Escapeseeker

ESCAPESEEKER PREMIERE CELEBRATION!!!

MARINA DEL REY, California — After a night of feasting, dancing, and connecting with friends–both old and new–ESCAPESEEKER’s PREMIERE LAUNCH PARTY GUESTS like me are still trying to make it out of bed!

Thank you to all who traveled near and far to celebrate this monumental occasion with our ESCAPESEEKER team.  Our sincere thanks to our event sponsors:  Marquesi dé Frescobaldi (http://www.frescobaldi.it/en/home.html); Alan Charles; Bill and Luz MacArthur; and Escapeseeker, LLC.  Our thanks also to Nu Skin for infusing our VIP Gift Bags with superb Nu Skin products!  (http://www.nuskin.com/) And, thank you Ian and Jackie Hand for lending your support and creativity wherever and whenever needed!

There are so many wonderful people to acknowledge!  Just like the ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, it took a village of very generous individuals and entities to bring this unforgettable event together.

Thank you RANI CHAVEZ for orchestrating the most remarkable PREMIERE PRIZE from Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa, (http://www.relaischateaux.com/letahaa) Air Tahiti Nui, Air Tahiti, and Radisson Tahiti Resort, Papeete!  Winning number #11, Michael Parks and his beautiful wife, Katrina, who are expecting their first baby boy on 11.11.11 informed me that they’re ready to go tomorrow!!!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150783185100105.724757.367501815104#!/media/set/?set=a.10150783185100105.724757.367501815104

Everyone agrees that EMII’s stunning performance to wrap up the gorgeous Marina Del Rey, California evening was just the perfect topping on an already delicious and unforgettable celebration. By the way, just in case you’ve not yet heard EMII sing, here’s a sneak peak at her recent HIT, MR. ROMEO performed with Snoop Dog! http://youtu.be/4uC2A33M1fU Now, you understand why we were all so WOWED at our Premiere event!  Stay tuned, EMII has more hits on the way.  This BEAUTIFUL TALENT has absolute staying power!!!  Thank you EMII for infusing our event with beautiful music and excitement!

SAPORI also did not disappoint.

Italian native owner, Stefano Baccianella, designed a very special Italian dining experience that is reminiscent of our own ESCAPESEEKER culinary features as seen in the upcoming episodes of LA DOLCE VITA.  The taste of Venice, Florence, Bologna and Rome all combined into one magical dining celebration!

This charming scenic restaurant combines character and beauty with an exquisite ESCAPESEEKER menu that promised to transport us to a seaside village in Italy.  Paired with our own beautiful California sunset…and the special presence of our VIP ESCAPESEEKER FRIENDS provided the perfect setting for all of us to immerse in all things Italian.

What more can we say…

E ‘tempo di celebrare la vita … la vita ESAPESEEKER.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT WAS OUR TURN TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR AMAZING ESCAPESEEKER JOURNEY!

BE SURE TO STAY TUNED TODAY ON PBS SoCAL at 2:00 PM!

In the meantime, please permit me to share these beautiful images from last night’s PREMIERE CELEBRATION as captured by photographer, BRIAN BEASLEY!

http://bryanbeasley.phanfare.com/slideshow.aspx?s=0&username=bryanbeasley%24EscapeSeeker&a_id=5254729&s_id=5927196&q=http%3A%2F%2Fbryanbeasley.phanfare.com%2FEscapeSeeker%2F5254729

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT…May the BLISSFUL ESCAPES…NEVER END!

Love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PBS SoCal—Southern California’s #1 Public Television Station

is pleased to announce the Fall Season Premiere of

ESCAPESEEKER…

Seeking the Greatest Destinations in the World,

One Luxury Escape at a Time!

For inveterate globetrotter Mel Gee Henderson and her talented film crew, travel is like air. They cannot live without it!  Mel thrives on serendipitous encounters, embraces the unexpected adventure, and charms locals everywhere. Mel’s background as a seasoned journalist and Washington Congressional staffer, combined with her philanthropic activities, introduced her to the globetrotting lifestyle, and took her everywhere, from gatherings 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 with others, to inspire and demonstrate that they too can explore our beautiful world and embrace cultures different from our own that has motivated Mel to create the breathtaking new television series ESCAPESEEKER.

ESCAPESEEKER introduces viewers to the most luxurious adventures, 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, ‘movers and shakers’ of our time.

“I AM THE ULTIMATE ESCAPESEEKER. I POSSESS AN INSATIABLE WANDERLUST, SHARED BY MY INFATIGABLE, DEDICATED, TALENTED FILM TEAM, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT IS REQUIRED AS WE PROVE THAT THERE’S NO DESTINATION ON EARTH TOO FAR, TOO DIFFICULT, OR TOO SPECTACULAR TO REACH!”

~ Mel Gee Henderson, Journalist/Host of ESCAPESEEKER

“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.”

ADEYAKA Magazine feature story entitled, “A Thing of Beauty”)

Entire story available on INFINITI Ipad app, free download, click on   ADEYAKA Magazine. http://www.adeyaka.com/

The following are the descriptions of the first 9 episodes of ESCAPESEEKER which premieres on August 27, 2011 on PBS SoCal—the #1 PBS station in Southern California, which continually strives to interactively educate, entertain, and enlighten millions of viewers with outstanding quality programs.

La Dolce Vita

In this two-episodes, Italian feature, ESCAPESEEKER travels to the most sought after destinations, capturing Italy’s legendary passion for art, history, fashion, pasta and man’s greatest driving machines.

Episode 1: Air Date, August 27, 2011

We introduce you to Venetian Roberto Bocus, who shows us the world’s most famous floating city from his native perspective. We’ll  embrace man’s fascination with fast, bright red Italian cars, and we’ll also meet with Tiziana Frescobaldi, whose historic Florentine family has been at the forefront of Tuscan wine-making for 738 years!

Episode 2: Air Date, September 3, 2011

We travel to Italy’s Food Capital—Bologna—and learn the secrets to making the perfect pasta. We also go behind the scenes at Bologna’s most famous factory—that of the Lamborghini! We’ll continue on to the Eternal City—Rome—where art, history and fashion sizzles! We’ll get the ultimate insider’s look into the world’s smallest sovereign state—The Vatican, and witness the plethora of art that draws millions to its doors. You haven’t seen the Sistine Chapel quite like this!

Rocky Mountain High

In Rocky Mountain High, we travel to what is often referred to by the world’s top anglers as “Fishing Nirvana.” Three Forks Ranch & Spa has a multitude of sporting activities to enjoy summer or winter! Interestingly enough, no arm-twisting was necessary to convince our ESCAPESEEKER team to capture and experience it both seasons!

Episode 3: Air Date, September 10, 2011

High into the Rockies is exactly how far we had to go to find the most luxurious mountain retreat—Three Forks Ranch & Spa, a “Sportsman’s Nirvana” nestled along the three forks of the Little Snake River, a region rich in history and legends. This mountain escape is so remote that Butch Cassidy and his “Hole in the Wall Gang” found it the ideal haven to hide from the law!

Episode 4: Air Date, September 17, 2011

The Rockies turns into a winter wonderland, and it doesn’t get any more magical than the quiet solitude this Little Snake River Valley provides, where each night you can gaze at billions of stars above. By day, we take you on a multitude of activities, whether whisking along on a snowmobile, gliding quietly along on cross-country skis, or trekking along on a self-paced snowshoe tour, the breathtaking beauty of nature’s winter will astound you.

Fiji: Pure Paradise

In Fiji: Pure Paradise, ESCAPESEEKER searched far and wide to find the most “Eco-Friendly” luxury destination on earth—The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort.

Episode 5: Air Date, September 24, 2011

Yes, if the name “Cousteau” conjures up images of deep sea adventures—you’re absolutely right! It’s also just a short seaplane ride from Yadua Taba—home of the highly endangered Fijian Crested Iguana. At this resort, you can be diving legend Cousteau one day, and explorer Indiana Jones the next. We’ll show you how, and introduce you to the ”smiliest people on earth!”

The Emerald Isle

Ireland: Land of One-hundred Thousand Welcomes – Steeped in history, natural beauty and full of breathtaking vistas, Ireland’s smiling faces gave Mel no option but to return with her ESCAPESEEKER film crew!

Episode 6: Air Date, October 1, 2011

ESCAPESEEKER attempts to learn the most revered sport in this region—GOLF! And what better place than the home of the 2006 Ryder Cup: The K Club. With its Arnold Palmer designed courses, and uniquely Irish, post-golf Spa treatments—what’s not to like about this sport? And, if you’re not keen on chasing a little white ball with a stick—no worries, the Irish are happy to show you how to skillfully jump fences on horseback! And your best reward … a pint of that unmistakable black brew—Guinness for everyone!

Tour de France

ESCAPESEEKER Tour de France: After an entire decade of traveling from Paris to Cannes by plane or train, ESCAPESEEKER host, Mel Gee Henderson, a veteran journalist assigned to cover the annual Cannes Film Festival—decided it was time to take the road less traveled in her own version of ESCAPESEEKER Tour de France, embracing all things French in these two episodes of pure joie de vivre!

Episode 7: Air Date, October 8, 2011

ESCAPESEEKER takes to the beautiful country roads of France in luxury and style as we unveil her best-kept secrets. We put Infiniti’s 500,000 euro proto-type luxury G-37 Convertible to the test—from the emerald Champagne region—home of the famous bubbly—to the limestone rich soil of Saint Emilion—where the sweet aroma of the famous macaroon fills the air.

Episode 8: Air Date, October 15, 2011

ESCAPESEEKER takes you to the art-inspiring lavender-scented  Provence where we walk in the footsteps of Paul Cezanne, learn how to navigate the colorful local markets, delve into the decadent beaches of the French Riviera, and ascend to the historic mountain top medieval town of Saint Paul.

The Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast: Heaven on Earth—Its name is derived from that of the nymph, Amalfi, beloved by Hercules. Legend has it that after she died, he buried her here in the world’s most beautiful spot.

Episode 9: Air Date, October 22, 2011

Amalfi Coast:  Heaven on Earth—We recommend not waiting until after you die to see what heaven is like—Welcome to the Amalfi Coast! We visit this jaw-dropping beautiful coastline in Europe, with its hair-raising, white-knuckles, vertigo-inducing Amalfi Drive. Once you catch your breath, we take you to our heavenly abode—the historic Palazzo Sasso, located 1,000 feet high above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea in the tiny town of Ravello, which has long been the secret retreat of writers, musicians, and even politicians.

We hope you’ll all stay tuned. Following completion of the broadcasts of the first nine episodes, future broadcast dates of subsequent episodes will also be announced.

In the meantime, the entire ESCAPESEEKER team thanks you for your continued support. We hope you too are enjoying a SUMMER of BLISSFUL, NEVER-ENDING ESCAPES!

With love,
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

New York City — I apologize for the long pause in my blog posting.  But truly, the first six months of 2011 has brought on  a series of  incredible non-stop assignments for our entire ESCAPESEEKER team!

In accordance with our show’s closing tag line, “ESCAPESEEKER, proving once again that there’s no destination too far, or too difficult to reach”–I’ve managed to make sure the we up the ante for 2011–from heli-skiing the snow-covered mountain tops of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains to prove their claim of having “The Greatest Snow on Earth”;  to hydro-speeding the chilly white waters of Patagonia’s raging rivers; to climbing the incredibly steep volcanic peaks of Chile’s barren Northern dessert; to experiencing the mystical culture of the world’s most remote island.  I never imagined just how much it would magnify every aspect of our ESCAPESEEKER program in every regard.  To make a long story, short, I am now in New York City where the campaign to take ESCAPESEEKER global has officially begun under the skilled guidance of seasoned Entertainment Attorney, Steven Beer, (www.stevenbeer.com).  Please stay tuned.  I will be providing the exciting details as they become available.

In the meantime, please highlight August 27, 2011 on your calendars.  It’s the date that has been set for the ESCAPESEEKER Fall Season to officially begin on PBS SoCal.  Check local listings for further details, or you can check on this  ESCAPESEEKER blog, ESCAPESEEKER Facebook, ESCAPESEEKER twitter, and even ESCAPESEEKER tumblr.  I think we’re covering all of our social media bases!

What fellow journalists have to say about Mel Gee Henderson and the ESCAPESEEKER series:

“While you’re watching ESCAPESEEKER, keep in mind that anything this real-life Mother of 6 and Grandmother to 8 (almost 9) grand kids can do, you can too!  Mel Gee Henderson, the escapeseeking, journalist host of this new PBS SoCal travel series is definitely eager to show her audience that there’s a wondrous world out there just waiting to be explored and embraced…no matter your age!”  ~ Holly Rowe, ESPN Sportscaster and Travel enthusiasts.

“Mel’s insatiable hunger for adventure, her natural wanderlust and need for continual discovery and learning, combined with her infatigable energy and genuine love for people makes her the perfect travel host and guide.” ~ Cable Neuhaus, Creative Director, Newsmax Media

Here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store for all of you escapeseeking, travel enthusiasts like me!  Just click below and get ready to follow in my footsteps!  Our SPECIAL THANKS to the talented musical artists whose music and lyrics help us convey to our PBS audience the inspiring, positive theme of our show:  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined!” ~ Henry David Thoreau

ESCAPESEEKER…”Where in the World is my Grandma?”

Straight Talk from Mel: “I LOVE TO TRAVEL because I have an “addiction to wonderment”…I’ve discovered a plane ticket is the best prescription for the blues…the excitement, the enrichment, the friendships I derive fill me with overflowing gratitude for the life I have been given. Nothing makes me feel more alive like traveling, and when I share these travel experiences with those I love, my  JOY is multiplied ten-fold!   And, as you can see from this family pic, I have no shortage of willing travel companions.”

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my passion for travel with all of you.  I echo the sentiments of Mark Twain who wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Here’s to a lifetime of BLISSFUL, ENDLESS ESCAPES…

May angels watch over you as you travel…and remember to be the kindest person you know!

Love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Los Angeles ~ After five rigorous, albeit exciting weeks of filming what will be four of the most action-packed episodes in ESCAPESEEKER history, I’ll be the first to admit (as I momentarily say goodbye to any semblance of humility) that I was totally inspired to entitle our upcoming Chile feature, “CHILE:  Long, Lean, and Simply Spectacular”.  Frankly, back in February when our Advance Research Team (ART) including our Chief Stills Photographer, Weston Hall explored a big chunk of Chile–from its most southern tip, to its northern high desert, and across the Pacific to incorporate its mystical island of Rapa Nui–we felt as though we had just uncovered the world’s best kept secret!  It took us an entire month to complete the ESCAPESEEKER Advance Research (Phase I) of the Chile episodes selection process.  We returned to the U.S. with a wealth of images to guide my script-writing, (Phase II) of the Chile project.  Weston’s images were jaw-dropping, and I would spend countless hours sifting through them one by one, providing just the inspiration I needed to write four distinctly different episodes highlighting each of the four major Chilean regions we had visited.  Eight sleep-challenged, food deprived days later, I came out of isolation and handed my Producer, Christina Tucker  Wise, all four scripts from which she began constructing our filming rundown.  And, on April 1, 2011, our ESCAPESEEKER film team  arrived in Santiago, Chile’s historic capital, to acclimate to our new time zone before we began the most ambitious filming assignment (Phase III) in ESCAPESEEKER history.

I’m happy to report that on May 7th we returned to Los Angeles after successfully  completing the most unforgettable filming adventure of a lifetime!  In the next few days, I will be  giving you an inside peak into our Chilean adventure beginning with our First stop–Puerto Montt, just an easy 1:40- minute LAN Airlines flight from Santiago:

Our first Chile domestic flight, in case you wish to duplicate our adventure:  LAN #061:  SCL/PMC

ESCAPESEEKER meets the Captain and crew of the Nomads of the Seas‘ Yacht,  The Atmosphere, for the first time…anticipation, excitement builds as I realize The Atmosphere is even more beautiful in person!

Day 1 of Filming:  CHILE: Long, Lean, and Simply Spectacular! Well, SPECTACULAR is exactly how it feels boarding this private vessel specifically designed to explore the clear waters of Northern Patagonia. There is truly no destination too difficult to reach for this luxurious Yacht, The Atmosphere, complete with its accompanying Bell 407 Helicopter.

FROM FISHING NIRVANA TO HYDRO SPEEDING–PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR HEART-STOPPING ACTION WITH  NOMADS OF THE SEAS

After settling into our respective cabins, it didn’t take long before we were whisked away in the Bell 407 Helicopter piloted by the Yacht’s owner, a superb sports’ enthusiast,  and President of Nomads of the Seas, Andrés Ergas.  Our first mission–to find a “virgin river” and fish where no man–well, ok, at least no woman has ever fished before!

Not only is our fly-fishing destination selected for its singular beauty, but the fishing condition is incomparable.  The humid and cold southern forest hosts an abundant variety of rainbow and brown trout as well as salmon species.  With the Bell 407 Helicopter, Anglers can access a variety of options–from cold crystal clear rivers with varied flows to winding inlets, and spring creeks, lakes or lagoons.

With seasoned guides at my beck and call to teach and advise, I decided it was definitely time for me to get serious about learning the art of fishing.  There’s one quick realization–the Patagonia fish are really smart, after all, they live in the most pristine environment on earth, and can be very selective about what they eat.  So a study in Patagonian entomology is not a bad idea.  Or you can do what I did, and just examine what the pros are using!

IF FISHING DOESN’T PROVIDE ENOUGH GOOSE BUMP-PRODUCING ACTION FOR YOU…HOW ABOUT SOME WHITE-WATER BONDING?

Our voyage to the central-southern areas of Chilean Patagonia covers over 750 kilometers/405 nautical miles from our embarking point of Puerto Montt to the Taitao Peninsula.  Zealously protected by nature, this is one corner of the world that has areas yet to be discovered.  So we decided to explore via raft.  WOW!  What an outstanding team bonding experience!  Take a peak at these snap shots of our day of “Deliverance”…unbelievably fun!

Exploring the Patagonian wilderness for several days can work up quite the appetite.  But no worries, you’re on The Atmosphere, where the Chefs take every aspect of fine dining very seriously.  Here are just a few examples.  And for a dessert lover like me, the toughest decision was choosing which one to savor–so more often than not, I opted to taste all of them!  I know what you’re thinking.  Yes, you’re right–just because I’m in the wilds of Patagonia doesn’t mean my appetite has to go wild too!  But look, can you blame me?

Oh the sweet ESCAPESEEKER life!

Tasting Chile was one tough assignment.  But someone has to do it!

The Chefs on THE ATMOSPHERE take the Art of Dining to a whole new level.

This  Nomads of the Seas al fresco style dining needs no explanation.

Simply stated, Nomads of the Seas‘ Yacht, The Atmosphere affords its special guests a once-in-a-lifetime, incredible experience.  It is one the entire ESCAPESEEKER team shall never forget.  We look forward to sharing it with all of you in  the upcoming ESCAPESEEKER 4-episodes special series entitled, “Chile: Long, Lean, and Simply Spectacular!”

The hardest part of the Nomads of the Seas experience was having to say “Goodbye!”

In the meantime, feel free to log in tomorrow when you can get a sneak peak at Part 2 of  our Chilean Adventure as we explore the most southern tip of the South American continent from our ESCAPESEEKER base,  HOTEL SALTO CHICO, the only luxury hotel located within the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park!

Join us on ESCAPESEEKER, when we prove once again that there’s no destination on earth too far, too difficult, or too SPECTACULAR to reach!

Hasta luego amigos…

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

For more details on our ESCAPESEEKER Chile adventure, please go to:

www.nomadsoftheseas.com

www.lan.com

or feel free to write me at:  escapeseeker@gmail.com  I would love to hear from you!

Patagonia, Chile — The entire ESCAPESEEKER film team is currently on assignment in Patagonia–the southernmost region of the American continent and one of the least populated areas in the world.  As such, our internet access is unpredictable, and limited at best.  We look forward to posting our latest adventures upon our return to Santiago–Chile’s vibrant, modern capital, were cyber access will be much quicker and more consistent.

In the meantime, please feel free to visit our ESCAPESEEKER Facebook page for the latest brief updates on our team’s 5-week filming assignment:  CHILE:  Long, Lean, and Simply Spectacular!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/pages/ESCAPESEEKER/367501815104

Please stay tuned…as we strive to bring you the greatest escapes in the world.

Love,

Mel and the ESCAPESEEKER team

Story by Mel Gee Henderson

Select Images by Weston Hall

Isla de Pascua – I had been forewarned by many who have been fortunate enough to visit the world’s most remote island of RAPA NUI that I should  “be prepared to be mystified,” even adding, “there’s something inexplicable about the island that will touch your soul.”

RAPA NUI aka ISLA DE PASCUA aka EASTER ISLAND (Photo by Explora Rapa Nui)

With such an intriguing introduction, I could barely contain myself when our LAN Airlines flight landed on this far-flung island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—the exact location: Lattitude 27:05 South; Longitude 109:20 West.  In simpler terms, the island is 2,236 miles (3,700 kilometers) from the South American continent, at its nearest point—the Chilean coast.   In other words, we flew approximately 4.5 hours flight across the ocean from Chile’s capital of Santiago—just enough time for a nice pleasant flight, or for two full length feature films!

For those of you who are not well-versed on Rapa Nui, please allow me to provide a quick overview of how this island came to be.

IN THE BEGINNING…

Three million years ago, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of almost 9,843 feet (3,000 meters), a huge volcano began to rise up—giving birth to Poike, the first of the big volcanoes, which now forms the eastern edge of the island.  Five hundred thousand years later, a second eruption southeast of the first gave rise to Rano Kau.  And, finally, 300,000 years ago Maunga Terevaka rose up, creating the far northern tip of Rapa Nui, which has a surface area of 64 square miles (166 square kilometers) and a maximum width of 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)—now, that’s one impressive volcano!

It was 1,400 years ago that Rapa Nui’s first human inhabitants arrived from French Polynesia.  These inhabitants developed their own system of hieroglyphic script (the rongo rongo) which experts have yet to decipher, as well as the building of massive statues called “moai” carved out of volcanic rock, to honor and pay tribute to their ancestral kings, village chiefs, according to my conversations with renowned, UCLA archeologist, Dr. Jo Anne Van Tilburg, (pictured below) who was right in the thick of unearthing this newfound moai. This project is the first controlled, scientific archaeological excavations ever undertaken in the interior of Rano Raraku Quarry. It is also the first stone conservation and preservation pilot program in Rano Raraku.

All but one of the 22 standing statues (moai) in Rano Raraku Quarry interior have been previously exposed through unscientific and undocumented digging. According to Dr. Van Tilburg, there are 1,025 moai found throughout the island!

Hundreds of years passed before any new explorers reached the island.  The first to arrive—Dutch mariner Jacob Rogeveen, who gave the island the name of Isla de Pascua or Easter Island because it was on Easter in 1722 that he set foot on this mystical island—yes, even then, writings reveal that it was already providing guests with plenty of mystic!

The ancient culture of Rapa Nui still thrives today, even though at one point, the population had dwindled down to 111 inhabitants.  Today, the island’s approx. 5,000 inhabitants are very proud of their culture, which they have preserved and passed down (oral history) from generation to generation.

MEET RAPA NUI NATIVE, MIKE RAPU

No one exemplifies the innate survival instincts of the Rapa Nui people like MIKE RAPU, the co-partner of the EXPLORA lodge on the island that bears his name:  Posada de Mike Rapu.

Mike (pronounced Meeke) Rapu, co-partner of Explora’s lodge– Posada de Mike Rapu, our ESCAPESEEKER base during our entire Easter Island exploration. Mike was born and raised on Rapa Nui by his grandfather who considered him more like his own child–the youngest of 12 children that is! Although Mike grew up poor, he felt privileged to live on his beautiful island surrounded by the sea.  His uncle often took him fishing, where he learned to swim after him with a bag of speared fish, which in turn lured the sharks!  It was during this time that he really began to embrace the world that lies beneath the sea.

It is in these crystal clear waters where Mike honed his skills as a diver. In 1989, he set up his own diving center at the Hanga Roa Otai fishing cove, one of the most important on the island. I can’t wait to capture on film what lies beneath as I dive with Mike in Rapa Nui’s deep blue waters.

In 2000, he beat the South American record for free diving (apnea), managing to dive to a depth of 71 meters (233 feet) and staying underwater for 3 minutes, 48 seconds. A year later, he broke his own record, descending to 79 meters (259 feet) while training. It’s nice to know, ESCAPESEEKER is in great hands!

He is also a great cook. In fact, in his book “La receta de Mike” (Mike’s Recipe) he presents his own gastronomic ideas for rescuing the culinary tradition of Rapa Nui. Mike promises to cook for our entire film crew when we return. We’re going to hold you to that Mike!

Posada de Mike Rapu, our ESCAPESEEKER suite during our Rapa Nui exploration was exactly that--SWEET!

It did not surprise me to learn that EXPLORA had chosen to partner with Mike Rapu to build its EXPLORA RAPA NUI destination.  EXPLORA firmly believes in working with the local community, and promoting the well-being of its inhabitants.

EXPLORA believes in providing tools for community development as well as providing work opportunities to the local people.  For example, in Rapa Nui, almost all their guides and 60% of the hotel team are of Rapa Nui ethnicity!

EXPLORA firmly believes that the community is the caretaker of traditions, artistic forms, myths, languages—and believes these cultural manifestations are treasures to be cherished.

And, this was clearly evident in the way they partnered with Mike who directed the entire construction of the structure that now bears his name.

It rests on a base of stones extracted from the site where the lodge is built.  These stones were gathered, transported and worked by local hands.  The lodge is designed like an alter, on which the living areas have been built using wood brought from Chile and worked with a carpenter’s precision.  On my first night at the lodge, I actually found myself lying in bed staring at the ceiling, and the entire suite, pondering how it was built so beautifully!

Explora Rapa Nui pool, is exceptionally inviting at sunrise! What an outstanding way to get the day started.

Posade de Mike Rapu has all the amenities you would not normally expect to find in such a remote place.  EXPLORA has turned traveling into an art form—by giving guests tailor-made explorations—experiences that expand the mind and enrich the soul—while also providing a luxuriously designed, purposeful home to return to at the end of each daily adventure.

We cannot wait to return to capture on film the RAPA NUI “mystique” that our entire team admits we openly embraced.  You must stay tuned to ESCAPESEEKER if you want to learn more.  On the other hand, if you can’t wait that long, why not plan out your own EXPLORA “art of travel” journey now.  You know I firmly believe there’s no time like the present to joyfully embrace all that our beautiful world has to offer!  With one click below, you’ll be set to go in no time:

http://www.explora.com/explora-rapa-nui/

The EXPLORA Rapa Nui exceptional experience is worth whatever distance you have to travel…especially if you’re a true ESCAPESEEKER!

Here’s to BLISSFUL, ENDLESS ESCAPES…

Ten Cuidado,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

Weston's usual "quick draw" outfit enables him to never miss the perfect Kodak--oops, I mean NIKON moment! I've always known he could shoot on snow skis, but shooting the Atacama sand dunes from a horse? Well, Weston, you're taking "drive by shooting" to a whole new level! We're all impressed and grateful for the stunning documentation of our non-stop Chilean adventure!

San Pedro de Atacama, CHILE —  ESCAPESEEKER Advance Research Team prepares to put the finishing touches on our indescribable,  ambitious and unforgettable assignment:  To travel the full length of The Republic of Chile in 16 days, seeking out the most SPECTACULAR ESCAPES this long, lean ribbon of land has to offer!   Chile is 4,300 kilometres (2,700 mi) long and on average 175 kilometres (109 mi) wide. Its diverse climate ranges  from the world’s driest desert – the Atacama in the north from where I am currently writing this report–to it’s more Mediterranean climate, the vineyard-dotted landscape in the center, to a rainy temperate climate in the south–showcasing the breathtaking Patagonia peaks.

Weston Hall, "Escapeseeker" and Roy Henderson, members of the Advance Research, pinching ourselves time and time again at the magnificence of the opportunity we have been given to explore this awe-inspiring country of Chile.

With the tremendous in-kind support of LAN Airlines USA and Turismo Chile, on February 6th our team, comprised of yours truly, Weston Hall, our Chief Stills Photographer, and Co-Executive Producer, Roy Henderson,  began our journey from LAX onto LIMA, changing planes and continuing on to Chile’s capital city–Santiago, where we then boarded LAN’s domestic flight to Punta Arenas.  At Punta Arenas airport, we were picked up by the team from EXPLORA PATAGONIA to begin our 5-hour drive to Hotel Salto Chico, the only  lodge at the center of Torres del Paine,  our first home base while we explore Chile’s breathtaking Parque Nacional.

ESCAPESEEKER CHILE Research, Part 1: Explora Patagonia, Hotel Salto Chico

Get ready to GASP! I’m happy to report that upon setting our eyes at this unbelievably beautiful El Paine Massif of Parque Nacional as it is further illuminated by its reflection in the turquoise waters of the Lago Pehoe, no one on our team even felt the fatigue of traveling the long distance from Los Angeles to Patagonia to witness such tremendous natural beauty.   We were welcomed by Rosario of Hotel Salto Chico who made absolutely sure we were happy with our accommodations.  As a matter of fact, we were more than satisfied.  Take a look…kid you not, this image of our room has not been photo-shopped…what you see is what you’ll get when you step into this EXPLORA Patagonia destination!

After unpacking, we were introduced to Cristobal, “Cris” (a native of Santiago) who had been assigned to serve as our guide during the next 3 days of our Patagonia research.  Cris was very thorough at providing us with various Explora excursion options based on our objectives.  Cris explained that Patagonia was very close to his heart, ever since his parents brought him to Parque Nacional as a young child, and year after year his family would return.  As Cris expressed, “Patagonia eventually guided my choice of studies in school and ultimately my choice of profession, as it filled me with such a love for nature, and it doesn’t get any better than Patagonia!”  He adds, “I love guiding for Explora…the people I meet are exceptional, and I cannot think of a better job than telling people about my beautiful country.  It’s also a great way to stay in shape!”

We agree Cris.  If only we didn’t eat so much of the delicious cuisine offered to us at every meal, we might have actually lost some pounds.  But after exploring the park each day–often on foot or horseback, and lasting many hours–we were more than happy for the glorious and diverse menu.  You may wonder, how can we eat so well while located in such a remote pristine part of the world?  Well, it’s all part of what EXPLORA calls “Luxury of the Essential.”

For EXPLORA, Luxury is about the experience, not the appearance, as each destination strives to offer luxury by focusing on the essential, on providing exactly what the travelers need to make every aspect of the journey as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.  And that concept also inspires the food that is prepared–original flavors, many from recipes that are indigenous to the region which have been used for centuries by the local people.  The food we quickly discovered is designed to be healthy and well-balanced–exactly what our active bodies were craving –the fuel we needed to continue trekking and exploring.

If you’re looking to find an ideal “escape destination” that provides more than just a luxurious room…one that offers mind-expanding, soul-enriching, often life-changing experiences that makes you feel alive and well…EXPLORA is tailor-made for you.

Our talented film team cannot wait to return to capture Patagonia’s pristine beauty, and her abundant wildlife in sheer high definition cinematography.  We, too, like EXPLORA, will strive for authenticity and excellence as we pay our cinematic tribute to this incredible region of the South American continent.  CHILE, you sure know how to grab at our hearts, and never let go, from the moment we set foot on your soil, all we want to do is to keep on exploring, delving into your geographic diversity.

But for this ESCAPESEEKER, the real bonus is getting to know so many new Chilean friends.  Your warmth, and ever present, “Hola, Como Estas,” immediately makes even the lone foreigner feel like a part of the Chilean family…and ultimately, it is these Chilean smiles and welcoming eyes that is the window to the country’s greatest treasure:  It’s people!  Our team feels so ever blessed to have the opportunity to share our experience with our travel-loving audience.  I hope you will continue to welcome the world with open arms, as you have our ESCAPESEEKER team.

Con sincero agradecimiento, Vamos a regresar lo antes posible.

Here’s to Endless Blissful ESCAPES,

Mel and the entire ESCAPESEEKER team

PS:  Stay tuned to ESCAPESEEKER CHILE, Part 2:  ISLA de PASCUA, (Easter Island), RAPA NUI, the world’s most remote inhabited island.  It is separated by 3,700 kilometers (2,236 miles) from the American continent at its nearest point:  The Chilean coast.  Pitcairn Island, the nearest inhabited place, is almost 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) to the southwest.  You won’t want to miss a single beat (or picture) of our ESCAPESEEKER report, when we prove once again, that there’s no destination on earth too far, too difficult, or too SPECTACULAR to reach!