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I've made it to Beijing, China!
By Samantha Brown on July 24, 2008 10:54 PM | Permalink | 36 Comments
Day 1
I'm nervous, I didn't get in until 8:30 p.m. last night, and I begin tomorrow at 9 a.m. No chance to get used to the 12-hour time difference, but then I think maybe the 180-degree change will actually help. When you travel to Europe, it hits you mid-cycle in your sleeping pattern, and I think that maybe that's what really hurts. Anxiety is beginning to set in. It's a new crew with new producers and directors. The camera crew is Chinese but speaks some English. My stylist speaks no English. We have an interpreter for the first few days to help me communicate with her to say things like "more cheek color, please" or "I like brown eyeliner." We don't work in front of a mirror, so the first time I see my face is when she is all done. When she gives me the mirror, my face is something like I've never seen before.
My skin is about three shades darker than normal, and my eyes are darkened by black and purple eye shadow that mingle together not only on my eyelids but in thick lines below my eyes, as well. I can't decide if this makes me have a smoky sexy look or if I look like the clear loser in a barroom brawl. I decide in an instant that there is so much that is wrong with my new look that we couldn't possibly attend to it all and start on time, and so I ask for a heavy powdering and head out.
I arrive to shoot the rickshaw scene in the hutong, and the camera is already set up on its rig. I meet my guide, Fred, and he is a very cheerful-looking young fellow that wears a permanent smile on his face. He tells me he's nervous because he has never done anything like this before; I tell that I'm nervous, and I have been doing this for eight years.
It's hard when you have to start a travel show after only just arriving. As Fred and I were driven through these fascinating back streets, no bigger than alleyways, I just wanted to take it all in. I'm not the type of person who is at once inquisitive and begins immediately with questions like "what are these hutongs?" "how long have they been here?" "who lives here?" etc. For me I am naturally a quiet observer not yet wanting to know how everything works and what it all means but wanting to be caught up in the moment, to be simply fascinated by something without knowing it. What you don't know barreling through these hutongs like a pin ball in a machine is the beauty that exists behind the stark grey cement walls. Luckily, many families have realized the money potential of the nosey neighbor syndrome and have opened up their house to visitors. Unless on foot, you can't choose which one as there's a deal worked out between rickshaw man and the family, but I will say the two times I did the tour, each house was equally impressive and each similar in its floor plan in that there were jewel-box-like rooms that surrounded a small courtyard landscaped with small perfectly pruned trees and caged birds that sang. The experience was enchanting, and I wonder if these women who run the homes know what a bed and breakfast is. We still have a night scene to do, but jet lag hits me like a ton of bricks. And my brain is operating so that my speech resembles announcements made in the NYC Subway. "The--r is _____ service running from Grand Cen -- al to Wall St. -- please take the -- train instead." When I have jet lag, I can literally feel my synapses not making connections with their corresponding neurotransmitters. Then my director Greg Tillman and producer Mike Gattanella say to me something I have never heard in the eight years I've been shooting a travel show. "Sam we can cancel and reschedule if you want; it's up to you" I was in bed in 45 minutes.
Day 2
Easy and uneventful day until we arrived at the Peking Duck restaurant. At first we were not allowed to go into the kitchen and see the 50-some-odd chefs each preparing their own thing, but when we arrived, we were told no, then yes, then no, then "She can go into the room where they put the ducks in the oven" Okay, a hot oven filled with ducks -- now that's just great television. I was supposed to have the manager of the restaurant or someone like that with me to talk to and tell me what was happening. But that was a yes, then no, then yes, but they don't speak any English so we said no. I had girlfriends with me for the scene, so one of them got the short straw and had to go into the oven room with me. We were told not to talk to the chef in charge of putting the ducks neatly into the oven. But Chung started to ask him questions, and he responded, so we went for it.
The man then handed me the long wooden tool he uses for the ducks. I wasn't expecting this and also wasn't expecting how heavy those birds were. My 2 1/2-inch heels that already naturally thrust me forward weren't helping me brace for the weight either and my knees buckled but I didn't drop the bird. So table 45 got to eat. Back at the table with me and my girlfriends (a group of fabulous women from the Chinese production office and our hotel), we started the ritual of eating duck with a few traditional starters. Duck feet and duck tongue were two of them, and I thought I would go for the tongue as it looked rather meaty while the other just looked slimy. When I bit into the tongue, I wasn't expecting to crunch down on bones, the unexpected sensation triggered my gag reflex, which I tried desperately to calm.
This was all caught on camera, so I am looking forward to seeing my reaction and how I tried to handle the situation without offense to my very gracious company. There was no need for me to be so kind as when I said in a rather non-emotional tone that I did not like that (as opposed to "that has to be the most disgusting thing I have ever eaten"), my tablemates all said that they would NEVER eat that, It's Gross!!!! Well actually one girl really liked them, and so the plate of five duck tongues was passed over to her like a bowl of Life cereal to Mikey.
36 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 have a gorgeous photo I took a few years ago when I was taking Customers from Europe to see Nubble Light and would like to email it to you. I realize you are away presently, when you return please let me know if your interested. The photo is taken at sunset with a full moon in the background. Regards and have a safe trip. Dan Nowak 222 Floral Lane Saddle Brook, N.J. 07663 Cell 201-394-0087
Ohio Sam and the gang! I hope y'all are having an awesome time in China. My wife and I cannot wait to see the new episodes this week. Will y'all be staying to see any of the Olympics? You're looking great in all of the previews. The language barrier in Asia can be overwhelming and it's tough feel comfortable in your own skin sometimes when you're in such a foreign, strange place. You guys seem to have adjusted pretty well. Just wanted to say you are a natural at making people feel welcome and at home. I was reading your blog and I think we are similar when observing new, fascinating surroundings like the ones you are witnessing in China. Good luck to you guys on this exciting adventure. Have a safe trip and we'll see you state-side. Regards, Anderson Harp Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam, The photos were absolutely adorable of you holding the panda......your candid descriptions of what is taking place, makes the viewer (me) feel like they are experiencing it too...such as the panda feels like "a warm stuffed animal and smells like baby shampoo". I look forward to your travel blogs/pictures and you make me laugh out loud! Prego, Megan
As I watched the 1st episode of you in Beijing I was horrified! Didn't you realize you were the only one in low cut t's and shorts? The Chinese not only do not dress this way in Beijing but don't understand why anyone would. Didn't you feel out of place when visiting the Hutong? My sister and I had a wonderful experience in Beijing in June 2008 and always found someone who spoke and understood English. Why did you have such a hard time? I was not with a tour group but traveled with my sister and we were welcomed everywhere we went in Beijing. I hope your viewers don't go to China thinking it's ok/acceptable to dress as you did in Beijing and on the Great Wall or think they'll be limited in their experience because they don't speak Mandarin.
Hello Samantha: You did it again!!!! The china show is great, no wait, it is better than great, I truly feel I am there with you. I had an opportunity to almost visit China several years ago and in 1 show you manage to show me all that I had planned to visit. I read a comment by someone else criticizing your clothing choice. Please.........ignore them, I think you are super great and truly enjoy every minute of all your shows and always feel "emotional" by your descriptions and your enjoyment anywhere you visit. i have only 1 question... Does your new husband travel with you? it would be ashamed for him to miss this too. Good luck. Bye.
I absolutely love the first two episodes. I love the raw, emotional reactions that you have to your experiences. You are truely gifted at involving us in your travels. Thank you for all that you do. The only thing that would make these shows better is if you wrote your own closings. Oh how I miss Sam's insightful final thoughts. (Personal favorite was Normandy, France episode)
Love your show! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to China. Where did you go to cuddle that wonderful Panda? I want to cuddle one as well, I don't cate how much it cost! Betsy T. Omaha NE
Sam, Recently, I have just watched the passpor to europe and I cann't help lovin it so much. I always wonder when will you make a trip to my motherland-china. Now it comes true.So welcome and wish you enjoy it.
I spent 2 weeks (only weekends to sightsee) in Beijing on business in 2005. I found the editing of the sights at the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China very misleading. Entering the Forbidden City via Tiananmen Square you would not see the moat until after you exit and head north. Seeing the dragon mosaic wall is not even in the Forbidden City proper, but on the north side of an emperioal park (after crossing a lake)!! It appeared to me that she went to more than Badaling for the great wall shots, but that was the only place mentioned.(There are at least 2 other very common places to see the Great Wall from Beijing). I can imagine being very disappointed in not seeing what I expect after viewing her program and thinking I am visiting the "same spot" and expecting to see things where they are not or trying to see them in the order she presented which would have you walking like a crazy person!
Absolutely great episode. Never been to China, but it is high on my list for later this year or the early part of next. I've just started watching your show these past few weeks while on summer vacation in the states between moving from Germany to Japan, and I have to say, it is my new favorite. I've been to many of the places you visit, but you make me want to go back again and see those cities (Paris, Rome, etc.) through your eyes. I know it is television, and your job is to make it look fun and exciting, but you do bring out the best of what can be just another tourist stop and transform it into something far beyond the guidebook norm. I really hope I can somehow continue to watch your show after I move to Japan.
I visited China in 1981 and it certainly has changed since then. However, I was shocked to see Samantha wearing strapless tops during her touring. Go back and look at the expression on the faces of the locals in the street as they pass her. Who advised her about dress? No wonder the Chinese are suspicious of us! I found the strapless attire disrespectful and not creating a good impression.
I'm fascinated by Samantha's visit to China and have spent much of the evening vicariously touring with her. Samantha can and does dress beautifully, and always looks great in whatever she wears. However, I was surprised by the number of scanty outfits selected for China. These seemed out of place and, in certain venues, quite disrespectful. Perhaps in upcoming episodes, more consideration can be given to the cultural environment with regard to the choice of outfits. That said, what an amazing experience Sam and her crew must be having. Thanks for sharing it with me!
I'm absolutely amazed at some of the comments at Samantha's dress selected for China. Most of these people have never been to China before. This is the new China, I think Samantha's clothing is absolutely fitting. You should dress to fit the local weather. Until you have experienced 95 degree F with 90 percent humidities, you will dress the same way Samantha did in her episode. If you don't believe, dress up as you think you should and sit inside a SPA for two hours and come back with your dress comments. Keep up the great work.
I've enjoyed watching your shows for years and just happened to catch this one on China last night. I wonder if you can tell me when you did this shoot? Was it before the earthquake? It would be devastating to think that the Panda preserve you visited is the same one so severely damaged by the quake. Your attitude about all the places you visit is refreshing and memorable. If I ever get a chance to visit Paris, I'll be sure to request a room with a shower head! Thank you!
hey sam.. i am your big fan in china.i like your tv show.especially passport to europe,it's wonderful. i like this panda very much...it's so cute. why you haven't gone to shanghai? if you want to shanghai,maybe i can be your guide,if you want. and i hope you were like this memory in peiking,china. sucre
I was amazed that none of the shots in Beijing showed any of the street vendors or caution about their activity. When I was there a few years ago they were totally out of control even to the extent of bumping one of my shoulders with one of theirs. In the states that could be classified as an assult. The soldiers, tour guides no one attempted to stop their actions. However since yelling is bad manners my solution was to yell at the top of my voice "get the F out of my face" - they left me alone. It was a wonderful trip except for the street vendors. They do not accept a poliet no or just trying to walk away. The ordinary people were great and friendly, the sights terrific and seeing places i had read about all my life priceless.
WOW! Your programs on China were terrific. I went to China in 2004, and everything I saw, I said "WOW" -- every day was another "WOW" day! You used "WOW" on several occasions, and I couldn't agree more. Everyone who gets the chance should go to this fast changing, exciting country before it gets more fast food restaurants (KFC, McDonald's) and indoor grocery stores! Your shows told me that I need to go back soon -- I missed so much even on 3-week tour. Thanks to you and your staff it was a "WOW" tour!!
I, too, must agree with many of the other bloggers that Samantha Brown's outfits for China was totally inappropriate. Ms Brown is very intelligent, but not exactly attractive. She is bow-legged and therefore, the tight pants and jeans are unattractive. I have been disgusted with many of her outfits (bikini). I do not watch the show to look at Samantha Brown. I want information about the country --food, customs (which seem to be ignored on her show with low ungly pants with her belly showing and three women jumping on a bed and later drinking). Whoever is running this show has apparently never been to Europe or China where women reserve shorts and skimpy tops for the beach and behave modestly in public. Even in Italy and some very progressive countries which I visited, I have never seen such clothing on the women. Clean up her act or I won't watch!
Hi Sam, Thank you for the wonderful shows. You've unlocked the mystery and beauty of China and its culture. For some reason, the American media is always so critical of China, but you are indeed a breath of fresh air. The Chinese government should award you a gold medal for doing something good for China and the people. I would if I could :-)
Your shows are fantastic! Some day I am going to travel to Europe & Asia and I won't be afraid to do so because of your insights and tips. I would like to say that the people who have issues with your wardrobe obviously do not understand the situation. You stated you had a Chinese stylist who did not speak english. The clothing provided by the Chinese stylist was what was available to you. If these items were truly inappropriate you would think the Chinese stylist would not have selected them. So everyone needs to back off, if you don't like it then don't watch no one is forcing you to do so.
Samantha, Thanks for your great tour of China. With the Olympics and a personal trip there 20 years ago, it was a wonderful look back at my trip. Of course my experience was much different-Huge changes especially with the smog and city growth. As we are both the same age, of course revisiting my photos made me cringe with the clothes and hairstyles, still, I had many pictures that were similar to your visits. It amazed me how much the Teracotta soldiers has been built up! When we went it was literally a hanger and NO photos were allowed to be taken...things do change. I thank you for your great shows-keep on travelin' Kendra Marshall Huntingdon Valley, PA
Sam, The China trip was a fabulous show stopping visit. You and your crew were awesome! Another suggestion for an extended vacation-Dubai. My daughter, Jaime and my niece, Leah traveled there last year. They continue to relish the experience and pics of the adventure were astounding. I appreciate being able to travel through their experiences as well as yours. Never stop--you make it a fun journey. Barb
Hello Sam, First of all love your shows and your personality. I am jealous of your job :) I am sure you hear that all the time. Loved your China series as well. Keep that cute smile and look forward to meeting in person some day, my dream by the way :) Ciao, Robert
Hi Sam, Harking back to an older Passport to Europe show,I wish to thank the person responsible for including the physics lab in one of your Switzerland shows.At the time it was fascinating and unexpected,now this week it is so prominent in the news and I am able to recall those vast structures because of your show. Keep up the good work ,I've enjoyed all your travels and look forward to the future ones. Alice
Sam, love love love your show, and your outfits! I can't believe the comments that Sally and whoever else left! I didn't know that we were supposed to not look past one's individual style and judge them only for that. Oh, and we are also supposed to be a grown woman's mommy with a stick up our bottoms when god forbid, someone shows their shoulders and legs on camera. Sam, you always look great, and I'm sure this "sally" is terribly jealous. I also love your Hotel programs and all the other fun stuff you do! It probably sucks to be away from your friends and family but it sounds like you've made many more of both in your travels! Godspeed and safe travels!!
We enjoy your show and watch it often. Originally, we are from the Mid-Atlantic area and now live and work in Singapore for the last five years. Prior to this, we lived for a time in Europe, another place to visit often. We really enjoyed your Passport to China and you did a good job highlighting the sites and the culture. Besides China, our favorite spots are Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. We have also had nice vacations to Vietnam, Myanmar and Korea Hopefully, you can do a passport to Asia in the future. In the mean time, keep up the good work.
OMG you are soooooooooo lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was adopted and i haven't been back to china since i was five months old!!!! I always wanted to go back!!!!!!!!!!! OMG you are sooooooo luck you don't know, my sister doesn't believe you get paid to go throught the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Sam, it's great to hear about your show and it was wonderful to see the pictures of pandas. Even though I may be a little off in getting here in January, I'm happy to see that your show is working out. Best luck in your ventures, Erik Stehlar, NY
hi,samantha，I love your show so much. we could see your "passport to Europe" in Shanghai last year.
welcome to Shanghai in the future!
Hi Samantha,
I work in the jewelery industry and deal with asian vendors daily. I felt you gave me a wonderful insight into part of thier wonderful culture. You did it showing respect a very big thin as you know in that culture.
You are a Great travel host and Great ambasador for us!
Sincerely
Peg
Hi Samantha,
I enjoyed your trip to Beijing very much. It's a trip I have wanted to make for years. You wear a lot of beautiful clothes but the dark blue dress with yellow top is the best!!! WOW!!! Your show is interesting, educational and in one word --- FUN.
Thanks Samantha,
Glenn
Hi Samanta,
I saw your show today, you were in China! Such a great show!
I am interested to know, how you got this job? I love to travel and I would LOVE to have a job like you have! But ..HOW??
Please write me back..thank you!!
Sonja
I watch your show and I think its very very very good!!! I loved the one when you went to China! It is close to JAPAN and I always wanted to go there. I also want to go China thanks to your show.
i like your show. it's nice to turn on the travel chanel and see a travel show not one on food or gambeling
Sam:
my fiance and I are great fans of your show!!! I only have one question for you, Where can i find those cute dresses you wear?"
Toya
Sam, i saw your show today on China, I'm going Oct. 3rd. I would love to get more information on all the great places you went. Can you send me some information.