My "Make-Up" Case and Busan, Korea

Here I am taking a short ride on my "make-up" case at customs in Busan, Korea.  Did you know Busan is Korea's second largest city and largest trading port?  I've been using this suitcase since the first season of The Amazing Race Asia, and I still constantly get joked at for having the largest luggage during the shoot.  In fact, most of the cameramen and soundmen sometimes only bring a backpack or even just a fanny pack for the entire shoot, which spans nearly a month.  Imagine how those burly men are smelling after a day of racing all over the place...let alone week after week?  Luckily, they endeavor to find time to get their few pieces of clothing washed whenever and wherever they can for everyone's sake.  Fortunately, you don't have to worry about what we smell like from inside your TV screen.

It's kinda ironic that my one piece of luggage got nicknamed my "make-up" case because I actually don't use any make-up for the filming.  Maybe that's why I look so tired and worn out as the race progresses.  On the other hand, I think that's one reason why the producers chose a male for the role of the host because we generally have to fuss less about our hair, make-up, etc. 

So what exactly is in this "make-up" case?  Essentially, it's simply all my outfits to be worn for the thirteen episodes of the shoot.  I have to pack all my clothes in this one suitcase to accommodate all the locations we go to from hot to cold weather.  From that perspective, I think I haven't packed too badly for my "make-up" case...or have I??

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch this last episode of the race because I'm in Beijing now...and still searching for a nice feed to AXN.  Luckily, Marc Nelson sent me a great running (or racing) commentary of what went down so it's exciting to hear that the "claws" and "fangs" are really coming out now.  Daichi and especially Sawaka were really bummed to be eliminated from the race, and I think the fact that Ann and Diane misdirected them probably made it hurt even more.  On the other hand, the competition is certainly heating up at this stage in the race.  And with the remaining teams almost halfway through the course, there's even more at stake.

Natalie easily powered through the wooden boards with her finely-tuned Tae Kwon Do foot, and Paula sure had a bleepin  good time with the live octopus!  Adrian and Collin are starting to get in their groove for the race, and we're all still wondering just how much longer Terri and Henri can tolerate each other and stay in the race. 

Next episode is a really memorable for me because Henri really isn't too "happy" with me.  Make sure you watch it to find out why! 

I'm off to a press conference for the movie I'm doing here in Beijing so I'll catch up with you all in 2008! 

Happy New Year!!