Customer Reviews

Globe Trekker - Corsica, Sicily & Sardinia

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have been to Corsica several times and wanted to buy a DVD that captured this island's beauty, but this DVD doesn't do this. First of all, it's like an amateur video that focuses most of the time in Ian Wright and not in the beautiful places that Corsica has to offer. Second, for someone who has never travel to Corsica it would offer no insight into the island. If I had the opportunity I would return it because we didn't even finish looking at it.

On the other hand, I also bought and would much better recommend: Corsica: Ile de Beauté which gives you the images you expect in a travel video.

Not bad if you are interested in this region. We were only interested in Sicily and it is only a very small part of this video.

Globe Trekker - Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily (2004) - is presented
by Ian Wright, a 30-ish man from the UK. The style of tourist it
aims for, is the youth who somehow cobbled up some cash in his
pockets but doesn't quite know what to do with it, except maybe
acting upon a tip in traveling to the most notorious islands in
the Mediterranean, which are those above.

Perhaps 70% of the film, concerns Corsica, 20% Sardinia and 10%
Sicily. For the first island, the beach seems to be a good spot
for sunshine, bathing, boating and quiet relaxation and
meditation. It seems to have a small-town mentality, modest
village residents and affordable rates. Its actually reminiscent
of some areas of Portugal (south) and Spain. Transportation is
available by train on the island, although much of the area is
covered by barren rock and mountain. Some discussion is made of
French and Italian cultural and ethnic lines, with the common
element being goat cheese, locally made wines. Even in 2009, the
legacy of Napoleon is preserved, and thus, the military leader's
legacy and intertwined life with chaotic developments and
transformations occurring in Europe in the 19th century still
matters.

Next on the itinerary, is Sardinia. The annual horse racing event
and the 9th century military confrontations celebration (involving
chain gangs of Moors and locals in costumes) are interesting. The
area appears to preserve a small and rural town mentality, with
fish roasts (eel) and goat cheese specialties. The buildings used
as hotels, in some cases, are 500 year old stone layouts, with
agricultural decorations and contents. The people seem
impoverished, resulting in limited technological and literacy
development and presence. Anyone with potential obviously has left
for brighter prospects elsewhere. As for beaches, these appear
extremely windy, with large waves and strong currents. There's a
doubtful lifeguard effectiveness if at all, presence - making
swimming either impossible, or hazardous without a bodyboard and a
wet suit.

Finally, the host sets off to Sicily by ship, to Palermo, which is
shown to have a prosperous and rich public market, for fruits
meats and vegetables, both in quality and quantity. The scooter
lifestyle is demonstrated by the locals, from convenience, but
also by lower cost to acquire. The European lifestyle is shown,
with a number of outdoor cafes (ice cream parlors), tabletop
soccer tables, narrow streets, hip, colorful and fashionable city
dwellers.

Perhaps the biggest surprise packed in the DVD concerns the
underground footage of the Sicilian catacombs, comprised of
thousands of embalmed skeletons (in mercury or vinegar) who, we
are told, are of prominent locals, who secured a spot there with
power, money and influence, since the 16th century. The Santa
Rosalea festivity is shown, with professional and skilled
acrobats, balloons, parades in the streets, processions
celebrating liberation from the Black Plague in the 12th century.

The island of Stromboli is the second surprise, from the
still-active and smoking volcano that can be visited by tourists
by a 3 hour climb.

The DVD is a well spent rental, with the host doing his most to be
as informal and low-budget as possible in his travels, over 35 mins.

Globe Trekker is a great series. The best travel series out there. I own this DVD and it is a good one. I just wish that they would have spent some more time in Sicily.

I started to watch this series on PBS_last year.Being a lover of cultural history and travel_these videos are a treat.This was a fun adventure from Corsica,Sicily & Sardinia. However,let me be clear in this Election year 08'_Just because I watch these DVD's of foreign countries_"I'M NOT QUALIFIED TO BE AN EXPERT ON FOREIGN POLICIES OR CULTURES"! But,who knows I can see Mexico from North Texas.

BUY THESE VIDEOS_and check out the Globe Trekker website for more information and great deals!The traditional foods of different cultures to say the least is interesting.I love cooking & enjoying new foods_ BUT_I will not try the EEL-ON-THE-GRILL_wriggling as it cooks_as an appetizer for my next party!NOT!

I loved this DVD and pretty much everything I have seen from the Globe Trekker series. Ian Wright is my favorite traveler. I'd watch him go anywhere! While I sympathize with the other reviewer who wanted to see more beauty shots of the island, I appreciated learning about the history and cultures of these three interesting places. If I am ever fortunate enough to visit the Mediterranean, having information on the language and culture of Corsica and Sardinia will be a lot more helpful than knowing the best place for a kodak moment.