If you’ve read my blogs regularly, you know that I have met a lot of celebrities. It has been a hobby of mine for a long time, and I always incorporate it into my work when the opportunity is there.

Over the last couple years, I have started asking more travel-related questions. Not only are the questions relevant to Global Traveler, but I have found that the questions sometimes open the conversations quite well. I think the stars view travel questions as a refreshing change of pace over the usual stuff.

One of the most interesting conversations was with Jon Miller, award-winning announcer for the San Francisco Giants and ESPN. I asked Miller about his favorite city to visit. He gave me a lengthy, thoughtful answer.

Miller loves Bora-Bora, calling it “the most incredible spot ever,” although he doubted there would ever be a baseball club there. I knew the interview was going to be fun at that point.

He then talked about the beauty and culture of Paris. Bringing it to the United States, he cited Seattle (especially in the summer) for the waterfront and Chicago for the shopping, food and theater. Crossing the northern border, Miller raved about Toronto‘s transit system and their underrated theater scene. Miller brought us back to the U.S. by talking about San Diego and the wonderful downtown and waterfront area around PetCo Park. I really think Miller could have spent the whole afternoon discussing travel, but his duties called him away.

Miller did not name any specific hotels. Most celebrities don’t, for whatever reasons. Maybe they just don’t want to sound like an endorsement.

Hall of Fame broadcaster (and former ESPN workmate of Miller’s) Peter Gammons was an exception to that general rule. Gammons named San Francisco as his favorite city to visit. Gammons talked about the famous bridge as well as the joy in simply walking around the city. Then he mentioned the Mandarin Oriental as his favorite hotel, citing the elegance, comfort and fabulous views.

Of course, everyone isn’t as willing to discuss travel. Joe Morgan, Hall of Fame player and current broadcaster for ESPN, said he didn’t have a favorite city because he likes them all. That was disappointing. Morgan played in the ’60s through the mid-’80s and in many cities. I am sure he could have added some interesting insight.

I have a lot more stories. Perhaps I will sprinkle them in here if the response is good.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist