First, let me say not to brag but to understand my perspective, I have traveled to over 100 countries and religiously watch every travel show I can to get new ideas as to where I want to go next. This morning on PBS, I discovered "Canvasing the World with Sean Diediker," filmed in Heidelberg, Germany. I must say, his show is unlike any other travel show I have seen on TV. It is very innovative and fresh. His technique is meeting people on the street and watching along with Sean to see how the story develops. I like that he does not center the show around himself. The center of the show is the local people from the place where he is visiting. The fact that the show sounded as if it was totally unscripted only adds to the believability of the travel experience. The show seems to me to be totally spontaneous with no hidden agenda. No moral message here other than you meet good people everywhere in the world because people are basically good everywhere.
Occasionally Sean sounded self-deprecating or apologetic for not having more control as to the direction of his show, but that is the beauty of his show.
It is so realistic that it replicates life traveling on the road, not as a tourist but as someone who is really interested in people and the local art and culture that they represent by engaging and interacting with them. He need not apologize if his story starts with a street performer but makes a sharp turn into a candy shop with an entirely different storyline from what he was developing. That is so life-like as a traveler. Doors open unexpectedly to places that were not on the agenda in the morning. Sean follows the leads wherever the art takes him. The tourist from inside the tour bus may have difficulties relating to Sean, but from someone who really wants to explore and discover the local art and culture, his techniques are so innovative that they may only work with someone with his talents. Coming from someone who wished he had such a talent, it was a pleasure watching him sharing his talents with us to get up close and personal with the interesting people he meets on the street. Great show and I hope to watch many more episodes. Robert Martinez, Esq.
