Travelscope

Joseph embarks on his fourth visit to Taiwan and his sixth episode in the country. Using Taiwan’s extensive train system he rides the rails in search of treasures at the ends of the lines. He discovers that Taiwan’s rail system is indeed a pathway to adventures that never cease to entertain, educate and enchant. On his journey, Taiwan’s natural beauty, cultural richness, colorful history and creative spirit are revealed. It also becomes clear that it doesn’t matter how one gets around the island, what matters is what you find. And there is no end to the surprising, enlightening, exhilarating and heart-warming experiences that can be had on what the Portuguese discoverers called Ilha Formosa — this beautiful Isle.

Joseph continues his Taiwan Rail Adventure. As he rides the rail system he finds natural and cultural adventures that entertain, educate and enchant the traveler. Along with Taiwan’s natural beauty, cultural richness and colorful history, Joseph learns that rather than demolish the old, the Taiwanese are repurposing outdated train stations, rail lines and the remnants of industries the rails once supported in order to serve Taiwan’s ever-growing and changing population in new ways. It only goes to prove that there is, indeed, no end to the surprising, enlightening, exhilarating and heart-warming experiences that can be had when visiting this beautiful island nation.

On Joseph’s first visit to Korea, he discovers that while the capital city of Seoul’s modern skyline and prosperity are impressive, it’s Korea’s extraordinary history, traditions and customs that are the cornerstones of its culture. During his South Korea adventure he finds ancient treasures, surprising natural beauty, exciting foods, spiritual experiences and heart-warming welcomes. From Seoul’s five royal palaces, traditional markets, hip shopping malls and avenues to the city’s many Buddhist temples and historic neighborhoods, wherever he goes and whatever he does something fascinating awaits. In addition, his excursion from the capital to the Korean Demilitarized Zone illustrates the Korean’s ability of rising from the ashes time and time again and their knack for making miracles.

San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods and within its seven-by- seven mile boundary it seems every patch of ground has a name. In this episode Joseph explores six of the city’s famous, little-known and changing neighborhoods in search of what distinguishes them from the rest and makes them must-visit San Fran attractions. He learns that each has a unique history and iconic attractions, shops and restaurants that add their special zest to the San Fran mix. He finds neighborhoods where people in the mist of change are working together to not destroy what they have, but make their neighborhood more what it is. The song says, “I left my heart in San Francisco” and the city has more than 800,000 residents and millions and millions of visitors who have left at least a piece of theirs here – and Joseph discovers that he is one of them.

In the spirit of adventure, Joseph sets out on a California exploration through the state’s Tri-Valley region. In his visit to the Amador, Livermore and San Ramon valleys he learns that while searching the world over for the exotic, often we miss the exciting, surprising and pleasurable experiences that await close to home. In the Tri-Valley cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon and Dublin and the town of Danville, Joseph discovers a slew of little-known attractions that include a thriving wine region, historic towns, a diverse culinary scene and art, music and cultural festivals. And what is most impressive, is that although just 33 miles from San Francisco, California’s Tri-Valley region continues to honor its historic roots, which date back centuries, while it enthusiastically celebrates its new communities. By the end of his visit Joseph has a better understanding of the Tri-Valley motto, “Tri It, You¹ll Love it!”

Toronto is a city of neighborhoods and, like Toronto, they are ever becoming more themselves. In his exploration of Toronto and its ever-emerging neighborhoods Joseph discovers that change can mean repurposing old buildings, welcoming new businesses, and building new facilities and infrastructure. Yet, at the core of all the city’s changes he finds cultural connections which prove that Toronto and its neighborhoods are firmly rooted in their historic, natural and multi-cultural roots. It’s what makes visiting Toronto like seeing an old friend as well as meeting a new one for the first time.

Ontario’s Central Counties offers a mosaic of historic gristmill villages, verdant farmlands and towns that thrive because of their multi-cultural population. During his Central Counties explorations Joseph cycles through the rich Durham farmlands on an agri-tourism adventure that includes fruit wine tasting and a visit to Tyrone Mill, one of only two operating mills in Ontario. In the York region he steps back in time at the Black Creek Pioneer Village for a taste of what life was like in the early days of Canada and fast forwards into the present at the Taste of Asia Festival in Markham. The Hills of Headwaters area features wilderness parks as well as horse stables, vineyards and luxury resorts. It’s here where surprisingly Joseph visits a three-generation farm and learns about the people that manage Ontario’s Central Counties agricultural riches. Joseph also attends Canada Day, where Canadians celebrate their confederation, and poses the question, “What is a Canadian?”

Joseph heads to Sault Saint Marie, the historic site of the first battle of the War of 1812, and rides the Algoma Railway north through the Agawa Canyon along the path of Canada’s famed Group of Seven artists into the heart of Algoma Country. It’s an excellent time to harken to the call of history as well as follow the lure of nature. With a world of spectacular natural experiences to compare to, Joseph discovers none of them surpass the glory of being in Sault St. Marie and Algoma Country in the Fall — where even the evergreens turn color. While not all of life’s blessings are obvious, it’s hard to miss the message and sweet, simple gift of a leaf going through its transitions. In wilderness camps, Joseph encounters some of the denizens of the woodlands — black bears, bald eagles, loons, Canadian geese and more. Back in the Sault, its citified pleasures shine in unique museums, provincial parks, fly-fishing on the river and climbing to the top of the international bridge. During this trip Joseph is reminded that life is an invitation to live and you never know where you’ll find the adventure.

Joseph takes off for Northwest Ontario, a region distinguished by Canada’s great outdoors. On the 300-mile drive along the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay, on Northwest Ontario’s eastern edge, to Kenora, near its Western border with Manitoba, the granite outcroppings of the Canadian Shield are revealed and the boreal forest covers the landscape. And there’s water, water everywhere. Within its 204,000 square miles there are just 250,000 people, yet there are 5,000 wilderness camps and lodges and 150,000 fishable lakes. Joseph engages in fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing – if it can be done outside then Joseph’s doing it. In addition, he discovers that the Northwest is in the middle of transforming itself from a region devoted to using up the environment to one that celebrates it – in new parks and conversation areas, farmers markets, downtown preservations and an emerging culinary scene. It’s a turn for the better for the people who live here and Joseph finds a wealth of opportunities for those who visit.

There are so many beautiful islands in the bi-national Thousand Islands that its name could easily be Two Thousand and More Islands. Each has its particular charm and the Thousand Islands have long captured the heart and soul of those in search of an escape to a place of beauty and tranquility. On this Canadian adventure Joseph goes in search of the gentile pleasures that are synonymous with the islands — a place rich in natural wonders, historic sites and island traditions. There are many for him to choose from — cozy farmers markets, millionaire castles, kayak excursions, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, family farms and fine restaurants. While the Thousand Islands was and still is the stomping ground of the rich and famous, the spirit of this place is neighborly and down-to-earth. On his travels Joseph discovers that the real treasures of the Thousand Islands are all the people that you’ll meet – they’re good-natured, independent, yet close knit and connected to this land. They have a spirit of adventure. Some have been here for generations; others just came for a visit and stayed for a lifetime. And their love of this place is real and infectious – it doesn’t take long to catch it.

Joseph visits Northeast Ontario, Canada, a vast land of trees, water and rock that has served many. It has been home to aboriginal people for more than 10,000 years. To illustrate the aboriginal people’s connection, on Manitoulin Island Joseph joins his First Nations guides at a pow wow, on a hike along the Niagara Escarpment, in handcrafting a drum and at an aboriginal feast. He also visits a Roman Catholic church which endeavors to be a gathering place for native and non-native alike by incorporating the symbols, traditions and beliefs of both. On the historic French River he learns that to the French fur traders, voyageurs, its lakes and rivers were a highway to prosperity – and to outdoor enthusiasts a never-ending source of pleasure. In the region’s largest town, Sudbury, it’s clear that to the lumber and mining industries the surrounding trees and rocks are a resource of wealth and riches. With the French River as a magnificent backdrop Joseph meets artists to whom the natural scenery is an inspiration and who capture its dramatic landscape to showcase Canada’s natural beauty. Finally, Joseph’s journey of discovery reveals that the historic interactions and modern day partnerships formed here between diverse interests speak of a spirit of cooperation that distinguishes Canada. Theirs is indeed a “Canoe Culture” where each respects the talents of the other and strives to pull together for the common good.

Joseph and Julie travel to San Antonio, their favorite Texas town, for eleven days of parades, music, food, dance and celebration. During their stay they share their individual and mutual San Antonio stories. With more than 100 events and three million people attending, Fiesta is San Antonio’s biggest party. Yet, it’s a party with a purpose. Fiesta honors history, customs and traditions and is, above all, a celebration of community. Fiesta events benefit more than 100 non-profit organizations, which in turn aid San Antonians of every sex, age, race, creed and heritage. Viva Fiesta!

Joseph follows in the path of the reformers as he travels through Switzerland and Germany and commemorates the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. “Out of love and concern for the truth and with the object of eliciting it…” So begins Martin Luther’s 95 theses hung on the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church on October 31, 1517. Thanks to the printing press, within two months his 95 Theses spread throughout Europe where they found fertile ground in Switzerland in Zurich priest Ulrich Zwingli and elsewhere and grew into the Protestant Reformation, which would shape the western world’s religious and cultural future. Join Joseph as he follows this historical trail.

Joseph continues his travels through Germany and Switzerland in the path of the Protestant Reformation. He follows in the path of the reformers and learns that Switzerland’s Anabaptists are the ancestors of today’s U.S. Mennonites and Amish. Joseph also takes part in the annual Luther Festival in Wittenberg, Germany, which celebrates the marriage of Luther. The two episodes seek to immerse viewers in the culture of the time and help explain the far-reaching effects these “new thinkers” have on society today.

From Budapest to Bucharest, Joseph seeks the surprising and the little-known, as well as hits the highlights as he hopscotches his way through some of the best and undiscovered of Europe. Along the way there’s always time for a taste of the region’s culinary gems and to take time to share a drink and a chat with the locals. Join Joseph on a colorful kaleidoscope of adventures in the heart of the heart of Europe.