travel
A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, Rick now brings his passion for exploring and understanding our world to public radio. Related travel information and message boards on www.ricksteves.com.
Author Philip Barlag explains his approach to understanding ancient Roman ruins, emphasizing the importance of knowing the people who built them and their accomplishments. He shares how his deep curiosity about even simple stacks of ancient bricks drives his quest to uncover the history behind these structures.
Philip Barlag explains how the damaged sections of the Arch of Septimius Severus reveal a history of familial conflict. The missing imagery is due to Emperor Caracalla ordering the erasure of his brother Geta's memory after having him murdered.
For centuries, ancient Romans broke down marble from grand structures to create kilns for producing concrete and mortar. This practice, driven by necessity, led to the destruction of many of Rome's most impressive buildings, leaving gaps in historical understanding.
Philip Barlag describes the spectacle of Roman military parades, where conquering generals would march enemies and their effigies through the city. These events often included feasts and distribution of goods to the citizens, fostering civic pride.
The small South Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed how its name is spelled and pronounced. The government wants to ensure the rest of the world knows the correct way to refer to their island home.
Author Nikos Hadjicostas views travel not just as visiting destinations, but as a philosophical journey that broadens one's perspective and understanding of life. He believes that every interaction, positive or negative, shapes us and contributes to our overall experience of the world.
Nikos Hadjicostas describes the concept of an 'infinite microcosm' through his experience in Indonesia, where the sheer number of islands (18,000) made him realize the impossibility of fully exploring any single place. He likens this to a microscope that reveals new worlds with each increase in magnification.
James Grant Kerkens, an expert in Polynesian culture and history, notes that the geopolitics of the Pacific have become significantly important again, for the first time since World War II.
Nikos Hadjicostas proposes that our interactions with people during travel create lasting connections, even if we never meet them again. He encourages mindfulness in these encounters, as both positive and negative connections shape our lives and contribute to the collective human experience.
Historian Jacob Miknowski explains how the perception and reality of Eastern Europe have changed dramatically since the fall of communism. Many countries are rebranding themselves as Central European or even Nordic to shed negative connotations and embrace new identities.
Jacob Miknowski discusses the "transition happiness gap," noting that Eastern European countries that transitioned from socialism to capitalism experienced a period of decreased life satisfaction, marked by issues like alcoholism and suicide rates.
Jacob Miknowski highlights the region of Maramureș in Romania as a place that has retained its traditional rural heritage, offering a glimpse into lifestyles that have largely vanished in other parts of Eastern Europe. This preservation is partly due to the slower pace of transition into capitalism and the EU.
Historian Jacob Miknowski discusses the outdated and often negative stereotypes associated with the term 'Eastern Europe.' He notes that countries are actively trying to distance themselves from this label, with some Baltic states even aspiring to be considered Nordic.
Jacob Miknowski describes the significant changes in former communist countries, noting that those joining the EU have experienced rapid progress, while others lag behind. He observes that the physical landscape has also transformed, with traditional villages being replaced by more modern cement structures.
Jacob Miknowski posits that the traditional concept of 'Eastern Europe' as a monolithic entity is fading, leading to a redefinition of regional identities. He explains that for many, the term carries outdated stereotypes and unclearness, prompting a desire to reclaim or redefine the region's narrative.
Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, co-founders of Atlas Obscura, discuss their website and book, which catalogs unusual and wondrous places. They explain that their goal is not just to create a bucket list, but to encourage people to explore the world around them, finding hidden stories even in their own hometowns.
Dylan Thuras describes the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin, as one of the most bizarre and amazing creations in the United States. He notes that the sprawling complex, which takes hours to explore, contains unique attractions like the world's largest carousel and a giant squid-whale sculpture.
The conversation highlights California City, a planned city in the Mojave Desert conceived in the 1950s to rival Los Angeles. Dylan Thuras explains that while its infrastructure is in place, including roads and cul-de-sacs, the city has a very small population, making it appear like a ghost town.
Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado, is highlighted as a unique "castle without kings," built by one man over 40 years. Dylan Thuras describes the 16-story medieval-ish structure, emphasizing that visitors can explore the entire place, including a potentially perilous bridge at the top.
The discussion touches upon the significant development of land art in the 1970s, with projects like the Spiral Jetty in Utah and "City" in Nevada being mentioned as examples of large-scale installations. Dylan Thuras notes that these earthworks are monumental and designed to last for centuries.
Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton of Atlas Obscura aim to inspire more than just wanderlust; they want to spark "wonderlust" by highlighting hidden wonders and encouraging people to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. They emphasize that these remarkable places are often found close to home.
The conversation humorously touches on the "largest ball of twine" as a competitive category among roadside attractions. Dylan Thuras notes that the distinction often depends on whether the twine was rolled by one person or a group.
Dylan Thuras mentions dinosaur parks as a category of quirky roadside attractions, specifically calling out the Cabazon dinosaurs in California, which were featured in the film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." He notes that these are often recognized by people who have driven through the state.
The Atlas Obscura book includes a warning that it is written in the spirit of adventure and advises readers to travel at their own risk. Some locations mentioned may not be open to the public or require special permission, highlighting the potential dangers associated with exploring some of these unusual sites.
Tour guides Nina Bernardo and Susanna Perocchini advise first-time visitors to Italy to embrace 'bella chaos' and be prepared for closer physical proximity than they might be used to in America. They suggest accepting nuances and 'gray areas' as part of the Italian experience, as Italians are adept at improvising solutions.
For a 20-year-old student studying in Rome with ample free time, tour guides suggest visiting Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome, for a less crowded experience similar to Pompeii but closer. Alternatively, they recommend exploring the Testaccio neighborhood for its authentic feel and historic 'mountain' of broken amphorae.
According to tour guides Nina Bernardo and Susanna Perocchini, a key aspect of Italian lifestyle is the 'passeggiata' or evening stroll, often with friends or colleagues. This tradition, dating back to ancient times, emphasizes being present and engaging with each other in public spaces like piazzas, rather than being engrossed in cell phones.
David McAninch, a food writer who lived in Gascony with his family, observed that the region's eating habits are associated with the longest life expectancy rates in France. He noted that the family learned to slow down and appreciate cooking more during their time there, adopting a lifestyle focused on enjoying food.
Susanna Perocchini highlights Largo Argentina in Rome as an interesting site due to its ancient Roman temple ruins and a thriving cat sanctuary. Nina Bernardo notes that the area embodies Rome's 'everlasting present' where historical continuity is evident, with spaces being reused over time.
When visiting popular Italian sites like the Coliseum, Nina Bernardo advises tourists with limited time to prioritize and secure reservations in advance, acknowledging that not everything can be seen. She suggests seeing less but appreciating more to create better memories.
Italian tour guides Susanna Perocchini and Nina Bernardo explain that the Italian tendency to 'rub elbows' refers to a cultural comfort with closer physical proximity in public spaces. This can feel crowded to Americans but is not considered offensive in Italian culture, contributing to the perceived 'bella chaos' of Italy.
Author Erik Weiner advocates for long-distance train travel in the US, highlighting the unexpected and intimate conversations that can occur with fellow passengers. He describes the four typical categories of Amtrak travelers and his own experience with 'chrono phobia,' finding the enforced slowness of train travel to be therapeutic.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield describes how viewing Earth from 250 miles in space provided a profound global perspective and a deep respect for humanity's history. He found that photographs taken from the International Space Station emphasized the Earth's fragility and humanity's collective responsibility to protect it.
Tour guide Anna Pirarado explains that Florence's Renaissance architecture, particularly the Hospital of the Innocents, embodies the humanistic spirit of the 15th century. She notes that these achievements continue to influence contemporary society.
Erik Weiner highlights the difference in passenger interaction between train and air travel, noting that the confined environment of a train encourages conversation. He contrasts this with the anonymity of air travel, where passengers typically do not interact.
Chris Hadfield was inspired to become an astronaut after watching the moon landing as a child, realizing that 'impossible things can happen.' He noted that this accomplishment was a human achievement, not solely an American one, which resonated with him profoundly.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield believes that incorporating art, such as singing David Bowie's 'Space Oddity,' helped make the complex science of space exploration and the International Space Station more accessible to the public. He observed that this approach made the experience more 'real' and intuitively understandable for people.
Erik Weiner reflects on his long train journey, noting that the experience reinforced the etymological connection between 'travel' and 'tread.' He felt he 'earned' his arrival in Portland after the journey, a sensation he contrasts with the often unearned arrivals experienced after flying.
Chris Hadfield emphasizes that seeing the Earth from space highlighted its incredible fragility and beauty, likening it to a 'fragile jewel.' This perspective instilled a strong sense of responsibility to protect the planet.
Elizabeth Van Hest explains that Impressionism originated as a radical movement by artists in Paris who experimented with capturing light and shadow. The term itself was initially a criticism but was embraced by the artists who called themselves 'independent' and rebelled against the conservative art establishment.
Elizabeth Van Hest recommends the Marmottan Museum for viewing Monet's works, as his son donated many of his paintings there. For impressionist sculpture, she suggests the Rodin Museum, which was Rodin's last studio and offers a glimpse into the artist's creative space.
Elizabeth Van Hest suggests that some music can be described as impressionistic, noting that Claude Debussy's work fits this style. Debussy was active in the same period as the Impressionist painters, suggesting a connection in artistic sensibilities.
The Louvre Museum is highlighted not just for its art collection but also as a significant architectural and cultural masterpiece in Paris. Even without entering, the building itself can convey stories about the history of France.
Rick Steves suggests that disruptions like street demonstrations and transit delays are part of an authentic Parisian experience, and that a week in Paris is not truly Paris without such events.
Author and chef Michaela Tartaglia discussed her book 'An Apple a Day: 25 Surprising Universal Idioms and Their Origins' with Rick Steves. She explained that idioms are expressions used daily across languages and cultures, often reflecting cultural nuances.
Michaela Tartaglia shared insights into Italian culture, noting that Italians are known to exaggerate, suggesting that their pronouncements should be taken with a grain of salt. She also mentioned that wine is often included with workers' lunches in Italy.
Tartaglia shared an Italian idiom, 'non puoi avere la botta piena e la moglie ubriaca,' which translates to 'You can't have the wife drunk and the barrel full at the same time.' This idiom, equivalent to the English 'you can't have your cake and eat it too,' offers insight into Italian culture, particularly its relationship with wine.
Greg Harris of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum discussed the institution's role in preserving the history of rock music, which has been a significant soundtrack for the world for the past 75 years. The museum in Cleveland features stories about the music's origins and evolution.
Historian David McCullar was remembered for his work on the Wright brothers, highlighting their significant impact on the nation. Rick Steves expressed admiration for their ingenuity and humanity, noting that McCullar's book about them showcased what is genuinely great about America.