Season 1

 

101: South Africa: A Country of Cultural Mosaics

 

 Join the Grannies as they travel to the new South Africa and visit the major cities -- Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Walk through historically important museums and galleries, meet artists, musicians and everyday people in their homes.

102: South Africa - On Safari!

 

Travel with the Grannies as they explore wildlife at Kapama Private Game Reserve. Trek to the land of the San people at Kagga Kamma, where they view 6,000 year old cave drawings. Meet the real elephant that is featured in their book "The Search for Jabulani's Family". Mokena a Zulu guide takes them through the world-famous Lesedi Cultural Center.

103: Discovering the Wonders of Morocco

 

The Grannies explore this North Africa country bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains. Come aboard as they ride camels in the Sahara and partake in a huge feast at the home of Berbers in their middle-Atlas mountaintop enclave. Experience the magic the blue city (Fes), the white city (Casablanca) and the pink city (Marrakech). Highlights - Jamaa El Fina Square in Marrakech, goats in the trees on and the beautiful fishing village of Essaouria.

104: Istanbul - Ancient Crossroads

 

The Grannies travel to Istanbul, the confluence of the great Christian, Moslem and Byzantine cultures. Framed by its seas - the Marmara, Black Sea, Mediterranean and the mysterious Bosporus, Istanbul is considered home of one of the wonders of the world - Hagia Sofia. Straddling both Asia and Europe, the country is full of the ancient and modern, ruins and culture. They visit the Blue Mosque, view ancient Roman underground cistern ruins, and see the treasures of Topkapi Palace. Pat and Regina meet with three famous Turkish artists and Bedri Baykam, internationally known visual artist, filmmaker and writer.

105: Japan - The Contemporary and the Ancient

 

The Grannies travel to the "Land of the Rising Sun" - Japan. They journey to two of Japan's greatest cities - Tokyo and Kyoto. The visit great temples, fabulous restaurants and new 21st century structures including the Rappongi Hills. During their visit, The Grannies toured one of the leading Anime studios and saw previews of upcoming video programs. Of course, they had time for a little Karaoke in Tokyo before they departed.

106: Korea - Off the Beaten Path

 

The Grannies go off the beaten path to explore Korea. They visit Seoul, with its bustling cultural assets including world-class museums and galleries that make the country come alive. The renowned World Ceramics Center, and the Korean Folk Village where ancient dwellings have been created to demonstrate how life was in the 15th through 18th-centuries, was a highlight. Temples dot the provinces of the country and they visit many historical ones. Korea House was a culinary feast and highlight of Seoul. 

Season 3 

301: India – The Golden Triangle

The Grannies venture into this fascinating subcontinent to visit one of the world’s most interesting countries - India.  They explore part of what is called the Golden Triangle, beginning in the city of New Delhi and then on to Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, a cultural hub and glistening outpost of Indian arts, architecture and culture.

302: Peru - Its Coastal Cultural Heritage

Watch the Grannies as they move about Peru's Atlantic coast and explore cosmopolitan Lima - its culture and history. Experience the Afro- Peruvian community in El Carmen and visit with well-known musical, visual and performance artists. Regina reconnects with an old friend who creates marionettes that tell stories of old. Join them as they experience world cuisine - fused from Chinese, African, and Incan traditions.

 303: Western Cape, South Africa and Botswana

They begin their adventure in glorious Cape Town with excursions to the Cape of Good Hope and the wine lands. The Grannies board "The Pride of Africa" on Rovos Rail - accommodated in restored vintage cars - for a two-day trip to Pretoria that includes a stop at the famous Kimberly Gold Mines. While in Botswana, the ladies visit the set of the popular television series "The Ladies #1 Detective Agency" and meet with the Oodi Weavers. They are accompanied by the cosmetic icon Marilyn Miglin, who is on her first trip to South Africa seeking flowers for a new perfume.

304: Varanasi - India's Spiritual Capital and Bangalore- A Commercial Star

The Grannies make a pilgrimage on bicycle rickshaws to the "Ganga Ma" or Mother Ganges, a place of life and death revered in the Hindu religion. They observe both day and evening celebrations and rituals and even participate. They visit a factory famous for Varanasi silk and of course shop! A quick flight to Southern India and to the city of Bangalore known a major tech metropolis brought new experiences. The Grannies explore glamorous shopping centers and look for bargains at quaint neighborhood crafts fairs. They try their hand at Indian cooking and select elegant saris and have them fitted by master Sari makers. The ladies are welcomed by distinguished citizens who invite them to a traditional Indian wedding bachelorette party and dine at a country club that looks straight out of an Ivory Merchant film.

305: Peru - Cusco and Machu Picchu

Travel with the Grannies to Cusco a world heritage site, and the former capital of the Inca civilization.  At 11,900 feet high this ancient city was not only considered sacred by the Incas but was a jewel of the Spanish colonial world.  The city is considered the arts and crafts capital of Peru. Machu Picchu at 9,600 feet was a marvel, and the trek to see this ancient city was a challenge when the Grannies climbed it. The city is located in the Andes in an area called the "cloud forest". Surrounded by steep mountains entire neighborhoods were created. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World - the exploration of this hidden city in the Andes Mountains was an unforgettable and magical experience.

306: Exotic - Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Grannies travel to this truly exotic island that is known for its spice trade, trade winds, historic Arab architecture and romantic resorts. Stone Town, the capital, is a captivating rustic city filled with veiled women, thriving markets and aromatic neighborhoods. The ladies experience an exotic dance performance on the beach, ruins and a meal fit for kings.  A highlight of the trip was a stay at the world-famous Baraza Resort - individual cabanas, private beaches and buildings shaped like a sultan’s palace. Accompanied by Marilyn Miglin, their special travel partner, they explore the mangrove swamps, hidden plantations and all the while looking for herbs and spices for her fragrances.