1106, 2017

Berlin, Germany

World Cities & Harbors
954

Berlin, Germany, damaged physically and culturally by war for most of the 20th century, has entered the 21st century a thriving capital and one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The cultural transformation of Berlin is reflected in this scene’s view of the Bebelplatz, the plaza in front of the Humboldt University. Once used a stage for Nazi book burning, the plaza now hosts events such as the Mercedes-Benz-sponsored Berlin Fashion Week. Other Berlin landmarks visible in this sample video include the Reichstag and government buildings of the German legislature, the Bundestag; the statue of Frederick the Great, a former King of Prussia; and Jonathan Borofsky’s “Molecule Man” sculpture, which has twins in Los

0605, 2013

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
947

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes, and one of the most popular for its location within Michigan’s Ludington State Park, a popular summer getaway. The light stands on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and requires a two-mile hike (or bicycle ride) across sandy terrain or through the nearby woods. The light was first lit in 1867. The original lens has since been removed, but a 300-millimeter plastic lantern continues to shine from the 112-foot tower. Kenny G is a contemporary smooth jazz saxophonist and the most commercially-successful and well-known artist in the genre. His albums have sold more than 48 million copies in the United States alone. Kenny

0811, 2012

Colca Canyon, Peru

Scenic Earth
499

Peru’s Colca Canyon spans more than 4800 miles and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The area around the Colca River features an extremely varied landscape and extraordinary biodiversity. Many inhabitants of this area have pre-Incan ancestry. They have preserved their traditional culture and continue to farm the stepped terraces along the canyon and sell traditional goods to the many tourists that come to enjoy this beautiful and relaxing place on earth. Kim Waters is a jazz multi-instrumentalist primarily known for his saxophone talent. In addition to fronting over a dozen albums, Waters’ chart-topping performances blend jazzy grooves with R&B and have been included on albums by genre greats including Al Green and

0511, 2012

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

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 The great Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is one of Europe’s most popular castles. Thanks to its breathtaking location and architecture, the castle looks like something out of a fairy tale. This was somewhat the intention of Bavarian King Ludwig II, who ordered the construction of the castle as a fantasy retreat from reality. After losing control of the Bavarian army and most of his real power, Ludwig II began planning a series of lavish palaces and castles where he could isolate himself and indulge his dreams of royalty. Neuschwanstein

0111, 2012

Baltimore, Maryland

American Cities
530

Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, blends a beautiful Atlantic harbor, a modern cityscape, and quaint neighborhoods. It is also a great historical destination: the city had a role in the onset of the American Revolution, and its harbor was significant in the War of 1812, through the Civil War, and in World Wars I and II, when it was used as a shipping and shipbuilding center. Baltimore is known as the “city of neighborhoods.” The city’s towering Washington Monument is appropriately a highlight of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, and this eScapes scene features a few more, including Federal Hill and Fell’s Point. Finally, a statue at Federal Hill honors Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the Battle

2910, 2012

Portland, Oregon at Night

American Cities
485

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 Although it is the largest city in Oregon, Portland feels surprisingly intimate, thanks to its land-use planning, natural spaces, and implementation of light rail and bicycle routes. Though its economy centers on its port and its many technology companies, Portland might be better known as a cultural capital. The area is known nationally for its relaxed attitudes and focus on the creative and culinary arts. This eScapes scene presents a nighttime view of the city, including its many waterfronts. The distinctive clock tower building is the Jackson Tower, a

2510, 2012

Yosemite National Park (Lake & Meadow)

Scenic Earth
493

California’s Yosemite National Park is known internationally for its amazing geology, ecology, and scenery. Since 1890, it has been a destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable. This scene features just as few of the countless natural sights in the park, including the calm Tenaya Lake and the Tuolumne Meadows, where wide expanses of grasses and trees are complemented by boulders and the winding Tuolumne River. The clean water through this river is ultimately used as drinking water by San Francisco, where it requires only minimal treatment. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of the top-selling instrumental artists of the 21st century. His

2210, 2012

Key West Lighthouse

Lighthouses
526

Built in 1847, the Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country. In order to reduce the threat of hurricanes, which had destroyed the previous lighthouse at Key West, this tower was placed a half-mile inland. As the surrounding trees grew, along with the city of Key West, the tower needed to be heightened twice– once in 1873 and again in 1895. The light was deactivated in 1969. Today, visitors can climb the tower, which is still tall enough to see across the Key West Historic District and out to sea. The lighthouse grounds also include a restored keeper’s quarters, which now functions as a museum. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary

1810, 2012

Pia Glacier, Tierra del Fuego

Scenic Earth
446

The Patagonia region of South America (between southern Chile and Argentina) is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, but the alien landscape around the the Pia Glacier might be some of its best. As this river of ice carves its way down its rocky mountain, it spawns an assortment of waterfalls and icebergs in the channel below. Boulders of ice are scattered across the terrain, and lucky visitors may even see the glacier calving– when large pieces break off and crash into the water. This is one of the many glaciers along the Beagle Channel’s “Avenue of Glaciers.” The surrounding area is extremely desolate but a popular destination for cruise ships and adventure excursions. Boney James

0110, 2012

Mackinac Island, Michigan

American Cities
479

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