Linderhof Palace, Germany
0810, 2012

Linderhof Palace, Germany

The German state of Bavaria is renowned for its beautiful views and magnificent architecture, and some of its most impressive sites were built under the rule of King Ludwig II, the area’s “fairy tale king.” During his 22-year reign, the king commissioned two palaces and a castle. Linderhof Palace, featured in this video, is the only one to have been completed as planned. Surely eccentric, and even known to some as the “Mad King,” Ludwig went heavily into debt to construct these buildings, which largely pay homage to King Louis XIV of France and the romantic works of composer Richard Wagner. This debt became one of the reasons for the king’s eventual deposition. Ironically, Ludwig’s self-indulgent

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Wat Arun at Sunset
0410, 2012

Wat Arun at Sunset

Thailand holds tens of thousands of Buddhist temples, but none as famous as Wat Arun, the beautiful “temple of the dawn” in the capital city of Bangkok. The exact age of Wat Arun is unknown, but it dates back at least to the 1600s, during the era of the country’s Ayutthaya Kingdom. The iconic spires– or prongs— were not added until the reign of King Rama II in the nineteenth century. The tallest spire is a symbol for Mount Meru, the center of the Buddhist universe. It stands over 260 feet tall. Visitors to the temple can climb the central prong via a series of steep steps, for a beautiful view of surrounding Bangkok. This eScapes

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Mackinac Island, Michigan
0110, 2012

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Watch full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel #452 While summer resorts are common, none have the quaint historic charm of Michigan’s Mackinaw Island. Situated between the state’s two peninsulas, this relaxing island has been drawing tourists since Victorian times with its beautiful scenery and leisurely culture. The well-preserved historic buildings of the island, and its complete lack of motor vehicles, give Mackinac a “stuck in time” atmosphere that was famously captured in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Away from the antique buildings of downtown, most of the island is undeveloped, with 80% preserved as Mackinac Island State Park. Mackinac Island’s

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Tulsa, Oklahoma at Night
2409, 2012

Tulsa, Oklahoma at Night

Tusla made its name as an oil town, but in recent years it has transitioned to a service-based economy, emphasizing cultural attractions. The city is notable for its large concentration of art deco architecture. One of the most prominent examples is the Philtower Building, which was completed in 1928 and has a pyramidal roof that can be seen illuminated in this video. Marion Meadows is a smooth jazz saxophonist and composer. Skilled with both the tenor and soprano saxophones, Meadows has collaborated with jazz and pop greats including Bob James, The Temptations, and Michael Bolton. He has also released solo albums since 1990. Links Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau The Philtower Building Wikipedia article: Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Auckland, New Zealand (Albert Park)
2109, 2012

Auckland, New Zealand (Albert Park)

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, is one of the most scenic large cities in the world. Surrounded by beautiful harbors, lush volcanic hills, and even a rainforest, the city also has beauty within its limits. Striking architecture is everywhere, framed by city parks that provide attractive relaxation spaces. This eScapes scene takes you to Auckland’s Albert Park, adjacent to downtown. A notable feature here is the bronze statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1899. Looking towards the city, the impressive Sky Tower can be seen towering above the skyline, from

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<i>U.S.S. Constitution</i>
1709, 2012

U.S.S. Constitution

Few ships have as much prestige and history behind them as the U.S.S. Constitution, one of the U.S. Navy’s original six frigates, built in 1797. The Constitution was even named by George Washington himself! The U.S.S. Constitution is notable for its role in the War of 1812, scoring several sea victories against the British and emboldening the spirits of the American military. During a duel with the HMS Guerriere, British cannonballs were seen bouncing from the Constitution‘s thick oak hull, which spawned the vessel’s legendary nickname, “Old Ironsides.” The Constitution survived the War and served another four decades in the Navy before being taken out of active service in 1855. Today, the Constitution is still a

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Poda Island, Thailand
1309, 2012

Poda Island, Thailand

Watch a full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ XUMO Lifestyle Channel # 452 Thailand’s Krabi province is known for its great natural beauty and nicknamed “The Emerald of the Andaman,” but it’s most relaxing spot may be Poda Island. Located about five miles from the Thai mainland and the popular tourist resort town of Ao Nang, Poda Island (or Koh Poda in Thai) is a filled with lush forests and surrounded by white sand beaches. The most distinctive feature of the small island is the improbable limestone formation protruding from the nearby sea, featured in this video. Another interesting sight on Koh Poda, and throughout the rest of Thailand, is

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Saint Jean de Cole, France
1009, 2012

Saint Jean de Cole, France

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 Surrounded by lush hills and filled with historic architecture, the village of St. Jean de Cole is widely appreciated as one of the most beautiful in France. While the village holds many quaint restaurants, hotels, shops, schools, and offices, its standout buildings, seen in this eScapes video, are the Chateau de la Marthonie and the medieval church of St. Jean Baptiste. With such beautiful scenery and a population of only about 350 people, Saint Jean de Cole is a great destination for a relaxing getaway. Gregg Karukas is a

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The Pyramids of Giza
0609, 2012

The Pyramids of Giza

Watch a full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ XUMO Lifestyle Channel # 452 Few sites in the world are as revered as the pyramids of the Giza Necropolis. These timeless structures seem to simultaneously defy time and logic and they stand in the shifting Egyptian sands. The oldest and largest pyramid at the site, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, was built more than 4,500 years ago and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,871 of those years, until the completion of England’s Lincoln Cathedral in 1311 AD. It is also the only surviving destination from the original Seven Wonders of the World. Just as famous in modern

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Gstaad, Switzerland
0309, 2012

Gstaad, Switzerland

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 One look at the Swiss town of Gstaad leaves no question why the area is known for its many ski resorts. Though the town itself is small and only lightly populated, the surrounding mountains provide plenty of dramatic views, dozens of hiking trails, and clean white slopes for the area’s most famous pastime. In addition to skiing, Gstaad is also known as a relaxing getaway for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities have lived or kept homes in the hills around the village, and plenty of expensive boutiques cater

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