Escapeseeker

To the Dear Members of our Escapeseeker Poetry Club,

Here is our November assignment:

I happen to say to EP agent, Angie Craigo today that my favorite aspect of travel is the wonderful people I meet all along the way…and I shared with Angie my recent Fiji experiences of meeting the “smilies people on earth”…and how much I believe everyone can have the same experiences if they would just get over being “fear-driven”and, instead, embrace our multi cultural, beautiful world.

Well, Angie reminded me of a beautiful poem that she loves that expresses these sentiments and much more, entitled, Desiderata. I remembered it instantly too, as it was extremely popular during my teen years. I immediately looked it up, and after reading, I am once again, just as I was in my teens, inspired to be a better individual.

I truly believe this is one worthy of memorizing. Thank you Angie for resurrecting it in our hearts, and after November, it should stay in our minds, always.

Have a TREMENDOUS NOVEMBER everyone.
Savor our beautiful world.


Strive To Be Happy!

With Love…

ESCAPESEEKER

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Our Unforgettable Five Glorious Fijian Nights…Prepare yourself to meet the friendliest people on earth…and learn how to say with great enthusiasm, accompanied with the biggest smile you can render, the Fijian greeting for “hello” BULA!!!
Known as “The Point”–this beautiful white “Bure” is the only visible structure seen for miles when on approach via seaplane, the island transportation of choice by many of the guests seeking the ultimate hideaway retreat, VATULELE…

Escapeseeker Fans,
I’m back in California–just made it back in time to exercise my privilege as an American to vote in this historic election. But I cannot wait to share our latest ESCAPESEEKER experience with all of you. So once again, I am typing away in the early morning hours.
Calling it “enriching” is an understatement. VATULELE ISLAND RESORT is truly a hideaway retreat…it is the kind of island haven that takes a little getting used to, especially for Roy and I who keep a maddening pace.

But once we embraced the “island rhythm”, we were able to adjust so well that it became very difficult when it came time to leave…not only Vatulele, but our new found Fijian friends, as well as a sprinkling of fellow vacationers from down under, some very friendly fun-loving Aussies! I will report in greater detail tomorrow when I’ve acclimated back to the West coast time zone…but meanwhile, enjoy these still images, plus unedited footage of our new found island paradise: VATULELE!

Pictured left, is our own personal butler, Lemba, who spoiled us like we’ve never experienced before. She anticipated in advance what we might enjoy, or need, whether it is our own private dinner, beach side beneath a starry, starry night (I witnessed my first shooting star)– or arranging our own special cruise around her native Island of Vatulele (by the way, it was her first time circumnavigating the island and seeing it in its entirety)–or requesting our special grilled lobster dinner to share with our new Aussie friends, Matt and Marlene, (who were honeymooning on Vatulele) served in our stunning extremely private, (most remote of the Bures), better known as Vale Vigi (pronounced varlay vingy) or Pink House, the Grand Honeymoon Bure…and so private that it is easy to see that it is truly designed for honeymooners…It’s great to come in from the pearly white sandy beach just steps from our Bure and soak in our brisk private plunge pool–the temperature just perfect to soothe your skin after playing beneath the Fijian sunshine!

But what I will also cherish from our Fijian experience, is the opportunities we were given in Vatulele to go beyond the resort and visit the villages where many of the staff of Vatulele Island Resort live. It is interesting how vacations can be enriching, but in unexpected ways.

At the resort’s invitation, we opted to go to the village’s church service– A Methodist service–the sermon was in Fijian and we were advised in advance that it would last 2 hours! And, one last note, we were also advised to dress modestly. It would have been so easy to pass up this opportunity…after all, we are on vacation. Who packs “Sunday go to meetin’ clothes” (as Mark Twain used to call it) on their vacations right? Well, thanks to Roy’s insistence, we were ready to board a little boat by 10 a.m. for the village Sunday Service. Only one other couple, Kai and Kyle from Santa Barbara, California also opted to go. I think they’re even more dedicated, considering they were on their honeymoon!

Well, let me just say, if you ever get the same opportunity–don’t think twice. Go for it. I promise it will be a Sabbath Day you will always remember, as you see the youngest of children sitting on the front row benches, wearing their Sunday best–girls in sometimes slightly tattered, but clean Sunday dresses (most likely handed down from several older siblings), and little boys in collared shirts with ‘sarong style’ wraps, and many in bare feet. They sing, just like their parents and older siblings, acapella and full of gusto…singing praises to God in an angelic chorus that vibrated throughout the island as the harmonious sound seeped out of the open air humble house of worship, equipped with benches so uncomfortable it would test even the most devoted church goer. I believe God is pleased on this particular Sabbath Day to see the people of this tiny village break from their usual labors to worship Him.

We had walked past their homes to get to the church–homes more humble than I even imagined, which makes their grateful hearts expressed through music, even more precious. We came away knowing we have so much to learn from these South Pacific Islanders, and felt so privileged to take away this special memory from this tiny Fijian island of Vatulele, where in a simple village church, we felt God’s presence. It made me forget about my recent mosquito bites, and the large coconut eating crabs that often took me by surprised as it crossed my bure’s pathway! After all, I am reminded that special day that God created all things…and in Vatulele this message is as crystal clear as the turquoise waters that caresses its shores!

I shall never forget these two smiling faces…who smiled at me almost through the entire meeting as they sat on those front row benches for two long hours!

Don’t take my word for it, Catch a glimpse of Vatulele by taking a peak at these raw footage we shot during a typical arrival (typical for Vatulele–but definitely atypical for all of us city dwellers);

In the second footage, while we were waiting for our seaplane to arrive, I taught my dear Fijian friends how we say farewell in Hawaii–they learned so quickly that when it came to say goodbye, I could reciprocate with my own version.

Lastly, in raw footage #3, I shot this from our seaplane as we waved goodbye to this tropical paradise…it won’t be the last as we certainly will return…I wanted to shoot just enough footage to inspire our team of seasoned high-def cinematographers, and give them a glimpse of what’s in store when they join me for the ESCAPESEEKER FIJI episode shoot.

One little added tidbit–when we return next time, we will be just a bit better prepared to protect ourselves from the unexpected, unusual number of mosquitoes who also decided to give us a big welcome. 🙁
It is honestly, the only part of our experience I won’t miss. It’s a small price to pay, however, for an authentic Fijian experience. 🙂 The discomfort quickly fades, but the magical memories will last a lifetime!

Footage #1: A VATULELE WELCOME…Yes, everyone on the island can sing!

Footage #2: Reciprocating with my own version of a Hawaiian Farewell…

And, one last look as we wave goodbye…It is easy to see why VATULELE is a favorite destination for those seeking an island hideaway, but also for those who wish to experience the best scuba diving in the world.

Thank you SIX SENSES RESORTS for awakening all of our SENSES and showing us that a vacation can truly be enriching.

For inveterate globetrotter Mel Gee Henderson, travel is like air. She thrives on serendipitous encounters, embraces the unexpected adventure, and charms locals everywhere. Mel’s background as a journalist, Washington Congressional staffer, and high-profile fundraiser introduced her to the jet-set lifestyle, and took her everywhere, from parties on the French Riviera to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Along the way, Mel’s winning personality opened doors and created lasting friendships with people we would all love to hang out with – from scholars to international royalty to celebrated chefs, to maverick fashionistas, to musical artists, and even some of Hollywood’s A-list stars. It’s the desire to share these amazing experiences in hopes of showing and inspiring others that they too, can explore our beautiful world and embrace other cultures that has motivated Mel to create the breathtaking new television series ESCAPESEEKER. ESCAPESEEKER introduces viewers to the most luxurious adventures money can buy and to the people who live these adventures. It’s Conde Nast –beautiful exotic locations filmed in high-def–-meets Iconoclasts–-intimate conversation with the culture makers of our time. In each episode, Mel will introduce us to people and destinations so unique, we’ll learn that travel isn’t about where to take your next vacation–it’s about how to envision your new lifestyle! And just to give you advance warning: Mel’s joyful exuberance, enthusiasm, and passion for living, or as the Italians would say, La Dolce Vita, is extremely contagious. After all, ask anyone of Mel’s friends, and they’ll immediately tell you, “Mel is the ULTIMATE ESCAPESEEKER!

OCTOBER UPDATE – Mel and the entire ESCAPESEEKER team completed the month long filming of the first episode of ESCAPESEEKER featuring ITALY~land of La Dolce Vita on September 22, 2008. It is now in post production and scheduled to air on February, 2009.

THE LATEST EPISODE LIST INCLUDE:

1. LA DOLCE VITA (ITALY) (Filming completed 8.26.08/9.22.08)

2. THE HEART OF MELANESIA MAGIC (FIJI) (Advance Research visit scheduled 10.30.08/11.04.08)

3. THE DRAGON KINGDOM (BHUTAN)

4. LUXURIOUS ECOLOGY (BRAZIL)

5. ROMANCING INDIA

6. SIMPLY ‘OUT OF AFRICA’

7. THE GARDEN ISLE–A Sportsman’s Sanctuary (IRELAND) (Advance Research completed 7.31.08/8.04.08; Filming scheduled for June 09)

8. TAHITI TEMPTATIONS

9. OUTBACK ENCOUNTER (AUSTRALIA, “Land of Oz”)

10. THE LONDON ‘RUSH’ (Advance Research completed; Filming scheduled for June 09)

11. LIVE LIKE A CZAR (RUSSIA) (Advance Research visit scheduled)

12. SHANGHAI’S NEW PEAK (Advance Research completed)

13. PARADISE FOUND (MALDIVES) (Advance Research visit scheduled)

The Second Season will premiere with Escapeseeker’s own version of ‘Tour de France’ – – A Road Adventure to Uncover France’s Best Kept Secrets… (Advance research visit completed 05/08- Filming Scheduled for May 2009)

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Each month, an estimated 5.8 million viewers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region tune their television sets to KOCE, their public television station. These viewers are affluent, influential, highly educated, well-traveled, intellectually curious people who have their choice of more than 100 channels. Yet, this valuable demographic group remains intensely loyal to PBS, and KOCE as the 6th most watched PBS station nationally.

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At a time when most broadcast television stations are seeing a decline in viewers and watching their audiences flee to cable channels, KOCE is enjoying unprecendented and stunning growth.When KOCE implemented a new scheduling strategy a few years ago, it resulted in prime-time audience growth into the hundreds of percent. Audience growth in all day parts has continued. With digital transmission now extending to the San Fernando Valley and KOCE now broadcasting from Mount Wilson, KOCE viewership is expected to grow even further still.

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Newport Beach – – What started out as a vehicle for me to update friends and family on my world travels as a result of my assignments from ESCAPE MAGAZINE and ESCAPESEEKER–my brand new travel series– as well as the tool to keep the family informed about each other’s latest activities and fun tid bits–has turned into an ever-growing “blogspot station” that now necessitates the creation of a second ESCAPESEEKER blogspot. ESCAPESEEKER (the original blog) focused entirely on my ESCAPESEEKER TV TRAVEL SERIES and ESCAPE MAGAZINE travels; and the second–ESCAPESEEKER: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, centered around FAMILY and FRIENDS. I hope you will continue to view both blog sites, as I will make every effort to keep each current with the latest news.

The second blog page can be found at:
www.escapeseekerupcloseandpersonal.blogspot.com

Thank you for your avid interest and continued support.

With love, always…
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PS: Kindly be patient as I separate and transfer the family news to the new blogspot site.

My Early Morning Greeters…Texas style…Bambi and friends…

Greetings from the Lone Star State!

After a very long absence, I’m back watching the deer roam in my backyard–who by the way, also seem to enjoy basking along the Brazos River as much as any other native Texan! Their life seems so simple…especially living within the safety of the Pecan Plantation enclave…where they are protected by a 17 mile radius of the Brazos River and where all the inhabitants like us permit them to just roam freely, grazing on flowerbeds that I quickly discovered have a very short lifespan…the deer all think that my backyard is their salad buffet! Oh well, what a small price to pay for the opportunity to have the deer teach me about friendship. I love the way they travel in packs…they are never too far from each other…and as near as I can observe, they are always looking out for each other also…oh what life would be like if we all had watchful angels to watch over us.

This morning as the sun rose, I couldn’t help but reflect on the many earth angels in my life…especially these last few months as I began this very challenging endeavor of bringing ESCAPESEEKER–the TV Travel Series to life! I just want to THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart. When I think the obstacles just get too overwhelming, you are there to lend a helping hand. Thank you for helping me fly…and with so many of you praying and believing, I can’t help but SOAR!

I have posted a video link below, and also on the right hand column, just in case the link below doesn’t take you directly to it. It captures my sentiments…take a look…and I hope it lifts your day just as you’ve always lifted mine. By the way, don’t forget to turn off the playlist on the right hand column of the blog page also, before you begin viewing the video, ok?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7d7Ul6PmI

A reflective ESCAPESEEKER,
aka Mel

PS: Here’s a look back at some of the ESCAPESEEKER team who helped during our filming adventure…photos are compliments of our dear Maggie Garratt from the UK (or should I use her favorite word–“LOVELY” with a British accent)…Maggie accompanied us every step of the way… For a Brit, she probably knows Italy as well, or better than any Italian!

By the way, if you want to enlarge the photos for easier viewing, just click on them.

Howard, our soundman yells out,
“Mel, fix your audio…I can’t hear you!”

Gabes decides it is a lot more fun being the DP instead of
the talent! Howard cries out from the support boat, “Gabes
keep the camera out of the water!”

Proof that ESCAPESEEKER isn’t all GLAMOUR, and FUN…
Fortunately, no matter how tough the journey sometimes became,
rarely did anyone break the official ESCAPESEEKER
#1 rule of “NO WHINING!”

Gabrielle acquired an instant fan of ESCAPESEEKER during
our visit to one of the oldest glass factory in MURANO…and
she has lots of glass jewelry to prove it! 🙂 Product placement
opportunity? Maybe, but more likely, it is just that wonderful
Italian generosity and hospitality~

Truly, some of the best unforgettable memories we will take from
this experience, are the lasting friendships we have forged in the land of La Dolce Vita!

Ok, Maybe driving this BRIGHT RED FERRARI convertible through Tuscany is pretty unforgettable too! Thank you RED TRAVEL for making it possible; and Thank you Dale and Howard for capturing it all in living color. High Def cinematography at its best!

Yes, driving the Ferraris was definitely among the
highlights of our Tuscan adventures…

Marty gets a final shot of me riding this vintage seaplane from Club AeroComo…before taking off from Lake Como and soaring high above this picturesque town…my pilot’s name is Ceasar…yes, named after the Roman emperor!

Can you believe how far, or should I say, how HIGH we were willing to go to get the footage we need. Priceless memories I tell you!

And to think, this is just the first episode of ESCAPESEEKER–12 more to go! YAHOO!

Here’s to blissful ESCAPES!

If you want to learn how to create your own ESCAPESEEKER style adventure, stay tuned to KOCE-TV in 2009!

Newport Beach — It is 2:11 a.m. on the West Coast, but my mind and body still thinks we’re in Milan! Oh well, no time like the present to unpack, organize, and what else–WRITE! I love the release I get from writing…it is absolutely the best therapy, and the most effective utilization of sleepless hours. 🙂

I am also very happy to report the the back-up hard drives containing a great deal of the footage we shot made it home safely with me…actually I was instructed never to part with it, so wherever I went, it went also! I hope Howard’s set also made it home since he has the complete entire one-month long shoot on his set of hard drives!

You’ve got to check out my defined biceps after hauling around through three international airport terminals my extremely heavy computer bag, and my hard drive-filled Louis Vuitton bag too. Who needs a personal trainer when you’ve got these?

Well, as I was unpacking, I found the miniature flash drive containing a rough cut ‘sample vignette’ containing some of the beautiful images we captured of Florence with our 2nd back-up camera; also included is a segment of our visit with the STROZZI Princesses, Natalia and Irina, along with their beautiful Mama, at their historic 1014 year-old STROZZI ESTATE in Tuscany, where frequent illustrious guests included Gregory Peck whom the Princesses (at Mr. Peck’s request) referred to lovingly as their “second Daddy”.

Another very interesting footnote, Princess Natalia learned ballet from Rudolf Nureyev, who often gave her private lessons barefoot during their frequent holidays spent on the beach! Princess Natalia had an illustrious ballet career of her own, dancing for the Russian ballet, often performing at Teatro Marinskii Kirov. Oh, did I mention that the Princesses are proven direct descendants of THE Mona Lisa? Yes, of Da Vinci portrait fame! Can our adventure get any more interesting? Well it could, and it did! You just have to stay tune to watch the premiere episode when it airs in February.

I must mention that the footage below were NOT shot on our big RED HD cinematography camera–but it will still give you an idea of what an artistically inspiring place the Florentine/Tuscan region of Italy is to all fortunate enough to set their eyes upon this magical place. The classical guitarist featured is none other than Italian virtuoso, EDOARDO CATEMARIO.

It is no wonder the RENAISSANCE movement began in Florence. Take a peak…and you will know why I can’t wait to get to work on the REAL complete version of the premiere episode of ESCAPESEEKER.

Thanks Dale for putting this together on the eve of your departure from Venice–especially since you did it just from your own private make-shift editing bay–your hotel room!

Enjoy, and get a glimpse of the reasons why our entire ESCAPESEEKER team found Florence and Tuscany absolutely MESMERIZING!

Important note: Before viewing the video, you must scroll down on the right side of the ESCAPESEEKER blogpage, find the playlist bar, and click ‘stop’ so that the playlist music will not conflict with the video.

Love, Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Lisa (“Nanda” as she is also known to friends and family) and Roberto Polito
welcome our ESCAPESEEKER team to their Tuscan estate in Bolgheri.

Mouth-watering, deliciously sweet grapes from the
Politos own vineyard. I couldn’t stop eating them!
By the way, my pretty purple hat is compliments of
Nanda. I love it. Thank you very much Nanda.

Luca Magni, the Politos eldest son, takes me on a tour
of their estate, sharing wonderful stories of his youth…
carefree time spent frolicking on the grounds of their
beautiful Tuscan surroundings.

Mr. Polito meticulously designed and supervised the
cultivation of every inch of his estate’s landscape, often
doing the work himself. Mr. Polito shared that when he
purchased the land, that it definitely did not look like it
does today, a true Tuscan oasis resulting from three decades
of tender loving care.

The interior/exterior is designed and tailored
for family gatherings full of unique furniture
and art work…or furniture that looks like a piece of
art, much of which was found during their many travels.
No need to explain how much Gabes loved this
comfortable patio chair.

Nanda, Roberto and Luca took us to the charming village
of BOLGHERI where they treated us to an absolutely
delicious lunch composed of Tuscan delicacies, including
a wine produced from their grapes…yes, from the same
vineyard I had been ‘snacking’ from earlier! Roy will be
happy to know that the Politos sent me home with a special
bottle just for his enjoyment. Their gracious hospitality and
generosity is beyond description! Our ESCAPESEEKER team
has been richly blessed by this special La Dolce Vita filming
assignment.

September 12, 2008

TUSCANY – It is with great reluctance that our ESCAPESEEKER team leaves this visually stunning region of Italy. But we depart this morning with genuine heartfelt joy and gratitude for the “once in a lifetime experiences” (as our DP, Marty Metcalf calls them) we have shared –much of which has been captured and immortalized on digital cinematography.

There are times when it is fitting to borrow the writings of another author who have walked the path you’ve walked, and with their own power of the pen, composed so eloquently the essence of your own experience and sentiments–this is one of those occasions. What more can I possibly add to this excerpt from the biography of Michelangelo, The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone, wherein he describes TUSCANY–the Tuscany we, too, have come to know and embrace…I shall never lose my child-like enthusiasm for this country endowed with so much beauty…and populated with people of such passion and grace. On behalf of our entire ESCAPESEEKER team, Thank you Roberto, Lisa, and Luca for sharing your time with us and giving us an insider’s look at your own TUSCAN HEAVEN!

“Tuscany is a state of grace. The countryside is so lovingly designed that the eye sweeps the mountains and valleys without stumbling over a single stone. The lilt of the rolling green hills, the upsurging cypresses, the terraces sculptured by generations that have handled the rocks with skillful tenderness, the fields geometrically juxtaposed as though drawn by a draftsman for beauty as well as productivity; the battlements of castles on the hills, their tall towers standing gray-blue and golden tan among the forest of trees, the air of such clarity that every sod of earth stands out in dazzling detail…”

Another example of the beautiful vista from the Politos vineyard!

ESCAPESEEKER team captures a superb afternoon
spent with Roberto and Lisa Polito. Roberto enjoyed
reviewing the footage from our outstanding BIG RED
state-of-the-Art High Def camera!

RESIDENCE ALLELUJA…Nestled between the mountains and the sea…you must lose the phrase “roughing it” from your vocabulary…replace it instead with “luxurious oasis”…the operative word is FREEDOM at RESIDENCE ALLELUJA… you have the FREEDOM to choose to enjoy your holiday in the peace and privacy of your luxury apartment, or venture out and take in a variety of outdoor sports your heart desires…compliments of Mother Nature…ok, sure it was skillfully enhanced and improved upon by man…after all, it wasn’t hard for its owners in the beginning to recognize this precious ‘diamond in the rough’…and now, oh how she glistens! To learn more go to:
http://www.baglionihotels.com/pages/landing_alleluja_en.jsp

Our ESCAPESEEKER team has thoroughly enjoyed making friends here…several Florentine families on holiday enthusiastically agreed to be captured on film as they savored their holiday beneath Tuscan sunshine!

If you wish a bit of a reprieve from the sun and sea…
these shaded beach cabanas are a nice option.

My day at the Punta Ala International Golf Club…Wow, we had such a great time…but don’t take my word for it…stay tuned to ESCAPESEEKER episode, La Dolce Vita, and you’ll see what Marty (skillfully) captured on camera!

Even Alessandro, who arranged our day of filming at the Punta Ala International Golf Club was impressed by my golfing “finesse” as Marty likes to call it.

Ok, maybe not on every hole. 🙂

Gabes and I at sunset, enjoying our not so typical
pre-dinner delicacies at Residence Alleluja’s sister
hotel, Hotel Cala Del Porto. Perfecto!

You can imagine our delight upon seeing this view…
we immediately felt right at home!

Speaking of HOME…this is the main interior “living room”
where the guests at Residence Alleluja can lounge,
watch TV, read, or just enjoy an afternoon tea, or pre-dinner
drinks with friends.

Oh the Sweet Life…Tuscan style…

Our own private beach at Residence Alleluja

She was born to be a STAR! 🙂 Her future is in the hands of
our talented team, two of whom are pictured above–
Marty Metcalf, our DP, and his superb assistant, Howard Little.

Everything about Punta Ala seem to agree with Gabes.
This was shot in total natural light…Punta Ala’s light…

Our dinner view each night at the splendid Hotel Cala Del Porto!

It was tough to say goodbye to our beloved Venice…little
did we know what was in store for us in Punta Ala. When
things are going well, remember that they can always get,
even better!

Thank you Alessandro FICHERA for bringing us to Punta Ala…
for helping our team capture the best footage each day…and for
making sure our stay is one we will always remember.

*****

PUNTA ALA–September 8, 2008:

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER offers a recipe for the SWEET LIFE:

Take Italian hospitality, set against the backdrop of aquamarine blue Tyrrhenian sea, drenched in the soothing heat of the Fall Tuscan sun, as it caresses the shores of Punta Ala–a seaside town whose shoulders rest upon a deeply wooded mountain countryside.

Then add the exquisite flavors of ancient recipes perfected from years of cultivating Mediterranean delicacies, and you definitely have the recipe for the best kept Italian secret: LA DOLCE VITA—PUNTA ALA STYLE! It is so apropos that our residence of choice while living the sweet life is called, RESIDENCE ALLELUJA! And the ALLELUJA chorus is exactly what our filming team has been singing since we’ve arrived!

After completing three previous filming assignments in three very challenging, albeit exciting locations, it is a welcome reprieve to arrive in Punta Ala, a true oasis—a perfect gathering place for family and friends. Just take a look at these images captured by our ESCAPESEEKER still photographer—our own CHAD BUCHANAN, and you will see just how much the SWEET LIFE agrees with Gabrielle, as well as the rest of our ESCAPESEEKER team. The scent of evergreen trees combined with eucalyptus trees perfume the air. And, you know how healing I believe being near the sea can be…and let’s just say, this travel worn team is definitely starting to look and feel better with every passing day spent at this truly Tuscan retreat. All I can say is ALLELUJA!

Sending you love, joy, and some perfect Tuscan sunshine…

ESCAPESEEKER and “A Team” (Gabrielle, Maggie, Chad, Marty and Howard)

My new ESCAPESEEKER co-host, Gabrielle, found walking the Red Carpet a bit frightening, but you wouldn’t ever guess it from these photos!

Following the RACHEL GETTING MARRIED Venice Premiere, we proceeded to join the film’s Director, Jonathan Demme with star, Anne Hathaway, at the Luna Hotel Baglioni where SONY PICTURES, ESCAPESEEKER, and BAGLIONI HOTELS COLLECTION jointly hosted the post premiere party! If you would like to see photos from the party, just log on to www.Gettyimages.com and search for: 65th Venice Film Festival Images by Chad Buchanan.
The images are copyrighted so I cannot post them on my blog. Thanks alot Chad! 🙂

The adventure continues. We are in Venice for another two days of shooting and then it’s off to the Tuscan seaside, Punta Ala.

Gabes is having an absolute adventure living LA DOLCE VITA!

Stay tuned…

Love,
Escapeseeker