Category Archives: International Features

Explore the islands of Hong Kong, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning in Arizona, Mexico’s marvellous beaches, Great Barrier Reef diving, Caribbean cuisine, Guyana’s Rupununi rainforest, Byzantine monasteries in Meteora and temples of Korea. A few of the exotic video experiences in the months ahead. (Photo: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH)

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Greece – Taste of Travel

Posted on December 1, 2014 by On Top Of The World


In Greece eating is a social occasion where philosophies on life are married with political discussions over glasses of wine and plates of mezzettas (appetizers). The focus is on seasonal vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish, olives and a variety of dips. For more information: check out episode #134 in the International category.

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Australia: Tasmania – The Taste of Travel

Posted on November 26, 2014 by On Top Of The World


We discover the birthplace of the Granny Smith apple on the island of Tasmania off the south coast of Australia. Our tasting excursion includes berry farms, dairies, fish farms, vineyards and, along with some intriguing aboriginal cuisine, we find equally intriguing stories including one where a convict used his cell mates to build one of the most successful breweries in the country. This taste of travel reveals fresh octopus, Striped Trumpeter, ground Macadamia nuts, jams, sauces, fine wines and ice creams to ruin the diet. For more information: check out episode #132 in the International category.

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Taiwan: The Search for Tranquility

Posted on November 26, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Amidst the hustle and bustle of Taiwan’s busy and frenetic pace, we search for the tranquil side of the country. Our search takes us to the Lin Family Gardens just outside Taipei, the most complete surviving example of traditional Chinese garden architecture and then across the mountains to Hualien where we explore Taroko National Park famous for its marble gorge. For more information: check out episode #131 in the International category

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Taiwan: Feeding Ghosts in the Temples of Old Taipei

Posted on November 26, 2014 by On Top Of The World


We explore the heart of Old Taipei to learn about the many deities that are worshipped in Taiwan. Whether you practice Confucianism, folk, animist, Buddhist, or the Taoist religion you can find a temple that not only serves as a place of worship, but as a community centre providing day care for children and recreational activities for seniors. We discover that people bring offerings of food and paper money to ask the Gods to help resolve problems. But what happens to those offerings? For more information: check out episode #130 in the International category.

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Spain: Taste of Travel

Posted on November 26, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Queen Isabella is reputed to have started the tradition of Tapas in Spain. The late Luis Suarez introduced us to the regions of the country and sampler plates that made Tapas a famous and healthy way to eat Spanish food from chorizo and garlic shrimps to paella and roasted peppers. For more information: check out episode #129 in the International category.

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Spain: Canary Islands – The Galapagos of the Atlantic

Posted on November 26, 2014 by On Top Of The World


While exploring the beautiful beaches and secluded coves of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago, we discover a unique microclimate and a paradise for family vacations. Seven islands, the tips of a volcanic range, provide a wealth of activities from swimming, wind-surfing and horse-riding, to nature trails and sunbathing on the dunes at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. For more information: check out episode #128 in the International category.

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Korea: Taste of Travel

Posted on November 12, 2014 by On Top Of The World


A table full of side dishes – and they are all yours! We visit a local Korean restaurant and learn about Korean barbeque, traditional dishes, ingredients and some of the cultural do’s and don’ts when visiting the country. For more information: check out episode #127 in the International category.

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South Korea: Seoul – Ancient and modern.

Posted on November 12, 2014 by On Top Of The World


The two faces of Seoul. We explore the capital of South Korea and discover its ancient roots while experiencing a modern metropolis pulsating with energy and creativity. It’s a city of contradictions. Crazy traffic but no road rage. We learn about herbal remedies, oriental medicine and acupuncture treatments at a University hospital. We visit night markets and tea houses, taste spicy foods and local delicacies, take in traditional dance and folk music, see an inventive modern show, cruise the Han River and tour the Imperial Palace of Gyeongbokgung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information: check out episode #126 in the International category.

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Mexico: Acapulco – An enduring hot spot

Posted on November 4, 2014 by On Top Of The World


The natural beauty of Acapulco has always been a magnet for celebrities: today it’s an affordable destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Along with visits to the House of Masks and La Quebrada to watch the famous cliff-divers, we shop for silver and crafts in the local markets, take in the City night life, discover the hotels and local restaurants, meet one of Mexico’s top chefs, and attend the colourful folkloric show to witness the Acapulco flyers. For more information: check out episode #125 in the International category.

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USA: Pittsburgh – The Third Renaissance

Posted on November 4, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Once the unrivalled leader in coal mining, steel and glass production, Pittsburgh found that its wealth and work came at a devastating price – pollution so bad you could barely distinguish day from night. In recent years the City on the rivers has been revitalized. Our visit takes in the history, markets, restaurants and museums along with some historic buildings a legacy of American business tycoons Andrew Carnegie and Henry Phipps who tried to outdo each other with their philanthropic acts. For more information: check out episode #116 in the International category.

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