Countries: CA

In a land far, far away, Valerie discovers the pristine waters and easy-going attitude that define the Cook Islands. Not quite like Hawaii and not really Tahiti, these islands have a personality all their own. Here, Valerie learns about folk medicine and organic farming from one of the island’s best-known figures. She also enjoys a traditional feast, where meat and vegetables emerge from a sand pit perfectly cooked. Come along to church on Sunday and marvel at the voices lifted by faith. And just off the shores of the main island Rarotonga, Valerie loses herself in the most beautiful place on earth: Aitutaki.

Germans have a reputation for being ingenious, precise and efficient. But Valerie finds there is much more to these people when she explores Berlin. A city steeped in history and also on the cutting edge, this European capital has a lot to offer. Find a bargain at the flea market, feel the techno vibe at an all-night party and join in a cabaret act at the famous Wintergarten. Valerie also experiences the war-torn history of this great metropolis through the many museums and remembrance pieces. See what has been rebuilt in the aftermath and what historical buildings remain.

The Mediterranean sector of this beautiful country has had a resurgence in tourism post-war. Many of the historical structures, including medieval double walls and a pharmacy dating back to 1317, still stand today. Dubrovnik is the jumping off point for this episode, but Valerie manages to explore more of the Dalmatian Coast than just this thriving port town of nearly 50,000 people. She gets to the heart of Croatia by traveling to the islands of Mljet and Korcula for a lesson in history and some local wine. She is also treated to a folkloric show in Cilipi, where the locals entertain crowds with traditional dances.

On this program, Valerie gets to know the people who make Ireland an ideal travel destination. Each character she meets is open and willing to share a little part of their life on the Emerald Isle. Follow along as Valerie explores the city of Dublin, where locals drink 9800 pints per hour on the weekend. Tour the same streets where literary greats prowled as they conjured the Ireland we’ve all come to know. Valerie also gets outside the city to see beautiful Powerscourt, with its lush gardens. Both the bustle of the city and the charm of the country are included in this episode, shot in the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish are said to have a twinkle in their collective eye. It may be their sense of humor, a bit of blarney, the appreciation of a good pint or even the anticipation of sharing their country with someone new. One thing is for sure; the Irish make Ireland what it is. In this episode, Valerie has a chance to see Northern Ireland and learn that the Troubles are over, but the message remains. Travel with her as she is awed by such natural beauty as the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim Coast Road and Yeats Country. The legacy of a nation of authors, independents and sentimentalists bring the trips to Galway and the Aran Island, Inis Mór, to life. Experience, through Valerie’s eyes, the warmth and splendor of Ireland.

Eight million people live straddled along the Chao Praya River, the River of Kings. So it is along the river that Valerie begins her trip to Venice of the East, on a water ferry that in Bangkok serves as rapid transit. As Valerie finds, Bangkok is a city of extreme contrasts; the cacophony of gridlock traffic to the serenity of Wat Aran, the Temple of Dawn; from the delicacy and tranquility of ritual dancers, to the exotic dancers and sex trade of Sukhumvit and Kao Sanh Road. Valerie tries the local fare and discovers that authentic Thai food is more than a little spicier than back home.

As Valerie says, Singapore is a fine city….that is you can get fined for everything from spitting to chewing gum. So why go? Valerie explains squeaky clean city of Singapore is not only home of the Singapore Sling, but is the gateway to the wonderful Eastern and Orient Express, the world famous colonial era train. We join Valerie as she boards the classic train and snakes her way north-west through the Malay peninsula, through the jungles, past the towering Petrona Towers of Kuala Lumpur, to a stop at the Bridge on the River. There she visits a World War II military cemetery. The trip concludes as the Eastern and Orient pulls into Bangkok’s Central Station.

Here, in the city that straddles two continents Valerie discovers the aromatic joys of a Hookah, the magnificence of the Sultans’ palaces, and the true meaning of Turkish Delight. As Valerie rides across the Bosphorous from Asia to Europe and back she takes us through some of the most beautiful buildings ever made, the Topkapi Palace, home to the Sultans for four centuries – and the centre of the Ottoman empire. After guiding us through the maze of rooms, the grandeur of the vaulted arches, the giant domes, and multiplying minarets, Valerie finds her holy grail – not the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia – but the Grand Bazaar. Here she takes tea with carpet salesperson who is looking to ease many million of Turkish Lire out of Valerie’s pocket book. Not quite sure who got the best of who in this exchange.