I've been a Survivor fan since the first Season, but I have never liked Sandra. That's all I'm going to say about this season in my non-spoiler way.
I didn't start watching Amazing Race until a few seasons, there are reasons why it wins more awards than Survivor but it's very different so maybe that makes it easier. I think it was up against Lost or something though... that's the usual reason I can miss really good shows is because I'm watching something else.
Oh dear, talking about Amazing Race brings up the "watermelon to the face" which has become a bit of a family meme. Easy to google. It's worth reading the full story.