Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS UNITE! Welcome to my Blog…
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
My name is Mel Gee Henderson. I’m a huge fan of the cinema…a lover of music of every variety, but when it comes to travel, there’s no question, it is my number one passion–or some may even call it my obsession! My motto is “No destination on earth is too far or too difficult to reach.” I was born with an insatiable wanderlust. In 2007, after years of working in various journalism fields, and logging in over a million air miles, I decided it was time to finally combine my love of travel with my love of writing and share my many adventures and travel expertise with others who share my sheer excitement and joy of travel, and who are always seeking to find that next great escape adventure or ultimate 5-star retreat…or better yet, the grand family gathering place where lasting lifetime memories can be created!
Join me, as I guide you from one amazing global destination to another. Don’t hesitate to drop me a “Dear Mel” letter if you need any travel advice of any kind. I will give you ‘tried and true’ advice, and if I don’t have the answer, I can help you find it.
For instance, want to know where’s the best place to eat in London after midnight? Or how about where’s the best place to get the ultimate ‘chocolate massage’ in Barcelona? Yes, there is such a specialized treatment, at a mountain top, 5-star luxury retreat overlooking the entire Barcelona cityscape. Or perhaps you’re interested in finding the cheapest, but yet, excellent haircut in Paris? I know using ‘cheap’ and ‘Paris’ in the same sentence seems incongruent, but there is such a place. However, you must know at least a little French so you don’t come out looking like ‘Amelie’ 🙂
For more important matters–like life saving measures– do you know what to pack for a river rafting trip through Tibet? Including one tiny, but crucial item saved a member of our team from experiencing hypothermia. We have my husband, Roy, and his outdoor, high altitude expertise to thank for putting that life-saving item in my backpack!
For multi generation family adventurers, Want to know where the best places to stay– if you’re traveling with three or more children through the Baltic region? Or how about if your 11-year old daughter decides she wants to explore the Balearic Islands–Ibiza to be exact? Thanks MTV! But we did manage to find a wonderful family-friendly place in Ibiza where she found other children who were great fun and multi-lingual. By the way, I’ve logged in a lot of miles with our eight (6+2 combined) children and they’re some of our very best memories ever. Now, fast forward to present day, we’ve grown, and are continually growing in sheer numbers by leaps and bounds, so navigating the planet has truly become an art!
I’m a great believer that we can all learn from one another, so I look forward to getting your feedback, and reading about your many travel adventures (and expertise) as well. By the way, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about my family and friends, as I will be sharing their life’s many exciting adventures as well from time to time on my blog. It is evident that my family’s “wanderlust” and sheer love of life runs deep. As they say, “the apple does not fall far from the tree.”And, lastly, if I may borrow the “best” motto from Mr. H., Let us all
Begin Each day Selecting Tremendous!Here’s to safe and blissful escapes in 2008.
Yours truly,Escapeseeker
PS: ESCAPESEEKER, a brand new TV TRAVEL SERIES hosted by yours truly, is set to begin filming in Italy in September. ESCAPESEEKER, the series, redefines the “art of luxury travel” and takes you to unique destinations around the world. But the best thing about it–I will personally show you, how you too, can experience the same distinctive travel experiences. Stay tune for more details and air date on KOCE-TV!
CANNES BRINGS TOGETHER CINEMA LOVERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!!
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Greetings Everyone!
I’m sorry for not keeping my ESCAPESEEKER page updated–but it has been an absolute whirlwind of activities since I landed in Paris on May 9th to begin our ESCAPESEEKER ‘Road Adventure’ through Frances spectacular countryside, complete with a 10-day stop at the CANNES FILM FESTIVAL on the French Riviera to review this year’s cinematic offerings!
I’m happy to report that with the exception of two minor mishaps during our road adventure–Holly Rowe and yours truly, have thus far experienced an absolutely unforgettable journey. I will expound on that a bit later–the publications I write for get first dubs on my written report, so I have to wait until after their publication. However, I can share my take on this spring’s highly anticipated comeback of INDIANA JONES!
If you haven’t seen it yet, you might be interested in my review, written right after its world premiere press screening at Cannes.
Enjoy,
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER
INDIANA JONES and the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
OPENS TO ENTHUSIASTIC, INDIANA THEME-SINGING CROWD!
OPENS TO ENTHUSIASTIC, INDIANA THEME-SINGING CROWD!
By Mel Gee Henderson
Cannes, France—The instant the lights went out, the cinephiles at the Cannes Film Festival who were privileged to be amongst the first to see the highly anticipated adventure of the whip-toting, punch-packing, snake-hating, globetrotting archaeologist with a fedora, began humming the familiar Indiana Jones theme song in unison, which added even more buzz and excitement as the sound vibrated at the world premiere of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull which opened to an international audience at the 61st Cannes Film Festival.
It’s the Fifties and Indiana Jones returned! It happened at Ghost Ranch, north of Santa Fe, in the stunning and desolate desert landscapes of New Mexico where director Steven Spielberg assembled his finest creative team to bring back to life his two favorite genres: aliens and historic events. Be prepared to experience a demonstration of the latest in special effects as the film is loaded with CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), and spectacular stunts so over the top that it would have been difficult even for the younger version of Indian Jones! But as Harrison Ford pointed out to the press when asked if he did his own stunts, he responded, “I don’t do stunts, I do physical acting!” “Crystal Skull” is definitely physical as it relentlessly takes the audience on a wild non-stop adventure as old Indiana Jones survives a kidnapping, shoot-outs, auto crashes inside a mysterious warehouse, a ride in a desert rocket and an A-bomb detonation—and that’s just in the first 22 minutes! If a state-of-the-art action/adventure film made possible by the best advance-technologically trained team that big studio budgets can buy is what you’re looking for, then “Crystal Skull” will not disappoint. What Spielberg fails to deliver, however, is the same Indiana magic wit and romance that hooked an entire generation 27 years ago! The new version never allows the characters to pause long enough to connect with one another. Even as old characters, like Indiana’s original flame, Marion Ravenswood (Karen Allen) returns with a huge surprise for Indiana—they’re too busy surviving the non-stop calamities to emotionally connect and what should have been a monumental moment in Indi history is entirely lost.
In “Crystal Skull” Indiana loses his teaching post during the communist phobia of the 1950’s and persuaded by a young Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) to take off on a vague adventure in South America to save his mother and retrieve the Crystal Skull of Akator. The trip takes many turns as the duo is chased by a spy, George “Mac” McHale (Ray Winstone) who changes sides from being with the good guys to joining the bad guys several times during the movie; there’s also a Soviet villain Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) dressed in black skin-tight fencing attire (and we never really find out why or how she became such a villain); and lastly, there’s the jungle dweller, former Professor Oxley (John Hurt) who has lost touched with reality, but still manages to keep up with the gang, even as he is often the one left holding the Crystal Skull as it changes hands between Indiana and the Soviet army who manages to stay on their tracks!
After the first hour, the film begins to feel really long. The characters survive multiple fight scenes, machine gun fire, scorpions, monkeys, huge snakes, quick sand, massive waterfalls, and finally a secret city—combination Mayan/Aztec—and did I mention so many chases that it gives you the incentive to cry out “Enough already” during the movie! And through all of this, Indiana survives without even a nick on his fedora!
In Crystal Skull, Spielberg acknowledges that he returns with a familiar theme often addressed in many of his films, the reuniting of the nuclear family, something Spielberg admits is a reflection on his own personal family experience.
As the film opens worldwide on May 22nd, huge audiences hoping to find the return of their favorite witty archeologist will have to dig deeper this time around. But, hey, unite your family anyway, because I’m betting your curiosity will get the best of you, and you’ll drop the bucks to see if Indiana Jones can still get your adrenaline going! Try to enjoy the ride—and if you don’t, no worries, I predict the secret Mayan/Aztec city is certain to become a Disney ride that will get you plenty wet!
Cast: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Shia LaBeouf.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenwriter: David Koepp
Story: George Lucas, Jeff Nathanson
Executive Producers: George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy
No time to blog…but here’s some interesting photos taken by my photog friend at the Cannes Film Festival.
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
Cannes Film Festival update…
Saturday, May 17th, 2008Well, here’s the latest Cannes update–I’m so crunched for time because I’m either in screenings, or press conferences, or writing reviews that I really think the best way to see what’s happening at Cannes–is to click below: These premieres were great fun for obvious reasons. And by the way, Angelina and Brad looked totally, GAGA in-love. He was so tender with her as they walked up the Palais steps–as you probably already know, she’s very big with children–yes two!
So take a peak and enjoy.
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/mediaplayer/9163.html (BLINDNESS Premiere)
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/mediaplayer/9220.html (KUNG FU PANDA Premiere)
I must get back to what film critics do…watch films…lots and lots of films! Actually, I’m just getting ready to shut this computer down so I can interview Woody Allen and Penelope Cruz–regarding his latest film, VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA.
A bientot,
Escapeseeker
Priceless Memories of our Family Gathering in Kauai, entitled, "Garrett’s (Post Mission) Thawing Out Party!"
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
ALOHA from one of the most GLORIOUSLY BEAUTIFUL islands in the world–KAUAI!
Monday, May 5th, 2008If you ever have the opportunity to visit the island of Kauai,
be prepared for sensory overload!
Listen…The birds sing more joyously!
The colors of nature are intense…the sea is every variation of blue…
the majestic mountains are an emerald green infused with trees that produce huge blossoms,
so deeply blood orange red, that you can see it even from a great distance.
But mostly, listen to your heart, soul and spirit, as they peacefully become one with nature.
be prepared for sensory overload!
Listen…The birds sing more joyously!
The colors of nature are intense…the sea is every variation of blue…
the majestic mountains are an emerald green infused with trees that produce huge blossoms,
so deeply blood orange red, that you can see it even from a great distance.
But mostly, listen to your heart, soul and spirit, as they peacefully become one with nature.
Smell the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers all around you…
taste the fruits that abound…
yes, it is ok to lick your arms as the juices from your mango run down to your elbow…
and yes, it is ok to be selfish, just once,
as you decide to tell even those closest to you,
“go and cut your own sweet, sweet papaya,”
as you savor every bite while watching the spectacular setting sun!
And, yes, it is also ok, to be the happy, go lucky kid you once were,
as you jump for joy at being the first to glance at the heavens,
and see the most glorious rainbow
you have ever set your eyes upon–
of course you think that very same thought
every time God grants you a beautiful rainbow
on this very same island,
continually reminding you just how gloriously beautiful
it is to be ALIVE
… as you are surrounded by the joyful laughter
and bustling noise
of the most amazingly fun, loving,
forever cherished family and friends.
They truly keep me breathing…
but honestly, if you ever find yourself feeling blue,
buy a ticket to PARADISE…KAUAI…
maybe you should consider a one-way ticket…
even if you have to sell everything you own to get there.
Because you will quickly discover, you won’t need much once you arrive,
except a really stunning bathing suit–that will only get more stunning as you get in tip top shape from all the outdoor activities, and of course, flip flops for your feet.
They’re the only real kind of shoes you will ever wear–
that is if you plan on becoming a true islander!
Lastly, remember to S L O W D O W N. You’re moving too fast.
You’ve got to make the morning last.
That’s right…and may I recommend you start learning the tune “What a Wonderful World!” The Bruddah IZ version if you’re going to learn to play the Ukelele…
because I guarantee, you’ll be singing this song every morning as you reaffirm,
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, OH YEAH!!!!!
Mahalo everyone for spreading JOY wherever you wander!
Love,
Escapeseeker
Before departing for my long journey for ESCAPESEEKER and ESCAPE MAGAZINE…our family gathered in PARADISE!
Monday, May 5th, 2008
ESCAPESEEKER fans, HELLO!
I know I’ve been absent for a while–but for very good, worthwhile reasons:
Family, Family and then more Family!
First there was the birth of beautiful Violet, whom we refer to as “Princess Vi”–named after her equally beautiful great grandmother, Violet, who is as spunky and vibrant as ever, while enjoying her glorious 80’s! Then Violet was quickly followed by the birth of her twin cousins, Brady and Olivia! Talk about double gorgeous! Oh la la, they’re double the work, and for sure twice the fun…especially since they decided to arrive about 6 weeks early! They caught everyone off guard…but as is the custom in our family, you just learn to toughen up and rise to the occasion.Grandma Mel in pursuit of a little R & R
aka “Garrett’s Thawing Out Party”
So it seems after all my grandmother duties, I was definitely entitled to our long-awaited, highly anticipated, week of rest and recuperation, combined with lots of family fun and bonding time in beautiful Kauai–officially billed as Elder Garrett Gee’s “Thawing Out Party” as promised by yours truly, should he successfully complete his more than two years of voluntary LDS church service in the cold, often arctic climate, of the Vladivostok Russia Mission! Well as many of you know by now, he far exceeded everyone’s expectation and more than deserved what he had asked for time and time again during his mission–that he be given an opportunity to gather with his family (both old and new) that he had missed so much during his two-years of service. At first, we were exploring the possibility of going to Tahiti for his celebration, but that proved very challenging for most of the family members, and due to the tremendous generosity and kindness of my life-long friend, Sandie, we were able to plan on something even better than Tahiti! A family gathering at her beautiful beach home in Kauai–a place we like to refer to as “Sandie’s Island Paradise” known to most of the locals as The Teak House.
There is Paradise, but then again THERE IS PARADISE!
If you don’t believe it, just take a look at these series of gorgeous images below and you will understand why it is so deserving of the description–PARADISE! God must have smiled when he completed the creation of the “Garden Isle”– Kauai–truly a masterpiece–NATURE in all her MAJESTY and GRANDEUR. And, if basking in her beauty for an entire week, frolicking in the sea, “carving the land” and exploring its magnificent gardens as well as conquering the hike along the spectacular Na Pali coastline wasn’t enough–God decided to make our stay even more unforgettable, and make us yearn for our return by granting us the most gorgeous full-spectrum rainbow as we prepared to leave Sandie’s Island Paradise! We were all so excited, and I did what I’ve always done all the other times I have been granted this gift–a vision to behold–at this same beautiful heavenly PARADISE that we have grown to revere–I jumped up and down just like a little kid and looked up to the heavens with a heart overflowing with gratitude as I smiled and proclaimed, “Thank you God that I can see!”
It Was Worth All The Work!
It took a lot of work and planning to get our family to Kauai (especially with all the babies’ births, one after the other, BTW, of course the twins did not travel to Kauai). And, it was even more work keeping everyone nourished before, during and after all the activities–I’ve never cooked so much food in one week! But as expressed by the following letter, addressed to Papa Roy and My Mama from our return missionary, Garrett–it was worth all the work that the “advance team” comprised of course of Sandie’s very thorough caretakers, Jody and Kristen as well as our own personal team–Jo, Rich, Princess Vi and yours truly–went through to prepare the home in advance and welcome our very excited arriving guests–many of whom were experiencing Sandie’s Island Paradise for the very first time! How does one improve on paradise? You fill it with sumpstious food, tropical fruit of variety–especially our favorite, the papaya and pineapple which we enjoyed every single day! Just a little added tid bit regarding the food–Rich decided to buy ALL the food! In exchange, he made clear that he would be exempt from any kitchen duty! Rats, I should have thought of offering that deal! Leave it to Rich to negotiate such a superb deal…ok maybe not so much once you’ve seen HOW MUCH this gang can EAT! We were doing grocery runs every two days! Rich must really dislike kitchen duty right? In any regard, we thank you Rich for keeping everyone’s disposition ever so happy with content tummies! And, thank you Garrett for your beautiful, heartfelt expression of gratitude: Papa Roy & My Mama, Thank you so very much for this wonderful time in PARADISE with you. Everything in every way was just perfect. Thank you for being so supportive of the Mission and then giving Morgan and I this amazing post-Mission adventure, thoughts of which kept us going from day to day. You make dreams come true. What a blessing. Now thanks to you, we are well+nourished, rested, and browned… It was so much fun to be all together. I am very grateful for a family that has their best time and makes their best memories when they are together. Honestly, as fun as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling are…my favorite times have been each morning and evening as we gathered around the table all together for our big meals. Did I say “BIG”…? I’m just kidding Mother…they were HUGE! Thank you Roy…Thank you Mom…It was UNFORGETTABLE. I love you very much. Sincerely,
Garrett Burton Gee
FROM OUR FAMILY, A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU…
DEAREST SANDIE…
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for granting us this priceless family bonding time. We will treasure this special memory just as we have all the other MAJOR MEMORIES you lovingly made possible. We feel ever so blessed. You fill our lives with countless rainbows!
I’m back in AZ now, after departing on the ‘red eye flight’ out of Lihue to resume and complete my “twins’ shift” in Arizona this week, I will be ready to tackle my exciting ESCAPE assignments throughout France, Italy, the Baltic region, with a final wrap up in another gorgeous emerald Garden Isle, Ireland! And, I must say, I am very relieved to know that with these assignments, there is no COOKING required! Bravo! Instead, I will be the one to get to taste and review all the artful culinary delights these various luxury destinations have to offer! I AM SO READY!
Stay tuned…I will be happy to keep you posted on all of my travel adventures! As you all know, no one is more passionate about travel than this ESCAPESEEKER!
Oh What a Wonderful World…
With love,
Mel aka Escapeseeker
ESCAPESEEKER FRENCH ADVENTURE SET TO BEGIN ON MAY 9th!
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
It’s almost time for me to take off for my long-awaited adventure through France’s spectacular countryside–“French Journey–A Summer Road Adventure” experiencing the luxury hospitality and the French art de vivre via Baglioni’s collection of deluxe country hotels in the most prestigious regions of France: beginning with Champagne onward to the Bordeaux area, and then Provence, and CĂ´te d’Azur.
There are many of you who have expressed a desire to “replicate my travel experiences”–well, please stay tuned. Soon you will have a chance to request your very own ESCAPESEEKER PACKAGE! More details to follow!
Escapeseeker
