Press release
Are you
in dire need of a relaxing vacation yet you don’t know where to go? This
August, find out stunning destinations, de-stressing activities, rich cultures
and great food on the all-new series JOJO’S DIARY OF ASIA, premiering on August 3,
airing Mondays at 10 p.m.
JOJO’S DIARY OF
ASIA follows the unforgettable journey of TV host
and travel enthusiast Jojo Struys as she uncovers the unique ways people can disconnect from stress in their daily lives while soaking up
different cultures and learning how to make a diverse array of traditional
Asian dishes. Follow Jojo as she immerses in the deeply cultural customs and
delights in Japan, the breathtaking natural
beauty of Nepal and the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong.
Unearth
the multitude of ways you can de-stress - bathing elephants in the Himalayas, learning breathing
techniques from a Zen Buddhist monk and
wielding a samurai sword in Tokyo. Join
her as she discovers the pampering secrets of these three wondrous countries in
JOJO’S DIARY
OF ASIA, airing this August on TLC.
Episode Synopsis:
·
EP 1 Japan: Jojo kick-starts her
journey in Japan. She immerses herself in the healing waters of the famous hot
springs known as “onsens”, gets a bit of animal therapy in Adventure World, and
makes her very own sushi with Japan’s renowned pickled apricots called “Umeboshi”.
·
EP 2 Japan: In the heart of
historical Kyoto, Jojo has a session with a Zen Buddhist monk at Myonshinji
Temple. She heads to Toei Kyoto Studio Park to get her face painted porcelain
white as an apprentice Geisha, called a “Maiko”. While soaking up the
incredible sights around the Kiyomizu temple, she gets a lesson in making
nutritious Tofu.
·
EP 3 Japan: At the majestic beauty
of Mount Fuji, Jojo travels to a volcanic zone in Hakone to experience the legendary
black eggs of “Owakudani”. She then experiences the ride of her life on the
world’s steepest roller coaster at Fuji Q Highland. Jojo finally winds down in
more “onsens”, just in time to learn how to make a famous fisherman’s dish
called “Namerou”.
·
EP 4 Japan: Jojo has learned the art
of the Samurai sword on her one-on-one lesson with one of Japan’s most renowned
swordsmen, and has found a unique relaxation with the sight of the fascinating
jellyfish at the Enoshima aquarium. She
learns the history of cup noodles and makes her own version upon visiting Cup
Noodle Museum.
·
EP 5 Japan: It’s an exciting
physical winter day for Jojo who rides a bullet train from Tokyo to spectacular
Karuizawa, to visit and witness the beauty of Mount Asama. After an amazing
ride, she learns the sport of skiing and curling which is also known as “chess
on ice”. Jojo also gets to try how to traditionally make delicious “udon”
noodles from scratch.
·
EP 6 Nepal: Jojo takes her
adventure to the next level by heading to the beautiful country of Nepal. Here
she visits the old village of Bhaktapur to learn about the art of making
traditional Tanka paintings, how to create wonderful pots on a spinning wheel
and make some “Bara”, which is a very famous and golden-coloured lentil patty.
·
EP 7 Nepal: Continuing her
journey in the country of Nepal, Jojo visits the valley of Chitwan, where she gets
a once-in-a-lifetime chance to personally bathe an elephant in the river, experience
the famous folk dance steps wearing the local dance costume of the Tharu tribe,
explore the local market and learn how to make the much-loved Nepali dish “Alu
tama” with a chef along the native river.
·
EP 8 Nepal: Upon enjoying the
horse cart ride, Jojo gets to bond with the local villagers and witnesses an exciting
battle of spinning tops by the local children. She hits the mountainous roads
to visit the world famous birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, a sacred site for
Buddhists around the world. Jojo also travels to the mountains of the Annapurna
range in Pokhara where she learns how to cook a traditional Thakali meal.
·
EP 9 Nepal: Jojo experiences the
relaxing “hot stones” massage and heads to one of the most famous trekking
destinations in the world, Pokhara, where she encounters curio shops and
Tibetan peddlars selling their wares all bound in the charismatic Fewa Lake.
She tries the paddleboat and catches a thrilling snake charmer in action. Jojo
learns how make the traditional staple meal in the highlands of Nepal, Dhido.
·
EP 10 Nepal: A wonderful flight over Mount Everest takes
over Jojo’s morning. She visits Thamel Street for a sound healing workshop with
musical healers, who use the power of vibrations to heal a diverse array of
ailments. After being given the privilege to meet the “Living Goddess” or the “Kumari”
child, Jojo has an enlightening conversation about attachments with a Buddhist
monk and walks down to try a traditional Nepalese dinner, accompanied by
vibrant dancers all in a cultural restaurant in Spice Street.
·
Ep 11 Hong Kong: Jojo flies to Hong
Kong where she first experiences Dragon dancing. She learns to create latte art
and paintings on canvas through her art jamming in the lovely city. Jojo visits
the winding lanes of the popular ladies market before her cooking session with a
local chef at the Auberge hotel in Discovery Bay.
