Karld!!!!

where have you been? I don't think I heard from you in the last forum which I have to admit feels like ten years ago but it feels like I haven't talked to you in awhile. You're right I did get married in Las Vegas but it was fortunately to myself! Going thru the plans now I can see why people high tail it to Sin City. Have you ever been to Mykonos? and by that I mean the little cafe in your town?

hotelsfan

nope, never did a one hour. you were right just commercials and a few of their Hotels. Ritz Carlton, La Pavillion and Maison DeVille

quote:

Originally posted by samantha_brown:
Samantha430

I like the idea of a contest but I don't know anybody who would want to spend it with me in NYC in the summer too hot and sticky

French Hotels? why French may I ask?

that's what my friend said. she was staying in a French hotel in New York. what about in the spring ( spring break) or the fall? ( contest)

Tom0557

I laughed out loud with the end line

"Lancers stink"

It's funny how after all these years of being out of high school having an adult life with real joy and sorrow. Say the name Lancers and i am immediately sixteen again. my face forms into that "oh gawd, puhlease" scowl. cuz they are like, soooo not as good as the Astros. I can almost feel the red and white pom poms in my hands as I say that. Do we still have the Mac plaque?

well congrats on moving down to where you don't have to shovel off your car every morning. Let me tell you THE hotel to spoil yourself at is Mandarin Oriental. fanTAStik! it's so gorgeous and the spa is killer and the drinks even more so. Nice to hear from a New Hampsha boy.

Dear Sam,

I hope you had a wonderful time looking through all those bridal magazines. Once again, congratulations on your engagement. So what are you doing back home in NYC besides planning your wedding? Usual errands? Sample sales? Exploring? Oh, you mentioned that you have a new home-where? Where ever,Manhattan is super expensive. But the good thing is that you don't need a car! I also wanted to ask you this. In addition with a cruise, i may also take a land package. How many days would you recommend in London to really "do it all"?

hey samantha I think I sent your Christmas card to the wrong address. this is the address I used.

Samantha Brown
Viewer Relations
Discovery Communications
Box 873
Florence, KY 41022

is this the right one or not?

Laura

PS: Sam I just a brillant idea. have you ever been to Indianapolis, Indiana before? if you haven't why not do a special on it! it's a great city and I should know because I live there. if you want more info you can contact me at Phoebe13430@yahoo.com

first off- congrats on your upcoming wedding- awesome. been married 7 years myself and it rocks.

2ndly- want to second going to wisconsin dells for great hotels- the kalahari resort is a must for you. also mackinac islands grand hotel. and the drake in chicago. if you ever go back to oahu- the royal hawaiian and the hilton hawaiian village.

maybe you could do a series- great honeymoon destinations???? what do you think?

The Mandarin Oriental it is Sam. Thanks for the info. Once again congrats on the engagement.

Oh, I second hotelsfan's suggestion of Mackinaw Island!! That is on my "To Do" list of places, along with taking the kids to Hershey (even if I am allergic to chocolate...).

I think we have a treasure trove here in the Finger Lakes and some absolutely lovely hotels on the lakes. My initial thought to suggest is Bellhurst Castle in Geneva (NY). We had a dinner reception there once after singing at Geneva's now defunct Smith Opera House, whilst they were trying to revive it. Other thoughts are Geneva on the Lake and Canandaigua on the Lake. They are quite out of my price range. These are all near our quaint Finger Lakes wineries, which I simply love. <hic> My aunt from Oregon visited this fall and we took her to lunch at Esperanza Mansion Restaurant and Inn on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. We had reservations and sat at a table overlooking the lake far below. With the fall foliage it was simply lovely. Then we hit several wineries, including Bully Hill.

Ms. Taborri

Sam,
Thanks for the info on the bag! I found it on their web site and it is perfect! Just what I've been looking for. I'll have to save up for it though.

Thanks, you ROCK!

~Kelsey

Dear Sam,
I am new to your forum (just discovered it today) and I'm glad to hear you are in town and resting up for a spell.
My wife and I have been big fans since your great vacation homes days and it has been fun to see your career "takeoff". My 3 year old Grandson even knows who you are when the show comes on - "there's Sam".
I recently retired from a 28 year career as an airline pilot and I must say one of my biggest disappointments was never having you on one of my flights. That would have been great fun. I can't imagine being away from home for 22 days at a time, 5 or 6 at a time was enough for me.
Looking forward to the England portion of the Europe series. My wife and Mother-in-Law traveled in England this past year and went to many of the same places you visited. They were in London during the subway bombings so a few anxious moments were spent until I could track them down.
Sincere congratulations on your engagement and continued success with your career.

George

Dear Sam,

Simple question: what is on your iPod? And if you don't have one, you should! Put it on the wedding registry.

Regards,

New Hampsha' boy

Hi Samantha,

Congratulations on your engagement and on the beginning of season 2. I have been Tivo-ing all of your shows for quite some time now, and my husband and I really enjoy watching the progression of your style, as well as your fantastic sense of whimsy and humor.

I love your darker haircolor, btw, and think the Greece shows are fantastic.

A few months ago, I sent you a letter (actually two letters, the same letter to two different addresses) about a proposal for a tv show that I'm putting together for a faith-based travel show. I think you were still filming season 2 when I sent it, and now I'm sure you're swamped with wedding craziness (I remember all too well, with my wedding only 2 years ago!), but if you did receive it, and feel comfortable responding to any bit of it, I'd love any advice you can spare.

I actually sent the proposal to the channel last week, and will check in with them next week. Like I said in my letter, your enthusiasm, vitality, and overall spunkiness (I know, it's a cheesy word, but it's so true!)really are part of the inspiration for my show. You have a wonderful ability to draw the audience in and make them feel that something that would normally seem foreign and difficult is actually quite comfortable and easy.
For instance, I would never have begun to watch [I]Great Hotels[I] if you hadn't been the host -- the hotels are way beyond my means, and since I would never be able to afford most of them, why bother watching the show? But you make them interesting -- you bring an added component to the show that is both fun and interesting. And goofy. Goofiness is always an added bonus! You have wonderful talent. You should be very proud of yourself.

Anyway, best of luck to you with the wedding stuff and the continuation of the series and many more to come! And if you get a chance, my phone lines and email lines are open. (And if you never got the letters, and have some time, let me know.)

Thanks,

Diana

By the way...

I'm just reading over some of the first posts to this chain and noticed the mention of publishing travel books.

If you (or the Travel Channel) are interested, I can help in that area, and would actually love to do so.

Let me know.

when will we see more pictures and video clips from the new shows? i don't have cable and a friend of mine trys to tape your shows for me when she can but it's a long time inbetween getting them so i'd love to see some sneak peeks.

Congrats on the wedding Sammy. At the risk of sounding like your mother, when are the little sammy's going to be popping out? I can't wait to hear your take on that adventure.

Stevefrommichigan,

yes, I always seem to stumble into the right places don't I My Parents were more into Jazz (due to their age) and my Dad had a reel to reel player where we would listen to Dave Brubeck and Thelonious Monk. I loved listening to Billy Strayhorn's Take the A train and I remember when I first moved to NYC thinking wow, I'm really taking the A train.

I was kidding about Vegas, I don't think my parents or my future in-laws would forgive me for that one. And yes, i still dream of having a big home with a wraparound porch on the coast of Maine. Good memory!

Dejardin!

So nice to hear from you. No whirlwind romance I have been with my guy for two and 1/2 years. Although is I subtract the amount of time I'm traveling it's about 3 months so maybe it is a whirlwind romance! No fear over my plans to call it quits Travel Channel is stuck with me at least until I figure out a good hairstyle

If there's any reason to go overseas it's to visit Greece. I loved it and will return and yes, it was so nice to be in warm weather although that changed quickly once we returned to France and Northern Italy.

Patty's is doing wonderfully I'll tell her that she is missed. She as you suspected is very busy re building her home. John is as always a solid guy.

vacdisney

Sounds like you are a natural! That's all it takes is one taste of fame and now there will be no stopping you. Go Girl!!

Maggie from the Philippines,

I on in Taiwan too that's just amazing! you think I would be told these things. What if when I decide to travel there I don't realize that I am as big of celebrity as Jennifer Lopez and am stampeded? Just kidding I have no delusions of that kind of fame but I tell you it is very cool to think people 1/2 way around the world watch my show. Do they subtitle it or am I dubbed? Gosh, being dubbed to see me and hear anothers voice now THAT would be excellent. I will just have to live thru you then. Thanks again for the incredibly enlightening information. oh, and a picture is yours!

I liked Rodman's work ethic when he played basketball....and I'm a tattoo fan I have a few myself.

How do you decide where you'll be visiting for the show? Do you come up with a list or does the production company? I'm curious too to know what's on your ipod?

and can I have a picture too? please?
-Eci
lao_33e@hotmail.com

The Captain,

Santorini visually is a beautiful episode, It looks like it was shot on High Def but that's our Stan. He is a perfectionist and I can see when faced with scafolding or big heavy grey clouds how it tears at his artistic heart. He wants to show the destination in its best light and I felt with Santorini he shot it in a way where you feel like you are standing on the edge of that cliff with me.

I don't want to give too much away from the Oxford episode but I may just, and I'm not promising anything, go down a certain Rabbit Hole. One scene that was cut was a Garden at the University where Lewis Carroll would look out onto. In the garden is the big tree where the Alice's real Cheshire cat perched and a gate with what else but a keyhole to look thru just as in the story. Magical indeed.

I can't wait to get all these Christmas cards!

Steven,

That's right I did miss you from the last posting. Well, so good to hear from you now. I'm glad you think the Passport show gets better and better. I feel that way too as I learn what makes the show entertaining and eye-opening. I'm a perpetual student. The hotel biz is a great field to get into and one that starting from the ground up can only help you better understand all that has to work to make a hotel a success. Good luck and don't be a stranger!

Mr. Teagin

Jeff-your beautifully written post left me beyondwords. I remember that quote: "Honesty is the beginning of the return to love" and I now have it written on a yellow post it stuck to my computer. Hopefully I can find a more appropriate place to write it but for now it works.

I will pass along your concern to the crew they honestly always appreciate that people think of them. In fact they are such an overlooked part of the show-I get all the glory being able to talk directly to people and share my pictures and musings that I thought a great addition to the fansite would be a meet the crew site. I want to feature the people back at the office of PineRidge who make everything possible and schedule things like SAM EATS BEST CHOCOLATE IN TURIN and yet never get to experience it themselves. So look for that in a few months. I loved the Crazy Fiona coffee! and thanks for having one especially in her honor.

Lovely talking with you again Jeff, take care

My dear, Samantha, if you of all people are an “old woman,” then indeed Mother Orange was correct in labeling me “ancient” (although I prefer “venerable”). I feel your pain re: the Net cafés. They’re expanding from what we originally thought of as e-cafés though. There’s one in Dublin near city center that’s an e-café, international telephone exchange, money exchange, and parcel express. Not to mention, there’s a TV showing BBC News hanging on the wall. Another in Bristol has an e-café on the top floor and a video arcade in the basement that is used for birthday parties, etc. In London, one near Kensington Palace has an e-café on the top floor and – miracle of miracles – a real café on the first floor. In any case, whilst I roll around the UK, I find myself in them on more than one occasion too. Where am I? Out there, somewhere ...

Cooking stuff for gifts? Brilliant! I buy myself clothes whist traveling about, which always makes the return weigh-in at airports dicey. Don’t forget if you take Ryan Air or Aer Lingus to/from Ireland, there’s a 15 kilo limit per person on bags; so, if you have two 60-pound bags, your overage fee is about 3 months rent.

You’re the best SB, we’ve missed you and glad you’re home.

Cheers, Intl Doc

Sam, congratulations on your engagement! I had the most fun planning my wedding, so just enjoy it because it really can be fun to see how it all comes together in the end. I wanted to ask...are you engaged to the guy that you were dating for a while now...the one that was in the Plaza Hotel episode of Great Hotels?

Chris (detroithawkeye)

Great questions and thank you so much for taking the time to write such eloquent praise of the show.

the one thing I wouldn't think of leaving home without is not so much an item as an attitude. Patience and an open mind. I know that sounds really corny but it's true when I arrive in Europe I mentally remind myself that I am not in NYC anymore and things are done differently here so chill out. I also have to be patient with myself because as you say -and you're so right- your most memorable experiences will be the ones you had when you ventured outside of your comfort zone. So I challenge myself to put myself out there knowing that I might fall flat on my face (not literally) but with failure I will receive a wealth of knowledge.

I also never go anywhere without a phrase book.

the strangest experience I have ever had in Europe was an ayurvedic massage by an Indian man in his 70's in the Red Light district in Marseille. I probably should have left but I really needed a massage! I'm still wondering if I should write about it in my journal-it was on my day off so its not in the show.

As for eating yeah, Haggis is up there and certainly Tripe holds a special place in my heart but really it was an Italian version of the Hamburger that had me most perplexed as to how they could have gone so wrong. We have Chef Boyardee so I guess we are even.

I would be very happy to send you a picture and tell your wife to look for the ring in the Turin and Milan episodes

take care

Twinxenas!

the mailman took it!!! With names like Virginia and Lourdes I remember quite well sending my picture out to you. Well, i would be happy to do it again.

Caroline,

Okay i'll dish, His name is Kevin he grew up in Maryland. We were friends for years before we finally had a clue. He was on the Royal Caribbean cruise with me and had a cameo appearance in the lifeboat drill as well as the lunch scene in Croatia. He has long hair that I won't let him cut because its so gorgeous!

he's going to be very embarrassed about this

spock8113

I have never been to the top of the Rock what a great idea. I love the Top of the Mark in San Francisco. I can't speak highly enough about the Cast Members at Disney. Truly a professional and extremely accommodating staff. It is incredible how many people they deal with on a daily basis and to always remain pleasant and helpful is a lot harder than it looks.

it's a pleasure to be able to spend time with the people who enjoy my show and make sure I come back year after year.

Dawn,

Thanks for taking time out of YOUR schedule to write to me. Venice is so far on the list for season two possibly in March we will be heading there. To keep upper body tone I do push-ups-military style! not many maybe thirty a day but listen you picking up those two boys of yours I'm sure is more effective than any push-up! PtoE season one I wore a lot of Banana Republic this year we are going a little younger Lucky Brand I think and many others. My gosh what a dinner I would be invited to. It got me thinking-what on earth would you prepare? Well at least you know that I eat almost anything! A book is something I am definitely thinking about.

thanks for the show of confidence!

Ms Taborri,

What a delight you are. I loved the Don't Marry. I have put if off now for many many years and believe I think I've got the right guy or at least the one who can put up with me. As for kids-I don't know how you do it, how mothers in general manage it. It's the ultimate in life isn't it? However i know for a fact my parents wanted to sell us when me and my sisters reached 13. The story of your son wanting to continue on even though he was sick was too adorable-but then again he had a pail with him so....it seems though even you don't get to travel much now your life is filled with adventure. It was a pleasure hearing from you and give your crabby husband a big smakaroo on the cheek for me...that really get'em doesn't it?

hey samantha I think I sent your Christmas card to the wrong address. this is the address I used.

Samantha Brown
Viewer Relations
Discovery Communications
Box 873
Florence, KY 41022

is this the right one or not?

Laura

PS: Sam I just a brillant idea. have you ever been to Indianapolis, Indiana before? if you haven't why not do a special on it! it's a great city and I should know because I live there. if you want more info you can contact me at Phoebe13430@yahoo.com[/QUOTE]


and also this

quote:
Originally posted by samantha_brown:
Samantha430

I like the idea of a contest but I don't know anybody who would want to spend it with me in NYC in the summer too hot and sticky

French Hotels? why French may I ask?


that's what my friend said. she was staying in a French hotel in New York. what about in the spring ( spring break) or the fall? ( contest)

trv_chn_fan,

thanks for the suggestion, we hopefully plan on going back to Spain in April. I would really like to do San Sebastion just to eat

showfan05

the Trampoline was a blast. Just recently my mom bought me mini trampoline shoes! They are for kids but she thought I would enjoy them. I thought it was strange at first but after spending hours writing on the computer I strap them on my sneakers, blast the stereo and start hopping. I can only imagine what I look like to the office workers who can stare right into my apartment. Anyway what I'm trying to say is if you can't find a trampoline like at Park Hyatt buy some bouncy shoes!

they are called moon shoes.

donnanj

Welcome to the forum! and thanks for posting hopefully we'll see more of you here. My outfits are great-do you know that someone buys them and then someone else puts them together. I just wear jeans and black sweaters (hides chocolate stains) so I have to give credit where its due. But as for brands we used a lot of Banana Republic last year and this year its Lucky Brand.

jaquaila,

thanks I'll pass your compliments on to the stylist! I was very and i mean very lucky to land the job on Travel Channel which has lead to traveling beyond my wildest dreams. As for journaling I just wanted a chance to reflect upon my experiences more so than I have time to write for the show. My writing has also made me a better observer and so I do it to keep my mind mentally alert as well.

Maryoflakewood,

Hello Mary and how are you! It's great to hear from you and I will definitely keep everyone up to date on my life-it's also something you will be able to read about more in my journals. Hope all is well and it helps to know I have so many people,like you, rooting for me

skibike1713

I would really prefer to have a New England wedding but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. The Wentworth is completely booked until December! That hotel has such a place in my heart that it almost broke when they told me the news. December would be okay but what if there's a huge snow storm and only 5 people show up at the wedding. Extra shrimp for all! I know Dover well and am happy it's in a period of renewal. take care

firefly320

Ooooh, I have always wanted to be recognized on the plane and taken up to the cockpit to see the Pilot and Co-Pilot. I've never gotten a pair of Wings! Actually on one flight after we were all deboarding a man came up to me and introduced himself as the Air Marshall on my flight and gave me a pin. I was thrilled. Glad to hear everyone in your family was okay that must have been a terrible feeling. Well, who knows maybe we will all be on the same flight one day. until then, take care

tom055

glad you asked maybe now I can redeem myself from writing that Barry Manilow was my favorited singer in the profile of me. It was a joke-kindasorta.

Zero 7, Air, Everything but the Girl, Patty Griffin, Beth Orton, Brandie Carlisle, Amos Lee, U2, Madonna and Keane.

hotelsfan

the pictures I am rolling out once the actual show airs. The Video clips is something that PineRidge and the Fansite work out so hopefully soon.

jhenrysmom

I laughed out loud. No not him. He is still a very good friend of mine though. I'm so glad I only had two relationships while filming shows for Travel Channel. It would be so embarrassing if every other show had a new fella. take care,

quote:

Originally posted by samantha_brown:
Zero 7, Air, Everything but the Girl, Patty Griffin, Beth Orton, Brandie Carlisle, Amos Lee, U2, Madonna and Keane.

No way! I love Keane! They are one of my favorites! Next to the Beatles, Queen, Tom Petty, and Ricky Martin.

Samantha! Take your mother’s china that she is trying to pawn off on you, it’s the least you can do for someone who loves you enough to get you moon shoes.
It’s a good thing you’ll be moving soon or the downstairs neighbors would surely kill you before long. And then where would that leave us? Certainly not laughing about donkey surfing in Crete! (Loved the Greek episodes!)

I have to tell you, Samantha, the feelings I had upon reading your BIG news were similar to those I felt when my oldest son delivered similar news this year. I found myself a bit teary-eyed, profoundly happy for you, yet sad in a way, thinking things will undoubtedly change and we won’t see as much of you.
No longer will I think of you as the solo Samantha, the one remarkable castaway, the brave explorer-adventurer in vigorous pursuit of every dream she ever thought of. But I will still think of you, and in many European and stateside places, from my favorite first bench on the Marginal Way to the bulk candy aisle at Wegman’s. And now at Stonewall Kitchens, where they haven’t quite figured out how to keep the peaches from sinking to the bottom of the Amaretto jam, and therefore sell the reject batches cheaply in the corner behind the checkout counter, if you show up at the right time. They probably discontinued it, but it was great! Father O and I actually had our clambake wedding reception down the road from there at Bill Foster’s.
Speaking of phases of life for the evolving Brownheads, I thank you for giving me someone to adopt and focus on as I moved myself through these “Empty Nest” years. I’m over it now, and time spent online here has been enriching in more ways than I can say.
Did you know we recently heard from one of your editors on the Forum? That was so nice. I like your idea about getting some recognition for the crew. You could ALL write the book that would join Rachael Ray’s cookbooks on the best seller list, so keep that thought in your head.
So, good luck with your plans, Sam. No amount of stress can probably equal what you have already been through. I have officially been put in charge of doing research for my son’s honeymoon trip and I will be learning all I can about Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, which is where they have chosen to go this June. We could use more Travel Channel shows on Eastern Europe, as you know, and Budapest is a must for Season Two!
I have to get off the computer now, someone else needs it.
Be happy, Samantha,
Mother Orange

Hi Sam:

Congratulations on your engagement!! For the joys you’ve brought to others, you deserve all the happiness in the world.

The revelation that you bring olive oil back from your trips prompts me to write. That’s what I generally bring back from my travels as well. I live in mortal fear of breakage in the suitcase. Can you imagine the mess? So I generally wrap a bottle of olive oil in a heavy pair of sweatpants and bury it in the middle of a large suitcase. No breakage yet, but I did have a funny experience flying out of Venice two years ago. My baggage tends to get inspected more than that of most travelers. I think it’s due to my visits to the United Arab Emirates stamped in my passport rather than anyone’s sense that I look particularly dangerous. A Venetian baggage inspector who spoke no English motioned me and my large suitcase into a private room. His hand gestures indicated that I should remove each item from my suitcase. About a third of the way into the job the inspector pointed at the carefully rolled sweatpants. I unrolled them to reveal a liter bottle of a particularly enticing Tuscan olive oil. It was unfiltered and thick like honey. Upon seeing it, the inspector broke into a broad smile, patted his considerable tummy to indicate that he liked that kind, and, executing a complex sequence of hand gesticulations, said repeatedly, “Molto Buono!” As I reached to remove the next item from my suitcase, the inspector’s smiling gestures told me to start refilling the bag. He no longer needed to see its contents. I guess it is well understood by security profilers that the bad guys don’t travel with large bottles of fine Italian olive oil. I mean, what would be the point?

I do have a question for you Sam. I’m curious about what food from home you dream about while you are on the road downing haggis, tripe and odd Italian hamburgers. Pizza from any particular New York eatery? Flo’s hotdogs? Some specific type of sushi? During one particularly long trip to Jamaica, back in the eighties, I couldn’t get my mind off the thought of a hot turkey sub from Zorba’s. Do you remember that place? It was down a small alley off South Crouse Avenue and was closed years ago so someone could put up another parking garage. What was it Joni Mitchell used to sing, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot?”

Speaking of paradise, please, please try to fit Venice into season 2. Yes, most travel shows have gone there, but they have not gone the extra mile as you do. Visit the outer islands, especially Burano. Take a good look at Venice at dawn. It is particularly lovely then while the tourists are still sleeping. Take a look at some of Venice’s art treasures such as both of Tintoretto’s renditions of The Last Supper. And finally, Tramontin and Figli is the last authentic gondola maker in Venice. I’ve seen it but the average TV viewer has not. Although it is not generally open to the public, I’m sure you can charm your way in as I did with some students.

And please try to include more Eastern European destinations. We, as Americans, are so unfamiliar with the sights and sounds of some of these remarkably preserved locations. I took students to Tallinn, Estonia this summer. Its Old Town is quite wonderful. The Soviets tore down and rebuilt a lot, but left the Old Town intact. And there is a beautiful ferry ride from Tallinn across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki. It takes about 100 minutes to get there and offers a dramatic arrival into Helsinki. I’ll never forget the incredible light and clouds as we pulled into Helsinki’s harbor. Also, Estonians and Finns tend to speak English with clarity and precision. It is easy to visit there.

Have a great 2006 and keep up the wonderful work.

Father Orange

Sam, where is your Milan journal? I'd love to read about your proposal, but it doesn't seem to be out there. I'm sure you just love people like me who want to know all about your business, but I love proposal stories and everytime I watch your shows I'm hoping there will be an engagement ring on your finger! Wacky, I know, but that's most of my excitement during the day as I juggle my newborn son and my other 4 year old (aka: Spiderman, today)! Anyway, your shows are great!

Talk to you later!

Love the new season. I'm Greek and I have to say, all the information on the show is accurate and beautifully presented. Great job. I'm going to Greece this year and you have been a great help. I am now in love with Santorini. The cathedral must have been breathtaking. Keep up the good work.

PS: Can you look into providing us fans with episode lists of all four of your shows. We would appreciate it. Thank you.

Happy Wednesday!
So I think you need to be congratulated first on responding to all of the posts this week! I looked at the forum this morning and went cross-eyed just thinking about you sitting at your computer for 10 hours at a time (okay.. I’m exaggerating) replying. More importantly, however, congratulations on the engagement! I couldn’t be happier for you! I still have a few more years before I even consider marriage, (let alone find someone to marry), but I can imagine the fun of planning a wedding. Of course there are stresses, but I guarantee the day of your wedding will be one of your most magical experiences. So, congratulations to yourself and Kevin… I wish you both all the joy and happiness.

Freshman year has been difficult, indeed. I’ve had some moments exactly like the one you discussed in your Naples journal, but I can look back and see the silliness in it and I think I am now better prepared for second semester. I’m at The George Washington University in DC and my major is: Aerospace Option in Mechanical Engineering. I like to joke around saying that when I graduate, if anyone ever pulls the, “you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out,” I can say… “well actually I am.” My mom is convinced that, that is the only reason why I am doing it. Speaking of my mom, she wanted me to suggest a “Great Dorms” show (she’s quite proud of the way she helped me decorate my room… we have a little Hawaiian theme going). But, who wants to see messy dorm rooms anyway? Not me! Oh and no sorority thing for me. I don’t think I could deal with that many frantic college girls all at once haha. It’s noisy enough in my dormitory where we are slightly separated… I can’t imagine living in the same house!

Good question about how many times I’ve gone to Disney…I’m not sure! I may be at my 10th visit now. We went every few years when I was younger, and this was actually the first year I went twice in a year. I’m not complaining though, of course! I’ll hopefully be working there in the Disney College Program next spring or summer.

Sam, no need to worry about me not returning. I wish we could chat more than once or twice a year, so when the forums open up upon your return, I will always cease the opportunity to see how you are doing and catch up on things! Realizing the forum closes tomorrow, I will say my goodbye for this time around. Congratulations once again on the engagement and if you marry before the next time we speak, I hope the wedding is everything you have ever wished for. Keep smiling, Sam!

Ashley

"did you dine at Humuhumunukunuku'apua'a"

yep - that just rolls off you tongue, doesn't it? Admit it, you looked up how to spell it! Yes, we ate there. I'm allergic to shellfish so places like that scare me a little. Especially when there is no trauma center on the Island!

I've got (thankfully) a quiet start to the night here at work and thought I'd pop my head into the forum again. I had a chance to skim over the old forums recently and all the old familiar names made me smile! Can't believe that is was three years ago I nervously sat at this very computer and shyly asked you about all the chocolate that you ate at Hotel Hershey! You've come a long way, my friend and you deserve all the happiness that lays ahead of you. I think we are all a little wary of any changes that may occur with your impending marriage. We've come so familiar with inviting you into our houses and hearts on a daily basis. But know that whatever changes - or doesn't change - we will always consider you a friend.

To answer your questions, yes I was helping with the animals in Louisiana. It was a process of finding/catching/treating/vaccinating and relocating. There are hundreds of Katrina animals that have been moved all over the county for adoption. The spirit of animals never ceases to amaze me. One minute they are growling, hissing, spiting and biting at you as you are trying to catch them. I'm a complete stranger to them and they percieve me as a threat. Then suddenly I've caught them and with just a little soothing and reassurance, they are snuggling in my arms looking for the help they need. I did get to witness a couple of critters reunited with their people. The stongest of people reduced to tears as a dog comes to recognize that it is HIS boy there. Scenes like that is what keeps me going back.

ASPCA and Humane Society are good organizations - thank you. I work with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and their disaster response team. After New York, I didn't think I could ever volunteer like that again - but then again, I was at Ground Zero 12 hours after it all hit the fan. This was really a positive experience and re-enforced even the decision to become a veterinarian in the first place!

I see that Father O has also graced us with his presence! Quite an honor there. And don't worry too much about young Ashley at school. A couple of us are looking out for her. She came to a travel channel forum and left with 4 new overprotective people watching her back! You have been the condit for several long lasting friendships out here in cyber-world!

OK - I've babbled on long enough! I hope all is well with your mom. We've hit a few bumps in the road on that front. (darn disease) But we are hanging in there. One day at a time, you know!

I didn't think anyone else listened to Everything But the Girl! I love Acoustic! I've also been listening to Lifehouse and a lot of ColdPlay. But they are a bit more trendy.

Take Care! I look forward to accompanying you on your journeys!

Kel

Oh Samantha,
I'm just slipping in one final time before the forum ends, so happy to be near your finest forum friends, and how nice it is to see esteemed Father O appearing for you once again, the second time I think (by clicking on the poster's name, and then "most recent posts" all previous efforts appear. Stunningly, Capt. Tuttle, who only ever planned to send out a timid note or two, now has 18 pages' worth. I still don't know how that could have happened). And Venice? What a novel idea... I'd love to see your version of it Sam, if that should be your choice. But I think Father O has spoken.

And I will speak no more, but do look forward so to your Samanthan Oxford. I was only guessing about the disappearing rabbit thing; I didn't think you'd opt to show Oxford's efforts into quantum physics besides the rabbit version, or perhaps bottles that have messages on them like 'Drink Me'. But it can be a most romantic place, once you leap impetuously through the looking glass. And with your wondrous imagination and mind, it's no surprise in the least that you did do so.

Enjoy your next month or two closer to home, Samantha, and when that time does come to pack the so familiar bags and head across the ocean once again, have an exceptional and wondrous second half of Season Two. I never really thought you needed any Tuttle words to help you out in past journeys over there, but one final time I'll say to you, just in case, always keep your spirits up, Ms. Brown.

"Capt. Tuttle"