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TALK BACK TODAY: What did YOU think of Where in the World?

Posted: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:00 AM by Katharine Billman
Filed Under: ,



Although it was Matt making his trek around the world this week, the stories and pictures from every corner of the globe made an impression on all of us.  Many of you even felt like you were on the trip with him.  Here are some of your e-mails: 

Matt,
Just want to tell you that every year I really look forward to this Where in the World is Matt Lauer week.  I feel like I'm taking my own personal vacation thru your trips.  For most people, these destinations will never happen to us, so it's so much fun to see parts of the world that we would never be able to do ourselves.  So, thank you so much for this week of brutal miles and hours that you put in.  We do so appreciate it.  Please don't ever quit doing this part of The Today Show.
Cathy Howell (Decatur, IL)

I truly enjoyed the series this week "Where in the World in Matt Lauer"?  It's always a blast!  This year's adventures were entertaining and informative.  You always learn new and exciting facts when you watch this series.   I especially enjoyed the other staff members who traveled with Matt.  The crew as always does a great job and it's nice when you thank the people from the behind the scenes who work so hard on research, travel arrangements, etc.   Kudos to Matt for thanking everyone this morning.
      Maybe so suggestions for next year:  Visit the schools in the area and inform the public what's happening there in the schools.  Talk to more of the locals in each area -it's always a fun to hear what they say!
Once again TODAY, it was a fantastic series!
MarLear
 
I just wanted to say that "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" is not only entertaining, but also very educational.  As a faithful today show watcher,  I look forward to the segments every year.  I am a 37 year old mom of two who watches every morning as we get ready to start our day.
This year my five year old has taken a great interest in the show.. She has gotten up every morning this week a little early because she is afraid she will miss seening what exotic location Matt is in.  She gets up singing the song, and wondering what continent he will be in.. She enjoys it so much that I have had to send her to school with sticky notes every day with the locations on them, so her Kindergarten teacher can help her find them on a map!!  It is great to see her so excited about learning from footage you have shown her each morning.  Thanks again for the great mornings!   
-Colleen Rivers (E. Syracuse, NY)

How wonderful to be exposed to so many diverse and wonderful places through "Where in the World."  However, when I see the excesses in Dubai, I see what is wrong with our planet.  With the money available for such extravagance, there should not be a single hungry, homeless person in the world.
Rollie Haugen (Walker, MN)

Dear Today Show Producers,
I wanted to take a minute to thank you for your "Today Show" incredible series "Where in the World is Matt Lauer". This segment is not only fascinating being able to see places in the world that I will probably never be able to visit, but as a reminder that the people of the world really are of one race-the HUMAN race, where we all want pretty much the same things in life: A loving family, a good job, good health, and the time to enjoy and appreciate all of these things.
Again, thank you for reminding all of us that the world really is a smaller place than we often see it, and Matt Lauer is a great ambassador for all of us. As a military veteran, I have traveled the world and have seen the differences all around. I have often dreamed about how wonderful our world could be if embrace our diversity rather than try to change it. By focusing and celebrating the beauty and variety of far away lands and cultures, Matt Lauer's traveling segments remind us of what a wonderful planet we live on.
Hats off to all of you for great work!
Respectfully,
Matt Rader

Hi Ya'll.....I live for this week every year on the Today Show.  Visiting your locations Matt is a passion of mine.  You always take such a great inside look into every place that you have ever visited.  I particularly loved the visit years ago to the aircraft carrier The USS Roosevelt as my wonderful son-in-law Alan Resmondo served on it for his six years in the Navy.  I even ordered that tape for him.  He died last year at the age of just 41 from cancer.  Keep up the good work about educating all of us about our world.
-Marjorie Waggoner  (McDonough, Georgia)

Dear Matt,
I just wanted to thank you for going to Ireland. I am in Law School at the University of Tulsa. This summer, a group of us are going over to Dublin to study law. In addition to studying, the school has already planned trips to Galway and the Cliff of Moher for us. It was great to see on TV what we can expect. Plus, even though I am 29 and married, it eased my parents and my husbands mind about Ireland. I called my husband instantly when you showed the pictures of the Cliffs Of Moher. My husband is from California and living in Oklahoma we don't get to see cliffs and mountains anymore. So he was excited that I had already put these places on the travel schedule when he comes over to visit. Thanks again Matt!!! You are awesome.
Stacy Brklacich

It's "Slante", Matt, not Cheers (pronounced sa-lan-cha)  But I'll take a Guinness too !! I LOVE that you are in Ireland on one of the biggest traditional holidays, May 1st, Beltain.  Thank you !!  I'm an American-Irish but my heart and soul is forever in Ireland since I visited there 11 yrs ago.
-Karen Malone

What was your favorite part of this year’s travels?  What would you like to see in a future “Where in the World” week?  Send us your comments.

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Comments

I enjoy the "Where in the World" series, and so did my daughter. I was even able to guess where he was on Thursday. I enjoy the Today show and its cast overall as well, even the people that work on the set. It is so good to hear their laughter in the morning along with the anchors. Today show is like coffee...have to have it first thing in the morning! You ALL do a great job!! Oh, great dance yesterday Matt!

Christy G., Huntsville, AL (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:55 AM)

I enjoyed this series of locations, except for Dubai. While all of the locations showed the beauty of the natural landscape and the people who call it home...Dubai showed nothing more than human glut and greed.

Greg von Seeger, Anderson, SC (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 2:41 PM)

Dear Matt, My third grade class and I, at Collierville Elementary School, in Collierville, Tennessee, followed your trip this year. We want to thank you for taking us on such an outstanding learning adventure to different countries and continents. We looked forward every day to learning about these countries and cultures. After learning all year about these countries and different cultures, you helped bring alive the cultures and people of Ireland, Asia, and, of course, our own country! We're ready to take a trip on the Boeing 777 to Ireland, Brunai, Cape Town, and other points in between! Thank you so much! Please come visit us on your next trip at Collierville Elementary School in Collierville, Tennessee! Sincerely, Mrs. Kerschbaum's Third Grade Class

Wanda Kerschbaum, Collierville, Tennessee Third Grade Teacher and class (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 4:27 PM)

Dear Matt, I truly enjoyed your week our adventure. I found each of the places your visited by interesting and educational. I would listen and watch in the morning before I go to work and then come home and watch it all over again. Thank you for making my mornings very enjoyable and interesting. What a life and keep on doing them. I truly enjoyed the gifts. Thanks for a great week

Marlene, Royal Oak, MI (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 7:56 PM)

Great segment. Enjoy it every year. Shows how different other parts of the world are, yet also underscores the incredible similarities between all humans. As an attorney, I'd enjoy some discussion of the legal systems in the other countries. Overall, it's very well done. Keep up the great work!

Michael W. Cardamone, Collingswood, New Jersey (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 9:15 PM)

I love love love your segment "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?". It is enjoyable, informative and eye-opening which is perfect since I am an avid traveler and a lover of the world. The series has taught me to continue believe in people and their genuine kindness. Sometimes our perspective of the world is so jaded, so bleak that we forget that wonderful things like culture, innocence, curiosity still exist. When I graduate from university here in the Philippines, I hope to get a job like Mr. Lauer's or even a spot on the Today Show. It's shows like yours that still make me believe that there is quality in television. Thank you very very much and I hope Mr. Lauer stops by the Philippines next year. Mine is a beautiful country if one only takes the time to explore.

Victoria Rodriguez, Manila, Philippines (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:10 PM)

Hi Matt, During your recent trip to Bhutan, not many people could identify your picture; that is because The Today Show is not televised in the region. It is unfortunate that we are missing out such a great program. I hope that just as you experienced a paradise like Bhutan, we will also get to experience a programme like 'The Today Show' soon. From the North-East India. Wake-Up Joe Michael!

Kevi (Sent Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:32 PM)

My favorite would have to have been Ireland if I were to tell the truth, being Irish it's my dream to one day visit so I can't help myself. But seeing Bhutan was incredible, and being a huge advocate and someone who has spent most of her life trying to raise awareness for all of the struggles that plague Africa the Cape Town piece and visit holds a special place in my heart so I wanted to stress how grateful I am for that. And with any luck one more person will do a little research and get involved in some small way. BTW Dubai was amazing as well, I learned so much thanks to you hard working folks. What an incredible place. And thanks to you all I learned things I had no idea about right here in my own country, the Boeing plant was fantastic. You taught me so much about something I knew so very little about, so thank you for that. As far as what more I'd like to see that's a bit tough, you all do such an amazing job that I don't think it can be topped. You delve into the culture of these locations and never fail to delight with a learning experience, I really don't think it could be out done. But if you're looking for a location, and on a personal note, something in Alaska where the issue of the mass slaughter of animals is addressed. I don't know how much you can cover for image reasons, but to take on an issue that I don't think many know about right here in our own country that we can put a stop to if enough of us say we've had it I think would leave us all with a sense of pride as well as an education. Anyway that's something I think would be important to see. Thank you for you time Matt and the staff.

Teresa V., KY. (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 8:14 AM)

I've always loved "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" but it was extra special this year! My husband and I are expats living in Dubai. We were on a yacht near the Burj al Arab when family from Texas called to tell us that Matt was in Dubai. We saw the helicopter and waved furiously! Did you see us, Matt? Thanks for sharing the story of this fabulous place with the rest of the world!

Dana Khan, Tyler, Texas (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 8:31 AM)

Mw wife and I went to Bulgaria and visited the Black sea and found some very interesting historical sites near the black sea. The country is still many years behind the US but the hotels and old monasteries/churches are very interesting to visit. REally enjoy your annual trips worldwide so keep traveling.

Don Krause Neenah WI (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:03 AM)

Matt, you are fantastic ! loved this years series, so much of an education of the world we live in. Places I know i'll never be able to visit and yet I feel as though I had been there, because of you. Sincerely, Thank you ! June Kraska, Stratford, CT 0661

June W. Kraska, Stratford, CT 06614 (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:36 AM)

i love where in the world is matt lauer! it challenges your mind & you think it's one place, but then it's antoher place! it's just so good

avery brown sc (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 11:28 AM)

I love this year's WITW. Of all the places Matt went, Bhutan seems to be the most uninhibited--so beautiful. I'm was excited to see Dubai in full glory. And South Africa is probably the place where I want to escape from the daily grind. Wonderful locations.

Rose (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:04 PM)

Even though I live in Toronto, Canada and begin my day with Canada AM at 6:30 a.m., I switch to NBC out of Buffalo at 7:00 to catch the Today Show - I toggle between both shows every morning - I am sure Matt was exhausted by Friday but the week of "Where in the World" was great fun to watch and I didn't miss a minute - thank you all at NBC Today both weekday and weekend - I get a great deal of pleasure out of watching all of you.

Rhea Copeland, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:51 PM)

Dear Matt Thanks for an awesome show. It was intriguing to see footage of The World in Dubai. I really had a sense of witnessing history - almost as if we are seeing the construction of the next big thing since the pyramids.

Sam Bautista, Fullerton, CA (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 1:04 PM)

Dear Today Show Producers and Dear Matt, "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" is one of the most entertaining, informative, and all-around-fun segments on any t.v. program. The show is brilliantly produced, and with Matt Lauer as its host, it is a winner! Matt is a class-act guy. He treats people of all countries with dignity and respect--qualities seldom seen anywhere today. He makes his viewers feel like they are experiencing his adventures with him. Once,when he was catapulted off a U.S. aircraft carrier, everybody had that stomach in the throat, heart stopping, sinking feeling. I relived a 30 year old memory of TRUE FEAR & FRIGHT. Don't change anything about the show. It's perfect. Thanks for a great week in t.v., and a personal thank you to Matt Lauer. Sincerely, John Dillis (SF, CA)

John Dillis, South San Francisco, CA (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 2:54 PM)

Hello Matt I think that you and the gang do a fantastic job. I would like to buy the t-shirt from around the world in large, could you help me? Thanks Ina Gilbert

Irina Gilbert, Lakewood, California (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 3:59 PM)

MATT: The show was Great, like every year.How about a two week show next year,I would love it!! THANKS!

Peggy Herdt Minong,Wis. (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 5:43 PM)

As always, I loved the week of "Where in the World . . " It is a wonderful time when we can see all the sights of the world without leaving our living room. Thank you very much. All involved did a wonderful job. Please keep it up.

sandra standridge,bluffton,ohio (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 6:48 PM)

I always watch "Today Show" every moring. I love it very much. Last week when I saw "Where in the World is Matt Lauer", Well it was just wonderful. I love to see picthres all over the World. The pictures of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai was real real good. Keep up the good work. Thanks A lot, E R Ross

E R Ross (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:01 PM)

To my friends at the Today Show! Thank you for going to the ends of the earth to bring them to us! I look forward to the Where in the World week every year. We love to travel and we are always looking for new places. Some of the places you take us are places we would never think about on our own. Now we are planning a trip to Dubai for next year. You make all places look enchanting, and I know that if they were dangerous, they wouldn't let you go, so it must be ok for the rest of us! I wish you could spend 2 days in a location so we could see more of the local culture and different cities to visit. I know Matt, that you must be exhausted as well, so this would give you and the crew a little extra rest in between locales as well! Again, I thank you and can't wait until next year! -Lisa Anderson

Lisa Anderson, Shawano, WI (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:17 PM)

Hi Matt! I enjoyed your travels of last week but wanted to let you know that while you were away so was your cardboard cut out. In a town near me in Oregon (Eugene) "flat Matt" was placed in a hidden location each day to be "discovered". His whereabouts were the talk of the town on the local news. You were as much fun to keep track of here out west as in the exotic places we saw you in on the Today show. You never fail to disappoint. Judy McCann

Judy McCann, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-754-6866 (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:33 PM)

Like many people, I look forward to "WitwiML", but this year was a real let down. The locations were not all that exciting or interesting, with Ireland being the only one that I would even consider visiting on my own. The other locations were too remote, and there's NO WAY that I am visiting a Middle Eastern country as an American, no matter how 'moderate' it might be. The previous years at least offered some degree of romance and excitement.

David Adams, Arlington, TX (Sent Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:48 PM)

Actually and with all due respect, I thought it was terrible. In particular the clues. What I do wish to thank you for the most is the Dubai part of the segment. America's dependence on crude oil has been reflected clearly with the overkill on the wealth afforded to this country by our inability to free our dependence through other means of public transportation i.e. light rail. Our loss is their gain. Thank you Matt and the oil companies for allowing us to wish that we all Americans should have a heliport in our front yards. Looking forward to next years segment. Hopefully our current political miasma and oil dependent quandry will be erased by forward thinking citizens.

Xavier Vasquez, El Paso Texas (Sent Monday, May 07, 2007 1:08 AM)

Matt, My compliments to you and your crew for doing such a fantastic job with the "World" series this past week. I was pushing my five year old in a shopping cart when she said, "Mom, the wheels are saying Where in the World is Matt Lauer!

Beth Schroeder, Geneva, IL (Sent Monday, May 07, 2007 7:46 AM)

Meredith, You promised to wear the gift earrings today on TODAY. Don't know why but I remembered that pledge and was on the lookout this morning. Alas, gold hoops instead of the tumble of little pearls or stones. You have some "'splainen" to do --- meanwhile have a wonderful week. Thanks, Ann

Ann Duff (Sent Monday, May 07, 2007 8:16 AM)

Dear Matt and Today Show Producers, I can't tell you how much I love the WITWIML week! I love that the locations are always so unique, and how far away places are brought right in to my home by way of Matt. As a producer, I know exactly what goes in to location shoots...but this is on another level!! Hats off to the cast and crew that work the tireless hours to make such a unique, educational and entertaining week...And special thanks to Matt for all of his long hours and terrific journalism. Great job!

Jean Hughes, Malvern, PA (Sent Wednesday, May 09, 2007 11:33 PM)

I love Where in the World is Matt Lauer. I look forward to it every year. It is great please don't stop doing it.

Harriett Epps Whiteville, NC (Sent Thursday, May 10, 2007 1:06 PM)

Congratulations Ann, I enjoy the "Today Show" every AM for the last 25 odd years. I think you are just terrific and you are a very compassionate, caring person which definitely shows on the air. I wish you the very best in the coming years ahead. Sincerely, PS - Matt and Al are also very wonderful, I really get a kick out of your show, very down to earth. Meredith is doing a great job as well! You are quite a team.....keep it going!

Gail Stone (Sent Thursday, May 10, 2007 2:23 PM)

I love "where in the world is Matt Lauer". I have a suggestion. There's these islands of the coast of Portugal called the Azores or Madeira. They are beautiful. Maybe Matt should take a trip there.

Leslie Nunes, Watsonvllle, CA (Sent Monday, May 14, 2007 1:32 PM)



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