I really liked the Tuscany episode and the whole idea of “the sweetness of doing nothing,” for a great weekend. It was really enjoyable to see Samantha securely in her comfort zone for a change, and speaking Italian with such confidence! For those who enjoyed the style of Passport to Europe, don’t miss this one. It seems like the lost Italian episode. Of course, Samantha didn’t exactly experience “la dolce far niente,” but I appreciated the more relaxed feeling of this show, as compared to the others in the series. Too often they seem to have a very frenetic pace with every second filled with words, and with images that flash by before my eyes at such a dizzying pace that I just can’t absorb or appreciate much. In this episode, we really saw the people living their lives, and lovely views of the countryside and rooftops. The gold jewelry, alabaster sculpture and food shops were all quite evocative and quintessentially Italian. One could almost taste the meal and the wine. The Perfume doctor segment was fascinating. This show was a feast for the senses. In my opinion, Tuscany was one of the best in the Great Weekends series. Thanks for the trip.
That was a very beautiful show! I loved Florence when I was there 2005. I just can't imagine flying all that way, and spending all that airfare only for a weekend! Ten days wasn't even enough for me! In spite of that, I loved that show! The cooking class was funny when that guy was slicing cheese too neatly, and the teacher got excited and talked loudly and said, "OH NO!!" It had to be cut in bigger chunks for more flavor. So true!! I'm going back to Italy in six weeks!!! Can't wait!
Indeed, Mother O. And as for that mysterious "Eau du Sam", maybe it has some of Kramer's "Beach" scent from that Seinfeld episode except is, um, a bit more fragrant. Lovely photography in that Episode, and some lovely phrases too.
The episode itself shows a beautiful part of Italy and really makes me want to go there...but, a *weekend* trip? Really? My idea of a weekend trip (leaving Friday afternoon, coming back Sunday night) would give me just enough time to get to Italy (from my home in Austin, TX), grab a quick gelato in the Rome airport, and immediately turn around to catch the next flight back home. Like the London episode, flying to Italy for the weekend is logistically impossible, financially impractical, and utlimately undesirable for many of us.
How about some much more feasible weekend trips based in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico???
I also live in Austin, and it's unthinkable to go to Europe for the weekend. It may be easier for New Yorkers, but that's still about an eight hour flight. I think of the rich with their private jet flying off to Europe for the weekend. I wonder how many people that watch Sam's shows would fly to Europe for the weekend? I loved the Tuscany show, but come on, these are hard times for most Americans!
Actually, JFK to Heathrow is about 7 hours. More importantly, I would spend a weekend in London, Paris, etc. And since SB is a New Yorker, it all makes perfect sense.
Typically when in Europe, I'm working at one or more universities; but that also means I'm free on weekends to travel around a bit. When there last December, the daughter and I had a terrific weekend in Paris. In May, she and I (and her boyfriend) had a very pleasant and relaxing weekend in London. Next I flew to Rotterdam for a little work and a pleasant weekend at den Haag. [Art fans, take note - it's a cheap hop from London City to Rotterdam and a short drive to den Haag, where you'll find the most amazing museums - a benefit since the weather on the North Sea often gets interesting.
There are very many in our global society who travel as part of our living, and it makes perfect sense to me that the Travel Channel would gear a travel show to those - who travel. Of course, European weekends are worth exploring! And I can't think of anyone better to show us how than SB.
I see your point intl doc. I travel with my work performing, but most of the time it's here in the USA, and often Canada. The only place I performed in Europe so far has been Salzburg. I almost always perform on weekends, so there goes my weekend getaway! However, I have explored on some weekdays. I travel doing flute workshops with the National Flute Association, and they are set on weekends so people would have time to attend. So my getaways are often on weekday. But I can understand the people like intl doc. Nice to grab in a great weekend when you can! But typically, people with 9 to 5 jobs can't do weekend trips to Europe.
I missed the name of the perfumer - his name or his location or anything. Does anyone have the episode on DVR or TiVO that they can fill me in? My parents travel to Italy at least once a year and I think my mother might like to have a perfume made.
Originally posted by jena: I missed the name of the perfumer - his name or his location or anything. Does anyone have the episode on DVR or TiVO that they can fill me in? My parents travel to Italy at least once a year and I think my mother might like to have a perfume made.
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