From the natural beauty of Kauai's Na Pali Coast to Hong Kong's neon nightlife, SMART TRAVELS--PACIFIC RIM WITH RUDY MAXA V delivers the best of this exotic and ancient region. Award-winning journalist and travel expert Rudy Maxa models hassle-free ways of plotting a memorable, independent trip to intriguing destinations around the Pacific Rim. To bring the Pacific Rim's history alive, Maxa travels to tourist-savvy sites, rambling through ancient ruins, temples and cobbled streets to highlight the region's past. Along the way, Maxa motorbikes in Australia, navigates up river in New Zealand and samples Chinese haute cuisine in Hong Kong. Throughout his travels, Maxa offers tips on travel philosophy, reservations, overcoming the language barrier, adapting to different surroundings, changing money, pacing travels and meeting people. Maxa also ferrets out lesser-known sites and shares these pristine off-the-beaten-path surprises with viewers.
http://www.SmartTravels.TV
Episode # 511
With spectacular seismic activity, fascinating plant and animal life, and to-die-for natural beauty, New Zealand is a traveler's dream. In the Bay of Islands, Rudy kayaks along the North's most glorious coastline. A Maori guide shows us where local tribes signed a controversial treaty with European settlers. Known as the country's bread basket, Hawke's Bay offers bike rides through fruit and olive groves, and a town with one of the highest concentrations of art deco buildings in the world. Tips on oyster shucking and olive oil.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
Episode # 512
Guadalajara is alive with the music of mariachis, flowers, colonial architecture, and passionate artists. Rudy explores the rich history and culture of "The Most Mexican of Cities." Art and artists are an important part of Guadalajara and Rudy takes it all in from the papier-mache pinatas to the dramatic murals of Orozco. Rudy tours a tequila factory, learns about margaritas and samples the best of traditional Mexican cooking. Then it's an easy hop to the coast where Puerto Vallarta's traditional charm still survives next to its new resorts.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 510
The South Island of New Zealand weaves Kiwi culture with scenic splendor. The vast vineyards of Marlborough helped bring this country's wines to the world stage. At a local artists' colony, Rudy gets a crash course in Maori bone carving. The breathtaking city of Queenstown draws adventure enthusiasts from around the world. We brave white-water rapids on river boards and ride a hot air balloon for soaring views of "Lord of the Rings" country. Tips on Maori crafts and eating mussels.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 509
Sun-washed beaches, chic beachside towns, cliffs and rainforests and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the ultimate outdoor adventure. We begin north of Brisbane along the sunshine coast, exploring sand dune covered islands, coastal towns and parks. Then we fly north to Cairns, the gateway to the coral, multicolored sea life and azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Tips on avoiding poisonous creatures and diving.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, May 04, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 508
Australia's stunning metropolis, Sydney seduces with its glorious harbor, carefree attitude and sunny beaches. From the Opera house to the Harbor Bridge to Circular Quay Rudy basks in the sights along the harbor. Then, it's pub hopping in the old Rocks quarter, admiring aboriginal art, and a watery adventure at the aquarium. Excursions take us surfing at Bondi beach and exploring the cliffs and rainforests of the Blue Mountains. Tips on eating well and best beaches.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 507
We get a Pacific Rim rush when we visit energetic, ever-changing Hong Kong. On a famous Star Ferry, Rudy savors one of the most majestic skylines on earth. Here, where ancient tradition cozies up to ultramodern, we take in monasteries, Chinese herbs and a city obsessed with shopping. The island of Lantau features one of the world's largest statues of Buddha. And in the fishing village of Sai Kung, Rudy feasts on freshly caught seafood. Tips on markets and feng shui.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 506
China's new powerhouse, Shanghai dazzles with fantastic skyscrapers, non-stop shopping and delicious dining. From traditional Tai Chi in the parks and teahouses to market madness and tumbling acrobats, Rudy explores tradition and modernity in this burgeoning city. Excursions to the gardens of Suzhou and the canal town Zhouzhuang bring the ancient past alive. Tips on getting around and eating well.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
12:00 PM
Episode # 505
As Canada's door to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is a vibrant mix of European heritage and Asian cultures. In this vital, young and dynamic city Rudy explores the mix of cultures that inspires world-class cuisine, a spirited night life and modern Asian shopping centers. Nature is ever present and Rudy visits a temperate rainforest and rides a gondola to the top of a mountain just minutes from downtown. A spectacular ferry ride to Victoria brings Rudy to a bastion of British Heritage where he enjoys afternoon tea, visits the beautiful Butchart Gardens and dines on seaweed plucked from the seashore.
Rebroadcast
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Length : 26 min
MPT2
