At least Victoria had the good grace to ask for a shirt to wear when she entered the church.

Joelle

in all fairness, they are probably so consumed by playing the game that the thought hadn't crossed their minds till they were probably inside. but they were mindful that they were not supposed to yell at the church...so i don't know. but kudos to victoria.

I hate not to give credit when due, but I think they read something about protocol in their packets. The other woman chastized herself about cheering her partner on, and said something like, "oh, I shouldn't yell in a holy place." But then screamed again when he took off in the wrong direction.

You just knew he was going to do that. He has such a tendency to mess everything up. I really feel bad for him. She thinks she's breaking up with him because he doesn't treat her nicely, but I don't think that's so. I think he's a pretty decent guy, but could screw up a free lunch. I think she just got tired of trying to direct him constantly.

Although the volatile guy did tone it down (probably with a threat to be booted if he continued physical abuse!), the screwy wife got worse. What a psycho shrew! I do not think she had the sense to put on shirt without being prodded. He didn't even put on his pants!

Funny, but the wrestler guy has grown on me. His wife and the dark haired actress who came in first last night are very annoying to me. But both their men seem okay. If I had to pick one team to root, I guess I'd go with the rather non-descript long-distance dating couple. I think their relationship has grown during the challenge, as has their appeal.

But all in all, this was a stinky season. I don't even sit to watch anymore, just catch it around my chores! Perhaps it has run its course.

So, other than being the place where Johnathan met his Waterloo, what did you think of Ethiopia ?

Having visited the country some years ago, I was glad to see some of the beauty of the land showcased last night. The cities can be quite dire, but the rural areas, as in much of Africa, are spectacular. And the people are every bit as warm and helpful (from my experience) as we were shown.

Ethopia is a very spiritual country and has numerous important religious connections. From important roots of the coptic church, to the supposed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, to the origins of Rastafarianism. I recently read that the Marley family are planning to have Bob Marley's remains sent there.

What we saw of Ethiopa on last night's show looked pretty wonderful. The people seemed so lovely - those little children saying "hello" as racers went by were so sweet. And so many people helped them all along the way.
Kendra is quite unfortunate in her choice of words - moaning about going to another third world country in the cab ("We were just IN a third world country") and also the comments about choosing to live in poverty - however I think she is a bit of a princess who just doesn't realize how she sounds.
Aaron is a fav of mine now - too bad he can't win on his own instead of with Hayden the harpy. Although she did impress me with her conduct and thoughts (not wardrobe) during the church task.
Johnathing and his enabler wife, though, are evil and I'm happy they are gone. When I saw them walking along as their paid guide led the single donkey I thought "Yippee - this could be it for them".
And why did she think that speaking to their cab driver in a French accent would help him better understand her directions?

Oh, Taggie, wasn't that the funniest thing? Why on earth would you think sounding like Inspector Clouseau would make someone understand your English better?

Marilyn LOL :)
They were both doing it, but Victoria started it.

And at the end she was sort of crying but her face has so much Botox in it you couldn't really tell.

BTW thanks to a poster further up who recommended Television Without Pity. I am now hooked - the woman who writes the updates is brilliant.

bardo1 - absolutely wrong the way they (producers) handle religious sites regardless which one. And I have to wonder what the participants are told about encountering religious places along the route? With the exception of Victoria, and whichever guys entered the Church - the others was practically "neked" Doubt they'd be able to pull this off at the Vatican, or a Mosque (many that won't even allow non-muslims to enter), or a synagogue.

But J & V are gone.........wonderful!

The title of this thread just cracks me up. History and culture? More like "histrionics and ...." well, I am not sure what else!

Well, the title was originally in reference to the countries and places being visited, rather than the behaviour of the participants.

I understand Matheiu. I hope you don't think I was casting aspersion on you for your title. My comment was more directed at the way the show has evolved.

Watching this season just makes me very sad. This show started out so promising and has sunk to such lows. Remember when it looked like it would be cancelled and we were so happy?I guess it is all ratings...but how can the powers that be think that people will continue watching these despicable people? As much as I loved the first few seasons, I think this may be my last...

Agreed.

Grasshopper, I would not think that of you; you are too esteemed a writer and dispenser of trusted information in my book for that.

I too was rolling my eyes on the comment that Ethiopians choose to be poor!! You can't compare a poor rural area to a poor urban area. In the country at least people can grow their own food - not so in a city.
I consider some of these comments very insensitive. Some people just don't realize how lucky they are that they were born into the top 5%.
The producers never seem to leave time for the teams to enjoy/appreciate their suroundings.

lindilindi, I think they see more than we realize watching the episodes.

For example, in the suplimental info at CBS.com there are brief sements where Kris & Jon visit beaches in Nice and Senegal. And another with their going to a club in Budapest. Jonathan & Victoria joined them at the club.

Keith

It was kind of sad seeing the teams in Gaulle, Sri Lanka knowing it was pretty much wiped out in the tsumami. :(

Kayb95 - I was also very sad to see Gaulle knowing what happened only a few weeks later. What a beautiful place and what a horrible tragedy.

I have been unhappy, too, with the way the show is going this seaons but was kind of sorry to see the wrestling couple go. They were annoying in the beginning but kind of grew on me. At least they weren't another model couple. I still like Kris and Jon who seem to have a lot of respect for themselves and the country they are in. They are never really highlighted on the comments, etc because they are not doing anything crazy or yelling at each other all the time. I hope they win.

At this point, the only remaining team that I do not like is Freddy & Kendra. Though even they were nice at the elephant ride.

I don't much care which team wins, though I admire Rebecca's spunk and ability.

Since next week is not the season end, looks like it will be non-elimination. It would be nice if the temas had to think about what they were doing, not just a footrace.

Keith

Any guesses where the contestants go next week? I think it maybe Kuala Lumpur. It looked like they were descending on the Petronas twin towers.