Posts Tagged ‘ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series’

INCREDIBLE! BEYOND DESCRIPTION! OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

ESCAPESEEKER is privileged to feature our outstanding Antarctica Advance Research Team member, John Hempelmann. One of our program’s goals is to deliver the “JOY of TRAVEL”…and no one exudes more #joy than our #brilliant, #adventurous adviser and friend!

South Georgia Island ~ “Simply Amazing!” Add this to the superlatives in the Title above, and you have the exact sentiments expressed by our own ART [Advance Research Team] member, John Hempelmann, describing our January 5th premiere exploration of South Georgia Island via One Ocean Expeditions.

John’s report is so eloquently written, and reflective of his contagious enthusiasm for the wonders of our planet, that it seems only apropos that I share it with you verbatim! And, yes, in case you are wondering, above is a picture of John I captured during the most flawless, unforgettable Antarctic sea-kayaking day. More on that adventure later…but for now, please permit me to share John’s eloquent report…and you’ll understand why he is so contagiously #happy!

In his own words…

Incredible! Beyond Description! Out of this World! Amazing! These words do not begin to describe accurately our experiences today on South Georgia Island. Even the stunning pictures and videos will not be enough to convey the majesty and uniqueness of what we have seen and experienced.

It is so appropriate today is January 5 because that is the day Ernest Shackleton died here on South Georgia Island in 1922. It was here he started his ill-fated expedition to cross the Antarctic Continent. After his ship, the Endurance, was crushed by the ice in the Weddell Sea on Antarctica, it was here he landed after 17 days at sea in a small boat in his successful, arduous effort to save all his men. This is the 100th Anniversary of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

We sailed for two days and three nights, mostly in fog, to get here. We crossed the Antarctic Convergence Zone and the temperature plummeted below freezing. Finally, this morning the fog began to dissipate as we sighted icebergs, and then cliffs, waterfalls and glaciers running into the sea. (There are 160 glaciers on the Island.) The sea had come alive with many species of birds, seals and fast swimming penguins. Then the winds blew all the fog and clouds away and it was white mountains, icy glaciers and the Salisbury Plain lying before us. The Plain was left by the retreating glacier and now it is home to thousands of fur seals and more than a hundred thousand King Penguin breeding pairs (YES, more than two hundred thousand big funny birds).

It was a mind blowing experience coming ashore through the surf on the Zodiac and walking into this huge conglomeration of wildlife. There were darling baby fur seals and penguins everywhere.

[Image captured by Mel Gee Henderson]

The huge parent seals snoozed in the sun–until you got too close and then a huge mammal would jump up and bark at you. Occasionally, a big seal would charge but we could deter them with the point of a walking stick (a ski touring pole). One big guy tried to bite the tip of my pole but I snapped back at him and he retreated. They were EVERYWHERE–hundreds of them. We walked across the Plain as King Penguins came up to check us out. We climbed a very steep hillside of tussac grass and mud to get to the edge of the penguin colony. You will find this hard to believe or envision but there were hundreds of thousands of brown furry juvenile penguins and their parents in their beautiful black and white coats and they were all jammed together like a huge river running down to the sea. It was incredible! This description is completely inadequate. We watched for a long time and looked out over the Plain at the wildlife, the craggy white mountains and our white Ship in the distance floating in a blue sea against a blue sky.

After Dinner on the Ship, we set out again in the Zodiac and explored the fur seal colonies along the shore of King Olav Inlet in Cook (yes, the Captain Cook) Bay. Our scientists carefully counted the seals and made notes. As the light faded, we cruised by an old whaling station abandoned early in the 20th Century. It was a wreck and there was an old whaling ship wrecked on the beach. After the whaling parties completely depleted the whales, they just packed up and left. Eerie!! We are in a new era and saw the history of an old era.

Tomorrow, we sail to Stromness Harbor and Grytviken Whaling Station.

Our Adventure Continues…

We hope you’ll stay tuned as our Russian vessel, the Akademik Iofee navigates across these icy waters and brings us ever closer to the GREAT WHITE CONTINENT!

From our entire Antarctica team pictured above, yours truly, Roy Henderson, Mary McGill, and John Hempelmann…

Here’s to #blissful, #endless #ESCAPES,

Mel aka the ESCAPESEEKER

Tags: Adventure Travel, Akademik Iofee, Antarctica, Enriching Travel Experiences, ESCAPESEEKER, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Fur Seals, Go Somewhere You Have Never Been, John Hempelmann, King Penguins, Mary McGill, Mel Gee Henderson, Mind-Expanding Travel, One Ocean Expeditions, Roy Henderson, Sea Kayaking, Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia Island, The Great White Continent
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“I seemed to vow to myself that someday I would go to the region of ice and snow…” ~ Ernest Shackleton

Tuesday, February 16th, 2016

One-hundred years later, against all odds, my ESCAPESEEKER team and I find ourselves miraculously stepping onto the same continent that drew one of the world’s greatest explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

How does one prepare for an expedition to ANTARCTICA?

If you can truthfully sign the following One Ocean Expeditions form, then you are definitely a solid candidate to embark on one of the most extraordinary voyages of your life.

I am in good general health, and capable of performing normal activities on this expedition. I further attest that I am capable of caring for myself during the expedition, and that I will not impede the progress of the expedition or the enjoyment of others on board. I understand this expedition will take me far from the nearest medical facility and that all expedition members must be self-sufficient. With that understanding, I certify that I have not been recently treated for, nor am I aware of, any physical, mental or other condition or disability that would create a hazard to myself or other members of the expedition.

Signature: ______________________

After researching the various entities that offered Antarctic adventures, we selected One Ocean Expeditions because we wanted to have an authentic up-close and personal Antarctica experience–not merely a “drive by”–or should I say, “cruise by.” I was also particularly moved by the sentiment expressed by One Ocean Expeditions‘ Founder and Managing Director, Andrew Prossin, “My Mother told me to work hard. She told me that the world is made of guts and grits and spirits, that you get out what you put in. And, if you bring this into what you do, you can know about joy.”

I believe our Mothers are “cut from the same cloth.” I knew that if I was going to venture for 21 days to the world’s coldest, windiest, highest continent on the planet, I wanted an organization that aspires to “knowing joy” and, is not afraid of hard work. As Sir Ernest Shackleton said, “Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.” Our due diligence and research of One Ocean Expeditions revealed they possessed the “guts, grits, and spirits” to overcome any difficulty that may arise. And, with our Antarctic-approved cold weather gear, we landed in Ushuaia, Argentina–our expedition’s embarkation port one day before our embarkation date of December 30, 2015. To say our team is filled with anticipation would be an understatement! Thus, with the following dispatch by our ESCAPESEEKER team member, John Hempelmann to friends and family back home, we were on our way to making our lifelong dream come true–to set foot on Antarctica:

“We have started our adventure to the bottom of the World. We left the beautiful Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, and flew another 3 hours due south to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost town in South America. Many on our flight had packs and walking sticks and they were clearly headed to backpacking to experience the exceptional beauty of the National Parks within Argentine Patagonia. It was 85 degrees F. yesterday in Buenos Aires and it is 40 today in Ushuaia. As I write this report, the sun has just set and it is 10:30PM. Tomorrow we board the Akademik Ioffe, our “ice hardened” expedition ship. The Ship is named after a famous Russian physicist who helped invent radar to detect German warplanes early in WW II. We can’t believe it is really happening. What an amazing way to close 2015, and welcome 2016. Our Seventh Continent–Antarctica, here we come!”

January 1, 2016 ~ Happy New Year!

We woke up this morning approaching the Falkland Islands and, as John was making the cafe mochas, Mary McGill, the 4th member of our ESCAPESEEKER team took advantage of photo opportunities of dolphins and albatross outside the port window of our cabin. Did you know the albatross has the largest wing span, 5.5 to 6 feet, of any bird in the world, and it can fly and glide hundreds of miles because, among other capabilities, it can fly while most of its brain is sleeping?

The wandering albatross, snowy albatross, white-winged albatross or goonie (Diomedea exulans) is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae, which has a circumpolar range in the Southern Ocean.

Yesterday we left South America and headed NE. They say the Falklands and South Georgia are incredible and most expeditions head straight for Antarctica because they have less time allocated for use of this research ship. On board to provide passengers with daily briefings, we have One Ocean Expeditions’ historians, geologists, naturalists, botanists, and those studying the ice and the sea. Two researchers are doing a census of various species of penguins. There are also three professional photographers, one of whom is a young Israeli, Roie Galitz, a world famous wildlife photographer, and his videos are amongst the most spectacular we have even seen. If you’re like us and thrive on mind-expanding experiences, well, we’ve found just the right “land and sea continuing ed.” One can never learn too much!

As an added bonus of the One Ocean Expeditions, we have an opportunity to continually improve our photography skills by learning from the pros.

The Akademik Ioffe is an amazing ship crewed entirely by Russians. It is based in Kaliningrad in the Baltic. It was specifically designed for polar exploration and research and thus we can go places the “cruise ships” cannot go near. There are “rumors” this ship was designed to locate other “boats” like the USSB Henry M. Jackson but the Ohio Class boomers run so deep, so fast and so quietly that even the US Navy cannot find them. Apparently, this ship gave up trying. Now this ship takes scientists of all kinds to the polar regions to study the sea, the ice, the geology, the birds, mammals and other creatures.

We had two spectacular shore landings today in the West Falkland Islands. Except for our visit to Stanley (Pop: 2220, half of whom are British military), which has a pier (weather permitting), we go ashore in Zodiac inflatables. We are outfitted in complete water/wind proof expedition suits and boots.

Our first shore landing is on West Point Island:

There is a resident couple who are “Island Sitting” and have been on the Island for 3 years. They have already sailed their 30 foot sailboat 300,000 miles (that is NOT a typo). We hiked about two miles across the Island and encountered an incredible colony of thousands of rock hopper penguins nesting with black browed albatross. As you’ll note, they all had little ones.

Images captured by Mel Gee Henderson at West Point Island, The Falklands.Before we left for the Ship, the local couple invited us to join them for tea and cookies in their little English cottage where they receive provisions by boat from Stanley every few months.

After returning to the Ship and lunch, we landed on Carcass Island. The winds had increased to 30 knots so we had a wild, wet and bumpy trip into the beach. It was worth it! We had marvelous encounters with Magellinac penguins (named by Ferdinand Magellan) and the classic Gentoo penguins (the waddling guys in dinner suits).

Magellanic Penguins on the Falkland Islands. [Image by Roie Galitz]

We are safely returned to the Akademik Ioffee by our skilled One Ocean Expeditions’ zodiac navigator, Ian Peck.

The anchor has been hoisted and we now prepare for what would become one of many unforgettable evenings of story-sharing as we break bread with our new found friends from around the world.

Wow, this is definitely a New Years Day we will never forget!

Stay tuned as we continue on our epic ESCAPESEEKER expedition to the bottom of the world!

ESCAPESEEKER...Tracing the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

ESCAPESEEKER…Tracing the amazing footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Image captured by Mel Gee Henderson

You too, can follow in our ESCAPESEEKER adventure: www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

Tags: Adventure Travel, Akademik Ioffe, Andrew Prossin, Antarctica, Enriching Travel Experiences, ESCAPESEEKER, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Falkland Islands, John Hempelmann, Mary McGill, Mel Gee Henderson, Mind-Expanding Travel, One Ocean Expeditions, Roy Henderson, Sir Ernest Shackleton
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AWESTRUCK BY ANTARCTICA! ESCAPESEEKER CELEBRATES 7TH CONTINENT!

Monday, February 1st, 2016

[Above Images captured by Israel-based photographer, Roie Galitz, http://www.roiegalitz.com/]

On January 11, 2016, a special member of our ESCAPESEEKER ANTARCTICA ADVANCE RESEARCH TEAM, John Hempelmann, submitted the following report:

As we arrive in Antarctica, the seas are stormy and it is snowing. Snow in January makes sense but it is Summer here now! Here are a few facts about Antarctica to put everything in context.

Mother Nature’s Monuments leave us breathless.

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest and driest of all the Continents. It can be 80 degrees below zero in the winter. The average elevation is 7500 feet. In the winter (March-October), the ice spreads over the sea essentially doubling the size of the Continent. Ice covers 99% of the Continent. In some places, the ice is 3 miles thick and over a million years old. Because there are so many mountains here, the ice “flows” down to the sea as glaciers or forms “ice shelves” that float on the sea. Some of the ice shelves are huge like the Ross Ice Shelf which has hundreds of square miles of area. Because they float on the sea, the ice shelves move around. Icebergs are formed when wave action moves the edges of glaciers or ice shelves up and down and pieces break off. These icebergs have incredibly dense ice so they last a long time and can travel hundreds of miles in the currents. We have seen many very large icebergs during our 72 hour sail from South Georgia Island to Antarctica. Fortunately, they show up really well on the radar. (We can go up to the Bridge most any time we wish, and that is a neat place to watch over the bow and see all the instruments used by the crew.) About 90% of all the world’s ice is in Antarctica and it locks up almost 70% of all the surface fresh water in the world. Even with all the snow and ice, Antarctica has deserts–dry valleys–but I will explain that strange fact at another time.

Despite the ice and the harsh conditions, Antarctica is rich in wildlife, especially whales, seals, penguins and sea birds. This is primarily the result of a sea that is rich in Krill, a tiny crustacean that is produced in the billions here. As the ice melts into the sea, the cold water drops to the bottom and warmer water rises to the surface. The ice shelves form an insulating layer under which the krill grow and thrive. All the mammals feed on the krill and the seals eat the penguins, the whales eat the seals, etc.

250,000 breeding pairs of King Penguins as far as the eye can see.

As you know, very few people ever get to the Antarctic. We are told only .0004% of the people in the world get here (and even fewer get to South Georgia Island). We are SO fortunate. ~ John Hempelmann

*****

On December 30, 2015, our ESCAPESEEKER team began an epic voyage to ANTARCTICA with ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS‘ Russian research vessel, Akademik Iofee. For the next several days, we will be posting daily journal reports penned during our voyage as we made our way to the GREAT WHITE CONTINENT! We will include images captured throughout our expedition by team members, Mary McGill, Roy A. Henderson, John Hempelmann, and yours truly, Mel Gee Henderson.

Bidding Farewell to Ushuaia, Argentina. The excitement is evident on everyone’s happy faces.

Please stay tuned as we sort through thousands of stunning images, film clips, and beautiful reports penned straight from our hearts!

Here’s to #endless, #blissful, #aweinspiring ESCAPES!

HAPPY NEW YEAR,

The ESCAPESEEKER Team

Walking in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton…100 years later.

Tags: Adventure Travel, Antarctica, Awestruck by Antarctica, Coldest Continent on Earth, Enriching Travel Experiences, ESCAPESEEKER, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Expedition, King Penguins, Mel Gee Henderson, Mind-Expanding Travel, My 7th Continent, One Ocean Expeditions, Roie Galitz Photographer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia Island, Tabular Icebergs, The Great White Continent, Ushuaia, Voyage, Windiest Continent on Earth
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ESCAPESEEKER 2013: Our Unforgettable Year In Pictures

Friday, February 21st, 2014

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 they can hop aboard a windsurfer, enjoy SUP—Stand Up Paddle Board, launch a kayak, or embark on a Zodiac® for optional diving adventures.

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 Tetioroa...Marlon Brando's private island...

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 Perspective from the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, the highest hotel in the world!

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 who starred in them!

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 VITNERS ENCLAVE...

SANTORINI–POSTCARD PERFECT ARTISTS and VINTNERS ENCLAVE…

VOREINA GALLERY SUITES...our chosen home while discovering SANTORINI's Best Kept Secrets.

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 a private YACHT without buying one, or hiring an impeccable crew of your own! It navigates through ports mega ships cannot even attempt.

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 the culture.

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 my 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...beautifully REAL!

We visit port after port that look more like movie sets…but they’re all very real…beautiful, authentic and REAL!

After covering several continents in three months, I decided I'm due for 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!

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 for my family...

Doing what I love…Cooking and watching them feast with a big smile on their faces!

...And putting smiles on my grandchildren's faces. 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 go.

…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 long time. Well, it did not disappoint...more beautiful and engaging than I ever imagined!

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!

Find 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!

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, my classmates comprised of students from around the world, found ourselves celebrating the successful passage into the next phase of our French immersion program! Super!

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:

To promote and strengthen understanding and friendly ties between all levels of the United Nations diplomatic community and the people of New York.
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.
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

Tags: Adventure Travel, Bora Bora, Budapest, Croatia, Do unto others, Enriching Travel Experiences, ESCAPESEEKER, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Follow your dream, French Polynesia, Greece, ISTANBUL, Italy, Luxury Escapes, Luxury Island Escapes, Mel Gee Henderson, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahiti, Tere Moana, To whom much is given
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ESCAPESEEKER FEATURED COMPOSER, KURT BESTOR TO CELEBRATE 25th ANNIVERSARY

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

ABRAVANEL HALL WILL ONCE AGAIN BE FILLED WITH KURT BESTOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS…

SERIOUS DECADES-LONG FANS WHO HAVE EARNED THE NICKNAME…BESTORITES

Select Images by Weston Hall

On December 13-15, 2012, Utah’s famed Abravanel Hall will be brimming with avid music lovers. These are not your ordinary music lovers–but loyal followers of Utah’s versatile and beloved composer, Kurt Bestor–thus the nickname “Bestorites”–who have made it their Christmas tradition to attend his concert year after year!

As in Christmas past, Bestor is joined on stage by SPECIAL GUEST musicians–and this year, to help him celebrate his 25th year–he is joined by Grammy-Award Winning Violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker! [For more ticket info go to: http://www.kurtbestor.com/]

OUR PAST HAS A WAY OF CONNECTING US TO OUR PRESENT…

In 1998, I was asked to write and produce a special film tribute for the worldwide humanitarian relief organization known as C.A.R.E. –made famous by the CARE stamped brown boxes filled with basic foods which were air-dropped to survivors of war-torn Europe post World War 2. The film, entitled Womens’ Voices specifically highlights CARE’s tremendous relief efforts in assisting and changing the lives of impoverished women in Central America. While researching to find the appropriate musical score for the film I came across the most moving song that was a perfect fit to set the tone and convey the message that was at the heart of this tribute. The song was Prayer of the Children, with lyrics and music composed by Kurt Bestor.

I was fortunate enough to discover that my longtime friend, filmmaker and Sundance Film Festival Co-Founder, Sterling Van Wagenen, personally knew this renowned Utah composer. Sterling kindly connected the dots for me, and Kurt Bestor permitted me to use the song, free of charge, stating, “I’m honored to assist in CARE’s efforts to help the less fortunate.” I have never forgotten his kind spirit and generosity. In 2010, in Salt Lake City, before his annual Abravanel Concert Hall performance was to begin, we finally met in person!

ESCAPESEEKER SEEKS OUT KURT BESTOR AGAIN…

THIS TIME TO SHOWCASE HIS TALENTS IN THE STUDIO AND ON THE SKI SLOPES TOO!

2Kurt Bestor Mell Gee- westonhallphotography-9

Kurt Bestor testing out the new Steinway at Montage Deer Valley

The selection process that I undertook in deciding to seek out KURT BESTOR as the Utah based musical artist to feature as part of our ESCAPESEEKER Deer Valley/Park City winter episode was quite simple. Knowing that the episode will be anchored around the luxuriously classy Montage Deer Valley resort—I wanted to find a talented artist who was equally at home in such a luxurious environment as well as being out in the elements—the winter’s chilly elements. Well, I quickly learned that not only is Kurt Bestor a gifted composer, but he’s an avid heli-skier as well! What a beautiful match for a resort that caters to skiers of all levels—from novices like myself, to ultimate thrill seekers like Kurt!

But, ultimately, what won me over is the enormous praise that not only Kurt’s loyal fans have shared about this generously gifted individual—but the honest words expressed by those who work closely with Kurt, like Sam Cardon, fellow Utah composer with whom he released a CD entitled “Innovators” in 1995 followed by its sequel in 2001: “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen as many gifts given to one individual. He’s a first-rate composer, a terrific public speaker, a pretty good actor, a great athlete, a bit of a poet and sculptor and artist. An artistic nature just fills him up. And he’s exceptionally bright. He could have chosen to do anything.”

LOYAL LIFELONG FOLLOWERS…HIS MUSIC APPEALS TO EVERY GENERATION

Kurt has an incredible following in Utah, but particularly during the holidays. For the last 25 years, Kurt has produced his annual Christmas concert, complete with a full orchestra, which as I’ve witnessed, are always a packed house, (so best to buy your tickets early). Bestor’s music can be heard throughout the entire State of Utah, and beyond—whether it’s Provo’s Stadium of Fire on the Fourth of July; or European concert halls for the LDS Sea Trek; or LDS Church movies or the dozens of special charity appearances he makes annually on local TV and radio ads.

Yes, Bestor’s accomplishments exceed Utah’s borders: His compositions include the Calgary Olympic TV theme (which earned him an Emmy); music for the Salt Lake Olympic closing ceremonies; scores for more than 30 films; material for more than 40 TV shows, including “Good Morning America,” “Monday Night Football,” “National Geographic,” Fox TV news, ABC’s college basketball, ABC’s “Movie of the Week,” NBC’s 1988 Super Bowl, ABC’s baseball playoff coverage, NBC’s 1992 Barcelona Olympic coverage. The list goes on and on.

Yes, there’s definitely more to add to his credits: Bestor has conducted his own classical compositions with the Utah Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, The Prague Festival Orchestra and The Estonian National Symphony. He has performed for Jane Goodall, Madeleine Albright and Mikhail Gorbachev at the World Summit in New York. He has conducted his own ballet. He has collaborated with Lou Rawls, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Dick Van Dyke and Vanessa Williams.

You name it, Kurt has done just about everything that involves music — scores for Sony PlayStation, beauty pageants, Muzak, marching bands—he even composed the school song for the local Utah Timpanogos High School.

KURT BESTOR NEEDS MUSIC LIKE HE NEEDS AIR…

After spending some quality time with Kurt—I quickly realized that here is a man who needs music like he needs air! No, let me rephrase that: Kurt needs to create music in order to breathe, in order to survive. And, like other artists who are passion driven by their art—Kurt has had to make some big sacrifices to practice his art the only way he can…with the same gusto and unyielding grace with which he navigates unchartered steep, fresh white powdered mountains.

Here is an artist whose story of triumphs outnumber the losses, and whose music reflects the journey he has traveled…you may even discover that you’ve traveled some similar roads with this gifted artists…maybe even dreamed the same dream…perhaps it is the reason his music strikes such a familiar chord with so many? What I noticed most about this talented man is the JOY and sparkle in his eyes when he is performing…KURT BESTOR needs to share his passion for music…it is what fuels his soul. And, you and I become the blessed recipients.

“My favorite feeling is to stand in front of a symphony, and when I lower the baton, out of 80 or 90 musicians comes something that was in my head,” he says. “I don’t even totally understand how that works. It’s magical almost. I can put it down on paper out of my head, and the musicians combine their talents and the audience receives what I felt when I was in my room by myself creating it. Music is pure communication. It makes me feel like I have a mission or purpose in life. I take people on a little journey in concerts. It feels right.” ~ Kurt Bestor

It feels so very right to us too Kurt. Thank you for sharing your music and touching our souls. It was an absolute pleasure to capture you in full-blown action…whether it’s via your keyboard, your trumpet, or on your trusted Rossignol skis jumping out of a Diamond heli-ski chopper. ESCAPESEEKER audiences loved every daring second of it…from the first note to the last!

HELI-SKIING THE MOUNTAINS OF UTAH WITH KURT BESTOR AND THE ESCAPESEEKER TEAM

In the meantime, BESTORITES…You can get a sneak peak of PBS SoCal’s highly popular episode featuring our favorite Utah composer!

Kurt, on behalf of our entire ESCAPESEEKER team, we wish you a TREMENDOUS 25th Anniversary Christmas Concert!

With love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

ESCAPESEEKER and KURT BESTOR TESTING THE QUALITY OF UTAH’S FRESHLY FALLEN SNOW! Our assignment: To prove Utah’s claim… Does Utah have “The Greatest Snow on Earth?”

Tags: 25th Anniversary Concert By Kurt Bestor, ESCAPESEEKER, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Holiday Tradition, Jenny Oaks Baker & Kurt Bestor, Kurt Bestor Christmas, Mel Gee Henderson, Utah Christmas Tradition
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EMMY AWARD WINNING ADVENTURE AND NATURAL HISTORY DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, SCOTT SIMPER TO LEAD ESCAPESEEKER AFRICA SHOOT

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

Scott Simper chosen Director of Photography for

EPIC AFRICA: WILD AND WONDROUS

Award winning and multi-facetted documentary film maker, Scott Simper began his adventurous life as a cowboy. Life in the saddle led to film studies at the University of Utah. Scott’s initial background in stage management, sound engineering and theatrical lighting led to camera operating and he has spent the past 15 years honing his craft, much of it in far flung and exotic locations with equally exotic diseases — many of which Scott has sampled and survived!

In addition to his all-round production expertise, Scott’s skills as a mountaineer, rock climber, skier, kayaker and adventure racer have made him a highly sought after team member in locations ranging from the jungles of the Congo to the Arctic to the summit of Mt Everest.

Scott’s work is distinguished not only for its beauty and his technical expertise but also for his willingness to take on the challenges of any situation or location with a smile. From rigging shots in difficult, tight locations to building and fixing equipment in inhospitable places, Scott is known as the essential cameraman to have on those difficult gigs.

His creative aerial work using a gyro-stabilization system, breath-taking time lapses and exceptional hand-held shooting have earned him Emmy awards and nominations for camera work.

In addition to his skills as a camera operator, Scott has a knack for connecting with his subjects, putting them at ease and getting the most from them as he visually captures their lives. A true team player, Scott’s natural enthusiasm and unflagging energy are valuable on any production — and invaluable on the tough ones!

Scott will be assisted by ESCAPESEEKER AFRICA team members, including Sara Mayer and Producer, Roger Gunn as well as Royal African Safaris’ partner and expert guide, Phil West.

2010: Scott summits Mt Everest for a corporate production: http://gearjunkie.com/interview-photographer-scott-simper

Breaking News 2012: Scott wins an Emmy for outstanding camera work for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship and a National award for Museum Media for his work at the Utah Natural History Museum.
http://northernlightproductions.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-york-times-review-of-natural.html

Tags: Adventure Travel, Director of Cinematography, EPIC AFRICA, ESCAPESEEKER Travel Series, Journalist Host, Luxury Travel Series, Mel Gee Henderson, PBS SoCal, Phil West Safaris, Producer, Roger Gunn, Royal African Safaris
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