Phoenix, Arizona ~ Here we are, already deep into the second month of 2014, and I have yet to complete our 2013 BEST DESTINATIONS LIST. Well, I’ve decided to let these photographs tell our story for as they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” These images speak volumes about why we feel so blessed to be part of this incredible mind-expanding, soul-enriching, gratitude-instilling, friendship-building adventure! Thank you all for helping turn our dreams into reality. The more we travel, the more we realize how much there is that we do not know. I hope we never stop learning…never stop moving…never stop loving and savoring this gift we call LIFE! On that note, I shall allow these images to speak for themselves.
2013: OH, WHAT A YEAR INDEED!
JANUARY…and FEBRUARY…
ESCAPESEEKER Return to “Heaven’s Heaven”
PRISTINE with a capital P! Aitutaki, Cook Islands
We embark on an 11-night journey on board the m/s Paul Gauguin…
The ms/ Paul Gauguin’s retractable, on board water sports marina brings guests down to sea level, where we can hop aboard a windsurfer, enjoy SUP—Stand Up Paddle Board, launch a kayak, or embark on a Zodiac® for optional diving adventures.
Cruise “cast members” comprised of ESCAPESEEKER supporters…some of the kindest people
As ESCAPESEEKER VIP’s we were invited to dine with the Captain. Nothing like breaking bread together to bring out the most entertaining stories!
We were even granted some special time to visit the Captain’s Bridge and learn more about how this especially designed vessel is perfect for navigating Tahiti’s shallow channels.
Our team totally engaged.
Mixing with the locals is always on our list, but when we were invited to their Day of Worship, you bet we jumped at the chance! If you’ve ever wanted to hear the harmonious voices of angels…we recommend you take in a Sunday Service on the island of Taha’a.
A heavenly end to our day on Taha’a…
January was off to such a great start, and with my role as ESCAPESEEKER Guest Speaker on board the m/s Paul Gauguin, and with our TAHITI: OH HEAVEN’S HEAVEN film presentations so well-attended by our fellow passengers, my Executive Assistant, Melody Clyde and I decided to extend our cruise dates so I can continue in my role as Guest Speaker. Frankly, it did not take much convincing to remain on board. The hardest part was finally deciding to disembark at the end of February! But not before I was afforded the opportunity to visit the highly awaited, most eco-friendly luxury resort on the island of Tetiaroa–yes, the private island of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, Marlon Brando–thus the name, THE BRANDO!
I was flown by Mr. Richard Bailey from Papeete to Tetiaroa in his private plane which he piloted. How cool is that? As we approached the island, I quietly took in this extraordinary moment. There I was about to land on Marlon Brando’s slice of Tahitian paradise–a former retreat reserved for Tahitian Royals, with Tahiti’s most respected hotelier, and the man Brando personally entrusted to transform his revered island into the ultimate earth-friendly hideaway. Even though my recently injured right foot was well on its way to healing, I decided to keep it protected as Mr. Bailey showed me around the construction site, explaining all the revolutionary, eco-friendly methods they were putting into application to adhere to all of Brando’s strict specifications. I can’t wait to return when it officially opens this July, 2014. I have a feeling the list of guests eager to set foot on THE BRANDO is getting longer by the day. After being impressed with the “before” visit, I can only imagine what the “after” final version will be. Look out world, get ready to add one more “must do” to your Bucket List!
On approach to Tetiaroa…Marlon Brando’s private island…
Tahitian actress Tarita Teriipia, who played his love interest in Mutiny on the Bounty, became Brando’s third wife on August 10, 1962.
Although I was still recovering from a foot injury, I wasn’t about to let that get in the way of seeing first hand what the “The Brando” buzz was all about! I’m so glad I did. Let me give you advance notice: This is one “island escape” you’ll definitely want to experience in 2014!
This is what I call, “Guilt-Free Luxury” in the ultimate Tahitian Island PARADISE.
Great care is continually taken to protect the island’s natural habitat. The Tetiaroa Society, a non-profit organization is dedicated to research, conversation, and education related to the delicate ecology of the atoll.
The goal of this organization is to create a scientific and educational window into the biodiversity of Tetiaroa, with the possibility of developing controlled eco-tourism and raising public awareness regarding the fragility of our biodiversity.
2013 definitely started on the right footing, even with one foot in a cast! I’m continually inspired by the tireless visionaries who go to great lengths to create meaningful travel experiences that are worthy of our hard-earned vacation currency. More than ever, I am driven to seek out those destinations that adhere to our ESCAPESEEKER mantra of being “the greatest luxury escapes in the world.” Just when we thought it could not get any better, our 2013 itinerary turned into a series of dream experiences. The best part, it wasn’t a dream at all, but a reality we cannot wait to capture on film and share with the rest of the world. Thank you all so much for your unwavering support and continued enthusiasm for this insatiable passion for our majestic planet that we all share. Take a peak at where our path led us for the remainder of 2013–from America’s iconic desert oasis of Arizona, to the “Roof of Peru”–Machu Picchu; to the glamour and glitz of the French Riviera; to the grand dame of Formula One racing–Monaco; to the Land of the Gods–Greece; to the only city in the world that spans two continents–Indescribable Istanbul; to the City of Lights–Paris and its historic River Seine; to the River Danube magically illuminated by Brilliant Budapest! 2013–is the year for our ESCAPESEEKER Record Books!
MARCH…a quick Family retreat to America’s Desert Oasis
APRIL …On Top Of The World!
A joyous occasion indeed when my daughter, Gabrielle and I reached the mystical, towering land of the Incas: MACHU PICCHU to celebrate the completion of her voluntary 18-month mission in Peru for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE IN HONG KONG!
ESCAPESEEKER Perched high above Victoria Harbor…getting a Presidential [Suite] Perspective from the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, the highest hotel in the world!
MAY…Riviera Glam
Returning to my roots…The Cannes Film Festival where I spent 12 years covering the world’s cinematic arts and the actors and filmmakers who brought them to life!
The unforgettable Cannes Premiere evening when we joined the cast and crew of Behind the Candelabra…
We’ll soon find out if Matt Damon’s leading man, Michael Douglas will follow up his Golden Globe with an Oscar!
While exploring the richness of the French Riviera, we opted to stay in the one and only luxury hotel located within the walls of this art-inspiring medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence: Hotel Le Saint Paul
Supporting our Program Supporter–INFINITI EUROPE at Monaco–Truly “Inspired Performance!”
What it takes to “live in the fast lane” at Monaco’s Formula One!
JUNE…Fun, Sun, Cookin’ and Soul
SANTORINI–POSTCARD PERFECT ARTISTS and VINTNERS ENCLAVE…
VOREINA GALLERY SUITES…our chosen artistic abode while discovering SANTORINI’s Best Kept Secrets.
We embark on another voyage, this time it’s the m/v Tere Moana…it’s as close as you’ll come to knowing what it’s like to have your own private YACHT without buying one, or hiring an impeccable crew of your own! It navigates through ports mega ships cannot even attempt.
From a sunset Barbeque on the top deck…to secret hideaway coves usually reserved for Royals…to spotless docks that lead to quaint, quiet villages…You’ll have the option to do as much or as little as your heart desires when you cruise with the m/v Tere Moana.
We disembark the m/v Tere Moana to travel to the countrysides of Rome to begin our Culinary School at CASA GREGORIO where we engage in 7 nights of extensive authentic, delectable Italian cooking!
Meet Gregory Aulensi, an Italian-American designer/entrepreneur and the founder of Casa Gregorio, and his Executive Chef, Giustino with ESCAPESEEKER & Co.
Castro dei Volsci, the medieval hilltop Roman village which is home to Casa Gregorio.
Our Italian laboratory of learning aka Cooking Party Headquarters!
It’s amazing how much Italian culinary skills one can acquire in 7 short days when you’re totally immersed in their Roman culture!
We take a reprieve from our cooking classes to participate in Pope Francis’ Wednesday’s Audience at Piazza San Pietro…who knew I would find myself standing before The Holy Father…and gazing into those gentle, caring eyes?
June 26, 2013 will be immortalized in my mind…the day I snapped this photo of Pope Francis I, and discovered he was standing right before me.
JULY…Birthday Wish Come True
Returning to the most famous “floating city” in the world…The Land of Serenissima — VENEZIA!
We rejoin the m/v TERE MOANA…this time it’s the “Chairman’s Cruise” and we’re bound for the Dalmatian Coast of CROATIA!
We visit port after port that look more like movie sets…but they’re all very real…beautiful, authentic and REAL!
After criss-crossing continents in three months, I decided I’m definitely due a birthday celebration…a birthday rest is more like it…but a true ESCAPESEEKER does not rest from travel. Rather, we find a way to escape to our favorite place where we are guaranteed to feel rejuvenated after all is said and done. That for me is cruising the Tahitian Islands via the m/s Paul Gauguin. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME…I’m off, once again to the dramatically beautiful islands of TAHITI!
This hammock is exactly where I began to ponder how I would spend the next decade of my life…all the while feeling forever grateful for the tremendous opportunities I’ve been granted to see the world…to learn and embrace cultures different from my own…to discover the beautiful human traits that unite us…and gain a better understanding my fellow beings. What can be better for a birthday gift than the gift of a GRATEFUL HEART?
AUGUST…Where’s My Grandma?
Time for some ESCAPESEEKER GRANDMA bonding moments in the Kamas, Utah riverside meadows…
Cherished summer moments spent with my family…
Doing what I love…Cooking and watching them feast with a big smile on their faces!
…And being able to put smiles on my grandchildren’s faces is just priceless. Did I mention I have 12 of them? Oh blessed, blessed life! Motherhood is my greatest calling…and my greatest accomplishment. Perhaps it is that same maternal love I have for my family that filters to everyone I meet…no matter where I travel.
SEPTEMBER…Finds me crossing the Atlantic again…this time I am bound for ISTANBUL!
I love setting foot on places I’ve only read about…and ISTANBUL had been on my wish list for a very, very long time. Well, it did not disappoint…more beautiful and engaging than I ever imagined! Photographs do not due her justice!
OCTOBER…A Season of Learning
After my premiere visit to Istanbul, I prepared for my long-awaited French language extensive immersion program at Alliance française Paris Ile-de-France. Yes! I’m finally going to tackle the French language 24/7. With the kind generosity and hospitality of my life-long friend, Paris native Dominique Caffin-Robert, I found myself in the City of Lights…ready to be schooled in its difficult language…and, for the next six weeks, I would be thinking…talking…dreaming…eating…reading…and playing in French!
Finding my way around Paris…on foot…via metro…was a worthwhile learning adventure in itself. By week two, there was no such thing as being lost…only diverted slightly…because with Paris’ superb Metro system, you can always find your way home…sooner or later!
Within a matter of weeks, and with our outstanding teacher, Sandrine HIdalgo Vidal, my classmates comprised of students from around the world, found ourselves celebrating our successful passage into the next phase of our French immersion program! Super!
A humorous outlook on our French student life…
New Class…guaranteed new friends…we were all in the same boat…eager to master this increasingly difficult language!
NOVEMBER…And, I’m officially excused from school…
I was never very good at playing hookie from school, so when I told my teacher I had a previous ESCAPESEEKER assignment I needed to adhere to, she handed me an official absence request form to fill out. That’s so French right? I mean, the form was in French, and I was required to fill it out in French as well. By the time I finished, I knew I had made great advances in the language and could now thoroughly enjoy my ESCAPE to the DANUBE on board the AMAPrima Waterways. Germany, Austria, Hungary…here I come!
PHOTOGENIC…is an understatement! [Image captured by yours truly from my balcony of Stateroom #225]
The entire AMAPrima Waterways experience was simply EXTRAORDINARY in every regard. By the time we anchored in Budapest, our final stop, I knew I had made some life-long friends. There is something about traveling that brings like-minded, joyful (generally) people together eager to embrace all aspects of a full, vibrant LIFE! At least, that’s what I found on board the AMAPrima…a day doesn’t go by when I don’t miss my newfound AMAfriends! At the end of the day, that’s the real treasure–the friendships we derive from cruising!
If you wish to make new friends who share your insatiable passion for life, then I recommend you consider cruising with the AMAWaterways fleet! I’ve never met so many tremendously engaging, fun individuals under one roof. I kid you not!
HELLO BUDAPEST! Another Bucket List item checked off! To see her illuminated was a goose bump producing moment. I was packing in my stateroom when I suddenly realized what was right before me. I grabbed my camera, stepped onto my balcony and just went into photographer’s dream mode! With every click I found myself saying, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
BUDAPEST…AN ENCHANTED EVENING AT ITS BEST…[Image captured from AmaPrima Stateroom 225 Balcony by yours truly, the ESCAPESEEKER on our last night of cruising the Danube. Now is this a magnificent close to an unforgettable week or what? AMAWaterways sure knows how to script. I cannot wait to capture it all on high definition cinematic film someday soon!
HELLO PARIS! ONE FINAL WEEK BEFORE I SAY…Au Revoir…
No matter the season…Paris, je t’aime!
PARIS…was an incredibly healthy experience for me in so many ways. The more miles I walked each day, the healthier my formerly shattered right foot became. My excess weight also melted away. Maybe, it was from the excessive use of my brain trying to conquer French? 🙂 Paris is the kind of city where you never, ever feel alone…because dining solo is often as enjoyable as dining with a crowd! It’s not an easy city…but it’s an inspiring one! I found myself writing volumes about what I saw…what I experienced…and what I wanted to remember forever!
My last night was spent at my all-time favorite hotel–the SHANGRI-LA HOTEL-PARIS. With its magnificent unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower at every angle, and the consistently impeccable service and attention to detail, not to mention the quiet residential location…For me, it is simply the perfect place to feel totally Parisien…a rather pampered Parisien that is!
DECEMBER…A Time of Giving…Brings me to the BIG APPLE…NEW YORK CITY.
As my incredibly remarkable year was coming to a close…I knew there was one more important obligation I had to fulfill…my commitment to help with the annual United Nations Ambassadors Ball–a highly anticipated event orchestrated by the Hospitality Committee for the United Nations Delegation. Their mission is as follows:
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To promote and strengthen understanding and friendly ties between all levels of the United Nations diplomatic community and the people of New York.
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To assist newly arrived UN diplomats and their families adjust to their new life in New York by providing information and programs that reduce language and cultural barriers.
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To broaden an appreciation of American culture and customs among UN diplomats and their families, thereby enhancing the reputation of the United States and the United Nations.
All of the above resonates with our ESCAPESEEKER philosophy of following the Golden Rule, “Do unto others, what you would have others do unto you.” It’s a lofty and worthwhile goal, so of course ESCAPESEEKER offered to do our part to assist with the event. After all, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
MAY 2014 BRING YOU AND YOURS BLESSINGS BEYOND MEASURE: THE GIFT OF HEALTH…THE GIFT OF ADVENTURE…and THE GIFT OF LASTING LOVE and FRIENDSHIP wherever your path may lead.
Here’s to BLISSFUL, ENDLESS ESCAPES…And, Remember, Be the kindest person you know.
With love and joy,
Mel Gee Henderson aka The ESCAPESEEKER
Banks of the Brazos River, TEXAS — Being based in a State as BIG as TEXAS, ESCAPESEEKER can’t help but think BIG in 2012, as we continue to film BIG and EPIC destinations around the world, featuring the kinds of inspiring individuals you and I would love to hang out with, even if the cameras weren’t rolling–no let me rephrase that–especially if the cameras weren’t rolling!
