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DC
By Samantha Brown on July 31, 2008 12:39 AM | Permalink | 30 Comments
Washington is no doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The last time I was there, I went on one of my epic walks --six Hours!!! The city was so gorgeous I just found myself walking down streets, through parks, pastsed monuments. When I finally came to, I had walked all the way out to Chevy Chase. So this time around, as I headed out, I made a mental note that I had to control myself. I also brought my phone and some money, which is something I don't normally do, but realize too late that I might want to jump in a cab or maybe phone the hotel to ask them where I have waondered to. I rarely bring maps as welleither. I think I am just reacting off ofto having all my time being so overscheduled that I just for a brief period want the feeling of having no strings. But maps, phones and money all come in handy when you have no idea where you are.
The hotel we are staying at, the Helix, is great since it's close to iconic D.C. and yet in a real neighborhood. To my utter delight, we are around the corner from a Whole Foods. I have toyed with the idea of putting it in my contract that my hotel must be only .5 miles from a Whole Foods since, whenever I have access to one, it makes my week. I can make my own salad, pick up some homemade soup and a great bottle of wine, -bring it back to my hotel and watch "Sex and the City" re-runs. BLISS!!! My favorite experiences while in D.C. are a toss-up between Ben's Chili Bbowl and Etete, the Ethiopian restaurant. I loved Etete. Bbecause of supreme luck, I got to sit right next to some men from Ethiopia visiting their family. We all hit it off immediately, and all the men acted like the camera's and big lights shining arewere not even there. So instead of another scene of me eating alone, I joined their group, learning how to eat Ethiopian food from the pros.
The food was soooooo good, too. I was a bit disappointed that I ate so much on camera though, since we as a crew were eating there for dinner, as well. I always try to eat a little on camera so that I can really enjoy it off - -after all these years, I am never that relaxed when eating while the camera's rolling. I am always scared that I am going to dribble something down the front of me or choke (which I have done many times, they just edit that out). But the kind men kept feeding me, and I wasn't about to turn down that type of hospitality.
Ben's Chili Bbowl, shot the same day right before Etete (thank goodness no bikini scenes are in the near future) was amazing, since being a family business, we were made to feel a part of the family immediately. Shooting an institution is always tricky in the travel- show biz, since we want to show the daily ins and outs of an institution but obviously the big camera, a audio man putting mic's on everybody and holding a boom, and then me can really change people's behavior. No such problem at Ben's. Even though they serve the famous half- smoked hot dogs, they are all hams. And wonderfully so.
30 Comments
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Sam, After watching your show last night I just had to write in. Love you, love your show but please stop dressing like a school girl in tank tops and short shorts. Add a little class and be the grown woman that you are. It's more respectful of the people and places you visit and, would represent America better. Sandy
i love the china thing.my 4 and 10yr love watching the show.i can't wait for tonites show it is thru.my 4yr thinks that you look like ellen degeneres, we wacth her at 4 and you at 8pm.thanks for the shots so far it is great. dale bueno
Salut Sam! I love Washington too, my favorite place in the whole city besides TJ's monument is definately Zorbas Greek cafe on Connecticut Ave. Etet sounds amazing--i am writing it down for when i go back. someday. But what is better is the real Washington--meaning the state. Seattle and Spokane. Yep. I'm waiting for ya. I'm so glad you are doing the US now, I was out of the country for a year and your shows were costing me a fortune on itunes! ps. the commercials when the guys foil your office and you say "they would never do this to Bourdain" I agree with you, they would probably instead soak a pile of cigarettes in apple juice and then put them back in a dry carton on his desk. if he has one. well, that is what i would do. hehe. cheers!
Whoa whoa whoa. Hold the phone here. I had to leave a comment because a previous commenter said something about your wardrobe and I couldn't disagree more. I love your style! Don't change a thing. Since I'm sure Miss "Sandy" is an expert on representing America properly abroad we can just leave it up to her to bear that burden. PS: I also love the travel channel commercial about how they would never do that to Bourdain...the man kind of intimidates me. ;) PPS: Can I have your job please?...no?...ok, intern maybe?
Sam, Don't change a thing!Your style is just fine.
Hi Sam, I love you and your show! A friend and I visited China three years ago and enjoyed it as much as you did. I love your enthusiasm and joy in discovering each new place and I watch where ever you go. The European tours were wonderful and hope you'll go back and visit new cities and countries soon.
Hey Sam, I'm a huge fan of you and your work. I never miss an episode and I feel as if I'm right there with you discovering new people and places. Your great sense of humor and comical responses to happenings makes your shows very entreating. I have one question, where do you find the energy? Also, I think that the wardrobes that you and your stylist choose are very appropriate for each destination.
Hi Sam! I have to tell you that last night over our bedtime prayers, my 4 year old son, Zachary wondered out loud if you were married. He rushes to the TV when you are on and I think you are officially his first real crush. As the ultimate compliment, he prefers your show over PowerRangers! I could not be more pleased. ("No, mommy, I want to watch Samanfa Bwown!) Imagine his excitement when he heard your were from Derry, NH (my husbands hometown). I think he half expects you to show up ay my in laws home on Beaver Lake. Keep up the wonderful work and thank you for being a great "first crush". At least I know he has good taste. SR
Sam, I also want to let you know that I love your style, I love everything I see you in! I'm quite jealous. I about died when I saw the slideshow of your wardrobe listing where everything is from, brilliant! Brenna
Ooh, looks like some is jealous that Sam is cuter than they are!
Hey Sam! First of all, I love watching your shows! I'm a huge fan! It is my dream to travel the world one day. I believe that there is just so much the world has to offer and I want to experience as much as I can. Well, here is something you might not hear everyday (although I could be wrong). I go to this camp in New Hampshire and I just got back a few days ago. While I was there, I was talking to my counselor about how I want to travel the world. She asked me if I watched your show. I said that you were my favorite! Then she said that she was friends with you! You go to her house every Thanksgiving! Her name is Brett. She said the next time she saw you she would tell you about me. Well, I just wanted to let you know! Brooke
Sam - I'm so glad you're doing the non-monument side of DC. I grew up there (though I did know about Jack's Boathouse ;) ), and there is so much to do and see that is off the mall. It's nice to see Travel Channel attending to that. I wanted to note that if you go back to town, while Ben's Chili Bowl is a fine, fine, fine establishment, there are two places to eat that are great for both locals and tourists alike. First - the Kennedy Center Rooftop Terrace Restaurant has a "Kitchen Brunch" on Sundays. You actually go into the kitchen for the food, which is cool in itself, and the rooftop view is wonderful. Second - The National Cathedral in NW DC offers a "Tour and Tea". You get an in-depth tour of the Cathedral (which is gorgeous), and then get served tea in the Pilgrim's Gallery, which is about 2/3 of the way up the West Tower. Very, very cool.
I live a block from the Hotel Helix & can't wait to see this show--I get to travel vicariously thru Sam, the travel muse!
Hi Sam ~ This isn't about DC, but Disneyland. We just went for the 1st time last weekend and had a great time, thanks to all your tips! I just wanted to write and tell you how much my whole family enjoys your show!
Hello, Sam! My husband and I both work for Whole Foods (in Indianapolis) so we were happy to read your comments about enjoying the salad bar and the wine. We LOVE your show, you have made us laugh out loud more than once! (most recently when you were in China and you used that big log to bong the bell, it was a 3 Stooges moment!) Hilarious! I'm sure you've heard this many times, but you are one lucky woman! WHAT A JOB! Enjoy every moment of it! Theresa & Fred
As someone who's lived in the DC area for nearly 30 years, thanks for showing some of the things about my city and community as a place where people live, not just the monuments and museums. By the way, you can also get the genuine Ben's Chili Bowl half-smoke experience at a Washington Nationals baseball game. Ben's chili dogs are sold throughout the brand new Nationals Park. And because the Nationals ownership feels you should always be able to go to a ballgame as a spur of the moment decision, 400 seats in the upper deck are set aside for day-of-fame sale at just $5.
Just a quite reminder I do watch your show! Very interesting abut China?And other places! a very convincing host-sam. I hope to enjoy other countries in your vacation hosts thank you I'll be watching - sam, Yours, Douglas
Thanks for shows on Marseille, Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice. I recently was there for 2 weeks by myself. Took the train to each of the cities. Went to the soap maker in Marseille. I mentioned your show and he said it had been 2 years since you were there and was surprised that I'd seen his episode. I said it must have been reruns. Bought lots of soap for gifts back home. They were a hit. I made a blog also, but mine has about 500 photos and lots of commentary. If anyone is interested it is: camillesmithblog.blogspot.com. I enjoy your show as you always seem to have fun...probably lots of hangovers...but then again, that's part of the fun.
Unfortunately I missed this episode of Great Weekend Getaways, I was intrigued though of tha "scandal,; that Samantha supposed to have uncovered. What was that all about?
After reading the first two posts here, I had a picture of you reading them and thinking: "Great--my viewers think I look like a teenaged lesbian hoochie." And then I pictured you laughing, and reading them the next morning to your crew for more giggles. Thank you for being a wonderful proxy for us. We get to travel the world on the shoulders of a smart, sweet woman with a sense of humor about the world and herself. (And you look great, as your legions of four-year-old fans will attest.)
Hey Sam! I love you AND your wardrobe! I really get a kick out of downloading your shows on itunes, then watching the shows when I am in the specific place you went to - for instance - a friend and I were eating at the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin and we just had to put it on and watch that part! We felt that we were there right along with you, all a part of the wonderful world of travel. You really help to captivate that love, even for people just on their couch. Thank you! Stay the lovely person you are - spunky, cheerful, tank top wearin', funny, silly lady! Here's my travel blog: http://www.travelpod.com/members/travelingirl PS: I love whole foods!
You're really cute, Sam. Ignore Sandy!
Hi Sam: Love,love,love all your travel shows. When did you get married & is he part of the show? Any plans on coming to San Jose, CA; Silicon Valley?
Hi Samantha, I was trying to find out if you got to the flea market while in Paris. I'll be going there this winter as part of an antiquing trip. I will definately hit the discount fashion store you went to in the tv episode. If you can, take a look at my trip itinerary. It's way cool. here's the website for them: http://www.EuropeAntiqueTrip.com I will be spending ALL my time hunting antiques, but hope to hit some tourist stuff. I am excited about meeting Marcello who lives in Arezzo in Italy. That,s the town where the big antiques fairs are held. Oh enough about me! I wish I had your job! good luck. Felicia
Hey Sam, 3 things: 1. Love your shows! I get my travel fix when I'm stuck here at home by living vicariously through you. I'm nearly always planning my next trip- can't decide between Japan, France, or Spain for my next vacation! 2. I've got to know... what do you do to stay in shape? I love ya, my DVR is filled with a gazillion episodes of your show, but I curse you every time I watch for looking so great! =) 3. I want your job. (Says everyone, right?) So... if by some chance you'd like a nurse to travel with you and take care of you and the crew, I'm your woman! =) In all seriousness, I love your show(s). I have been reading some of the past comments and hope you don't take the naysayers to heart. You are fantastic at your job! More than that- you are a 30 something grown woman- wear what you want, act how you want, and do your thing! You are fabulous! Kristen, RN Chicagoland PS- If by some slim chance you read these and ever reply, I really am dying to know what you do to stay in such great shape! I had to input my email to post a message, so hopefully you could have access to it if you by chance wanted to reply...
Just wanted you to know that your link on the web page for Etete is not going to the restaurant, it goes to Lunarpages.com which is a web hosting type of site. Not at all the Ethiopian restaurant you were at in the show. My husband and I were in Union Station when you were there. Love your show. Keep up the great work!
Smiles from some of your avidly traveling fans. Jerri and John in Florida
hey samantha i watch your show all the time! if you actually read this i have something to tell you. in school we are learning about the Holocaust. in washington there is a museum about it that is very emotional and educational at the same time. the next time you are in washington i think that you should vist this museum. My teacher wanted to take us there for our class trip but we don't have enought money. it would be close to $700 per person and our school dosen't have enough money to pick up the tab. but......she did say that if anyone ever gets the chance to go to washington they show visit this museum. so that is why i am wirting to you. i know that you have the opertunity to go to anyplace you want, and i eurge you to visit this museum of one of the lowest times in history. The museum was made not just as an educational spot, but also as a memorieal for those that are alive and those that were lost in this crazed plan of Hitlers to eliminate "non-perfict" people.
I have to get back to you now that I have taken the trip. The best part was Paris. One of the stops on our antiquing tour is the Drouot auction house. Virtually every day one or more of the sales rooms has an auction of vintage clothing and these are the top of the game. Names like Hermes, Coco Chanel, Bottega Venetta etc. The stuff was incredible. Our guide even showed us consignment stores where rich Parisiens leave thier used clothing for resale. The whole trip was fabulous! They will have trips again next winter and word has it that the company will add several more trips. Check the website: http://www.EuropeAntiqueTrip.com
I have long watched your show. So when you decided to come here we had to watch and made a little party of it.
You did the best job of showing DC. Better than any travel show.
PS I miss you showing the hotel. Yes! I understand the direction of these shows are going into being more edgy and cheekier but you still have to be a guide show. If you had not shown other hotels in foreign locations I would not have known where to stay. Keep your style
P.S.PS That lady who did not like your clothes is silly. Traveling should be nice and comfortable.
I've been to DC so many times. I would not go back on a bet. Outside of the government compounds the city is filthy and dangerous unless you're in one of the tony neighborhoods inhabited by the bureaucrat parasites that feed off the tax dollars generated in fly over country.
Avoid DC like the plague that it is.