music" as you had longed to do when you took the Salzburg Sound of Music tour! A question coms to mind related to that:

When you played 'Liesel' in your school production of "The Sound of Music" how did they stage that scene? Did you do that in the stage version of "The Sound of Music" or was that a scene that was just in the movie version? I would have loved to have seen you in your stage performance! Did your director make a video of one of the performances for the actors to view at their cast party? When I worked on the tech crew for some plays in college, that's what our director did during our final rehearsal night, and we enjoyed watching those videos later on at our cast parties! Coincidently, as I write this, I'm watching the Tony awards, and right now they're performing a number from "Sweet Charity", which is one of the plays I worked on in college, running the lightboard.

Well, I have a couple of other questions and then I will wait for your replies.

You've had me laughing my head off every time I recall or watch again your Passport To Europe episode in Prague. Why? Because, you did such a funny "bit" at the Cafe Imperial where they have stale, hard donuts to lob at the other patrons if one so desires and has that type of personality (not you or I, surely!). The question is: When you threw your "nice fluffy one" back at the "wise guy" who threw one of the hard ones your way, you, apparently, by your reaction, and "crashing noise" off-camera, knocked down something or caused a waitress to drop her tray. 'Fess up now, what did you hit, unexpectedly, Lady Samantha, being so very unladylike?!! :-)

And my other question is: have you tried yet making yourself some deep-fried Mars Bars like you had to learn about first off on your visit to Edinbur-rah, since you've returned to the U.S., and if so, did you get them to taste as good as the one looked like it tasted that you had in that Scottish shop?

It's good to be able to say "Hi!" online, Sammy. I sent you some mail to your Pine Ridge address, and I hope you have received that mail or will soon. Are you deluged with mail sent to you at Pine Ridge when you return home and get to each piece in turn as soon as you can? Just wonderin' how all that usually works for you. I haven't requested an autographed photo yet, and this is a good opportunity to ask that you put me on the list, too, to send one of your precious photos, whenever you get an opportunity to send more photos to your fans. I sent you my e-mail address in the mail I sent you at Pine Ridge, but, just in case you need it again, I'll put it at the close of this post, too.

Most likely we'll be chattin' some more this week as your forum inspires other questions and responses.

Steve McLean
lifeinchrist75@truevine.net

Samantha!!!

Now here's a switch. I have no questions right now, but I will answer yours, posed in Munich while on your bike outside of the Residenz.
Q. "Like my bell? (ring )
A. Yes, Samantha, I really loved your bell! It was a very Pee-Wee moment. Cinematic, you could even say. And like Pee Wee, I hope you found what you were searching for on your own Big Adventure, and that you had great fun looking.

I woke up today not knowing quite what to say to you this time around, there were so many "Passport to Europe" memories swirling around in my head, just as if I had actually been to all 26 of those locations. Such is the magic of what you do for us. (And just a reminder, folks, that Amsterdam and Brussels premiere tomorrow)
Since all we can really give back to you are our words, here are the ones that came into my head this morning.
Keep in mind that as a preschool teacher, I have perhaps been overexposed in my life to Dr. Seuss, an occupational hazard in my field.
Indeed, I can be quite a ham,
I can not help it, Sam-I-Am.

Curtain Call for Sam
We sing your praises, Samantha E. Brown,
For you took us along to each city and town.
You’ve hopped around Earth, at least half of the way,
From Hawaiian volcanoes to the ruined Pompeii. (well, almost)
You showed us hotels we would sure love to choose,
And the wonders of self-disinfecting loos.
Your hairstyles looked great, and that wardrobe! Quite neat!
And I trust you have learned to take care of your feet.

We’ve valued your thoughts and the things you have taught us,
All the food, and the drinks, all those tickets you bought us!
So thank you for following all of your whims.
You tried deep-fried Mars bars and downed fruity Pimms!
The cheeses, the tapas, thick coffee to stir,
The snuff and the schnapps and that nutty liqueur.
Fine chocolates, gelato, raclette cheese on toast,
That crepe stand in Paris made me drool the most.

There were hikes up tall structures to capture a view,
All so well filmed by the host and her crew.
Scotland was dreamlike, all drenched in a fog,
I’ll ALWAYS remember stale donuts from Prague!
There were bobsleds and dogsleds, some bad shooting at targets,
Cabbage-based juices in friendly street markets.
We saw castles, the Pope, and yarn strung from a ceiling
Alpine dancing and skating were oh, so endearing!

The churches, the “platzes”, small shops and green parks,
Museums and fountains, fine theaters and art.
The Thames and the Arno, Limmat and the Seine,
These places we dream we might visit again.
MUCH better than looking at lobbies and sinks.
Let’s hope this is what the executives think.
You’ve brought us together and made us all smile,
Here’s hoping this gig lasts for quite a long while.

Europe’s not scary. It has lots to see,
And we now know the best things to do might be free.
The French are like coconuts,
Big Bad Wolves are not there.
Smart travelers find nice people EVERYWHERE!
So THANK YOU, Samantha, it’s been wonderful fun.
We stand and applaud the great work you’ve all done!

That's it for today from me. I'll check in later in the week with some stories...

As always, Mother O.

Hi Samantha,
Just wanted to say how much I love all of the shows. My mind has gone blank with a chance to talk to you. Your personality and the fun you always seem to have make the shows. Look forward to what's next. Much admired!!

Tim
tmmg66@infoave.net

Hi Sam, welcome back! Thanks for such a great season of Passport to Europe! I want to take the time now to talk about the future. I remember you said that you wanted to visit Yosemite National Park for your next season of Great Hotels. I recommend Chateau du Sureau, which has been featured on a travel channel series. It's a five star Relais and Chateux located in Oakhurst. It is a while away from the park itself, about an hour.Speaking of which, is there going to be another season of Great Hotels in the very near future? What's next for you? Is another season of Passport to Europe still in the air? Oh, and forgot to give you my email address last time, requesting an autographed photo. Here it is: djlo7@sbcglobal.net
I'll hear from you soon!

Hi Sam!

First, I love the new show. I never had any interest in visiting Europe until "Passport"...now I have a laundry list of places I want to visit "over the pond".

One quick question, I read somewhere that you grew up in New Hampshire as did I. It wasn't clear whether or not you lived in Derry, NH (I'm from Hudson, NH) or somewhere near the seacoast. I'm just curious whether or not you ever attended Pinkerton High School? During my years at Alvirne (Hudson's high school...we're talking late Eighties), Pinkerton was our chief rival school. I'd hate to "boycott" your new show just because you're a Pinkerton grad...lol!

Be well and happy and keep up the great work.

Thanks,

Tom Graham

Hello, Samantha. I just wanted to say (like everyone else!) how much I've enjoyed your work over the years. It's really nice to see new shows now, with Passport to Europe. I love Great Hotels, but I've seen all the episodes so many times now that I can quote the dialogue, so I'm afraid I took a break from watching them for a while. I always make time for the Hotel Hershey episode, though. And now for the Curious and Inconsequential Question of the Day: Are you left handed? I noticed you wrote with your left hand during the cruise special, but you eat with both hands (not at the same time, of course!) and most people tend to eat with their dominant hand. And speaking of eating, I noticed way before you went to Europe, that you usually hold your fork in the "European style," with the tines facing down. I was just curious how you picked up that habit? Is it common in New Hampshire? Here in Oklahoma, it's usually "tines up." (I told you it was curious and inconsequential...) I think I'm just obsessed with food right now because I'm on a diet. LOL OK, enough rambling from me. Next...

Alana in Tulsa

Welcome Back Sam!

Just add my voice to the choir singing the praises of your new Passport series. The effort put forth by you and the crew shine through in the quality work being presented. FAR superior to most of the drivel otherwise filling the airways. I have stated elsewhere in the forum that the Vienna episode was the closest thing to perfection that I could possibly imagine. You had my full attention when you selected to open with the Vienna boys choir. And the ballroom filled with people waltzing just took my breath away. I will NEVER allow that episode to be erased.

The thing I am most impressed with throughout the series is the manner in which you present the people of what ever locale is being featured. Your genuine interest is evident and brings out the best in the people both acting as your guides and those being interviewed. I have always admired your warmth and innate ability to make others feel comfortable. America couldn't ask for a better ambassador.

Think I'll back out now. I scratched my eye today while working in the yard and it is making typing this reply a bit of a challenge as things look a bit fuzzy. But before signing off, let me acknowledge the FABULOUS poetic effort penned by Mother O. It would take every morning from now until the end of time for me to even attempt to write such a piece. And it wouldn't come near to the quality of yours by a l-o-n-g shot. Hats off to you Mother!

Looking forward to reading everyone's posts. As always, I'm filled with gratitude for you sharing your precious private time with your fans Sam. Hope Fiona doesn't get too jealous. She has a right to your full attention with all the time she has been without her caretaker. Give her a pet and a scratch behind the ears for me will you?

Cordially,
Carol

WELCOME BACK SAMANTHA--

MY MAIN QUESTION IS-- What is next for 1 hour specials- and when will they be airing? and what is next for half hour programs- when do you start filming? and when do they start airing?

SECONDARY QUESTION - is regarding some ideas for shows-- would you ever consider any of the following?

A NEW SERIES- SAM LOVES A MYSTERY--

each ep would focus on a Murder Mystery Destination or Event-- some might take multiple eps. IT WOULD BE AWESOME COMBINING TRAVEL WITH YOUR THEATRICAL SIDE WITH MURDER MYSTERIES..

here are some of the ideas for either multiple eps- or single eps---

MURDER ON THE REAL
ORIENT EXPRESS
CURRENTLY BEING PLANNED AND PRICED OUT
A 10 DAY MURDER MYSTERY INCLUDING
THE ORIENT EXPRESS FROM
LONDON TO VENICE
WITH PROPOSED STOPS IN
PARIS - ZURICH - INNSBRUCK
SELLING PRICE WILL INCLUDE
ROUND TRIP AIR FARE
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS & MOST MEALS
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
KEITH & MARGO'S MURDER MYSTERY
THIS WILL TRULY BE... AN EXPERIENCE TO DIE FOR!

THERE ARE ALSO TONS OF MURDER MYSTERY WEEKENDS IN THE US AT VARIOUS HOTELS/INNS YOU COULD DO-- INCLUDING ONE AT THE MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE OR THE GRAND HOTEL IN MACKINAC ISLAND.. MUST INCLUDE ATLEAST ONE HALLOWEEN ONE- SET IN VERMONT WOULD BE COOL.

ALSO OTHER MURDER MYSTERY TRAINS IN THE US TO DO AS WELL. IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

AND DEFINITELY---
HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY CRUISE
This cruise sells out 6 months in advance, so book your cabin soon before another body mysteriously appears and takes your place! Our annual Halloween Weekend Cruise sails from San Pedro California aboard the Monarch of the Seas to Baja for three killer nights!

PLUS OTHER MURDER MYSTERY CRUISES AS WELL....


MORE IDEAS for shows or additional seasons to shows you've already done----

first would be another season of Passport to Europe to include anything missed in the first season. INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES AND GREECE.

Passport to Asia- one or two seasons depending on how much there is to see and do.

separate Great Hotels eps for Europe and Asia.-- EITHER HALF HOUR EPS LIKE NORMAL- OR HOUR ONES SHOWCASING ALL IN PARIS OR ALL IN ROME OR ALL IN LONDON... DEPENDING ON HOW MANY YOU HAVE AND THE FORMAT YOU WANT.. IF HOUR EPS - WOULD BE CALLED THE BEST GREAT HOTELS IN .... WHERE EVER THE CITY OR REGION.

Sam Brown's Aussie Adventure- series all about sam in Australia- outback and cities. and ofcourse separate Great Hotels for Australia.- 1/2 HOUR EPS PROBABLY UNLESS YOU CAN DO THEM ALL IN A ONE HOUR SPECIAL.


Sam Brown's Canadian Adventure- same as Australia- all about Canada and separate great hotels for canada as well.- THOSE ARE FOR SURE 1/2 HOUR EPS- THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT ONES THERE..

Same for mexico and the caribbean-SHOWCASING THE GREAT STUFF TO SEE AND DO-- bahamas, barbados, jamacia, bermuda.-- AND 1/2 HOUR GREAT HOTELS-.

Cruise eps to the caribbean and australia and the orient and greek islands and meditteranean- south of france maybe. also a disney cruise, cruising new england in the fall for color, riverboat cruises, alaska cruise and hawaiian cruise. AND A CHRISTMAS CRUISE.. WOULD BE GREAT- ALL DECKED OUT LIKE THE LOVE BOAT- YOU COULD WEAR A GREAT GREEN OR RED GOWN... AND A SCANDINAVIAN CRUISE TOO MAYBE..


the piece de resistance would be a series called Coast to Coast with Sam Brown- all about the usa. (i know that they've done road trips and what not- but YOU are the draw and your opinion and the things you do and see would make the show) YOU WOULD GO to each state-- and shows us whats the best to see and do.. some states will have more than one ep. like new york city gets it's own.. upper new york another ep. boston an ep.. nantucket an ep... marthas vineyard.. the hamptons.. cape cod... memphis (you are graceland would be priceless)... nashville... los angeles.. san fran and so on. each hawaiian island gets it's own ep. you can combine some footage you've already done and add new footage and what not. meanwhile new eps of great hotels can be done at the same time. as you travel-- they'll tape both coast to coast and great hotels eps at the same time. several seasons of both.

also maybe some more one hour eps-- mackinac island grand hotel gets it's own 1 hour- see you there in summer high season, winter for winter stuff if they even have that.. and 2 times in the fall- for somewhere in time weekend and the murder mystery weekend.-- IF YOU INCLUDE MACKINAC ISLAND MURDER MYSTERY EP WITH THE SAM LOVES A MYSTERY SERIES YOU CAN DO JUST A REGULAR HALF HOUR GREAT HOTELS EP ON MACKINAC ISLAND- SHOWCASING SUMMER HIGH SEASON AND THE FALL SOMEWHERE IN TIME WEEKEND.

1 hour specials of best disney hotels... (as you will have done all of them for great hotels eps--I KNOW YOU THINK YOU'VE DONE ENOUGH OF THEM BUT ALL OF THEM HAD DIFFERENT THEMES AND PEOPLE WANT TO SEE THEM - EVEN THE POLYNESIAN AND THE VALUE ALL STAR ONES- PLEASE DO THAT FOR THOSE OF US WHO CAN'T GO) and here you'll rank them for whatever things.. best beds best meals best this and that.. and same for vegas hotels-- many more to do - i know vegas is vegas but the themed hotels are awesome and think of the shows...(I KNOW YOU ARE TIRED OF VEGAS BUT THERE ARE THEMED ONES LEFT TO DO- PLEASE DO THEM FOR THOSE OF US WHO CAN'T GO-- MGM GRAND, CAESARS PALACE, MIRAGE, TREASURE ISLAND, PARIS HOTEL, NEW YORK NEW YORK, ALADDIN, CIRCUS CIRCUS, EXCALIBUR,) THESE ARE THEMED HOTELS YOU CAN FOCUS ON LOBBY, ROOMS, SHOWS, FOOD, POOLS AND SHOPPING.. AS SIDE THINGS YOU CAN DO HOOVER DAM AS WELL.

1 hour halloween ep- of different places - inns in vermont ... disney.. and so on.. NEED SOMETHING TO SHOW A HAUNTED HOUSE, HAY RIDE AND BEAUTIFUL LEAVES TO SHOW CLASSIC HALLOWEEN TOUCHES.. AND YOU SHOULD DRESS UP ATLEAST ONCE IN A COSTUME.

1 hour christmas ep- city chirstmas.. ski christmas.. disney christmas... hawaii christmas.. CHRISTMAS CRUISE. NEED SOMETHING THAT SHOWS A SLEIGH RIDE FOR SURE AND SANTA AND ALL THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS TOUCHES. SNOW IN ATLEAST ONE PLACE.

you stay at so many upscale "chain" hotels- i think you should do more of them for great hotels and then do the best of the best in 1 hour specials-- best for beds, service, theme... and so on.
SOME OF THOSE ARE-----Biltmore hotels, fairmont hotels, four seasons, hyatt regencies, manderin orientals, park hyatts, hyatt regencies, peninsulas, ritz carltons, sheratons, hiltons, st regis's, westins and the w hotels. AND LE MERIDIAN-LOTS OF GOOD ONES YOU HAVEN'T TAPPED YET. i'm sure there are more.

you need to stay at some of the hotels featured in the big resorts and great hotels magazine- i have the 2005 edition and it has so many you need to stay at .. and i'm sure past issues have more.

my main concern is time though-- you'd need to film some of the hawaii stuff right away- even if you have to save it to air later. some of the things you need to do on oahu are the following- some already done and should be refeatured in the coast to coast show- oahu may need 2 eps itself-- polynesian cultural center- to include horizons night show, pearl harbor-arizona memorial and the mighty mo, dole pineapple plantation the maze and the pineapple express, atlantis submarine, sea life park to include 2 dolphin encounters, the hummer off road movie set tour, royal hawaiian hotel luau, and shows- don ho show (most important- got to have you meet don ho- before he retires--as he is MR HAWAII and a trip to Hawaii isnt a trip unless you meet him and see his show), blue hawaii elvis show- the best one around, society of seven show and the magic of polynesia show.. hotels for great hotels include hilton hawaiian village, ilikai- famous for hawaii five o, sheratons (MIGHT BE TWO OF THEM) and hyatt regencies there, royal hawaiian hotel- pink palace.. and more. SO BASICALLY SEVERAL MORE 1/2 HOUR GREAT HOTELS WOULD BE MADE FROM JUST OAHU IF NOT SOME OF THE OTHER ISLANDS- THAT HAVE HOTELS YOU HAVEN'T DONE. AND THEN EACH ISLAND WOULD HAVE A HALF HOUR COAST TO COAST SHOW-- MAUI, BIG ISLAND, LANAI, MOLOKAI, KAUAI.. AND OAHU PROBABLY NEEDS TO BE SPLIT INTO TWO EPS-- ONE FOCUSING ON ACTIVITIES AND ONE ON SHOWS OR SOMETHING.


THE THING IS YOU COULD TAKE A BREAK FROM PASSPORT TO EUROPE AND FILM THE COAST TO COAST HAWAIIAN EPS- DO THE HAWAIIAN 1 HOUR CRUISE EP, DO THE GREAT HOTELS IN HAWAII EPS-- AND THEN MAYBE YOU CAN DO COAST TO COAST EPS AND GREAT HOTELS EPS IN ALASKA AND THE ALASKAN CRUISE.. THEN MAYBE GREAT HOTELS AND COAST TO COAST IN DISNEY WORLD- AND THE DISNEY CRUISE. AND BETWEEN ALL THAT YOU'D HAVE PLENTY OF EPS FOR SEASON 1 OF COAST TO COAST TO RUN SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH SEASON 4 OF GREAT HOTELS (IF NOT THROW IN THE VEGAS GREAT HOTELS AND NEVADA COAST TO COAST EPS).. AND YOU'D HAVE SEVERAL CRUISE EPS AND THE 1 HOUR DISNEY GREAT HOTELS AS WELL OFCOURSE AND 1 HOUR VEGAS HOTELS IF YOU ADD THEM. THEN GO BACK FOR A SECOND SEASON OF PASSPORT TO EUROPE AND THE GREAT HOTELS THERE AND CRUISES THERE.. AND GO FROM THERE WITH THE OTHER SHOWS-- MAYBE GOING BACK TO USA COAST TO COAST SOME STATES FOR A NEW SEASON- AND SIMULTANEOUS GREAT HOTELS SEASON.. THEN ALTERNATE WITH ASIA OR AUSTRALIA.. THEN ANOTHER SEASON OF COAST AND HOTELS.. THEN BACK TO CANADA OR MORE ASIA OR WHATEVER.. THEN BACK TO COAST AND HOTELS AND SO FORTH.

I HOPE YOU LIKED MY SUGGESTIONS AND SOME OF THEM WILL COME TO PASS- please le me know what you think is possible.. thanks - you are great!!

rock on Sam!!

Samantha!!!
I think you are so incredibly hot!!
Keep up the great work

Hi Sam!!
Ohmygosh, is this the real Samantha Brown? The one I see traveling all around the world? Wow, I'm so excited. I missed the last chat by a couple of days.
I am probably one of your biggest fans. I would like to say I never miss an episode, but sadly, I am in school from 7am to 3:15pm (central time) so I can only watch if I'm off of school or home early. But I just got DVR so I'll be able to watch all the time!
I have a few questions for you...

-What is your favorite hotel that you've been to? Please don't say something expensive...
-I'm going to Spain in 2 years (yes I know, far away, but I'm really excited). What do I absolutely HAVE to see while I'm there? Which leads me to my next qusetion...
-Besides Barcelona, what is your favorite european city? If you can't choose, just name a few.
-How is your kitty?
-When you go to Chicago, what do you do there? I only live 20 minutes away but I never do any sightseeing like I should.
-Have you ever been to Ovengrinders? It's a great Chicago pizza place.
-Where is your favorite place in Hawaii?
-If you were a tree, what kind would you be (just thought I'd throw some Barbara Walters in)?
-What would you say to someone who is interested in travel but has no idea what kind of a career they would have? Like say, me (although I have a few years to decide, but still, it never hurts to have an idea).
-What is your favorite food?
-What is your favorite part/aspect of Disney World?

Well, you don't have to answer all of those, but you can if you want to. I hope to hear from you soon! If you want to email me my address is slyvesterd@sbcglobal.net .

TTYL!!
-Kelsey

P.S. If you are ever in the Chicago area, let me know! I would LOVE to meet you!

Hello Everybody!

It's been way too long and I am very much looking forward to this week of talking with you and finding out what you have all been up to. Although, I do visit the posts from time to time so I have some clue.

It's been one incredible year where the achievements as well as the disappointments have proven to be invaluable not only in my job but in my life. And I am happy to report that next month it all begins again. Passport to Europe season 2 is a go!

Until then I am enjoying time home immensely. I have even bought plants. I also just got back from a family vacation where we did a white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. I pee'd in the river and slept sans tent with bats whizzing by my head. How's that for a girl known for 300 count sheets and room service? It's a once in a lifetime trip that I intend to do twice.

Anyway, as I said before it's been too long so what's up?

WOW!

I Have quite a few posts already! I will definitely be responding later today-right now I have to take my cat to get her annual.

Hey girlfriend! Long time no type.
I am really impressed with your Passport show - you are doing a great job! It's fun - and I'm learning I'm learning - YEY! You are getting me interested in going to some places I had not considered - SO IT'S WORKING. So tell your producers that

Did I ever give you my website? This is my gig:
hometown.aol.com/kthynoll
I am a writer and I'm still helping kids deal with bullying and school violence. It's been very rewarding.

Hope to see you in more passport shows. All that traveling and lack of sleep does not come across the screen at all as you look and sound very together, knowledgeable, and relaxed. You obviously were made for the job and have made it such an interesting show for us to experience with you and enjoy. So THANKS
Look me up & give me a buzz next time you are in Reading
Take care -
As always, your fellow demented sister,
Kathy Noll

YAY for season 2!!!!!! Any ideas what your destinations are yet? (the offer of tour guide for the South Pacific islands still stands!)

So...How the heck are you? It's been a while but not a whole lot has changed with me. As you can see, we contiunally chat on with or without you. It's sure a unique cross section of people! How about that bit of prose by Mother O!!! A piece of art!

I can not tell you how much I've enjoyed Passport! I've recently found myself watching Great Hotels again. You know that we will always LOVE great hotels. It is, after all, the means by which we all found you...but...the difference in the shows is amazing! I love seeing how you've evolved before our eyes and can't wait to watch the continuing process. But really, can you top this year? I'll be waiting patiently to see you do it!

And along the Great Hotels vein...an original question from me!!! When you did all the New York hotels, did you stay the nights there or simply do the shoot and go home at night?

I see Mother O and Hummingbird have already beat me to the punch. Tuttle is claiming shyness, so he may need some coaxing to appear. Young Ashley has been so busy I'm exhausted from just hearing about her travels (be sure to congratulate her on college!) but I'm sure you will hear from her too! The board has been pretty active in your absence...I'm actually off this week with no plans other than to ride the bike (big race in 2 weeks actually called the Horrible Hilly Hundred...why am I doing this!) and to see the Cubs take on the Red Sox on Friday! I was just in NYC for a ride actually! Manhatten to Montuak...it was a great ride!

I'm sure I'll pop in again this week, but for now will leave you to speak with all your old and new adoring fans!!! Thanks again for packing us all into your suitcase and taking us with you where ever you go!!!!

Take Care!!!!
Kel

edit to add...Hey - I posted without crashing!!!!! and hope the vet was good to Fiona!
(sigh, spoke to soon. what does my computer have against posting here!?)

I see that you said in your first post back that Season 2 of Passport to Europe will be starting soon.

how many eps will it be this time?
ideas of where you'll be going?
when you start taping?
when they start airing?
what 1 hour specials are coming up?

any idea if any of the ideas i posted earlier could happen? especially the hawaii ones??? i can't believe with the times you've been to hawaii that you've missed Don Ho.. i just hope you get your chance before it's too late....

well- can't wait to hear.. thanks.

i forgot to ask the chance of your shows hitting dvd anytime soon?

it would be great if they can start with a samantha brown set 1- including all great vacation homes eps, girl meets hawaii eps, great hotels- all 3 seasons, passport to europe season 1 and all your promos for mardi gras and other shows.. and all the 1 hour specials you've done. and all the extra footage not used for the eps and bloopers..

let us know if it's possible to get them on dvd soon.. and then future seasons on dvd as well.

do you know how many great vacation homes eps you did? and do you know where i can get a list of the titles? thanks.

Hi Samantha,

Great job with your Passport to Europe show! Best regards to you and the crew. I would like to know if you have any tips on staying in shape while you're traveling in Europe? I've gotten so lost jogging in cities where the streets are not rectangular patterned!

Dave

TINY BUBBLES FOR DON HO

Hi, hotelsfan! You must not have had a chance to see the Hawaiiana episode of Girl Meets Hawaii yet. In this special episode, Samantha spent a lot of time with Don Ho! They even conversed about Hawaii's "aloha spirit" while strolling on its shores, and Don Ho sang a version of "Sweet Someone" to her. In return, Samantha closed the episode sitting on the sand, blowing some "tiny bubbles" to him from a "bubble wand" that came with her bottle, of course, of bubble water, as a special "thank you." I'm sure they will recycle this episode of Girl Meets Hawaii again on the Sunday morning repeats of this series. It usually airs in my area of Ohio at 9:00 A.M. Sunday morning.

Steve

i do NOT have cable so i can't watch for a rerun -- when sam's shows come on i have to have a friend tape them for me..

but...i DO have that episode on tape- and i dont recall don ho being there.. hmmm i better dig it out and rewatch it because i totally dont remember that.. it's been a while and i only saw it once and that was before i went to hawaii so i might have forgotten...

thanks for the info Steve!!!

in anycase- SAMANTHA-- there are still other things you've missed in hawaii that should be seen- the magic of polynesia show, blue hawaii show- that's the best thing i've ever seen--and that can't go on forever so the sooner the better to see it for the great experience, society of seven show, the luau at the royal hawaiian hotel.. the off road hummer movie set tour and atlantis submarine.. all would be great..

Hi!Samantha,I am so happy Passport to Europe will be back. you make Europe an absolute joy.You mentioned achievements as well as disappointments,in your job and life,Are you and your family well?Could you expand on that?Only if you want to.God be with you.Love Mary.

intldoc

Thank you so very much for all your praise. My writing is what I am most proud of with the show. It's also the most frustrating and humiliating part because a lot of the time I don't feel like I am doing the destination or it's people justice. Do you happen to remember Sesame Street when the muppet musician would sit down at the piano to compose nursery rhymes. He would finger the keys while singing "mary had a little...(pause) dog,...cat...mouse" then he would slam his head against the keys shouting "OH I'LL NEVER DO IT! NEVER DO IT!" I feel like that muppet a lot and now know the saying "pull my hair out of my head" is a LITERAL term.

I also wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your posts and appreciate the time you give to this forum.

safe travels!

ambitiousduck

DO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT YOU STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A PICTURE?

and don't worry you did not offend me-it takes a lot.

stevefrommichigan

your packages reached me safely thank you! It's probably best to send things to Travel Channel viewer relations and it does take a few months to get to me and then of course I may be gone for weeks so it's not the most efficient system but it does work.

as for your questions. in lobbing donuts. my aim was off and I did end up grazing an unsuspecting person there to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. He saw what we were doing so no harm no foul.

deep fried mars bars. I was really fascinated about the idea of deep frying a candy bar. Two bites really will do me for the rest of my life I gather. However a new fish and chip place has opened a few blocks away from me and guess what they have? yep, actually you have your pick of different candy bars, as well as twinkies and an Atkins bar. so if I ever get the craving....

orangefan

I have tears in my eyes. wow. you allowed me to remember things I had already forgotten. the speed in which we shoot this series is so fast and furious that I really haven't had the time to reminisce. and now we are starting season two in a month! So thank you for that trip and I'm going to send it to everyone involved in the production of this show.

travel1st

What's next is season 2 of "Europe" so we are all very excited. (especially since the Euro is declining) Great Hotels may come back who knows. It's still a very popular show for Travel Channel. Thanks for the tip about Chateau du Sureau. Any Relais and Chateau property is incredible.

tom0557

PINKERTON RULES!!!

okay, please don't hate me because I went to THE BEST sports school in New Hampsha! Do you know that I was even the captain of the cheerleading team. High School was a long time ago but it's funny how old rivalries die hard. If I met someone from Londonderry I'd say under my breath with disdain "lancer" really I'm just kidding...I would say it out loud with disdain.

alanan

i'm right handed and I do eat with both hands at the same time just not on-camera I do eat using the "European" method which funny enough my dad asked me recently "why do you eat that way?" Years ago I was on a childrens theatre tour and one of the other cast members ate this way. I was really quite mesmerized by how elegant she made eating fast food look. So I copied her. I will say it's easier than doing all that fork and knife switching.

hummingbirdlady

These forums are really like getting together with old friends and it's certainly nice hearing from you again. And I am so happy and proud when all of you still communicate when I am not there.

As for your wonderful comments on the show. Thank you very much. After three years of being all by myself in Great Hotels it's such a joy to be with people on camera. Look for much more interaction in season two. We all agreed that logistic travel info like when a place is open and how much are tickets is far less interesting and informative than simply meeting people who live there.

scratched your eye! ow. That's happened to me a couple of times and it's just so uncomfortable.
maybe you should just let the weeds grow.

hotelsfan

would you like to be my manager? That's the great thing about my job-there is no end to what you can see and do. And you're post hit that point home. Great suggestions by the way so let's see if I can answer in a nutshell your questions

1.I have just signed on to do Season 2 of "Europe"
2.No one hour specials as of yet since the season of 1/2 hours is absolutely consuming. But these will definitely be in the works

3.a road trip show featuring each and everyone of the 50 states is dream of mine-have to get Europe and possibly Asia out of the blood system first though

4.I like your idea about the murder mystery show but I think you would need a "spookier" host.

Again, all great ideas but you hit the nail on the head when you said "my concern is time" Time unfortunately is always a concern.

Hey Sam!! It's the Disney freak, Rory. I'm the one who was working in Disney for a few months. I only made 3 of the 6 months I was supposed to be there. Let me tell you, working at Disney World and vacationing there are two completely different things. As much as I love Disney World, I will never work there again but you can bet I will vacation there again. I'm actually going back for a few days in August. I'm staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas. One of the friends works there so I will be able to see him. I worked the Figment ride and "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience", HISTA for short. I got to go now. I hope to hear from you soon.

~Rory

cruiseluver

well I'm glad you caught me this time. Thanks for putting me on the esteemed DVR list. I have one myself and I know that real estate on it is precious.

If you want to have a career in travel but don't know quite what exactly I would say figure out what you are especially good at then tailor "it" around the travel industry. If you really like to be with people and share experiences-be a guide. If you enjoy writing then go down that route.

my other favorite city is Amsterdam. It's an enchanting city and it's people are very easy going and fun to be with.

what tree would I be hmmmmmmm How about a Birch tree. They are all over New Hamphire. When I moved there from Virginia I had never seen white bark on a tree and then to walk thru thick forests of them...for an 11 year old girl was something else.

glad that you liked my ideas.. and once again -- last time you were in the forums you asked if i wanted to be your assistant- this time you say manager.. answer to both-- YES!!! i have been unemployed for 8 months and have had some real bad luck with car, computer and health expenses.. i could use a great job.. so if you are serious please please let me know.. if it's in jest- no worries i appreciate the thought regardless...

Well for murder mysteries-- they tend to be more funny than scary so i think you'd be the perfect host-- wouldnt want to watch anyone else.. but i'm glad to hear that you like the ideas-- and i hope in time they all come to pass..

more quick questions-

1. when will the new eps of europe air?
2. what locations are you planning on using?
3. how many eps will there be in the season?
4. how many great vacation homes eps are there?
5. will there be a dvd set soon?

Dear Sam,

Hope your cat's annual went okay. As for Pinkerton...yes, they ruled SPORTS-wise but I seem to remember they struggled a bit academically. The year: 1989, the locale: the Granite State SuperChallenge. The opponents: Alvirne High School vs. Pinkerton. The victor: ALVIRNE - who has gone to win a few more of those academic championships...while Pinkerton has won none.

The Captain of that 1989 "Cinderella" championship team...I'll give you one guess as to HIS identity..

Please have a safe Season Two of "Passport", be happy and enjoy Europe.

Thomas R. Graham, J.D.

P.S. ALVIRNE RULES & PINKERTON DROOLS!

Wow, Sam. "Passport" must be very successful for the Travel Channel if Season 2 is already a go. Congratulations! (Though none of us would cry if "Great Hotels" Season 4 happens down the line...)

Anyway, I was wondering about the differences between shooting the two shows. "Passport" looks like it would be logistically much more difficult to do. All that moving around, shooting outside, interacting with locals... How much more difficult is it and how long does the average show take to shoot?

My husband and I love your shows...especially Passport to Europe. So lucky we found it on the travel channel. You see, we are planning my first trip abroad for the month of July 2005. We have used your very informative shows to "chart our course". We will be on a "road trip" with a car rental. We leave small town USA in Central FL and arrive in Madrid, Spain. Odd, considering that so many tourists visit our neighboring town of Orlando to see Mickey! It's our turn to play tourist, ya'll.
We will drive to France (Paris), Holland (Amsterdam--loved today's show), Germany, Switzerland, Italy (Milan), Monte Carlo and Portugal before leaving and landing in New York City for a few days. My parents are going to meet us in New York City and it should be interesting since they have NEVER flown anywhere and have zero experience in Big Cities. We couldn't take them with us to see the Old World but we at least hope to show them a taste of the New in the Big Apple.

Frankly, given my small town background, this treck across Western Europe would have been nearly impossible to plan (on our own) without your show. You are the perfect host and capture the essence of what we hope to find....real people and cultures!


P.S. My hubby and I would love to host a show for the TC called "Road Trips Around the World". Give us a call.

DEEP FRIED TWINKIES! Hmmmmm ... never thought of chocolate-covered, deep-fried TWINKIES! Let me know how they taste, if you ever, as you say, "get a craving ..." Samantha! Coincidentally, it's been years since I indulged in Twinkies, and when I saw a lone package on the shelf at the grocery store a couple of days ago, I decided it was "high time" to have a couple, and did! Usually, I've been having brownies and Little Debbie's for dessert at home.

Well, thank you so much, Samantha, for solving THE MYSTERY OF THE MISDIRECTED DONUT for us all. Glad the recipient wasn't too put out by your unintentional guffaw. Speaking of donuts, I'm heading out in a few minutes to visit a new cafe and pastry shop in Ashland with some of my writer friends. Hopefully we won't encounter any "wise guys" there with mischief on their minds and hard, stale donut at hand!

Glad to hear you received my mail safely. Just mailed you a new mailer containing the American Orient Express brochure I wrote I'd send you when I was able to purchase a mailer package it would fit in without bending. Also included some other things for you to enjoy. I don't know if you'll get it before you head out for your next trip, but I know you'll enjoy receiving it whenever it comes. I sent it, of coure, to Pine Ridge over the weekend by Priority Mail, but, if you think it'd be better for me to write to you from now on at your Travel Channel viewer relations address, I'll send my future letters, etc., to you there, Sammy.

If you don't mind answering my other questions about your school production of "The Sound of Music" I'd sure like to hear your answers to those questions from my previous post, too.

Well, got to get off the forum and get ready to go try out the new cafe/pastry shop. Talk to you again later.

Steve

Kel, Kel, Kel.... thank you so very much for shoving me out onto the stage here. I mean to say, I probably would never have appeared without your kind prodding.


Ah, Ms. Brown, it's somewhat exhilarating to be posting to you again. What an excepional year you seem to have glided - and sometimes bounced - through, and I'm sure the Samantha looking back at you in the mirror this evening is so much more enlightened and enriched than the Sam you saw a year ago. We've all enjoyed watching your travels so much: almost like having one of those Advent calendars as a kid, only being able to open up one door at a time and then having to wait impatiently until you can unfasten another. One day Prague... but then we must wait for Paris. But always worth it in the end (and that's where the analogy to the usually deeply disappointing flimsy Advent things comes to a halt).

I must admit to you that in my perhaps bizarre attempts to keep conversation and I hope encouragement afloat the last few weeks of your travels, with Messages in Bottles and Pimm's Cups, I seem to have used up all my 'A' material and all that remains are tired old lines like your telegenic prose being "light, lilting tones on wings of gossamer," which, well, as you see, isn't very good at all. Plus any praise I'd heap upon you now would just be repetitions of past posts. And Kel and Carol and Mother O have already given you such eloquent tributes that I leave it to them to justifiably shower you with accolades. I am in awe of Mother O's Suessian poetry. Quite the magical touch, isn't it? But you have given us such wonderful phrases, and such wonderful glances into the camera, too, Samantha (like lilting tones on gossamer wings? No... that's just awful...) that you must know how much you are appreciated.

I held off on posting this week (thanks again, Kel) partly to watch the tapes of Brussels and Amsterdam today after a quick and unanticipated half day of my own helping out with some tours up on a suddenly very steamy mountain. I'm guessing your wonderful northern European weather continued in those cities, alas. But the episodes were charming as ever, Amsterdam in particular. And a double entendre on Passport? Twenty minutes, huh? The show truly has grown up in but a single season.

And thus the point, if there is one, of my post: what good news to hear of More Europe, Ms. Brown. You know we have suggestions for a second season, number one of course being.... WHERE WAS VENICE??? The rest I shall civilly carry out in lower case lettering if you are soliciting advice.

Oh, I'd also be curious as to where that Tiffinbites branch was you sampled in London. As I do love chicken tikka masala, and will be there for a bit in September (John Rylance is doing his final performances as Prospero in the Globe, too) and having seen it highlighted in the series, I really do want to check it out. And with that, stomach beginning to rumble here with the image of chicken tikka dancing in my head, I suddenly need to depart. And as for London, well, more on that I'm sure another time...

Your Passport Series, happily season one only, has been an absolute enchantment, Sam. It made a messy winter easier for us, and we so appreciate all the long and I'm sure extraordinary efforts you've made to create such a literate but fun, light yet profound, beautiful but not trite, and such an attractive and memorable series. Thank you, Samantha.

What can I say? But I agree! you all say it so well.Samantha! Thank you! Your writing is brilliant.All your shows are so much fun.Love Mary.

Hi Sam, I'm glad you responded! Do you have your destination list for Passport yet? Do you think you can squeeze in Venice and Lake Como? I'm sure Lake Como would be similar to that of the Amalfi Coast episode, the sweetness of doing nothing(I LOVED THAT EPISODE)! Anyways, this question popped up in my head yesterday. Would you ever consider starting your own magazine? You'd be perfect! You seen so many places, travel frequently, are informative, and have had plenty of experience on the travel channel!Or maybe a writer for Travel and Leisure or Conde Nast Traveler? I mean, you would be perfect!

My husband and I are taking our first and probably only cruise to Europe - on the same ship (Brillance of the Sea) that Samantha did. We saw the very end of the show "First Cruise" and have been trying to find out how we can get a copy of the show. There seemed to be some very helpful information and we really want to make the most of our trip, so having a copy or being able to see the entire show would be most helpful. Is there any way to do this? We leave in mid September.

Hey Sam,how the heck are ya? It's very nice to hear that you have signed on for another year of Passport to Europe.While I haven't been able to catch all of the shows,the ones I have seen are fantastic. Did you do an episode from Monaco? If I was to visit there I would definitely plan it around the F1 race. What a spectacle that must be,plus it looks like a very unique place to visit.I have a question about the Berlin show(correct me if I'm wrong). You wre talking to a guy on the street who was like an information guru dressed in costume. Holy cow ! was that guys' nose for real? Hope you got a laugh out of that one! Well keep up the good work and I'll be watching . Love Ya!!

Kthynoll

Hey There! I didn't know you wrote and helped so much on the subject of bullying. It's interesting how no matter how old you get you can always be a victim of it. Do you have children? I don't but I would imagine a lot of your guidance is a life saving aid to parents who feel helpless when their child is being targeted by a bully. How's Reading? Haven't been there in awhile-I need a cheesesteak from Sammy's or an Italian sub at A & S.

Samantha,

I am headed to the New England area, anything I should not miss in Vermont? I believe you are from the New England area. My husband and I love all your shows, we just wish The Travel Channel would put Passport on their evening lineup!

KELDVM!!!

Glad to see you are taking some time off. I have always recommended the go nowhere vacation. That way you can be a tourist in your own town. Visit cafe's, restaurants and museums you haven't tried yet. How many races do you do a year? Are they all for Cancer research for the Lance Armstrong foundation? Do you squeeze that energy ooze stuff into your mouth or is it a nice juicy cheeseburger when you are done? I myself have picked up tennis lessons because I KNOW that i have it in me to be a big tennis star. Of course I would figure this out AFTER i had a job where I stayed in resorts for 30 weeks out of the year.

How's your mum? Mine just had the works catscan, MRI etc. for her three year check-up and she got a clean bill of health. We also went to Disney World in the beginning of April and she was treated better than Cinderella! Tell your Mother I said hello.
How does she feel about Lance and Sheryl?

and for your question. Yes, I stayed in all the NY hotels. If you have ever seen the CityClub hotel episode know that that's where we were during the big blackout two years ago. Funny story: we were doing a room tour and needed a little more light so Stan had the grip set up one of our filler lights. Literally as the man plugged it in all the lights went out. We figured we blew a fuse and when we saw that the whole block was affected we thought "uh oh, what did we do?" I was in midtown at the time and about three of my stranded friends joined me that night. It was a great mini bar feast of potato chips, toblerones and gummi bears.

I know you are on vacation so I expect to hear from you again young lady.

Hi Sam, it's a pleasure to be able to address you directly!

Question - when you're at a particular hotel, how long do you typically stay? Have there been any locations that you've been really disappointed with or think to yourself, "I'd never come back here"...you don't actually have to say which one. Are there any places that were so bad that they never aired?

If you ever come to Nashville (maybe for the Gaylord Oprland Hotel or Hermitage Hotel) give some notice.

I saw one of your replies about The Boulders, my wife and I went there a couple of years ago and really loved it. We can't afford the 'normal' seasonal rates, so we wait until it's 130 degrees around mid-August and the place is deserted and it's dirt cheap! (we really loved that and look forward to going back again)

Shameless plug - please be sure to send me a picture - that conversation of a signed autograph was pretty ancient and I'm hoping it doesn't get overlooked.

Wishing you the best in all your travels! You're the BEST!

jaquaila1,

I'm flattered that you would want to spend time with me and the crew. With Great Hotels it might have been plausible but I'm afraid in Europe the logistics would be much too complex. although the crew and I love having guests because we are so sick of each other
well, at least I know they are sick of me.

Basically what your asking to do is to be an intern which if you wanted to do in a general sense you could look up TV Production companies in your area and ask them about opportunities. It wouldn't be with us but I'm sure it would be a great learning experience.