“SkyHIGH Ambitions: A Review of Richard Branson’s Space Adventure Show”

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby

Rating: Alone Rating:

Of all the gin joints in all the world, Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder just happened to walk into Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat on a day when the boss was visiting. The Virgin kingpin bought the Kasbah Tamadot near Marrakesh at the urging of his late mother, Eve. She fell in love with the place, a former fortress in the Atlas Mountains, when it was owned by a Californian art collector. Now, as Sir Richard explained on Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby (BBC2), it is run by staff from the local Berber villages, and tourism has transformed the region’s economy.

Attractions at Kasbah Tamadot include movie nights beside the pool, where Monica and Rob cuddled up under blankets to watch Casablanca. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” Monica murmured.

Rob’s tactile nature

Rob Rinder, Monica’s co-presenter on Amazing Hotels, is certainly more tactile than her previous co-presenter, Giles Coren. He slung a companionly arm around everyone he met during their visit to Kasbah Tamadot. Stable manager Mohammed grinned shyly, but in the kitchen, baker Meena hugged him, snuggled him, and even led him around by the hand. However, Rob needs to be careful, as some of the ladies might misinterpret his friendliness as a proposal of marriage. Even Rob found himself in a challenging situation when he was asked to kiss a camel. Mohammed showed him how to hold a carrot in his teeth so the beast could pluck it out with a slobbery snog. Rob looked horrified, and the camel didn’t seem too pleased either.

Richard Branson’s PR efforts

During his appearance on Amazing Hotels, Richard Branson took Monica bicycling and introduced her to the ladies of the local craft workshop, which was set up by his mother to alleviate local unemployment. This is Branson’s second appearance on BBC2 this year, following a one-to-one interview with Amol Rajan. It seems that Branson is making more conventional efforts to showcase his achievements, perhaps indicating that he has started to worry about how the world will remember him. He became quite maudlin as he paid tribute to his mother, who died from Covid in 2021, saying, “If you can touch one or two other people’s lives, then you’ve had a worthwhile life.” However, the question remains whether commandeering the BBC to redefine his public image might prove too ambitious even for Branson. Nevertheless, if all he wanted was some free publicity for his North African hotel, this show was a success, as the food, scenery, and welcome all looked terrific.

Alone: An Unsuccessful Twist on an Old Concept

Rating: Alone Rating:

None of the positive feedback that can be said for Amazing Hotels can be said for the Canadian wilderness where 11 Brits were stranded with selfie sticks and left to film themselves as they struggled to stay alive in Alone (Ch4). This survival show is an unsuccessful twist on an old concept, similar to Bear Grylls’s survival show The Island. Instead of one Bear, there are lots of bears, snuffling around the campers’ tents at night, along the banks of the Mackenzie River in the sub-Arctic Northwest Territories.

The contestants are trying to outlast each other to win £100,000, but there doesn’t seem to be much purpose to the competition apart from not dying. Since they are filming themselves, the footage is amateur and often blurry. And since the whole point is that they are “alone,” there are no friendships or feuds, and they have little to say apart from running commentaries on their struggles.

One of the contestants, 49-year-old former heroin addict Mike, has already dropped out after hitting his leg with an axe. Two of the others can’t seem to keep their clothes on. Perhaps they should have signed up for Naked Attraction instead, where at least they would have a camera crew to do the filming.

Editorial: The Quest for Adventure

Both Amazing Hotels and Alone offer viewers a glimpse into the world of adventure and exploration. However, they approach the concept of adventure in different ways. Amazing Hotels takes a luxurious and curated approach, showcasing the beauty of destinations and the transformative power of tourism. On the other hand, Alone strips away the luxury and places individuals in harsh wilderness environments, highlighting the raw and unfiltered challenges of survival.

These shows raise interesting questions about the allure of adventure and the human desire to push boundaries. Why do we seek out experiences that take us out of our comfort zones? Is it a primal instinct to test ourselves and see what we are capable of? Or is it the thrill of discovering new places and cultures?

Philosophical Discussion: The Nature of Adventure

Adventure can be seen as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It is our way of exploring and understanding the world around us. Throughout history, adventurers have embarked on daring expeditions, pushing the limits of human capabilities and expanding our knowledge of the world.

Adventure is not just about physical challenges, but also about personal growth and self-discovery. It forces us to confront our fears, overcome obstacles, and adapt to new environments. It teaches us resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of teamwork.

However, adventure is not without risks. Whether it’s exploring uncharted territories or facing the dangers of the wild, there is always the possibility of failure or even tragedy. But it is precisely this element of uncertainty that makes adventure so alluring. It is the inherent risk that adds excitement, making the experience more meaningful and rewarding.

Advice: Finding Your Own Adventure

In today’s world, adventure can take many forms. It doesn’t have to involve scaling mountains or surviving in the wilderness. It can be as simple as exploring a new city, trying a new cuisine, or learning a new skill. The key is to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Here are a few tips for finding your own adventure:

1. Embrace curiosity: Be open to new experiences and seek out opportunities for exploration.
2. Challenge yourself: Push your limits and set goals that will take you out of your comfort zone.
3. Be adaptable: Embrace uncertainty and learn to adapt to new situations and surroundings.
4. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
5. Seek out cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in different cultures by traveling to new destinations or engaging with diverse communities in your own city.
6. Document your journey: Whether through writing, photography, or video, capturing your adventures can help you reflect on the experience and share it with others.

Remember, adventure is a mindset. It’s about approaching life with a sense of curiosity and openness. So go out there and embrace the unknown.