Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all experiencing some nice spring weather finally. The fact that I don't have to spend 10 minutes putting on winter gear every time I go out frees up about an hour in the day.

Great Hotels received some excellent news last week -- we've been nominated for a daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Direction in a Service Show. We're all very excited.

I had a blast during Mardi Gras (you can see the pictures I took in the photo gallery). It's quite a scene and we had the advantage of hanging out with the locals at their parties and formal balls, which is much more fun than the out-of-control college atmosphere in the French Quarter -- at least for me.

Unfortunately, I got a case of food poisoning while I was there. And even more unfortunate than that was while I was sick all the promos we were shooting involved eating food. Sam eats Po'boy, Sam eats Bananas Foster, Sam eats Beignets etc. At one point we had a bag waiting for me because I didn't think I was going to make it. I didn't. And while I was running to the back of the cafe in the alley to bury my face in the bag I heard someone say "isn't that the girl from the Travel Channel?" Pure humiliation. Anyway, why I tell you all this is because they had to get me a replacement for the rest of the day. Everyone is always asking me how to get my job and it seems pretty easy: just hang-out until I get food poisoning and be ready to go on or slip something into my food so you don't have to wait. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Samantha,

Please allow me to introduce myself; my name is Steve Oliver and my body resides in Frankfort, Ky. My mind, however, is always some place else; let’s say some coastal New England town such as Kennebunkport, Maine or maybe a little southern charm like Charleston, S.C.

I love history; I guess you could say I’m a history buff because I love visiting Federal Forts and Battlefields. Wherever there’s a cannon, you can bet I’m going to be posing by it for a picture. Two of my favorites are Ft. Sumter in Charleston, where the Civil War began, and Gettysburg, Pa. Where I guess you could say,” the war came to restitution”.

The last time I visited Gettysburg was in 2001, this was a very special time in my life, newfound sense of freedom and respect for myself. Yep, drove up there with just my camera and tripod. I was very surprised how well I could take pictures of myself. I’ll never forget it; I was running around on the Battlefield at 7:30 am, In October, with my shirt off taking all these crazy pictures of me lying on rocks, trees and of course cannons!
People were looking at me like I was CRAZY!! They couldn’t believe what I was doing, especially with the temperature so low… I remember a few of the park rangers making their little comments, something like “ these fitness freaks really get on my nerves, I can’t believe this guy”. Well, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone; I was just having fun with all these spiritual feelings and emotions I was encountering. After all, I do try to live a good Christian life I was only expressing myself.

I would love to share some of these pictures with you, just to get your response and see your reaction. I have so many fun filled episodes in my life I could share. The last four years, (since I’ve discovered your incredible talent and charm) I’ve realized you’re always with me. Yes, I always think of you. If I watch the sun set glace over the mighty Atlantic, or simply watch horses frolicking in the Ky. Pastures you’re always there….
I think; I bet Sam would love this place, or maybe, how would Sam see this, what would she enjoy about this God given masterpiece?

I could go on and on about my dreams… If I sent these pictures to the Travel Channel would you get them eventually? I think it’s so awesome that I can finally (because of this new forum) let you know I exist and tell you how wonderful you truly are.

P.S. I’ll trade you my pictures for one of yours.

Here is my email: Steve.Oliver@mail.state.ky.us

Here is a mailing address: Alcoholic Beverage Control (Attn. Steve Oliver)
1003 Twilight Trail
Frankfort, Ky. 40601

Thank You and Always, Steve O.

Hi Sam!

I really love watching all your shows. You are a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dismal TV dial. Are you still growing your hair? I actually thought it looked awesome when it was short! You're beautiful either way, though. Glad you're back. Looking forward to seeing the new shows.

All the best,

Holt

Sam: It is good to see you have recovered from your bout of food poisoning.I wondered why you suddenly stopped doing the promo's on Fat Tuesday.Could it be from where you were ****ing the heads of crawfish???? Any how its good to see you are back on your feet.OH how many beads did you wind up with??...Greg

Samantha,
sorry to hear you got food poisoning... yech. Hope you are feeling better now...
Saw some of your new shows and really enjoyed them, as always.
Mardi-gras... too much fun. But I have to agree with you, the French 1/4 seems way too out of control for me also. Perhaps in my "younger" days that would have been the place to be. Although might be fun to peek in on the action .
Out here in the West we have had a pretty mild winter, lots of rain recently (which is good). But today the sun is shinin! Looking forward to vacation in a couple of weeks and I hope the weather is nice.
So, welcome back !
By the way, if you ever get out this way i would love to treat you to a wonderful dinner and tour of the Waitsburg area and Walla Walla Valley.
By the way, that might be a good idea for your show.
Rural America - Walla Walla Valley, the newest wine capital in the World. We are still small, but have some wonderful Hotels, B&B's and great cuisine.
Anyhow, keep up the great work.
Fred

Hi Samantha
I'm 34 from the Pacific Northwest and at first when I started watching you on Great Hotels, I thought I had my own personal little crush on you. Now it's been kind of sobering to find out so many other people do too! The internet makes the world seem so tiny. Maybe someone has a fansite for me too, somewhere?!
Anyway, i've been trying to figure out what to talk to you about, and here they are:
1) I watched Cinema Paradiso (the original cut) the other night because you said you liked it. Well, that movie left me with a lump in my throat at the end. I thought it was excellent. Can you tell me a few of your other favorite movies?
2) I think you are so adorable to watch. I wish I had a girlfriend like you. I bet your easy to fall in love with. I loved you when you had brown hair on Great Vacation Homes too. Just expressing myself. You are positive T.V. viewing.
3) You seem to be very good with kids. Maybe a Samantha kids show? Maybe not your bag, who knows?
4) Will your lighthearted traveling be any way affected by the upcoming war do you think? I hope it won't hurt your career.
5) Finally, if your still reading, I would like a signed picture of you (if you have any left!).
my email address is:

earthfinger@yahoo.com

I don't know if I should put my address in here so, please let me know when you get a chance.

P.S. Don't tell anyone I have a secret crush on you!
P.P.S. I picked my favorite video moment of yours, and it was "The flashbacks!" "These colors are just bonkers!"

Hoping to see you on the streets in the Northwest. I will blow you a kiss. Don't worry about it, i'm cute and mellow.
Love, Robert

Sorry to hear about your misfortune with your dinning experience. Perhaps while you recover you might consider watching "Faulty Towers." Created by former Monty Python member John Cleese. He runs a hotel in England called Faulty Towers. I think it would be right up your alley. Hope your feeling better.

Glad to see you are back and on the board. I enjoy your show, mostly because of the humor you put into it. I like watching the show to see where you'll end up next. I don't know who has the final say in where you'll visit next. Maybe a combination of you and a few other execs. With that said, how about putting these on a list places to visit, and sorry if you have been to the places in the past since I've never seen all the episodes, Gettysburg, PA, Chincoteague Island, VA, Hampton Roads area, VA and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As you can see I'm pretty partial to the coastal areas. It hit me about 15 years ago on a trip the Olde English Towne near the Queen Mary. It's tough to shake, especially when you live in an area that is more famous for it's snow and mountains (Northeast PA) than the beach. Nice "talking" to you, Gene

Dear Samantha,

So sorry to hear about your own "episode." Congrats on the nomination. Your show surely deserves it.

I just wanted to let you know how I enjoy your show and enjoy watching you. You have so much charisma and charm and it radiates on screen! I think you are excellent at your job - it's amazing how you can describe a room! I wonder, how have you learned how to descibe with such detail? (I must admit - sometimes I need a dictionary to get all the nuance!)

As far as the comments of those who think you sit around all day - well, I can understand how you may feel! I am an aspiring opera singer and people think that singing all day is fun. Well, it is - but much more goes into than just that! Your show is so great because of all the "extras" and work you and your team put into. The cumulative result is a very entertaining show, but I'm sure hours, sweat, tears (and some Pepto Bismal)are poured into every episode?

And as we say in the theatre, "Brava!"

Man that's the worst. I had a case of that once and was afraid I wasn't going to die. I think it took my system a month to get back to normal. I apprecitae you sending out a new photo since my first one never got here. Thanks again Sam, have a great St. Patricks Day!
John

Hi Samantha!

I am so glad to have found this site and see that you actually take the time and post... wow, how cool.

I have been enjoying your show Great Hotels ever since I discovered it a month or two ago... it's become my favorite show and you really make it especially enjoyable to watch. Congratulations, on the Emmy nomination!! Extra cool. Sorry about the food poisoning, though. Aw....

One thing I noticed while watching your show is that... now this is going to sound a bit silly, but you kind of remind me, well... of me!! You crack me up with your jokes on the show, and well, I kinda crack myself up at times too. We not only look similar but have a similar goofy sense of humor. Plus... (more similarities)... I love cats (we have two) and I'm a freelance photographer/writer for a local newspaper - (I read that you volunteer taking care of cats in a shelter, and also that you enjoy photography).

One other reason I enjoy watching your show is, actually, unlike you, I am agoraphobic, which means I don't travel far from home or I have a panic attack. I love hearing about traveling because it's my hope one day to get better and travel one day, too. So I love watching your shows. I've also wanted to travel ever since I was a kid, it's been one of my big dreams but unfortunately I ended up agoraphobic (kinda like Beethoven going deaf), but I try to keep a sense of humor about it and have hope that one day I'll get on that plane too. But for now, since you kinda remind me of myself, I jokingly call you the "traveling me". LOL...

I actually have a small wooden monk which I give to my friends when they go away on trips or vacations, to keep them safe. He's only about two inches tall and he's been all around the world, with people I know. It's also kind of funny because I want to start this thing to help get me out a bit more, as inspiration... kind of like in that film "Amelie". Whenever I give the monk to someone from now on, I want them to take a photo of it in some faraway place, so that I can see where it's been, and then they can bring the monk back to me. Hey, if he can do it, so can I, right? Well, it's just a silly idea. Do you think I could send this monk to you, not only as a "keep you safe" traveling monk, but if you ever feel like snapping a photo of him in your travels... well, it's up to you. He's a funny little guy, kinda looks like Alfred Hitchcock.

Well, I hope my goofiness hasn't caused you to think I'm totally wacky. I just have been so excited about your show and wanted to post a "hello" to you here.

I wish you the best with your shows, your travels, and everything!!!

With Kindest Regards,

Robyn Bellospirito
bellspirit@aol.com
http://www.anxietyreferralonline.com/art/personal.html

Hi Samantha and welcome back!! I'm sorry to hear that you had food poisoning while in New Orleans. I've had food poisoning only once and I know how absolutely horrible it is!! I can't imagine having to pretend to eat food while feeling like that - no wonder you lost it!!
Anyway, i've been waiting for you to come back to the forum because my husband and I have planned a vacation to the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island at the end of May for our anniversary and I wanted to see if you had any "tips" or "must see/try" that you can recommend. I saw your episode on that hotel and that's what peaked my interest in visiting, but didn't know if there were any other tidbits that you could comment on before we go! I'm so excited about it and can't wait to see the re-run of that episode tomorrow evening. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

sorry about that.... in all my earlier ramblings I did not congratulate you and all the crew for your Emmy nomination!!
Way to go, you soooo deserve it.
fred

Hey Sam! Welcome back! Sorry to hear about the food poisoning- remind me never to cook for you Just kidding... I love cooking (GOOD meals). Anyway, how have you been otherwise? My brother received his black belt yesterday after a long 2 hour test and then we went to Jillians for the party (on long Island) which is about 25minutes from my house. Last week we were in the city seeing Aida the day after broadway reopened. It was an amazing play and performance. By the way, when I was on vacation in February, I made something I would like to give to you and I would like to know where I can send it, to know that you defenitly receive it (that is.. if you want it). Please get back to me! Take care!
*Ashley*
cooolash@optonline.net

Thanks for the email reply through our mutual friend in Fl. Hope you liked the last few additions. Found a nice one recently with the Biltmore on it, while in Oregon two weeks ago. Fact is, though, I am not a "chat-room" kind of person. You know how to reply if you ever feel so inclined. Right now the world is your oyster, so ride that wave while it's rolling -- you've earned it! Congratulations and all the best. Sorry about the food poisoning, hope it wasn't sushi related. Drop me a line sometime. Take care. -- P.J.›

Samantha,

Please excuse me for being so “self-centered” in my previous post. I was so excited
To finally get to post a reply that I rambled on about myself…

I’m so happy for you and the entire crew for getting nominated for a daytime Emmy!!
I just love all your shows! I know it will only continue to grow.

Glad to hear you're recovering from the food poisoning. You’re much too beautiful to
Be down for any lengthy period of time.

P.S. I was serious about the picture swap.

Always, Steve O.

I just wanted to let you know how cool you were, but you probably already knew that. You're probably the most lucky person in the world. You love your job and you're great at it.

All the best,

Dan

Hey Sam,it's good 'ol karld again. Thanks for the picture,I recieved it with no problem.The big melt is on up here in Rochester and it sure is about time!I hope you have a mantle at home to display that Emmy award proudly. By the way how is the eviction thing going? Things got a little ugly over at Samantha Central while you away,I couldn't stand for some jerk bad-mouthing you so I bad-mouthed him a bit I was watching the Hotel Biba show today and I have to ask you did you know what the clerk looked like before she came out? The look on your face was like Ahhhh! I have to say again that this forum is very cool and I appreciate you taking the time to respond!Talk to you later

How ****** you got food poisoning, I know how it feels when your sick and on vaction *big sigh* anyways thank you so much for the picture! It really means a lot to me that you took the time out to do that, for everyone. Im on spring break and loving it, even if I have to practice for colorguard for three hours I went shopping and try to find another job. I have been working at Claire's for a year and got nothing but someone I can't stand and ****** pay. I have a quick question, has the travel channel ever thought about going around the world for your show Great Hotels? Someone might have already asked the question but it something that popped in my head today. I mean who wouldn't love traveling around the world and stay in cool hotels...I would, sign me up and pack me in a box. but... I don't know if I could stand my self in box by my self...Anyways now that I went way out of what I was talking about I need to go find something to do, maybe let my cat Bob in. have a great day!

Lacey

Hi Sam

Glad you're back. I echo everyone's condolences on the food poisoning and congratulations on the nomination.

I know that you've been busy and I don't mean to push, but you did say that you'd "keep me posted" about Mouth and I haven't heard a word. I'm sure that having me trek down to NYC to see a performance isn't at the top of your list, but I have been looking forward to it. I hope that it's not too late -- please let me know what's up.

Thanks.

Hey, Great Hotels is a great show! your job is awesome or seems to be. I think it would be so neat to find out what your day is like while shooting the shows you are on. i just want to ask you can i have your job, just kidding! well thank you. Buh * Bye.

Amy

First of all Congratulations on your nomination! It couldn't have happened to a better show.

This is the first time we have ever posted anything on here because we just found you last month. I must say that not too many TV bigshots would take the time to corespond with their fans. So thanks for taking the time to entertain all of us on and off of the small screen!

My wife and I are avid travelers and we spend tons of time watching all of your shows when we aren't traveling ourselves. I am an airline pilot(furloughed after 9/11) and my wife is a flight attendent (on leave after having our baby 10 months ago), so we are pretty lucky to have all of the travel benefits that we do. And in turn we stay in hotels about as often as you! So we can definately appreciate the little things that some hotels provide that make time on the road a little easier. Unfortunately for you though since we travel so much we only have about 100 questions for you! But since we are new and all I thought we would start at just 25 or 30. OK, just kidding maybe 2-3 would be a better number.

1) How much time do you get at home every year?

2) What kind of tickets do you travel on most of the time? Do they put you in first class, or back in steerage? Or do they just fire up the corporate jet for their most popular TV personality?

3) When you are staying at a hotel on your own time, are the hotels quick to offer you upgrades?

Thanks for letting us bend yor ear. I am sure we will be on here often to keep up with all that you are doing.

Keep up the good work!

Mike & Melissa

PS. I can't believe you are moving to Detroit! I was based there for a year, and no offense to those in the motor city, but I think I will keep commuting to Phoenix!

Hi Samantha,
Congratulations to you and the Great Hotels Crew on the Daytime Emmy Nomination. You guys put together a very creative and enteraining show.
Sorry to hear about the food posioning. Do you know which food did it to you? The crawfish? The jambalaya?
Be careful,You know, You never seem to turn down food. Remember, stirring that green concoction with a dried lizard skin, and then drinking it! (By the way, Did that drink really do anything for you?)
Your successful now. Make a crew member try some of this stuff before you do. Hey, You are the Travel Goddess!
Just one last thing, I notice you drive alot of Mustangs on the show. Is that your favorite car?
Do you own a Mustang?
I own a Mustang, so I tend to notice that on your show.
Hey, if you are going to be making any appearances on other shows, commericals, or magazine articles, give us a heads up.
Thanks for the forum. It's fun hearing from you.
Sincerely
Mark

[This message was edited by markin3d on 03-17-03 at 06:57 PM.]

[This message was edited by markin3d on 03-17-03 at 06:59 PM.]

Hi Sam,

Greetings again from the Northwest! The several films I've been involved with latelely are about 95% finished and are looking good!(all short films), and I should be able to send you a tape soon. One of the already completed films just screened at the Sedonal International Film Fesival a couple of weeks ago, and that was exciting(it was directed by my close and longtime friend Matt Stedman, who recently had it screened at the DGA in LA, as well, and is now working on a Stephen King adaptation of Lunch at the Gotham Cafe, as a short film) I'd also like to send you a feature-film script that I plan to go into pre-production on in summer sometime. I'd like to know you're agent's info, if you don't mind, although personally, I'd rather get it to you more directly if I could; Julianne Moore once related this story about how she now reads everything herself, not leaving decisions to her agent on what would be good for her, after her agent passed on a script that was written by the legendary writer Paddy Sheyefsky(Network), winner of 3 Oscars of best screenplay. I'd be happy to tell you more on this chat in the mean-time if you like.
Also, have you seen the extended version of Cinema Paradiso? It includes a different ending, and it's not really better, it's just longer,and a little different, but definitely worth seeing for a big fan of the film, such as you are.

And: Recent wine nods-1996 Adelsheim Pinot Noir(about $17), went superbly with a homemade pasta marinara that I made myself a few nights ago.

Anyway, gotta run, keep up the good work, I'll talk to you soon,

Bill Kelley
Arthouse Productions
360-944-6284
arthousebill@hotmail.com