Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope

Cappadocia, in Turkey’s rural heart, is a natural wonder and a cultural treasure chest.  It is where the East and West have collided and “fairy chimneys” — fantastic volcanic ash formations — have risen from the land and tower over beautifully carved valleys. The Travelscope TV episode will air as part of Season IV which begins airing on PBS stations nationwide on June 2010. As a preview to its release Joseph meets up with Bora Özkök of Cultural Folk Tours at the Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure show to talk about Cappadocia, Bora’s tours and the Cappadocia Suites — one of the finest and most unusual accommodations in Turkey.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bettmeralp sits at 6,561 surrounding with the Valais region of Switzerland’s beautiful mountains.  A four season destination, Bettmeralp is family-friendly and car-free – and typically Swiss. At the quaint village of Bettmeralp – dubbed the Better Alp by the tourism board – Joseph stayed at the Bettmerhof, which is situated near the chair lift which leads to alpine meadows in the summertime and excellent downhill skiing in the wintertime. Christian Iholster, his wife and two children were Joseph’s hosts and hostesses.

Bursting at the seams in their home office prompted Joseph and Julie to scour the internet for “extra space” options. They found a cute cedar “sun shed” online and made the leap. Joseph speaks with the Obie Miller one of the family of owners of OriginalSheds.com about Travelscope’s expansion and other space-utilizing ideas that the company offers their customers.

Joseph journeys to Switzerland to capture footage for two PBS television shows on Switzerland. First stop was the international city of Geneva where he stayed on Lake Geneva at the historic and typically grand Swiss hotel – the Beau Rivage. Founded in 1865 by the Mayer family, the hotel is noted for the famous people who have stayed there.  Joseph speaks with Jacques Mayer, the hotel’s managing owner, about his family’s long association with the legendary hotel.

The nation’s capital is an exciting destination in any season. It’s a moving experience to wander around the Mall and visit all the monuments to our nation’s history. During a recent stay in the city Joseph situated himself close to the action at the Loews’ Madison Hotel – just a hop, skip and a jump from the White House. He speaks with General Manager Larry Beiderman and chef Arnel Esposo about the property.

New York, New York is a hellava a town—for restaurants. In every neighborhood you can find a world of cuisines. Designed by Jean Denoyer, Orsay, located on the Upper East Side at Lexington and 75th Street, is a fine dining establishment that is at its heart a warm, welcoming neighborhood French eatery. Menu selections offer a delicious combination of light classical French dishes and the popular comfort foods of a Parisian brasserie. Joseph speaks with manager/partner Hassan El Garrahy about the restaurant.

Joseph visits the nation’s capital and stops off at the historic Madison, a Loews Hotel, to speak with general manger Larry Beiderman about the White House-adjacent property and an upcoming cultural event.

Joseph speaks with Qantas Airways vice-president Peter McLaughlin about a once-in-a-lifetime bargain air package, Qantas’ new A380 and Australia—that great, big land down-under that has such wonders in it.

Blue skies, white sand beaches, spicy food and music—and the friendliest people on earth Joseph discovers all this and more on the British Virgin Island.

Joseph continues his Alaska — America’s Last Frontier Regency Cruise with stops in Juneau, Skagway and Sitka and discovers more of this Great Land and its people.

New Brunswick is Canada’s only bi-lingual province and the peaceful co-existence between the French Acadian culture and the English Loyalist culture gives you two experiences for the price of one. Add to that New Brunswick’s natural beauty and the amazing Bay of Fundy tides and a world of adventure awaits you. Joseph returns to New Brunswick for the 400th anniversary of the French landing in North America to celebrate the Festival Acadien of Caraquet. It’s a two-week cultural celebration that culminates in a mardi-gras style street party throughout the Acadien Peninsula.  We’ll learn about the past, present and future of the Acadians. We’ll join in their festival and partake of some of the many attractions New Brunswick offers year round.

San Antonio is every Texan’s second hometown. From the Alamo to the river walk San Antonio entertains, informs and inspires at every bend in the river. While visiting San Antonio in preparation for a Travelscope Television shoot next Spring, Joseph’s discovers a very comfortable and historic home away from home – The Drury Plaza. He gets the lowdown on the property from the assistant general manager.

Joseph hits the path less traveled with Variety Cruise Line. From Folegandros to Kea, Joseph weighs anchor on the Galileo for the Jewel of Cyclades tour. After the cruise Joseph explored the “new” Athens and when he returned home he talked with Chris Petsilas, Deputy Director of the Greek National Tourist Office in New York about what Athens has to offer visitors.

Join Joseph as he speaks with chef Daniel Salcido about East L.A. meets Napa – an annual Los Angeles event held downtown in historic Union Station benefiting AltaMed which provides healthcare for needy persons of Latin heritage in Los Angeles.

Malaysia is a dynamic multi-racial, multi-cultural country that offers the traveler a wide range of activities, experiences and natural adventures.  Travelscope’s Malaysia Adventure highlights the Colors of Malaysia Festival and explores the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the historic town of Melacca and the islands of Penang and Langkawi.