0608, 2012

Zanzibar Sunrise

Tropical Beaches
638

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 Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago just off the mainland of Tanzania, is known for its relaxed lifestyle, fabulous beaches and reefs, unique animals, and it’s largest export, fine spices. This tranquil scene brings you a sunrise from a quintessential Zanzibar beach. The palm-thatched umbrella on the beach demonstrates one of the many uses for the abundant coconut palm trees. Locals use the trees to their fullest potential, extracting building resources, foods, and drinks from them. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,

0607, 2012

Bangkok, Thailand (Chao Phraya River)

World Cities & Harbors
554

Like most great cities, Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is situated on a great river: the Chao Phraya, which runs 231 miles from the center of the country into the Gulf of Thailand. On a typical afternoon, the waters of the Chao Phraya are bustling with boat traffic. Ferries, river buses, and traditional longtail water taxis connect the two sides of Bangkok while freight barges move cargo up and down the river. The banks of the Chao Phraya are home to relatively sparse but impressive skyscrapers. Prominently featured in this eScapes video are the three towers of the Chatrium Riverside hotel and residence, where a 1248-square-foot condominium sells for about $300,000. The towers are part of a recent

0106, 2012

Umhlanga Beach, South Africa

Tropical Beaches
606

For eScapes’ 1000th produced episode, we take you to Umhlanga Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the South African coast. Here, a beautiful beach lends itself to fishing, swimming, and surfing, while nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions offer even more reasons to visit. Whale- and dolphin-watching excursions often launch from Uhmlanga while freighters pass in the distance. The beach’s lighthouse, featured in this video, was built in 1954 and has become an icon of the beach and harbor. Administered by a nearby hotel, the lighthouse has never had a traditional lighthouse keeper. The word “Umhlanga” means “Place of Reeds” in the Zulu language. The sound of the “hl” is similar to the Welsh “ll”

0205, 2012

Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

Scenic Earth
453

Minnesota’s Tettegouche State Park offers gorgeous views of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline. Dense forests and steep cliffs combine to create a stunning vista, as well as a venue for hikers, naturalists, and rock climbers. This eScapes video features views of the park’s Palisade Head and Shovel Point formations. The exposed bedrock cliffs were formed during the glacial excavation of Lake Superior, but the rock itself originates from volcanic lava and is about one billion years old. Today, these cliffs are a popular spot for peregrine falcons, which nest in the cliff faces. During nesting season, rock climbing in certain areas is prohibited at the park. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a

1403, 2012

Duluth Canal Lighthouses at Sunrise

Lighthouses
616

The Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin is the busiest bulk cargo port on the Great Lakes. But, in the early hours of the day, the waterfront becomes a therapeutic escape from the frantic activity of the rest of the day. The entrance to the Duluth-Superior ship canal is marked by two historic lighthouses: the Duluth North Pierhead Light and the Duluth South Breakwater Light. The southern light has served the port’s freighters since 1874, but the narrowness of the canal and frequent foggy conditions necessitated a second light to the north, first lit in 1910. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band

0310, 2011

New Dungeness Lighthouse

Lighthouses
639

The New Dungeness Lighthouse has continuously watched over the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Sequim, Washington since it was first lit in 1857. Though the light is now fully automated, volunteer lighthouse keepers from the New Dungeness Lighthouse Association still reside at the light, tending the grounds and interacting with visitors to the historic site and its interpretive center. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band has expanded and renewed itself over the decades to accommodate artistic choices and lineup changes. Now a group that mixes genres, styles, and influences, Acoustic Alchemy is a favorite adult contemporary and new age act. Links New Dungeness Lighthouse

2009, 2011

Lake Tahoe

Scenic Earth
521

Sitting on the border of California and Nevada, the two-million-year-old Lake Tahoe has been recognized for its beauty since before the country’s westward expansion. Early pioneers, like the Indians at the site before them, were impressed by the calming lake and within a few decades, the site had become a favorite vacation destination for wealthy western families. Today, the shores of Lake Tahoe host a large resort culture of hotels, casinos, and ski lodges. These attractions are kept just far enough from the lake as to not damage the pristine beauty of the lake, which attracts countless boaters each year. Those who haven’t seen Lake Tahoe in person yet better hurry– the lake will be completely

2007, 2011

Oppenheimer Beach

Tropical Beaches
493

This relaxing beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands gets its name from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist and researcher best known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” In the 1950s, Oppenheimer and his wife purchased a house above this beach, which was then known as Hawksnest. In 1967, Oppenheimer died and his ashes were placed in the water off of the beach. Years later, the beach was willed to the people of St. John by Oppenheimer’s daughter, Toni. The government has since managed and developed the site and decided to name it after the Oppenheimer family. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,

1007, 2011

Samsø, Denmark

Scenic Earth
459

Samsø (pronounced sam-SOO) is a peaceful island in the middle of the country of Denmark. Largely agricultural, Samsø is known for its summer strawberry picking and early potato harvest. Much of the island is covered with wheat fields. Samsø is also noteworthy for its use of clean energy. After a government competition encouraged communities to switch to renewable energy, Samsø, which had traditionally relied on imported coal and gas, began producing more than 100% of its energy from renewable sources. The many wind turbines on the scenic landscape are monuments to the island’s change and progress. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band has expanded and