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Boston
By Samantha Brown on June 5, 2009 9:23 PM | Permalink | 13 Comments
First up, it's the Italian Festival in East Boston. While we are shooting all things Italian, our contact becomes audibly upset at me when I go over to the deep fried Oreo cookie stand. "I don't want that in the show, " she says. "It has nothing to do with being Italian!"
I try to make light of the situation by reassuring her it's just a light moment not meant to take away from the focus of the festival. "You should only show things that are Italian," she said. So we head over to where I am going to learn how to throw pizza dough in the air. Only issue is our pizza maker is from Mexico and doesn't speak English. I tell her that's okay I speak Spanish, but of course our lovely lady of publicity does not want that to happen because, you guessed it … it's not Italian.
This is one of those days where I could really go off on a producer. They have signed me up to be in a sausage eating contest. I have an Italian sausage maybe once a year and it's also close to 100 degrees out which alone feels heart attack inducing.
I sometimes have to remind them that I am in fact a real person, not some cartoon that's forever getting caught up in antics.
The pre-contest time is actually quite fascinating as I get a chance to talk my fellow contestants, a couple who do this professionally. My first question is how to you train for something like this -- cocktail wieners? The answer is lettuce.
I now have gotten great advice from a real pro on how to keep my throat open like a snake devouring a rat to allow the most amount of food to go in. Good to know. Surprise, surprise I come in last, which I have absolutely no problem with. Time to change and do something I'm exceptional at: enjoying a cocktail.
Night ends at the Eastern Standard, a great restaurant with a busier than Disney World bar scene. It's easy to see why. In a city known for the most famous bar in the world where beer is the favorite drink, Eastern Standards cocktails are quite possibly the best I have ever tasted. Each one is (aside from the liquor) made with homemade elixirs and juices. A range of cocktails are made for me for my tasting, my favorite hands down is the Cuban, an incredibly refreshing drink that takes away all the pain of one miserably hot day.
I'm really excited about the next morning's Yoga session. I will be doing Yoga at my friend's studio, Sadhana. Glen and I became friends in high school and have remained in touch since. Even though we are good friends it is still rather strange when he touches my behind to adjust my spine. Does this mean you're taking me to the Prom?
Next up: Kelly's Roast Beef on Revere Beach. I love sitting on the boardwalk watching the planes take off from Logan airport. It's around 4:00pm right now so every once in awhile we catch a 747. Watching the sky's version of the King of the Road is a mystifying experience, even as it's in mid air, that something that massive can fly. I also love daydreaming for just a few seconds of its destination. London? Tokyo? Beijing? Even while I'm traveling I dream of travel.
Boston is a city that you have to see from the water, it's such a peaceful perspective that really allows you to take in the whole cityscape. I'm learning to sail, something I was a bit apprehensive about which has a lot to do with my strange fear of being in water -- sometimes it can carry over to when I'm on it as well.
After sizing up my instructor Dave who is not only excellent, but has a calming presence as well, he shows me the ropes. What's really cool about sailing on the Boston Harbor is that you are sharing it with all different kinds of vessels historic and modern, yacht sized to full on barge (just a wee bit scary), but a thrill none the less.
After sailing, I'm in the Boston Common getting a lesson on how to be a member of the Dragon Dance. I had no idea how much physical strength and stamina is needed for this. Usually these groups are men, only putting added pressure on this all female troupe.
Next on the itinerary: Learn how to swing. I love to watch swing dancing and imagine what it would be like to twirl and jump and shake your finger in the air like that. I finally get my chance; there are some really great dancers on the floor tonight. I'm not completely feeling confident when a gentleman dressed in a Navy sailors uniform asks me to dance. It starts out fine but then he becomes the "swinganator " and is whipping me around so fast I feel like I am dish towel in a washing machine.
He's swinging me around so fast I can't figure out how to make him stop, vertigo almost starts to set in and I am praying that my director sees my terror and stops it. I look over to signal for help and what do I see but my entire crew laughing at me. Nice. Boston, a city I love turns out to be one very difficult shoot, mainly because of the unbearable heat wave. Some episodes are just harder than others.
One thing's for sure I am spent. I am definitely ready for a little breather.
13 Comments
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- charles rinehart: Samantha has a great show. Not only is she very sexy and beautiful, but she has a lot of...
- rad928music: sam you got the greatest hips and legs, your sooo fine
- Charles: I believe the hotel is the Athenaeum in Mayfair
- Jason Farrar: Hi Sam i love your show i watch them every week. I always say you have the best job in the...
- dorothy: Where have you gone? You were a pioneer of the travel channel and now all I see is Andrew and...
Sam i just want to say I love you, you are the greatest and you are the reason I watch the travel channel, you have a very unique charm and I love you shows. I'm in the military and I was stationed in italy for 3 years and you served as my tour guide and inspiration to travel, I traveled many countries based on your shows and took into account so much of your advice. I have visitied many many of the places you have visited in europe and all because of you. thank you for being the highlight of my life!
Love you and love your show but the Italian Festival segment in Boston was agonizing to watch. I've never experienced that on one of your programs before. Why did the network bother to show something that you were so obviously not having a good time with. Didn't the producers preview the piece. Confused.
Wow I would have to agree with the last persons comment - It was agonizing to watch. I felt bad for you Sam. I have no doubt the next show will be top notch because thats your style.
I do have to say that I would ditched the woman who didn't appreciate a fried oreo treat. Bah humbug on her.
Boston is a great place to visit. I was there in May of 2008. Loved it. We found the Omni Parker House Hotel was a excellent place to start to learn the History of Boston as a lot of it is right in that Hotel.
Hey, Sam! I keep reading, but not commenting. Thought I'd switch that up this evening.
I love that you're blogging; and although I know it's probably a new job requirement for you to blog each episode, I'd love to get some posts from you just about the random stuff in your life, too. (You know, with all the free time you have!) It's what I miss about the open chats you used to do on the forums.
I'd love to hear how Fiona is doing, how often Kevin is able to join you when you're traveling, what diet/exercise tips you'd be able to provide all us ladies, and whether you even have time to read these comments!
Hello Sam-I love watching your you on the travel channel-I have planned a trip to Amsterdam this fall and am staying in a Houseboat (I checked out the one you stayed on-but-that was expensive foe me(very nice though)) I watch you all the time-I sometimes am asleep befoer 10:00 om on Saturday night-so I will admit I have to watch you on Sundays or when I see you on. I liked you being on Sundays better-Just because of my scheduled-lol. I must admit you seem to have the greatest job.... :-)
Take care Sam!
~Karen~
I just caught a few of your shows this past weekend and really enjoyed them. You have a very nice and fresh approach to traveling and it looks like you really enjoy it. I appreciate your knowledge of the locations you visit and let us know a little about them. I will definetly start watching more of your shows.
travel bug-
Emily
hi sam,
well, i think you'll be happy to know, you've made fans far and wide. I'm in new delhi india and am in fact a tv journalist myself. Ofcourse, it goes without saying, love your show! Although travel is not my beat, i aspire to it and hope if ever you find time to cover india, I could be your contact and learn all about the process. Would be happy to send credentials, please keep me in mind. Happy Travelling.
Hi Sam,
In last year's episode I saw this big silver heart shape necklace you wore. Im just wondering wherre you bought them. Thanks. Im a fan.
Marilou
Hi Sam-
I'm from Boston, and I can say that while you seemed uncomfortable at the Italian Festival (I'm sorry, that seemed awful, I remember the heat wave and that would have been a horrible place to be, especially with such a pissy contact), you did the city proud! I loved watching the episode, seeing Boston from a (well-versed) outsiders view. Brava!
I love that you're blogging; and although I know it's probably a new job requirement for you to blog each episode, I'd love to get some posts from you just about the random stuff in your life, too. (You know, with all the free time you have!) It's what I miss about the open chats you used to do on the forums.
Samantha..LOVE all shows and your HUMOR! The funniest thing ever was when you were in Hawaii, in your hotel room,and there was a lamp with a hula girl (grass skirt) and the skirt fell off...and you said "HAWAIIAN GIRL LAMPS GONE WILD." Your humor is so fast and off the cuff..makes your shows even better!!! Thanks for all the good times watchimg you. Favorite is seeing you with framily at the ocean in hometown.
Well it is not quite Boston, but when will your show on Martha's Vineyard be on?
Although travel is not my beat, i aspire to it and hope if ever you find time to cover india, I could be your contact and learn all about the process.