The other night I caught a marathon of House Hunters International. HHI follows people to foreign lands, shows them three suitable dwellings, one of which is chosen, and then fast forwards a few months to see how they they are doing.
HHI Mumbai was particularly interesting. It featured a woman from Australia, Sharrel, who vacationed in India, met a short DJ, had a world-wind romance, married the guy, and was moving to Mumbai. Who hasn’t fallen for a DJ while on vacation? Anyway, we followed the couple around the city. DJ Mc-Shortstuff loved the pink and purple interior paint of house number one. Sharrel preferred white, and asked incredulously, “You really like this?” House (or rather, apartment) number two had only one bedroom, but did have an incredible balcony. It looked like something from an Indiana Jones movie, covered in vines, with crumbling buildings nearby. DJ suggested turning the dining room into his studio, and we cut away to see him spinning records on a turn-table. ::: swoon! ::: House number three seemed like the winner with extra bedrooms for guests or DJ’s dream studio. While the couple mulled their decision, they visited Mumai Beach with ten thousand other people cooling off and watching the sun set.
Sharrel and Dj Puff-n-Stuff stopped for a street drink, DJ’s favorite, mixed with real banana, coconut and grit (ok, I made that recipe up). DJ slurped it down while Sharrel took a sip and called it “interesting”. Finally the moment of decision arrived. Sharrel pointed out the advantages of house number 3. DJ called out, “Number Two!” The sun set as the couple stood five feet apart from each other. Moving forward, we saw they really did enjoy that big balcony, and rounded up some rattan chairs to sit on. DJ Dancing-Machine did not turn the dining room into his studio, and lamented that he must visit his friend’s house to practice. Don’t get rusty spinning that vinyl!
No way could that couple still be together, I thought. She moved back home where they have dishwashers, white walls, and toilets that are separate from the shower. She put that little summer fling behind her. Nope! She hasn’t! She has her own blog, Diary of a White Indian Housewife, writes for a living, and is still happily married!
The next episode, HHI Singapore, featured two brothers, Karl and Kris Chong. Karl gave up his day job as a New York banker to move to Singapore and start a shopping website. My kind of guy! His younger brother, Kris, put his college education on hold to help a brother out and party with the ladies. Kris wanted either the downtown apartment (close to the action), or the penthouse suite overlooking the harbor. Karl wanted an inexpensive dump so he could put more money towards their business. They considered their decision in the Singapore Flyer, a giant ferris wheel.
Tick-tock, tick-tock. Karl controlled the purse strings, and I for one was not surprised he picked the dump. Fast forward to see Kris running out to meet with clients, and Karl in his craptacular office from morning to night.
How did they do with their shopping website?
I’d say they did okay. How much do you want to bet they both have penthouse suites now?
• Do you watch House Hunters International?
• Do you ever wonder what happens next in the lives of these hunters?
• Would you ever appear on a reality show?
Tags: dj, follow up, House, House Hunters International, Humor, Mumbai, reality, Singapore
I don’t know how the ladies juggle all that they do, but they manage to lead bloggy boot camps, feature a daily blogger, give helpful advice, organize & lead tribes, and have just started a book club. Are you as exhausted as I am? Be sure to check them out.
Lindsay Lohan’s White Dress
Next thing you know, I’m back peddling and hosting a Vermont Teddy Bear give-away. If you’d like to be eligible for the Jean Has Been Shopping teddy bear, leave a comment below.
Applications are popping up to slice & dice your favorite photos, making a snazzy profile page. I used 
