Fri, Sep 25, 2015
Beginning of the journey in Armaçao de Pêra: boat tour with Renaud Hadef (the former mariner and now painter) and the captain Carlos along the coast with its cliffs and caves.Then travel by motorcycle with Renaud to a pottery: Sophie is painting a plate.Thgen Sophie travels to Sao Bras de Alportel where she meets Lloyd and Claire , a English couple who rents Kombi-car for the tourists and Sophie visits their restored house.Later Sophie meets Antonio Brito Paes, a horses and bulls breeder and is also torero, Sophie rides on a horse in a little arena facing a bull.After that Sophie meets in Faro Ana Isabel Soares, they buy in the market melons and sweet potatoes and travel by car to the Alentejo region where the father of Ana Isabel (Francisco Dias Soares) manages a windmill.Later Sophie travels back to Sao Bras de Alportel, the shoemaker Jorge repairs her shoes and then she meets Fatima Pires Galejo in her pastry shop: she explains that she makes carob pastries with figs or almonds: they go harvesting carob fruits and Sophie taste carob liquor. Sophie travels back to Armaçao de Pêra where she meets again Renaud Hanef and his wife, they eat grilled fish, drink "vinho verde" and Renaud has a gift for Sophie, a painting with the portrait of Sophie. Besides we see zooms about the Fisherman's trail, about the French retirees in the Algarve, about Nuno and Jessica the farmers of the Alentejo with their volunteers), about the Portuguese corrida (the torero on his horse and the forcados), about the French-Portuguese family of Chartres who travels every year to Lisbon for their holidays and about the town of Mértola with its archaeological excavations.
Fri, Oct 9, 2015
A nice excursion of Jérôme Pitorin from Cheverny ( the flight over the Loire Valley, the castle of Cheverny ( the marchioness Constance de Vibraye, the family living in the right wing of the castle, the walk through the castle, the son Maximilien de Vibraye in charge of the guided tours, the breakfast with the family, the marquis Charles-Antoine de Vibraye, the castle opened to the public since 2022, the kennel and Laurent Chevallier in charge of the rack of hounds, the baptism of the young hounds) to La Possonnière- Maine et Loire department- ( the fisherman Alex Fagat, the moment of mullet fishes fishing, the meeting of the Association "Gens d'Louère", Gilles Mechin and other members playing music) passing by Amboise-Indre et Loire department- ( the plastic artist Michel Gressier, the flying of kites near the Loire river, the canvases with coats of arms in the streets of Amboise), by Tours (Patrick Fournier and the bicycle agency), by Montsoreau (the boat tour with Robin DElaporte, captain of the "Amarante", the sleeping on the boat), by Doué-la-Fontaine-Maine et Loire department- ( the troglodyte and ceramist Karin Chopin-Lollierou, the former stone quarry, the pottery workshop, Christophe Chopin-her husband-, the visit of the mushrooms cave of Jacky Roulleau), by Saumur (the riding school of the Cadre Noir, the esquire Pauline Van Landeghem, Jérôme riding a horse, the riding spectacle and the change of the horseshoes) and by Chambord (the wildlife cinematographer Laurent Charbonnier, the looking for the common reed warbler-in French rousserolle efarvatte-, the documentary "Les animaux amoureux", the wild boars and the deer). Besides we see zooms about the the castles of the Loire Valley, about the Venetian ball at the castle of Cheverny, about the medieval spectacle at At Amboise, about the canoeing through the nature reserve of the Loire Vally, about the underground inhabited spaces and about the life on the castle of Chambord.
Fri, Oct 16, 2015
A nice journey of Raphaël from Big Sur (the wild coast) to the Yosemite Park (the horseback riding with the park ranger Scott Gediman and the panorama of the waterfall and the high cliffs) passing by San Francisco (the meeting with the chef Dominique Crenn, the swimming with Sydney at the Dolphin Club), by Sonoma (the organic farm of Carol and the beehives of Cher), by Alameda (the former Navy base transformed into a great flea market, the hangar with the pinball machines), by the beaches at the north of Santa Cruz ( the kite surfing), by Monterey (the boat tour and the humpback whales) and by the forest where Gary Thomas is looking for gold. Besides we see zooms about the California Highway Number one, about the "Painted Ladies", about the waste-free living, about Karl the fog of San Francisco, about the RV- park managed by Lisa O'Neill's and about the boy scouts of America in a camp in the Yosemite Park.
Fri, Nov 27, 2015
Beginning of the journey at the sea side near Kerobokan: Raphaël meets Antoine Martin, a diving coach and they look at the fishermen who are coming back: one of them Imd Darma Yasa invites them to his house and they eat grill fish, rice and a strong chili sauce.On the morning Antoine and Raphaël dive and they can see a lot fishes, sea cucumber and coral reef.Later Raphaël meets Gek Arik, a young Balinese woman who manages an offering store and they travel by scooter to Besakih.There they meet Gek Arik's father, mother, aunt and cousins.They are preparing a ceremony.On the morning Raphaël wears a traditional Balinese clothing and they go to forest: an Hinduist priest gives offerings to the gods for the happiness of the family: then all the family enters into a river and each throws water over his head and shoulders.While the women are preparing offerings Raphaël and the brother-in-law of Gek visit the temple of Besakih, the most important Hinduist temple in Bali.The place is open to all persons who want to pray.Later they meet the women with their offerings and listen to traditional Balinese music (drum and xylophones).Then Raphaël travels to Ubud; in a very nice hotel (Como Shambala Estate) Raphaël meets Mudra who practices yoga, they share a moment of relaxation. Later Raphaël travels by scooter to Payagan: the residence of the prince of Ubud who shows him the different parts of the palace: this day there is a meeting of princes and princesses at the royal residence.In the countryside Raphaël meets Dewa Putra Diasa , the director of a Balinese music and dance association and Raphaël tries to learn to dance like a Balinese woman moving all parts of his body (the eyes,the hands, the feet).Later there is a spectacle and music and traditional Balinese dances.Last stop: the climbing of the volcano Batur with Kadek, the guide (the last eruption took place in 1926), the volcano has some fumaroles. Besides we can the influence of Hinduist religion in the life of Balinese people; offering in the houses, offerings before the houses, many ceremonies at the Besakih temple, a cremation ritual for a member of the royal family.Also we visit the monkey mountain, a natural reserve for 600 macaques (sacred animals). Alo we can see a zoom about the bamboo and its use for music instrument; the luthier Surate explains how he makes xylophones with bamboo trunks. Bali has become a place of residence of Australian and European retirees: they can buy villas or bamboo houses at a good price. In ll the documentary of Bali we see a lot of motorcycles and scooters in the streets: Ni Made candra , a female mechanic enjoys very the old Vespa and there is a club of Vespa fans in Bali.
Fri, Dec 11, 2015
Beginning of the journey in Marrakech: Raphaël arrives at the Ker Saâda Rias (boarding house) where he is received by Omar Cherif Elidrissi and they go to the terrace : they drink a mint tea and enjoy the panorama ( the mosques, the Medinna and the Atlas mountains with the Mount Toubkal).In the morning Omar and Raphaël walk in the Medina and enters into a "foundouk" (an old caravansary): the caravan driver used to put the goods and the animals on the ground floor and to sleep in the upper part of the hotel.Then they go to the Jemaa-el-fnaa square and they see a lot of diners : they eat a piece of beef and drink a tea.After that Raphaël meets Halim Sbaï (directeur de Cherg expeditions) and they travel by taxi to Tnina Ourika, a village where the women harvest and prepare the saffron: Raphaël helps harvesting and then preparing the flowers: the Doctor Abdelaziz Laqbaqbi explains the story of this place, the medicinal use of the saffron and the prices of this precious spice.Later Halim and Raphaël travel to the Draa Valley to Tamnougalt: at the "Ecologdge Bab el Oued) they are received by Mathilde Richard Aït El Caid: the lodge is in the middle of a palm grove : they grow lemons trees, have medicinal herbs (henna) and grow cows, donkeys and poultry.Then Raphaël and Hlim go to the Casbah des Caïds where they meet Zine Aït El Caïd: they visit the old building with a great courtyard: about 35 persons of the family are living there.On the terrace they drink mint tea and eat almonds.After that Raphaël travels to the Mansour Eddabhi Lake where he meets Jean-Pierre Datcharry (a trek organizer): they enjoy canoeing on the lake and observing the birds.Later they travel to Ouarzazate and they meet Zineb Boutkhoum , the wife of Jean-Pierre who is also mountain guide and manages their guesthouse (Dar Daïf): the supper will be a tajine with lamb meat and quinces.On the morning Halim has joined Raphaël and they travel by car to M'Hamid, the door of the desert: they meet there Ibrahim Sbaï (the founder of the Taragale Festival; we visit some women weaving carpets and meet also Oum Benessahraoui, the musician and singer.Later Raphaël is riding a camel and they arrive at a camp: Oum is singing and the people are dancing. Besidees we see zooms about two young Moroccan women (Alia and Fatima),about the craftsmen in the Atlas (the wood carver who produces plates for the couscous, the potter and the tooth puller who buys the item in walnut wood), about the date palms in the Draa Valley , about the life in a village of the Haut-Atlas (Mohammed the farmer, the female weavers, the mutual aid) and about the nomads (the transhumance, the bread cooking)
Fri, Dec 25, 2015
Sophie shares his journey with Hélène Gateau, a French veterinarian and TV presenter (Hélène et les animaux): a journey focused on the wildlife in Namibia. With the help of Tim Theron, a guide and driver they discover the wildlife in the Etosha National Park: there the local ranger and and guide Joshua shows them lions, zebras, kudus, warthogs and suddenly an ostrich is hunting a hyena (the ostrich wants to protect its eggs).Then the Damaraland: Chris of the "Elephant-Human-Relations Aid" received them: visit of a village of cattle breeders (cows,sheep, goats) : Chris and his visitors will paint the fences and talk about the repellents against elephants (in some African countries people use hot pepper and in other country beehives).They spend the night under camping tents and on the morning they can see a huge female elephant called Beatrix (Chris has a notebook with the description of each elephant of this area).Later Sophie and Hélène arrive at Nalankuse Wildlife sanctuary: an animal rescue center of orphan baboons and cheetahs: there Mariice Van Vuuren, the founder of the center and some volunteers are taking care for the orphans animals : Mariice organizes every day a walk for the baboons who jump over the shoulders of the visitors and later the cheetahs run for while in the bush (there are about 3.000-3.500 cheetahs living in freedom in Namibia). Then an excursion to Brandberg area where Sophie and Hélène live a dramatic and touching event: a young elephant has fallen in a hole and tries to get out of the hole,suddenly its mother appears and helps the young elephant to get out of the hole (the power of motherhood). Later Sophie and Hélène are in Walvis Bays and they can see fur seals, a very common animal on the Namibian which eats a lot of fishes and the fishermen hate them. Then a touching moment; Sophie and Hèlène visit in Kamanjabi a community of Himba women and spend a nice moment with them. Finally both women go with Tim to the dunes of the Namib desert and they enjoy the place. Besides we see zooms about Windhoek and the creative township of Katatura (pictures of Joel Haikali, fashion designs of Abisai Tileka), about Stéphane Brossard and his travel to Damaraland to see rhinoceros, about the hot air balloon flights and the sand surfing in the Namib desert, about the descendants of German settlers (bookkeepers, pastries shop, cattle breeder family), about the Bushman (called also San) who live between tradition and modernity, about the sport fishermen at the seaside who fish the copper shark ( and later released it ) and about the Himba people of the Koakoland ( a very desert area) whose life conditions are very hard.
Fri, Jan 1, 2016
A nice journey of Jérôme from Miami Beach (the meeting with Théo (the parallel bars, the jogging on the beach and the talk with the lifeguard) to Key West (the meeting with Jenna , the photographer (the floating house, the iguana pet, the visit to Tony the painter, the fishing tour and the sunset in Key West) passing by the downtown of Miami (Brickell Avenue and the financial neighborhood), crossing the bridge over the Miami River, the Miami Circle Site or Brickell Point-the Tequesta Indians as first inhabitants of Miami-, the Little Havana- the Top Cigars shop and the playing of dominos, the" "Calle 8", the dancing), by Mack's Fish Camp (the meeting with Marshall, the story of the camp, the air-boat tour in the Everglades National Park), by the Barnacle Park Miami (John the shipwright, the public park, the story of of Ralph Monroe, the boat designer and the sailboat tour with Bill), and by the Florida Keys with the bikers club (Jim, the biker , the stop at Key Largo, the pleasant life of the bikers, the flight in the Waco biplane over the keys). Besides we see zooms about the French expatriates in Florida, about Miami as the paradise of pets, about the fight against the invasive species in the Everglades, about the mud racing in North Florida, about the Little Haiti, about the young basketball player Julian Newman and the Downey Christian School and about the Florida Sun City with its retirees.
Fri, Jan 8, 2016
A nice journey of Raphaël from Istanbul (the meeting with Burçak Desombre-the wine consultant-, the tasting of the "simit" breads, the crossing of the Bosphorus by ferry, the meeting with Müjgan Yurtseven-Burçak's mother , the visit of the Grand Bazaar, the amulet and the buying of spices, the preparing of a traditional food made with garlic, goat cheese, tomatoes, mint and paprika and the tasting of a red wine of Lüleburgaz) to Balikesir (the mountain village, Minas Balcioglu, Sabiré SAltuksoy preparing a tomatoes sauce for the winter, the mutual aid between the women, the fig molasses, the walk through the olive trees and the meeting with Dédé, the spiritual leader-the alevism, a religious practice with men and women together-, Sabiré wearing a nice traditional costume and the religious ceremony-song and dance) passing by Lüleburgaz (Zeynep Arca Sallie-the female wine maker- the story of the vineyards n this area and the tasting of a red wine), by Istanbul ( the bath and massage in an historical Turkish bath), by the Princes' islands ( Oznur Kucuker Sirene, the entrepreneur, the walk through the island, the importance of the environmental protection) and by Dereköy (the craftsman Hüseyin Ozgui and the bottle gourds, the workshop full of lamps made from bottle gourds, the men drinking tea on a terrace and Rphaël enjoying a cup of tea). Besides we see zooms about the "Toolstanbul" culinary tours, about the Turkish series, about the Turkish men and their mustaches, about the fishermen at the Bosphore and the bluefishes, about the archaeological site of Troy and of Antandrosand about the Mount Ida area.
Fri, Jan 29, 2016
Beginning of the journey in the Westman Islands: Raphaël meets Gisil Gílason, an helicopter pilot: they climbed a mountain and Gisil explains that in 1973 the local volcano made an eruption and six months later the people came back to build again their homes. They make a boat tour and can see the new volcanic island of Surtsey.On the next day they have a flight to Reykjavik and so Raphaël can appreciate the nice landscapes.At Reykjavik Raphaël goes to a gym and meets Hjalti Arnson (the strongest man in the world 1990), and Ari Gunnarson, a bodybuilder and swimming coach who explain that there is a tradition of strong men in Iceland.Later Raphaël meets Viktor Gayet (French mother-Icelandic father), they go to a shop and buy wool pullover and then travel to Norourland Eystra: in a place they stop to take a bath in a hot spring, later they install their camping tent observing the midnight sun.On the morning they travel to Dalvik, they meet the father of Viktor , who is fisherman and has captured 800 kilograms of scorpion fishes, saithe and cod: the fishes are sent prepared for exportation.Viktor and Raphaël go fishing in the sea and catch some cods.Then Raphaël travels to Vogafjo; Olof Hallgrimsdottir is a female cattle breeder and also restaurant manager. Then he travels to Varmahlid: there Floriane Colonnier breeds Icelandic horse ( a tiny horse race, but very resistant horse), they make a horseback riding through the landscape and see a nice waterfall.Later Raphaël travels to Nesgja: there is a fault with very clear water: Erlendur Bogasson and Raphaël go diving in this canyon where they can see a lot of fishes. Besides we can see zooms about the Eyafjallajöfur volcano eruption (Gudni Porval Seyri, a farmer explained that the day became dark and that he used a G.P.S to come back home), about the observation of the volcanoes (the ranger Stefania Vignisdottir is in charge of observing the new lava fields), about Ragnhidur Monsel, the Icelandic woman who believes in the elves, has seen elves singing and dancing and who is the the mediator between elves and engineers about the construction of road on the Elves territory), about the Icelandic policemen who take selfies and make public relations on Instagram, about the importance of genealogy in Iceland (when a man has a date with a girl he asks if they are not relatives), about farming using hot water from geyser to warm green house and producing cucumber and tomatoes), about the use of geothermal energy for cooking (chef Olafur Reynisson), about the fishing near Grimey Island, about the postman Thordur Hallsdorson in the fjord region and about Salvar Olatur Baldursson who takes care for the eider ducks on the Sigur Island.
Fri, Feb 12, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Pointe-Noire: Sophie meets Christophe Wachter, a moped collector and she rents the famous "Mobylette" of the trade mark "Motobécane"" to move on the island: at the sea side Sophe meets Antione Mestracci, a diving coach who invites her to join a group of pupils for a free diving experience: the pupils must observe parrot fishes.Then in Le Moule Sophie meets Marie-Thé Georges who has come from France and manages a hotel at the seaside.Later she meets Harry Obertan , the baker and his wife Marcelle: with Sophie Harry will deliver bread to Marie-Pirre et Monos, in their restaurant they eat a dish with queen conch.Then they deliver bread to Monsieur "Lesieur", a retired and very wise man.In the night the family of Harry and friends (Franciane Garnier of the Association Soleil d'Argent) meet together, have supper, and dance: Sophie takes her moped and visits Luibert Nicoise, a creole horse breeder and they go for a riding in the countryside: nice landscapes on Pointe Allègre, two islets and a beautiful beach.Later Sophie meets Renaud Ruiller who has a pirate's room for Sophie.They pay a visit to Norbert Bianey who has a vanilla plantation and explains the different types of vanilla.Later Renaud and Sophie walk through a forest to a waterfall.At Pointe-à-Pitre Sophie meets Anicée Martin, a fashion Martin, at her shop there are beautiful creole dresses and head scarves: Carmen, the hairdresser enjoys the curly hair, her hairdressing are like works of art.Back to Pointe-Noire Sophie meets again Antoine and a team of free-divers, they will dive and catch red lion fishes: on the beach all are together to enjoy a dish of red lion fishes.
Fri, Feb 26, 2016
Beginning of the journey at the cliffs of Moher: Sophie meets there George Graham, a sheep shearer: they enjoy the landscape and then they leave the seaside and travel towards the mountains: they meet Tim Creedon, a sheep farmer (450 sheep), speak about the sheep (black sheep and white sheep) and begin the sheep shearing.Sophie shears also a sheep.Then Sophie meets the family of Tim and they drink coffee.Then Sophie is in Galway (Connemara) where she meets Marianne Gardiner; they go to the market and Sophie tastes oysters.Later they go to a dance school where they meet Michael (18 years old) and Matthew (16 years old) who are training tap dance (they are world champions of tap dance).On the morning Sophie takes breakfast with the family (the daughter Anna is also tap dancer) and they go the the mass in the Catholic church (a 25 minutes mass).In the night they go to an evening and the sons and daughter dance tap.Then Sophie travels by bus to Dingle, a town with colorful facades like in Galway: she meets there Sean Daly , the crystal craftsman who invites Sophie to carve a glass.They take ice-creams at Sean Murphy shop and go to the port: they make a boat tour with Jimmy Flannery to see dolphins in the Dingle bay.On the next day Sophie meets again Sean Daly and they take the Slea Head Drive: they meet Michal Liam Houlihan and visit a beehive hut (dry-stone hut with a corbelled roof): later they have a picnic at the Slea head. Then Sophie travels by bus to Carraroe where she meets Max Couque, a fishing guide and also Titianne Guillou , his wife and their children.On the morning Titianne who has worked as guide and Sophie travel by boat to the island of Inisheer; a landscape with many stone walls and little parcels (the farmers make soils with algae and sand); they see a shipwreck and then go to a cemetery: inside there is the Saint Caomhan's church and in a wall there is a famous hole with a legend: who can cross the hole goes directly to the paradise, they see also a ruined castle and speak about the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852).Later Max and Sophie go fishing in the sea and capture some mackerels: In the night supper with crabs and grilled mackerels and a moment of baby foot with the family. Besides we see zooms about the island of Inishmaan (Peadar O'Conghaile, a senior farmer speaks only in Gaelic, the primary school where children study Gaelic, the stone walls and little parcels), about the Wild Atlantic Way (surfing, cliff climbing, mountain bike tours), about the "Match making festival" of Lisdoonvarna (60.000 visitors each year, the fortune teller and the match maker), about the pubs of Galway (the stout beer, the folk musicians, the pleasure to be with friends), about the Irish redhead (the cliches, the genetic explanation, the Irish Redhead Convention in County Cork with the red-haired king and queen, the great sense of humor ) and about the Bay of Dingle and the diving ( Louise Howell, the diving coach, the sea beds with algae , the seals).
Fri, Mar 4, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Rangoon: since 2011 Burma is opened to the tourists.Raphael meets Thurein Aung , an architect who works for the restoration old buildings.They visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, a site with a great stupa (98 meters high) and 72 other pagodas.Raphael meets also Jochen Meissner who organizes bike tours through several unknown parts of Rangoon.We see also a family of puppeteers who try to preserve this Burmese art.At the Shwedagon Temple there is a weaving competition.Next day Raphael goes to Taunggyi to see the Lightning festival: in the day people send hot air balloons in form of animals and in the night they send hot air balloon with paper lanterns.In the markets and others places Raphael notices that women use white powder on their faces, it's tanaka.Later Raphael meets Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, a 34 years old pop star.Then Raphael travels to Lake Inle: he meets a canoe builder, , a woman who harvests tomatoes on floating gardens and sees also the fishermen on the lake.In the same place Raphael meets young Buddhist monks who receive their food from the people. At Kalaw Raphael visits the Green Hill Valley Camp for elephants which enjoy there their retirement.Then Raphael goes to Bagan: on an hot air balloon he can the hundreds of pagodas from above, later he meets Charles-David Hay who shows him some less touristic pagodas and a workshop of lacquered objects at the Minkaba village.Besides we see a zoom about a woman buying gold in Mandalay ,she goes to a workshop where they transform the gold into strips and later in another workshop they transform the strips into gold leaves.In the Mahamuni Temple the people decorate the Buddha statue with these gold leaves.
Fri, Apr 1, 2016
A nice journey from Martinica (the sailboat travel with Christophe Ratti, the the pilot whales, the fortress on St.-Lucia island and the arrival at Rodney Bay to Carlisle Bay in the Barbados ( the snorkeling among the sea turtles, the eating of the fried flying fish and the toast with rum) passing by Castries (the meeting with the fitness coach on the beach, the walk through the town, the statue of John Compton, the market, the coconut water and the tasting of the spicy black pudding, the Catholic mass), by Soufriere (the meeting with Monica and Martin Charles (the guesthouse with its cottage, Jessica the daughter of the couple, the visit of the sulphur springs and the mud bath), by Praslin (the meeting with Greta Joseph and Angela, the sea-moss harvesting in the sea, the tasting of the sea-moss in a peanut and milk juice), by Laborie (the cocoa farmer harvesting the cocoa pods, the transforming of the cocoa beans into chocolate and the meeting with Quill Barthelemy and the steel band) and by Bridgetown, Barbados (the meeting with Gabriel Welch (the talk about the tourism, the rum and the fishing in Barbados, the fish market and the buying of a flying fish). Besides we see zooms about the earth, the light and the people (Solange Lenihan enjoying the black-sand beaches of her island, the Rastafarian farmer family, the miscegenation of the people of St.-Lucia), about the French and English influences, about about the tropical forest (the medicinal herbs, the hummingbirds), about the "Rockets" athletics team ( the prayer before the training, the young athletes running barefoot on the beach,the example of Usain Bolt), about the nautical sports in St.-Lucia (the kite surfing and the sailboat regatta, the eating of roasted breadfruit, the public beaches of the island), and about the seaside of Barbados (the white-sand beaches, the photographer William Chan, the luxury resorts and the wedding planner Emma Corrie).
Fri, Apr 8, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Budapest: Jérôme arrives at the Brody House Hotel and later meets Peter: they begin to walk through the town (the Heroes' Square and speak about the town which has been rebuilt after the second world war: the they take the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular to the terrace of the castle: the funicular railway, the second in Europe (after Lyon) was opened in 1870.They enjoy the panorama of Budapest. Later they take a tramway (vintage model 1960) to the Parliament: a huge building of Neogothic style: they cross the main rooms and arrive at the corridor of the Deputies and at the library of the Parliament (there students and deputies are consulting books.After that they go to Széchenyi Thermal Baths (there are about 15 great thermal baths in Budapest): there are three swimming pool (the water temperature is 27-38 degrees).On the next day Jérôme meets Sophia in the market, she shows him the paprika, the truffles (they taste truffle butter) and they go to the apartment of Sophia: she prepares a mushrooms goulash with paprika and a touch of cream.They eat the goulash and Sophia gives Jérôme one of his cook book.On the next day Jérôme travels to Balmazújvaros and meets Gyula Mihalkó in his workshop: Jérôme sees how the father and son are making hats and Gyula gives Jérôme a shepherd hat to deliver to Janos, a cattle breeder.So Jérôme finds Janos in the meadows: Janos explains that the cows are Hungarian Grey cows (Magyar Szürke) with long type-shaped horns.Later Janos , in a traditional shepherd dress, gives his father the hat made by Gyula.Bak to Budapest Jérôme meets Angela, a Hungarian woman who has lived in France, married with with a French man and is French professor at the French lyceum.They go to the lyceum where they meet Mathieu and Isabela, the children and later Jean, Angela's husband.All the family and Jérôme go to a ranch where Mathieu is practicing archery from horseback: they have a picnic eating Hungarian sausages.Later Jérôme meets Judit and her Trabant (organized tours in Budapest) and Jérôme enjoy a little trip in this car.Then he meets again Peter and they visit the Budapest Synagogue (which looks like a Catholic Cathedral).After the visit they go a bar (the restored part of the Jewish neighborhood) and they have a drink.On the next day Jérôme travel s by train to Lovasberény; where he meets Michi and Machi, a couple of Budapest who has decided to live in the countryside: there is a farm and cottages : Jérôme and Michi plant a walnut tree and later drink a walnut liquor: Then Jérôme and the couple go the the school for the children and then near a river: some friends of Mich and Mli have come and all enjoy a campfire (barbecue). Besides we see zooms about the the photographer Mark Mervai, about the Chain Bridge and his keeper, about the rowers of the Danubius rowing club, about the Gellert Thermal bath, about the "spartys", about the inventors in Hungary (Ernö Rubik, the young student of the Design School), about the folk dances in the bars and cultural centers, about the Childrens' Train in the Hills of Buda and about the vineyard of Tokay ( the wine caves of the Oremus Estate).
Fri, Apr 15, 2016
Beginning of the journey in the Lake Como: Jérôme meets Cesare Baj, a journalist and seaplane pilot: they have a flight over the lake Como and arrive at the Aero Club Como.Cesare shows him the oldest seaplane built in 1935; then Jérôme buys a tiramisu and hazelnut ice cream and arrives at the port of Como where he meets Daniele Riva , a shipwright who has restored a boat (built in 1908) for his French owner,Mr. Patrick Droulers, Jérôme visit the workshop of the family Riva: eight generations of shipwrights.Then Jérôme travels to the Piedmont where he meets Pia Molteni, a hiking guide: they visit a cheese factory , they taste a blue cheese and buy the local Monte Mottarone cheese: they climb to the Monte Mottarone where they enjoy the sight over the Lake Maggiore. Later Jérôme is in Brescia: Adonella Palladino, a journalist speaks about the Mille Miglia of Brescia (car race from Brescia to Rome and back to Brescia): they visit the hall with the classic cars and see the departure of the Mille Miglia Storica.After that Jérôme is on the Lake Iseo: he is with Andrea Soardi and they have fished a pike and sardines.They go back to Monte Isola Island where Franca ,Andrea's mother, manages the fish shop and Fernando Soardi, prepares the sardines (dried sardines or sardines in olive oil): then they share a supper eating sardines.After that Jérôme arrives at Salo (Lake Garda), he goes to a pastry shop and buys a lemon cake: he meets Alberta Cavazza and they go by boat to the Garda island (also called Borghese island) which is owned since 1869 by the Cavazza family: this island has a large history: Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua lived there, also the poet Dante Alighieri.Alberta explains that her mother Charlotte has restored the gardens and now the island is opened to the visitors.Jérôme enjoys a picnic with Alberta, Charlotte and their grandchildren in a meadow of the island. Besides we see zooms about the lake Como (the journalist Serena Brivio, the Balbianello villa, the palaces, George Clooney and Luchino Visconti), about the Swiss part of the Lake Maggiore (Locarno, the border workers) and the enclave of Campione, about the Valtellina valley (the mountain agriculture, the mountain guide), about Cremona and the luthiers (the Stradivari family and the new luthiers), about the Monte Isola island and about Verona (the Juliet and Romeo tourism, the Roman theater with the classic performances in the summer).
Fri, Apr 22, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Cumbria: Sophie is accompanying the itinerant fish monger Steve Hallett in his round: they make a first delivery in a restaurant .Steve enjoys very much the Lake District with its changing colors.Then the second delivery is by Jon Fell, the chef of the restaurant "The White Mare" who buys mussels,prawns and monk-fish. Jon prepares his own "Bouillabaise" and Sophie and Steve enjoy a dish of fishes , mussels and prawns.Then Sophie meets Rachel Marston; a sheep farmer: they go to the meadows among the stone walls and see at the Swaledale sheep ( a typical breed of the Lake District).On the next day Sophie is on the river Mersey and on the ferry she meets Pete Price, the radio presenter and comedian.They arrive at Liverpool, see at the new Liverpool museum, the new statue of the Beatles and also the statue of BillyFury.Pete explains that Liverpool people are very friendly, they arrive at the tower of Radio City Two 96.7 and Pete begins his talk-show introducing Sophie. Later Sophie is in Manchester and takes a taxi: John Costerdine, taxi driver and touristic guide and Sophie speak about the renewal of Manchester: John gives Sophie a gift: a T-shirt with the Manchester bee.Then Sophie meets Adrian Rhodes, the priest and beekeeper, they go to the cathedral , climb to the roof and Adrian shows her his beehives.After that Sophie travels to the Castle of Swinton: the baroness Felicity Masham receives her, shows her some rooms of the castle: in the afternoon Sophie enters in the kitchen where she meets a Romanian waiter and they prepare for a couple tea and scones.On the morning Sophie takes her breakfast ( Benedictine eggs with Yorkshire ham and tea) and later she meets Sophie Abbott, the falconer of the castle who takes care for the prey birds (European eagle, falcons, owls): they play with a young South American falcon.After that Sophie is in Staithes (North Sea), she meets Tricia Baxter in the shop of the Lifeguards: then they walk through the town (2 churches, 5 chapels and 7 pubs): they meet Sean Baxter, who has been fisherman and now trainer of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution: Sophie, Tricia and Sean eat lobsters and on the morning Sophie see the training of the lifeguards (all are volunteers) in the bay of Staithes: Luke, the son of Tricia and Sean is also lifeguard and has saved two children last year. Besides we see zooms about Cumbria (the hiking, the paintings of Turner, the canyoning, the Hadrian's wall), about the Lake District ( the UNESCO world heritage site, the country house of Dalemain, the marmalade festival ), about Liverpool (the sixties with the Beatles, the music in Liverpool),about Manchester and its symbol (the worker bee), about the town of York and the Vikings and about the North Sea at Staithes (the algae picking,and the surfing).
Fri, May 6, 2016
A very nice excursion of Jérôme Pitorin from the Château de Sully-Saône et Loire department- ( Amélie de Macmahon, duchess of Magenta, the visit of the castle, the room of the marchioness for Jérôme, the place of memories and education- the children and the smelling of aromas-, the ball room ad the breakfast, the little Italian theatre, the little cellar and the tasting of white wine) to the Domaine de la Maison Ronde (Gaelle Lajugee showing the house of the hobbits, the musicians of the band "Les Trois Moustiquaires" singing a song, the toast to the nature and the creativity) passing by Chalon-sur-Saône -Saône et Loire department- ( the aerobatics pilot Sylvain Parmentier and his 11 years old daughter making aerobatics and then the aerobatics flight of Sylvain with Jérôme), by Saint-Léger-lès-Paray (the cattle breeder Jean-François Jacob, the Charolais cattle and the travel to Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais- the electronic auction and the traditional deal with the shaking of hands), by Dijon-Côte d'Or department- (the food truck manager Jean Rustou-B comme Burgui-, the Moutarderie Edmond Fallot-Marc explaining the making of the mustard with mustard seeds of Burgundy and Meursault white wine, the tasting of a special burger made with Charolais beef and the Dijon mustard), by Beaune-Côte d'Or department- ( the visit of the Hospices de Beaune with the ceramist Bérénice, the famous auction of the wines of Beaune, the souvenirs store and the tile made by Bérénice), and by Alligny-en-Morvan- Nièvre department- (La Maison des Nourrices et des Enfants, the architect Claude Correia explaining the story of the Morvan wet nurses in Paris, the travel to Gouloux, the "sabotier" Pierre Marchand making clogs with fresh birch wood, the visit of the "Saut du Gouloux", the river and the rafting of the firewood to Paris and the beautiful waterfall). Besides we see zooms about the "Château-fort" de Guédelon, about the restoration of the castle of Vallery, about the Canalde la Bourgogne, about the restaurant-cabaret "La Ruche Gourmande", about the snails of Burgundy, about Autun and Tolix chair and about the forests of the Morvan.
Fri, May 13, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Amsterdam: Raphaël meets Mathilde De Gooider, a student and touristic guide: they make a bike tour through the streets of Amsterdam and they eat fresh herrings with onions and pickles: then Raphaël goes to the barge of Piet Rujiter where he spends the night.In the morning Piet wakes up Raphaël and they go fishing.Piet is the last fisherman of Amsterdam , they cross the canals , go to the see and find zanders, breams and perchs.They come back to the barge: there Thornwald Voss (chef of the Mediamatic restaurant) sees the fishes and buy them.Then Raphaël is walking near the water canals , sees a boat and a trumpetist playing music, then a man appears appears in a tower and greets the trumpetist.Raphaël climbs the tower and meets on the 9th floor Boudewijn Zwart who is the bell ringer in this tower.Boudedewijn shows him the bells (the greatest of 7.500 kilograms) and tells him his encounter with the trumpetist.In front of the tower there is the House of Anna Frank who she listened the sounds of these bells.Then Raphaël and Boudewijn go to a restaurant and eat a sandwich of salted beef and liver.Later they go to the old church of Amsterdam and both they ring bells.Later Raphaël meets Isabelle Garachon at the Rijskmuseum: they se the paintings of Vermeer (the Milkwoman) and of Rembrandt (the Night watch): then Isabelle shows him the laboratory where she is working ( A Madonna in earthenware) , they see a beautiful statue of an angel which has come back to the museum and they enjoy a pleasant moment in the restaurant "Werkplaats".Then Raphaël is at the amusement park of Efteling: he meets there Lennart Stolk and they enjoy the roller coaster.Efterling is a very nice amusement park with a great natural ambiance ( nests for birds and bats): Raphaël enjoys later the bobsleigh with some visitors. Then Raphaël travels to Wervershoof where he meets Michiel Kruijer, manager of a great tulip farm (24 Flowers): he visits the farm and see how the tulips are cut and send to a flower market (the farm produces every year 22 millions o¡f flowers).Then Raphaël and Michiel go to the "Flora house " in Amsterdam, an auction market for flowers (in the 17th century the Dutch people lived the first financial crack when they were speculating about tulips).Then the go to Michiel's store where there is an automatic dispenser for flowers (open day and night). Besides we see zooms about Dick Pels ( a sociologist and musician who has restored his sailboat), about the construction of floating islands (the photographer Mratijn Van Den Dobbelsteen in the Vrijburcht neighborhood and the architect Koen Olthuis of the Watertudio wh is inventing new floating islands), about Peter Smith (the man is is collecting plastic wastes), about the repair cafe (Martine Postma has this idea), about the De Ceuwel neighborhood( an old shipyard transformed into houses), about the windmills in Netherlands , about the wind turbines , about the high size of the Dutch people, about the Kaskantine, about the cooking of undesirable animals (geese, foxes, pigeons), and about the hobby farmers (small farmers who produce organic products).
Fri, Jun 17, 2016
Beginning of the journey in Hue: Jérôme meets Duc, a tailor who produces typical dresses and who invites him to visit the market (they eat a jellyfish) and the Citadel of Hue: there they meet Buu Y who has yellow blood (he is a descendant of the king Minh Mang) .Later they meet the director of the school for fin arts ,Do Ky Hay ,who explains the work of the lacqueres in the restoration of the monuments.Not far a group of former students of one the best schools of Hue (they wear elegant violet dresses).Jérôme and Duc go to the Pagoda to make offerings ( incense sticks) because it's the day of the Moon.Now Jérôme is on the Mandarine Road which goes from the Chinese border to the Mekong delta, he meets Nam , a man riding a bicycle who takes pictures and visit people in the villages.At the Clouds Pass he sees how young married takes pictures of the top of a monument.Then we are in Danang, a place famous for its beaches.Jérôme travels by train to Hoi An where he meets Réhahn Croqueville, a French photographer , who presents him Mrs Tong, a lady whose picture is now in the Museum of Vietnamese Women in Hanoi and the people say her that she is is the most beautiful woman in the world.They they go to Prao, a place of the Co Tu minority (60.000 persons): there Réhahn presents him the grandfather and the granddaughter; their picture have been published in a book.In the night they meet in the market the chef Duc Tran buying fishes and seafood, and also fish sauce and in the night they enjoy a delicious supper of seafood prepared with Vietnamese fish sauce.Jérôme takes the train to Ho Chi Minh Ville and meet there his interpreter Hai, the meet Yen Ngo , a young woman working in telemarketing.The go to a park where people listen to birds and they they go to the Square of the Commune of Paris where is the Cathedral Our Lady of Saigon (a place of meeting of young people).Jérôme meets then Anh a young female scooter driver who works as guide in the night for foreigner tourists and they visit a bar where a Vietnamese pop band is singing.Finally Jérôme goes to Vinh Long in the Mekong delta, there he meets Yae Truong Thi Day and her husband Bul Van Mang: with them they go up by boat to Saigon (12 hours) buying in one place bananas, in another place breadfruit: they explain him that there are very dangerous snakes in these waters, king cobras, spectacled cobra and white-lipped pit viper and there is an anti-venom center and also a snake farm where people produce anti-venom serum.Finally they arrive at Cai Be and Yae wishes that Jérôme will come back to Vietnam.