05/07/2009 – Dhani Jones – Operation Smile Presents the 2009 Smile Event at Cipriani Wall Street – Arrivals – Cipriani Wall Street – New York City, NY, USA – Keywords: – False – – Photo Credit: Anthony G. Moore / PR Photos – Contact (1-866-551-7827)

Dhani Jones…Awww, where do I begin? I have to admit that I didn’t know who he was prior to seeing the debut of his show Dhani Tackles the Globe on the travel channel. Apparently, he was well known for his skills as a line backer in football and is a part of the Cincinatti Bengals. However, I am not much of a sport fanatic unless it’s soccer which we refer to as football in Jamaica. How ironic? Anyway, I digress. So, I remember watching Anthony Bourdain on the travel channel and seeing an ad showing a preview of Dhani’s show and thought to myself that I have to watch this show. And I did. I was hooked from then on. My DVR was set to record the series, and, when the series stopped airing, imagine my pleasant surprise when I was getting ready to watch a show that I had recorded only to notice that there were new episodes of Dhani that I didn’t even know about. I am so happy for technology. Have you seen him in a suit? Or any of his signature bowties? I think he’s quite stylish and is very easy on the eyes:-). I love to travel and besides my dear husband, Dhani would make a great travel buddy. I love how he embraces the culture of the country that he’s in with such ease that he immediately makes his host(s) feel comfortable. Thus, making for a more meaningful and authentic experience for everyone, even me, the viewer. Dhani is obviously very athletic too and might I add brave since some of the sports that I’ve seen him attempt in some countries do require some level of courage. It’s Monday and I can’t wait to watch another episode tonight( Dhani travels to South Africa airs tonight) and to vicariously experience a new country and develop an appreciation for whatever sport Dhani will tackle. Below are some pictures from some of my favourite episodes and a couple from the South Africa episode which airs tonight!

In Brazil

In Brazil 

In Italy

In Italy

In Italy

I was thrilled when i was watching the Italian episode because I had visited where he was(Bassano del Grappa) a number of times when i lived in Italy. I kept shouting, “I know that place, i have been there.” It was pretty cool.

In my birthplace, Jamaica, having a deep conversation with some rastafarians.  

Pictures 7-10 feature South Africa-Beautiful, aren’t they?

{All images via travelchannel.com