Would have loved if one of the models fell face forward into that dung heep. They are a sorry answer to womanhood, and give the rest of us a bad name - "bitches".

The Supremes - that's what some of the teams call them, are a hoot. They readily admit that in their NFL life, everything is done for them, so they really are challenging themselves and it's refreshing.

Loved the way the Clowns went for it - whether dung or eels. A good laugh and yes, they are fun and not devious, yet!

The Virgins - well they're another story. Kind of immature (him) but she's a relatively smart cookie.

Overall, this group has me puzzled, most seem rather immature, yet you would think if they had seen the previous journeys they would have some idea of how to handle certain situations. But like everyone else, we'll just have to wait and see.

But do hope those models get theirs and pretty soon. Watch, they'll wind up the winners (hope not). Who knows?

The only problem with some Fodorites being on a "team" on this show would be the haggling they'd be doing about what to wear!

My biggest surprise: If you were about to travel around the world, wouldn't you make an attempt to improve your map-reading skills? I know the teams are dealing with foreign languages, but too many of them seem clueless about maps. Sure, the show's editing may be showing some teams in a weak light, but come on...

I forget the exact details, but in maybe the 1st series the racers are in Italy and when one team scores a map they say "oh no, this map is in Italian!" We laughed so hard over that.

Love 'em or hate 'em...and mock them we do, but try to see as many episodes as possible and check the bulletin boards for details when I miss one.

Agree w/the comment on the map reading: YIKES! The Clueless Award goes to the one blonde on the Models Team that was looking for Amstel Street; turns out she was looking at the River; the Amstel River.

I'm with Maira, the NFL wives get along just great, capable, they deserve to do well, same with the clowns and the 2 married guys. I never knew about this program until I just came across it one day. What is great is that is also shows many of the realities of travel plus the sites. It is a good program to watch for anyone traveling anywhere, you can see that although all the signs and maps are there things are not always 'so' easy! They are off to India now, that will be a great show.
I am certain it will show the true realities of travel that travel programs never do, the reporters stay in great placeas already arranged and always seem to be in a location for the one 'festival' of the year.
It is very popular in Asia and I watch it from Thailand on our starelite TV service!

This is my favorite program and I'm glad to see so many other people enjoying it. I've sent several emails to the station in hopes they would bring it back. Another excellent reality show is "The Mole," where they also travel.

I agree that this show has a bunch of whinny people. Of course, it's the editing so we see only the little bits and pieces the producer wants us to see. If you remember, in AR3, the winner whinned a lot -- to the point where I wished she'd go away.

In the first series they gave the team clues to their destinations. Now, they are told where to go and how to get there. Too much emphasis on conflict, and not enough about being clever.

My favorite team so far are Cha, Cha, Cha. They were kind to the locals wherever they were and formed good relations. I also like the clowns in this episode.

I'm another rooting for the NFL wives or the clowns. Both teams know the meaning of teamwork and have been game for whatever comes up.

The models.....don't get me started on them!! They are the most clueless, irritating and sorry contestants ever. I do enjoy laughing at them, so I hope they stick around for a few weeks. happen!! They couldn't even navigate in Amsterdam, one of the most tourist friendly areas.....wait till they get to India. It will be a disaster, and I can't wait to watch.

I'll admit to have been horrified at three things during Thursday's episode: 1) the one model snatching the map off her teammate's hand (that was soooo rude!), 2) Kelly's horrendous comments about The Virgins Team, 3) how difficult Amsterdam's web of bridges and channels seems to be for walking around. Is it really that bad?

The Amazing Race (TAR) has been my favorite show on TV for quite a while! I also liked The Mole, but missed most of the second season because I did not know it was on!

luvtotravel (Monica?) - I'm with you Cha Cha Cha was my favorite team too (was that TAR 2 or TAR 3? I can't remember). They were very respectful of everyone and had a great attitude. I loved when they just went shopping in Hong Kong (or was it Singapore?).

sandi - I agree with your 'assessment' of the teams.

So I heard that the best way to get around Bombay was by train.......

Anyone know where I might find a laundry while I'm there?

yipes! I think of myself pretty thick skinned but I'm not sure I could spend much time traveling there and keep a positive outlook.

Was sorry to see the NFL wives leave, but must admit the models we loved to hate seem to have shaped up somewhat.

I can't believe the disgusting things these teams were put through on this episode. I thought the pile of dung the week before was repulsive, but wading in that filthy water at the "laundry" I felt could cause serious illness. Their whole stint in India was pretty awful in terms of the conditions they had to endure.

I hope this doesn't turn into a what more disgusting,vile thing can we make them do! Why do these TV people always run things in the ground! In any case, I'll be watching next week and hoping for the best.

Re: "...how difficult Amsterdam's web of bridges and channels seems to be for walking around. Is it really that bad?"

Well, I've walked around central Amsterdam about four times, and consider myself very good at navigating, but I still get somewhat confused. The concentric rings of canals, and streets that parallel them, can really throw you off.

Clifton, I'd take a train, or do laundry, over walking through that temple full of rats, like they had to do the last time they were in India. I would bet Indian people are, by and large, very gracious and friendly, but seeing that crushing poverty would be pretty hard to take.

I love this show. We Fodorites need to keep e-mailing CBS so they bring it back. It is on the chopping block: too expensive.

I was also wondering how long the rest stops are. I initially thought just one day but they never actually say how long it is. Maybe the teams actually get to enjoy some sightseeing.

Michelle

Capo,

To a person, the Indian people that I know are indeed very friendly. I think there will come a day when my travel will extend to see the realities of the world but for now, travel is, for me, still also an escape from those things you have to face everyday in order to make your way. For now, I like my trips to bring me back renewed and ready to confront work again.

I think that when my time is fully my own, I'll be more ready to absorb the realities of places like Mumbai(Bombay), and allow my own to be the "sanctuary". Right now, I think I'd need a serious vacation after visiting there. But I still think I'd take the rats over that train.

And MichelleY,

They get 12 hours from when they check in, until they go again.

The Amazing Race is also my favorite T.V. show...It is just so good...This one seems particularily good...Now that they have visited India, I want to go more than ever...And when they were in Amsterdam, it just sent my stomach in butterflies as we are going there in 2 months..But above all, it is just a darn good show!!

Something my wife pointed out to me, she being much more observant than myself.

For each leg of the race, they are handed X amount of cash - and it's always in US currency. They're then shown bolting across a field, catching a taxi, a train, bolting up to an airline ticket counter (I realize that the plane tickets are pre-purchased by the show, evidenced by the fact that there is always only so many to go around.) But since she pointed it out at the beginning of the season, we've not once seen someone approach a bureau de change window, etc.

Do you think 1) that bit is edited out consistantly, 2) the whole world is now taking US funds without question 3) the cash is functioning like monopoly money and the trains, cabs, etc have really already been paid for by the show or 4) something I'm overlooking, which is entirely possible.

Well, the models are out, but I did have to agree with the one - she always wanted to take an elephant ride, and if you're in India and have the choice anyway - ride the elephant!

I missed this last episode boo hoo! My husband painted such a grim picture of the contestants being dragged through the mud behind bulls (is that really what it was?). It made me think the prize they offer really isn't big enough! Or at least that the next destination ought to be more comfortable. Great show. When the sniping between teams gets too much, we concentrate on the background scenery.

I wondered about those plane tickets too. I think a show about the behind the scenes would be much more interesting.

dln,

Yep, the roadblock tonight was to get dragged through a mudpit by a couple of bulls on a yoke. I have to wonder who thinks this stuff up.

jor, I agree about the behind the scenes idea. Even better, I'd like to be the advance scout that runs around decides where the route is to be. Someone had to do work and and travel these routes, etc to even know where this little town in the middle of India is. And they get paid for it! Now that's a job.