Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Michael and Samantha on House Hunters International Sept 18th

So first off, Samantha and I are the least likely people to end up on a reality TV show. I mean, we don't even own a TV—neither did we have one back in the states. So what a surprise it was when we ended up being chosen as the subject of a 30-minute episode of House Hunters International!

 So how did it happen?

 Well, it seems the producers of House Hunters International wanted to take the show somewhere a little... different. Showing a rich family choose their dream villa in Florence or flat in Paris is nice, but apparently they wanted to showcase a different type of story—one where two people decide to leave their lives behind and start over in a place almost no one knows anything about. So the producers contacted a friend of ours here in Tarija who happens to be the only English-speaking expat services agent around. They wanted to profile a young couple as they searched for an apartment in Tarija. Our friend Martin thought of us, we spoke with the producers, and before long it was lights, camera, action. 

 So what apartment did we end up choosing? You'll have to watch the show!
House Hunters International
"Time out in Tarija, Bolivia"
HGTV
Check your local listings as airtimes may vary in your area!


Part of our backstory was my failed music career ;-) Here's Johnnie and I shooting a scene at the Santa Fe Tracking Station in Downtown LA


Filming an outdoor shot at the Coimata waterfalls

Looking at an apartment—nice views!

One of the three options we had to choose from... What would be the final verdict? Tune in and find out!

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8 comments:

  1. Ellis DeeSeptember 19, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Really enjoyed the show. Thought for sure you'd pick house 3. My wife is from Cochabamba and we have been waiting for a House Hunters episode from Bolivia. It was great to see, congrats on everything and good luck to you. Part of me wishes I could pull up stakes and bail for the Andes. Le sigh.

    David, Seattle

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  2. Jason KiddSeptember 20, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    We really enjoyed the episode as well. We are a family of 5 in Texas trying to move where there is a greater need. We have been focusing on Cuenca, Ecuador and Sucre, Bolivia, but Tarija looked like a great destination as well. We found your blog last night and plan to read through everything to learn as much about your Bolivian experiences as possible so it can help us.

    Thanks for providing the blog.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    I was just watching a House Hunters International rerun and thought "I just know this couple are witnesses!" So I googled it and what a fun surprise! You are :) A witness can tell another witness in a minute! You need greaters are a great encouragement! May Jehovah continue to bless your effort.

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    1. Michael and SamanthaJanuary 3, 2013 at 4:26 AM

      Thanks Elizabeth! Glad to know that you weren't shocked to find out we were JW ;-) And thank you for the nice words, it's encouraging to us!

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  4. UnknownJanuary 2, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Ok now I'm laughing. It was the House Hunters episode that inspired my desire to look into moving to Tarija. I've been almost fixated on Tarija research for days now! Then I was researching the preaching work in the area.. and came upon your site only to realize YOU are the people from the show!! Awesome!

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    Replies
    1. Michael and SamanthaJanuary 3, 2013 at 4:24 AM

      Haha—no way! Crazy... There's a limited amount of information about Tarija available online, so if you have questions hit us up directly!

      michaelparkerstudios@gmail.com

      Delete
    2. UnknownFebruary 2, 2013 at 11:51 PM

      No kidding.I had the worst time finding ANYTHING. I'll be in touch!

      Delete
  5. Rachel ValenzuelaDecember 12, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    I'm watching the show (rerun) & I just knew from the beginning you were JWs! That's awesome! We have friends moving to Ecuador soon. Also, my sons both play guitar (bass, electric, acoustic), so I'll be sharing your blog with them.

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