19 Comments

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   Chi Xu - July 27 2008 @ 11:12 am

   Well, it's really cute to think Jiaozi (dumplings) as western chichen chops. But unfortunately it isn't that easily made;-) Hope you have enjoyed your trip to China and looking fwd to this edition of programme.

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   Jeff Lopes - July 30 2008 @ 1:07 am

   Hi Samantha Just finished watching your sechuan episode. I hope you tried the hot pot for dinner. I am in love with sechuan food. I lived in China for 9 years, and Sechuan food was my staple. China and the people are truly amazing. The longer you stay there, the more you will love the culture. One thing I can say, you will never understand China. It is truly bizarre the way things get domeover there. Good luck, enjoy Xian

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   Sara - July 31 2008 @ 2:01 am

   Loved the show on Xi'an! I will be traveling there in a month, so was trying to get good tips and ideas on what to see there. Where did you find your local guides for Xi'an?? That would be a great way to experience the city! Thanks for your help! Sara

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   Lesa - July 31 2008 @ 10:37 am

   Perfect timing for your China series as I'm heading to China in October for a couple weeks. What's the name of the place you went for the foot massage? I'm definitely all about a little pampering while traveling!

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   Tily Chao - July 31 2008 @ 3:02 pm

   Loved the shows on China! I traveled to Beijing several years ago, and Xian, and Chengdu more recently. You've done a great job covering the highlights of the place!! It must be hard to remain so upbeat and looking so natural while fighting a jet lag and a cold at the same time, not to mention having to adjust to the downside - public bathrooms and the bad air. Most people would probably not get a chance to visit China even if they wanted to, and a lot of people have no clue what China is like these days, so it's great that you've shown the audience the wonders of the place without having to experience the hassles of standing in lines or being poked by umbrellas, or the hot weather! As a Chinese American, thank you and the whole crew!

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   m pelley - July 31 2008 @ 4:31 pm

   Sam, I am a homeschooling mother of four children and your shows have really added alot to our geography lessons. We love the China episodes.Keep up the great work! Pelley

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   Kenna - July 31 2008 @ 11:24 pm

   Sam, My husband and I always enjoy your travels. China, is the best. We are watching the series again and still see new things. As a photographer, what a trip that would be!!!

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   LLY - August 02 2008 @ 2:23 am

   I see two of the previous comments have the sames questions I do: First, where did you find your local guide for Xian? (I think his name was Jason Hu). I'd like to hire him for my guide when I visit Xian this fall. Second, what was the name of the foot washing/full body massage place? I wrote down Sang Ye Tang, but I don't know if that's the correct spelling.

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   Tily Chao - August 07 2008 @ 12:08 am

   Hi LLY, and others who have the same questions, There are many good local guides in every city. Most likely, you'll stay at major hotels in China. Just ask the hotels to refer a local guide for you. The hotels might charge a commission, but it's safer that way. As for massage places, there are many, many high-end spas to less expensive spas. Go to a high-end restaurant or western hotel, and look for these free local guide books/directories printed in English by the door or in the lobby. The guides cover major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, but probably not Chengdu, Sichuan. Again, your hotel concierge should be able to refer you to reputable places according to your preference. If you want to save money, just buy a good, current tour guide on the cities you want to go, and book a taxi for the day. That's more a more affordable way to do it.

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    Mary - August 07 2008 @ 5:14 pm

    Dear Samantha I am a big fan of yours but I never wrote because I think this is the kind of note that you receive everyday. However, last week when I saw you hugging a panda you fulfilled my heart with so much joy that this time I had to tell you. I'm on a chemotherapy treatment what means that any plan of travel is on hold, your trip to China and that hug gave hope, courage and a made me feel really good. Thank you so much for allowing me to travel with you. Best regards, Mary.

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    Peter Zhu - August 15 2008 @ 7:33 pm

    Hi, Samantha. Well, I have been watching many of your "best hotels" and "Passport to.." shows through many past years. Well, let's say: I am just one of your fans(among millions). quicknote: I think what you ate on the street of XiAn in China is a deep fried--(pre-dried)-persimmon (a fruit--quite common in Xian).

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    toe - September 03 2008 @ 3:05 pm

    Dear Sam, Hello from Taiwan..^^ I watched this episode tonight - It's truly an amazing encounter for me! Had quite some complicated feelings since I've been to Xian a few years ago - for the silkroad trip..^^ My favorite "TV star", who's such a charming lady from the USA.. In a city of 2000 years..and so far away from the western side.. With the scenes of the walls, the dumplings, the streets, and of course "the warriors" seems I'm familiar with.. My fading memory.. Plus the new updates of the city.. You know..The feelings so weird and complicated..that I do feel like to weep...^^' I love to experience the local life, too! To take the public transportation there, to get whatever you can find on the streets, and to feel the air...(although it's even being polluted!..^^') It's the most amazing gift that you can watch and feel during traveling..^^ Thank you for being "here and there" with me..^^

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    evette - February 08 2009 @ 9:45 am

    I wanted to say BRAVO!!!!! i just travelled to China this past June, and a group of us are returning yhis June. I must say I felt at such peace and awe throughout my travels. I did ot get to the $17 massage, spend 30 in Beijing instead. Would love to know the name of the spa.

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    Jim - February 08 2009 @ 4:29 pm

    Samantha - thanks for the show on Xi'an. Talk about timing - I will be there in 10 days. You certainly raised my level of anticipation for the trip.

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    pam - February 20 2009 @ 11:06 pm

    I'm going to Xizn in March, what was the name of the place you got tea and the foot massage?

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    Kelly - March 03 2009 @ 7:14 am

    I'm going to Xian in April. Where did you go to hire a guide for the day? I love your show and wish I could do what you do, though I'm sure it's exhausting.

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    Lucinda Smith - June 06 2009 @ 4:10 pm

    Hi Samantha! Loved the show on China, especially on Xian. I will be traveling there in about two weeks, and wondered what is the name of the famous dim sum restaurant you went to. Thanks!

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    Terence Lung - July 03 2009 @ 11:08 am

    Loved the show on Xian, which was shown on a recent Continental Airlines flight. The show was interesting enough to inspire me to finally rip open the bag containing my headphones so I could actually listen in. We landed before the show finished though. How can I watch the rest of it? Thanks.

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    Ryan - August 21 2009 @ 6:15 pm

    I will be in Xian next month. The venue for the Tang Dynasty show appeard to be SE of the city center. What is the name of the venue, what's the best way to get to it, and how do you get tickets?