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 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.