SOUTH AFRICA
Although I love seeing ruins, temples, great works of art, there is something about watching animals in Africa that tells us about human nature. Whether you're looking at the matriarchy of the elephants, the chauvinism of the lions, or the aristocratic structure of gorilla families, you are really seeing yourself.
Months after the first time we went, I was having dreams about the savanna. I got a postcard from someone who'd traveled with us, and she asked if I was still dreaming about Africa. It gets into your bloodstream.
—Lesley Stahl, television journalist
PALM BEACH
I first went there in 1965, and I don't know that it's changed so much. The condominiums in West Palm Beach are new. The Colony Hotel, which years ago was the chicest place to stay and the most uptight, still looks great. But now, on Thursday nights, they get a gay crowd. Worth Avenue hasn't changed, but the shops have. The original Martha's shop, which sold clothes to Society, is no longer there. When I first went, Bonwit Teller was at the corner of Worth and Hibiscus. It's gone now, but Chanel has taken its place, and Tiffany, Armani, and Ralph Lauren are all there as well.
—Arnold Scaasi, fashion designer
TURKEY
My favorite place is Bodrum, where I have my house. It was a wonderful little fishing village, the ancient Halicarnassus. My house is made of a stone that was used in the mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. People ask me: What's this place we've been hearing about?I say it's a cross between a bedroom and a boardroom.
—Ahmet Ertegun, music producer
ISRAEL
Israel has evolved into a Mediterranean nation of great verve and vitality, with Jews, Muslims, and Christians intermingling in one spot—especially in Jerusalem. It's a little country but it excels on a world level with high-tech and Internet businesses. Last but not least, it has symphonic and operatic performances through the year—eminent artists such as Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman, Itzhak Perlman; sundry chamber music groups; and the great Israel Philharmonic.
—Zubin Mehta, conductor
THE HAMPTONS
There's an elite group of business people here in fashion, music, and other industries. It's the same reason you go to St. Barts: a wealth of beauty and serenity, with another side to it, because you can see all your business contacts. I can visit Jay Z or Damon Dash, who's just down the street. Who knows what's over at Damon's house?All these models are there discussing world events and blasting hip hop music. In the Hamptons, you get the best of both—business and pleasure.
—Russell Simmons, music producer/fashion designer
HUNGARY
This almost mythical country is slightly smaller than Indiana, and has a population of a little over 10 million. Yet it has produced a disproportionate number of great artists, composers, scientists, writers, and sportsmen. Even though it only emerged in 1990 from half a century of Communist occupation, it is much livelier than any other Central or Eastern European countries. The three most important things for a Hungarian are—not necessarily in this order—food and wine; music; and, of course, humor.
—George Lang, restaurateur
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA
I was living in Boston until 1993, when I came to lecture at a hospital in La Jolla. A physician there took me to the cove for a walk. We could see some whales and sea lions cavorting by the beach. He said, "Why don't you move here?" Without even thinking for 30 seconds, I said, "Sure." It was so beautiful. I flew my wife down the next weekend and we bought a house: love at first sight. My only complaint is that it's too much like paradise. Sometimes I need to get out to New York to see how the stressed people live.
—Deepak Chopra, author
BRAZIL
I'm a big fan of meat and I love the way the steaks are prepared in Brazil, with very little seasoning because the quality is so good. I also love all the sweet chocolates made with condensed milk for dessert.
—Gisele Bündchen, model
