PLEASE REFER TO www.escapeseeker.net/blog for the latest ESCAPESEEKER updates.

Dear ESCAPESEEKER friends,

I am excited to inform you that this former ESCAPESEEKER blog has officially transitioned over to our escapeseeker website: www.escapeseeker.net

Please make a note of this change so you can continue to receive the latest updates. We thank you for your continued enthusiastic support and we look forward to bringing you more of the greatest destinations in the world, one luxury ESCAPE at a time!

Also, please feel free to follow us on FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ESCAPESEEKER/367501815104?ref=ts
and TWITTER too: http://twitter.com/escapeseeker


In the meantime, here's to BLISSFUL NEVER-ENDING ESCAPES...

Travel safely wherever you go.



With love,


Mel

ESCAPESEEKER UPDATES, ENDLESS SUMMER 2010

Hello ESCAPESEEKER Fans and Friends,

I know how hard it is to change from using something so familiar (blogspot) to something so new (wordpress). Like they often say, "Why fix it, if it ain't broken?" Well, just to cover all our ESCAPESEEKER bases, I've decided to continue and include both blog sites.

It has been a very exciting last few weeks, as we continue to prepare for our program's national feed at the end of the summer. We're working very closely with the WQED team and NETA to ensure that all the Premiere Season episodes meet PBS' strict guidelines. The good news--we haven't had to change too much in the way of content. However, we have been asked to make a few adjustments on the format of our program credits--which we revised, and submitted, and we're now waiting on the second approval. If you must know, great care is given to the review of every single episode. By the time it hits the airwaves, you will know that you're watching the multi-tweaked version. It is no wonder PBS is the most trusted name in America huh? Even with all the intense guidelines we are called to follow, we feel extremely privileged to be included in the PBS/WQED superb program roster of longest running hits. We're keeping our fingers crossed that ESCAPESEEKER will be around for a very long time too. We thank all of you for your continued and unwavering support!

More latest news items:

If you are amongst the very lucky iPad owners, please download INFINITI's global magazine "Adeyaka" application. It was launched across the globe on July 2nd and features a story about ESCAPESEEKER, as well as a clip of our French road adventure. To find out how you do it, please click below:
http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/infiniti-magazine-1/id379138346?mt=8

Honestly, watching our film trailer on the iPad is simply superb. The high def resolution is just that much more defined! Please check it out.

Our Globetrotting 2010 Fall schedule:

For those of you loyal followers, who maybe tempted to follow in our ESCAPESEEKER footsteps, here's our latest Fall schedule:

September 1-19th -- Our filming adventure in JAPAN: Land of the Rising Sun, which includes my premiere climb to Japan's highest peak, Fuji-san, rising 12,390 feet, with its near-perfect cone "floating lilac-gray" or snow-capped above the hilltops and low cloud. Until 100 years ago, Fuji-san was considered so sacred that it was climbed only by priests and pilgrims; women were not allowed until 1872. Now 138 years later, I, ESCAPESEEKER, will get the tremendous privilege. I am so ready. My entire team is very excited!


October 1-9th -- Aloha! The beautiful islands of Oahu and Lana'i beckons our "ART"--Advance Research Team--as we unveil the unique history and heritage of Hawaii. Our Oahu story will be anchored around the "House Befitting Heaven"-- the 100 year-old luxury hospitality tradition of the famous HALEKULANI. Our goal, is to prove, as my Hawaiian father used to say, "There's more to Waikiki than meets the eye!" Yes, just another tough assignment for the ESCAPESEEKER Advance Research Team!
http://www.halekulani.com/about_halekulani/

From Oahu, we will travel to Lana'i...to experience an island like no other...where sea and sand meet ancient, Pine tree-lined pathways. Our home bases while we explore this untouched tiny island playground, and experience our own private Hawaii are the two Four Seasons luxury resorts on Manele Bay (our Biologist/Film Director/underwater film aficionado, Jason Wise will love discovering that this exclusive resort borders a marine reserve teaming with with colorful reef fish and protected species such as green sea turtles and spinner dolphins). I think I'll regain my crew's nickname for me of "Fairy Godmother" once more with this one!
http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/

And, as if this wasn't enough, our ART will continue on to the Four Seasons, Lodge at Koele. http://www.fourseasons.com/koele/

The resort, hidden within the central highlands of Lana'i, Four Seasons captures a unique perspective of Hawaii’s natural beauty, nestled in peaceful tranquillity, along with two world-ranked golf courses and more exciting adventures on land and at sea.
Ok, who wouldn't want to be a member of our ESCAPESEEKER dream team? Well, as many of you filmmakers and TV producers know, there's a lot of work that goes on between story inception and broadcast date. Nevertheless, these work assignments do not get any better! How about this for a working title: "I Am Hawaii, I am Forever"--and that's exactly what we're hoping to do--find the real Hawaii, the Hawaiians all work and pray will always endure!

October 25-31 -- "Paris, Mon Amour" --yes, who isn't in-love with the City of Lights--PARIS! This episode filming has been in the works for several seasons, and this Fall, we're thrilled to finally capture this magnificent city cast in the golden hues of crisp Autumn. Our team will bask in the beauty of the 2nd arrondissement--as our home will be the exquisite 5-star luxury hotel, Park Hyatt Paris - Vendome! It is located in the heart of Paris, on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, and within walking distance of the Place Vendôme and the Place de la Concorde, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, as well as other major landmarks. Can we please consider the most exclusive shops on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré landmarks? Yes, Paris, Mon Amour.

http://paris.vendome.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

If you think our schedule sounds exciting, wait until you see what's in store for the rest of the year, as we span the California coastline featuring the creme de la creme of 5-star resorts under our banner of "No Passport? No Problem." We understand that there are those moments when we just want to hop in our shiny cruiser and drive that exciting, rugged California Big Sur coastline. Ok, here's a sneak peak at one of our California destinations:





http://www.postranchinn.com/gallery_photos/index.shtml


VAROOM, VAROOM! Get those motors running ESCAPESEEKER fans!


Please stay tuned...here's to never-ending BLISSFUL ESCAPES!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW BLOG HOME!!!

Dear ESCAPESEEKER friends and fans,

We're excited to let you know that our newly redesigned website is up and running. Now you can access everything you ever wanted to know about ESCAPESEEKER, watch episode trailers, and get the latest update all under one roof!

If you've been missing our blog updates lately, just click on the following link, and it should take you to the blog page directly.

www.escapeseeker.net

We truly appreciate your tremendous and continued support of ESCAPESEEKER!

As always, here's to Blissful, Endless ESCAPES!


Love,
Mel

BREAKING NEWS: ESCAPESEEKER BLOG PAGE IS TRANSITIONING!

Dear Faithful Readers:

I'm writing to inform you that for the next 48 hours, I will be taking a break from blogging while this entire library of blog entries is transferred to its new location. By next week, you can just go to www.escapeseeker.net and everything related to our ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series--from the ESCAPESEEKER blog, to ESCAPESEEKER Facebook, even ESCAPESEEKER Twitter will be at your fingertips--a mere click away.

Oh let me not forget, soon, you'll also be able to view episode trailers with much greater ease, just with a click on www.escapeseeker.net

In the meantime, please feel free to go to our ESCAPESEEKER Facebook page for the latest ESCAPESEEKER updates, while this blog transitions to its new home.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ESCAPESEEKER/367501815104

Thank you very much for you support. We hope you'll enjoy our new redesigned ESCAPESEEKER website as much as our web design team did putting it all together for you!

Here's to Blissful ESCAPES,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

"A THING OF BEAUTY" --Presenting 'The Making Of' ESCAPESEEKER French Road Adventure

ESCAPESEEKER Director, Jason knows how to do it all...as he preps our European star, INFINITI G37 convertible for one of her many shoots.


A LOOK BACK...
Aix-en-Provence: Our Unforgettable Summer of 2009

After an entire decade of traveling from Paris to Cannes by plane or train, as a "veteran" journalist assigned to cover the annual Cannes Film Festival— I decided it was time to take the road less traveled in this, our own version of the ESCAPESEEKER Tour de France. We prepared to embrace and capture all things French for our two episodes of pure joie de vivre!


ESCAPESEEKER challenged the beautiful, often narrow country roads of France in sheer luxury and style as we continued on our quest to unveil France's best-kept secrets. We put Infiniti’s brand new G37 Cabrio luxury convertible to the test—from the emerald Champagne region—home of the world-famous bubbly—to the limestone rich soil of Saint Emilion—where the sweet aroma of the famous macaroon filled the air.

ESCAPESEEKER traveled onward to the art-inspiring lavender-scented Aix-en-Provence where we walked in the footsteps of master artist, Paul Cezanne, and learned how to navigate the colorful local markets; we also delved into the decadent beaches of the French Riviera, before ascending higher to the historic mountain top medieval town of Saint Paul--home to another world famous artist, Marc Chagall.

While we were in "Aix", as the natives like to simply call their gem of a city located right in the heart of Provence, our entire film team was also shadowed by another film crew led by photographer, Deniz Saylan,who had been assigned by INFINITI's ADEYAKA Magazine to follow us during our entire shoot and capture "The Making Of" ESCAPESEEKER.

We decided it would be fun to give you this inside look, made possible by Deniz Saylan. Thank you Deniz! Just click at the following link below. You'll see what eventually resulted in a cover feature story entitled, "A Thing of Beauty" for ADEYAKA Magazine with the following lead:

AN EXTRAORDINARY FORMAT, IMPLEMENTED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY TEAM, WHICH IN TURN IS LED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY LADY. FOR THE TV SERIES ESCAPESEEKER, MEL GEE HENDERSON TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD WITH HER COLLEAGUES, REPORTING FROM THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH IN A COMPLETELY NEW LIGHT FOR VIEWERS. WHAT DOES A WOMAN LIKE THAT DRIVE? CLEARLY -- IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. (Story was written by Patricia Gebhart)

Our entire team agrees with this most perceptive writer. Thank you Patricia for the kind words.

Enjoy...and why not book your own unforgettable French Road Adventure. Honestly, it translates to pure, unequivocal joie de vivre! If you prefer, you can also join us when we return this Fall.

http://www.denizsaylan.com/sources/frontsite/display_file.php?file=slideshow%2F4%2FInfiniti37conv.mov

Here's to Blissful ESCAPES!


Avec Amour,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

THIS IS THE PROPER WAY TO SEE THE SISTINE CHAPEL!

Jason Wise, ESCAPESEEKER Director, in deep solo contemplation over the magnificence and brilliance of Michelangelo. How rare is it that one has the opportunity to admire his works in the still hours, long after the crowds have disappeared?


USA -- If you are a huge fan of Michelangelo, then this is the ONLY way to see his finest masterpiece--by yourself, or with a very small group of friends--not amidst wall to wall masses that you are barely able to move. If you agree, then join us as we admire Michelangelo's work up close and in the quiet solitude of what it is--a CHAPEL!


The Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Giorgio Vasari wrote that “…when the work was thrown open the whole world came running to see what Michelangelo had done; and certainly it was such as to make everyone speechless with astonishment.” The original Italian version, even more so than the English translation emphasizes the importance of Michelangelo and his art: “…questo bastó per fare rimanere le persone trasecolate e mutole” (translated, "... this is enough to make people remain bewildered and dumb)~~and, Vasari appears to make Michelangelo into a god-like character, someone who alone would make the world run toward the Sistine Chapel and make them contemplate the impact and importance of his paintings.

Come contemplate the significance of his works with ESCAPESEEKER. It will be one for the history books--your personal history book!

For more information, email us: escapeseeker@gmail.com But you must act now.

Ciao,

Mel

MORE BREAKINGS NEWS ABOUT OUR UPCOMING JULY "LA DOLCE VITA"~ "EEE"!

USA -- Yes, we putting the final touches on our "EEE"~EXCLUSIVE ESCAPESEEKER EXPERIENCE~ which begins on July 19th in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and ends in Rome, the Eternal City. How apropos that our EEE will also have its launch in Florence. We have no doubt that for many of our EEE participants, this will be a life-changing experience!

With the help of numerous Italian experts and Italian friends, we are taking the experiences captured on film in the ESCAPESEEKER "La Dolce Vita" episode and then taking it up a few more notches. We did not think that would be possible--but guess what? Leave it to our ESCAPESEEKER contacts to perform miracles!

Enough said--why don't I just proceed to give you a small glimpse at our Florence itinerary. Click away, then e-mail me immediately. Your slot is waiting to be filled. escapeseeker@gmail.com

Until then, HERE'S TO BLISSFUL, MEANINGFUL, UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPES!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER


Dear Friends,

Working with the Italians these past few weeks has reminded me why their life is oh so sweet--Yes, La Dolce Vita--they definitely know how to do it...and it is even sweeter than ours because they don't seem to stress about deadlines! But the great news, if your patient, as I have learned to be, together, we can create the most unforgettable Italian adventure ever!

The entire 14-day adventure begins in Florence, July 19-25; followed by Venice, July 25th-29th; ending in Rome, July 29-August 2nd. Here's a sample of our FLORENCE itinerary. It is just sock full of one "bucket list" experience after another. Please take a look and feel free to click away:


July 19th - Monday, Pick up from Florence airport to 5-star, Hotel Relais Santa Croce
http://www.baglionihotels.com/en/destinations/florence-tuscany/florence/relais-santa-croce/hotel

First activity: Evening Welcome to Italy dinner at Frescobaldi Wine Bar and Restaurant, hosted by the gracious Frescobaldi family...even if you're not a wine connoisseur--the cuisine is always guaranteed to be exquisite. You will really begin to feel what it's like to live like a Florentine...Frescobaldi style that is!

http://www.deifrescobaldi.it/en/restaurant-wine-bar-florence/home.html

July 20th - Breakfast @ Hotel Santa Croce
First activity: 11:00 am Travel to Castello di Nipozzano in Tuscany for private lunch with Tiziana Frescobaldi. The Frescobaldi estate in the Chianti Ruffano region of Tuscany is simply breathtaking! A movie set in every regard...but for our EEE participants, it is all very real!
http://www.frescobaldi.it/en/home.html

Evening, Free
July 21st - Open, Free morning, optional tour to see Michelangelo's David
Evening: A gourmet dinner at 3 Michelin-star, Enoteca Pinchiorri, rated one of the best in the world! (This just happens to fall on my birthday--Yeah!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enoteca_Pinchiorri

July 22nd - In our fleet of red Ferraris, we are guided by Guido and Lorenzo from Red Travel as we breeze through the most beautiful Tuscan landscapes. Honestly, it's one movie scene after another, and you're in the starring role!
http://www.red-travel.com/uk/italia-in-ferrari.htm

July 23rd - The art of Gold making --a private demonstration by a seasoned Florentine craftsman.
July 24th - morning/early afternoon free to explore Florence or just savor your 5-star accommodations...do as you wish.

Late afternoon, we depart for Andrea Bocelli's open-air concert at his beautiful hometown of Lajatico in Tuscany. This will be my second time, and I cannot wait for everyone to have this unforgettable experience!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN_3oXi6Wgs (I actually witnessed this exact performance in 2008)

July 25th - Travel via train to Venice to experience the "Magic of Serenissima"

I think the Andrea Bocelli concert is a definite must do! Click away at all the links above and I hope you can come join me for the best 5-star vacation ever!

Thank you everyone.

YOU ASKED FOR IT! WE'RE PROVIDING IT! THE ESCAPESEEKER VIP GUIDED "LA DOLCE VITA" TOUR!

U.S.A. -- Summer is almost upon us and you're still not sure where to invest your hard-earned vacation dollars? Well, think no more. Thanks to our serious ESCAPESEEKER fans who have been following all of our filming adventures, who have asked, "Is there any way you can duplicate those same incredible experiences for us?" Of course! Not only can we duplicate them, with some very special Italian connections, we're taking them up several notches! And, to make it super simple for you, ESCAPESEEKER (that would be me) is personally guiding you to all of these fabulous destinations that are so dear to my heart!

I know what you're thinking--"Oh my gosh, summer is such a crowded time in Italy." You're quite right. That's why you will want to do it my ESCAPESEEKER way. I will take you away from the maddening crowds...you'll experience LA DOLCE VITA, Italian hospitality at its finest, the way it is supposed to be experienced, like the true V.I.P. that you are!


So don't miss out on our ESCAPESEEKER, LA DOLCE VITA endless summer adventure. We depart the U.S. on July 18th and return on July 31st. We'll be taking in Andrea Bocelli's Tuscan concert, wine and dine at the Marquesi di Frescobaldi estate, Castello di Nipozzano with the gracious Tiziana Frescobaldi, and explore the hillsides in our bright red Ferraris. Ciao Bella!


That's just the beginning. To give you an even better idea of all that is in store for you, watch the following 3-minute film trailer below, of our ESCAPESEEKER feature episode on Italy. As you will quickly discover, we are absolutely passionate about all things Italian! And, thanks to the BAGLIONI HOTELS COLLECTION (www.baglionihotels.com) you can count on tastefully decorated, 5-star accommodations with impeccable service at every stop. It is truly unforgettable, "Luxury with an Italian touch"...Perfecto. Only the best for our ESCAPESEEKER VIP's!

By the way, we are keeping our ESCAPESEEKER group very small, ensuring that this "EEE"--Exclusive Escapeseeker Experience is exactly that--EXCLUSIVE!

Come along, we'd love to have you. E-mail us at: escapeseeker@gmail.com for exact details.

Here's to non-stop BLISSFUL ESCAPES!



With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE MUSIC PLAYLIST ON THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN OF THIS BLOGPAGE BEFORE CLICKING ON THE FILM BELOW:

MEET THE MOTTE FAMILY -- THEY REMIND ME EACH DAY, THAT WE MUST NEVER EVER LOSE OUR CHILD-LIKE WONDER!

U.S.A. -- To our loyal readers, as you may recall, this past April, upon my return from our ESCAPESEEKER French Polynesia filming assignment, I introduced you to the André Motte family from Brittany, France. They are currently on their 10th month of a year-long sabbatical from their former "regular lives", and sailing the majestic blue waters, exploring the dramatically beautiful archipelagos of French Polynesia--and it was there, during our shoot on the Rangiroa atoll that I luckily encountered this remarkable family!

Since meeting them, not a day goes by that I do not think and wonder about the Motte family, as to their whereabouts, how they're doing, and even today, I can still hear the joyful, contagious laughter of their three children, Manon, André-Marie, Corentin, the eldest, and chief fisherman.



As you can see from these traditional black and white images of Corentin captured by our Director, Jason Wise (who by the way reveres the Ansel Adams style of picture taking), Corentin is quite the spear fisherman! On that particular afternoon, he not only assisted his father in making sure their catch made it safely back onto the boat--but we also witnessed him meticulously clean and fillet the fish.






To truly comprehend how unique and amazing the Motte children are, you need to meet their parents, André and Marianne.

You know the famous saying, "The apple does not fall far from the tree." Well, this old adage definitely applies to the Motte family. From remarkable, joyfully courageous, independent, self-reliant parents, come children of the same mold.



Don't take my word for it. I was not the only filmmaker who found the Mottes fascinating. Here you go, witness it for yourself, via youtube, below. No worries--this mini-docu will not steal our thunder. Our ESCAPESEEKER story angle will be bigger than this one. Oh my gosh, I sound just like another fisherman! :-) I do hope you will stay tuned when TAHITI: OH HEAVEN'S HEAVEN special hits the airwaves this Fall!

Enjoy, and may you too be inspired, to never, ever lose your child-like wonder...

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PS: PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE PLAYLIST AT THE RIGHT COLUMN OF THIS BLOG PAGE BEFORE YOU PLAY THIS VIDEO:

SOME EXPERIENCES ARE SO REMARKABLE, THEY'RE WORTH REPEATING AND SHARING!

U.S.A. --I'm absolutely giddy with anticipation as the puzzle pieces are quickly coming together for my return trip to the land of "La Dolce Vita" ~ Italy!  But I'm particularly happy about this next sojourn because I'm escorting a very special group of ESCAPESEEKER friends and fans, and traveling to the Italian destinations that are so dear to my heart.  I will also be introducing our ESCAPESEEKER VIP guests to the many Italian friends whom we met during our filming assignments...individuals and families whose lives truly exude the spirit of La Dolce Vita!  If you've ever dreamed of walking in our ESCAPESEEKER shoes, why not join us?

In the meantime, I would like to take the opportunity to share with you each day (prior to our July departure), a unique aspect of our upcoming Italian travel adventures.  For example:   

A Summer to Remember...

Beneath the Tuscan Sun, We Shall Dine Like a True Florentine

For over 700 years, the Marchesi de Frescobaldi family has been actively involved in the culture, commerce, finance, and history of Italy and of Tuscany in particular.    The Frescobaldi Family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 from grapes planted on the hillsides around Florence, and soon acquired some very distinguished customers. In exchange for paintings, the Frescobaldis sold wines to Michelangelo. The family also supplied wine to Henry VIII and have contracts in their family archives signed by the English king. Soon, the Frescobaldi wines became the beverage of choice amongst the Royal families of Europe. The younger members--the 30th generation of the Frescobaldi family are now perpetuating the legacy built by their predecessors, as they take over the reigns of their illustrious Frescobaldi dynasty, still driven by the same passion for excellence that has become synonymous with their world-renowned products, be it Tuscan wine or the best olive oil in the world! Within the Chianti region, the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi land stretches from Pomino Doc across Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, continuing on through Mugello until the province of Livorno. Since the 1700's proven ability, experience, passion and love has produced a superior quality of wine derived from this region.  1000 hectares of operating vineyards, divided into nine properties, where the perfect balance between atmosphere and the skilled use of raw materials, permits the Marquesi de Frescobaldi the ability to guarantee the quality and unique personality of each wine.    Tiziana Frescobaldi, one of the members of 30th generation of Frescobaldi has kindly offered to welcome our ESCAPESEEKER VIP guests to their Tuscan estate, Castello di Nipozzano, located in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region.   To give you a sneak peak of what to expect on our Italian adventure, just go to our ESCAPESEEKER Facebook page by clicking below and viewing our ESCAPESEEKER film trailer entitled, La Dolce Vita:  Italian Passion Personified. Feel free to scroll and view several of our ESCAPESEEKER trailers. As you will quickly discover, our destinations and experiences are absolutely camera-ready! http://www.facebook.com/pages/ESCAPESEEKER/367501815104

By the way, we will be residing at the 5-star Relais Santa Croce in Florence during our visit. This beautiful 18th century Palazzo is beautifully situated right in the heart of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Everything is within walking distance. You'll be surrounded by so much art and history, you're bound to be inspired just as I was. Yet, the minute you enter its huge entrance and climb up the stairs, you'll suddenly feel as if you've entered a peaceful sanctuary...an artist's or writer's enclave, a luxurious Florentine retreat. It was certainly that for me, and I cannot wait to return. You know you're just a click away. Why not take a private cyber tour:

http://www.baglionihotels.com/en/destinations/florence-tuscany/florence/relais-santa-croce/hotel

There's more to come. So please stay tuned every day.

Here's to Blissful, artful, meaningful escapes!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR DEEPLY PERSONAL INSIGHTS AND TRAVEL EXPERIENCES...

The Lone Star State, USA -- There's nothing more satisfying than receiving feedback from our ESCAPESEEKER fans--whether via e-mail, postcards, snail mail, and even via Facebook messages.  And, I do take the time to personally respond to each and every communication.  Every now and then, I will receive a message that is so insightful from more seasoned, astute travelers than myself that I begin a dialogue...an exchange of ideas and acumen,  from which I derive greater knowledge and perspective about an area of the world our film crew has yet to explore.  I also gained a new friend.  With his permission, I have posted our cyber conversation below.  I am compelled to share it with you because the viewpoint and experiences of this seasoned global traveler may be one,  to which you too, can relate.  In any regard, this writer shares a truly meaningful travel experience in Costa Rica.  His perspicacity,  I think you will find exceptional.  By the way, what you read below has not been edited in any way.  

Thank you everyone for all of your letters and comments.  Please keep them coming.

Here's to Blissful, meaningful travel experiences...

With love,

Mel

Richard Slackman May 20 at 6:52pm

Many moons ago, when I was younger and the earth was still cooling, I used to travel extensively with a different slant on the world. In the past 10 years or so, about the time George W. Bush sat in the Oval office, the world's attitude towards America changed drastically and I noticed I became a bit more apprehensive. Almost like I wanted to go unnoticed as an American. I began picking my destinations with more thought and a bit more caution. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to visit virtually every National Park in the USA. I worked as a feature photographer for Travel and Leisure mags back in the 70's. So I haven't missed to much here at home. Spent much of my time in Jamaica and the Carib as well. Went to Europe several times as well and back then I was SO proud to tell everyone I was an American. Things have changed globally. America has a tarnished reputation to many outsiders. I try and be an ambassador of good will when I mingle with locals in foreign lands. Tell them all thats good in America. But I suggest to all my friends to get out there, see there world while they still can. There is SO MUCH beauty in foreign countries but I ALWAYS tell my friends to see America FIRST. The National Parks, especially in the off seasons are our jewel. They are so awesome.

I'm rambling . Your fault. Ya got me going and now I don't know how I can wait to September to go back to Europe ;) .

You are charming

Richard 

Mel Gee Henderson May 20 at 7:19pm

Dearest Richard...All the reasons you shared are the very reasons we need to travel without our "American lenses"--leave those behind, and see the countries through the respectful eyes of the natives. By the same token, give them the opportunity to get to know us as Americans--no matter our origins or ethnicity--that America is just that--a kaleidoscope of ethnicity...where we can still dream...and follow our heart. I love that I can wake up at any time of day or night and find someone I can skype with, conduct business with...time zones mean nothing to me.

I spent several years producing documentaries about the most impoverished regions of the world--from the "roof of the world", Tibet--to the jungles of Central America, to the roof of Africa--Mount Kilimanjaro--I helped C.A.R.E raise awareness and funds for numerous global relief efforts. Fast forward, today, I get to honor and pay tribute to the men and women whose vision and hard work built some of the most amazing dream destination resorts/properties, etc in the world. It is as if God decided, "Ok, Mel has seen enough of the other side of the world...let's now open the doors for her to see the majesty of what happens when man's ingenuity merge with My creations. :-)

I have yet to meet someone--no matter their station in life--who did not appreciate being respected for who they are. I love the line in the closing song in Le Miserables, where Valjean sings:
"And remember
The truth that once was spoken
To love another person
Is to see the face of God."

Richard, my true objective with ESCAPESEEKER is to simply, SPREAD THE LOVE! I want to be that program that sheds a ray of sunshine in a media full of woe and disturbing reality shows where losers are adored. WQED told me when they sought me out, "Mel, we just simply love how JOYFILLED your show is!" Everyone is starving for JOY! Honest to goodness JOY! I want to send the message to all of those stressed out mothers out there ready to take their next prozac pill--STOP. Instead, go buy yourself a plane ticket, a train ticket, a bus ticket to the most beautiful place on earth--it can be in your own backyard and you don't even know it...stand atop a mountain and ask yourself if you are not grateful that you can still climb? Swim beneath our gorgeous oceans, and tell me you don't see that every single micro organism life's on earth matters--including yours! When I am in the most beautiful places in this world...when I'm talking in a foreign language that takes all of my mental concentration, and I see my new foreign friend smiling so proudly--I am just plain grateful for life! When we're grateful, how can we be blue right Richard?

Let's get rid of all this sadness that permeates our universe...one baby step (one episode :-) at a time!

Thanks for letting me ramble too! :-)

Have a beautiful night...

Mel 

Richard Slackman May 20 at 10:50pm 

  Walter Cronkite your idol, Ansel Adams was mine. I can imagine how you must have felt about Mr. Cronkite. The steward of truth and honesty. An American to look up to, a human being to believe in, a great choice among many. I was selected by Ansel Adams in 1974 to study with him at the Brooks Institute and we spent much of our time together in the wilds of Alaska. He taught me how to see as few people can. He helped me open doors that might have gone unnoticed We shared a lifetime together in an instant and he will always be my friend.

You, dear lady are a joy and an inspiration to behold. I am in awe every time you words, thoughts, ideas, and visions cross my path. I concur with your belief that an "attitude of gratitude" is a blessing. That very man, woman, and child deserves opportunity. That to see the end of world poverty and hunger in our lifetime would be the epitome of man's humanity towards man.

I was in a local dive bar in "Timbuktu", Costa Rica a few years back and I was sharing some photographic stories with a group of new friends I had met fishing that day when all of a sudden I realized I was being surrounded by a group of local natives. Impoverished, uneducated, mall nourished they stood before me and asked if I would accompany them into their jungle to see something that no white man had seen before. A scary proposition to say the least. They said to my surprise, that they needed my help. They also said they could not reveal to me anymore abut what they were doing nor what it was that I might assist them with, but to bring my cameras.

My new fishing friends looked at each other, looked at this group of natives and quickly departed. Somehow, looking into their eyes I felt that this was a mission I could not refuse and that this was no time to consider the apparent danger involved. So as requested, I met them back at that bar at 5:00 a.m., and in the darkness, hoped into their dilapidated old pickup truck and headed off into the deep, deep jungle, perhaps never to be seen again.

Turns out, that after a two hour ride on dirt roads, and a two hour trek thru the jungle, we finally arrived. "Put these on" were their instructions as they handed me a pair of pole climbing boots which had razor sharp spikes sticking out the sides of the heels. I was going "UP". Then they carefully secured me with harnesses and ropes and up the trees we climbed, and climbed, and climbed. 150-200 feet later, we broke thru the canopy of the rain forest that we were in and OMG, what a sight. To say I am deathly afraid of heights would be an understatement, at least without a floor under me. What they wanted me to see became immediately clear. 

 They had built a virtual highway across the treetops that extended in every which way for as far as the eye could see. WOW, if my friends could only see me NOW, was etched upon my brain. ( I'll send you the pics if you haven't seen some already ). They wanted for me to photograph what they were doing and assist them in securing American financing for more supplies to continue their work. Apparently the jungle down below was too thick, too impenetrable for them to get around and their villages were literally cut off from civilization without this network of bridges. 

Why did I tell you about this particular adventure. It certainly won't go down in history as the smartest move I've ever made but if the ends justifies the means then looking back, perhaps it was. I did what they asked, photographed their mission, took it back to the states, secured funding from a variety of different sources and perhaps never felt better about anything I've achieved, ever.

People are intrinsically good. They simply need an opportunity, a vehicle to demonstrate their willingness and ability to help their fellow human beings. I see the world thru those glasses.

warmest personal regards,

Richard