Hi from Rick: Smithsonian Me
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| "The project has stoked my passion for more great travels, and I am thrilled to see the final product." |
Dear Traveler,
A few days ago I had dinner with a friend in Verona. Instead of ending with a sweet dessert, the waiter brought a cheese course, one of my favorite European traditions. As we started to sample the selection, my friend declared, "Even if we do not talk, with these cheeses we have a good conversation."
What distinguishes great travels from typical trips? It's those places and opportunities when travelers can reach beyond their comfort barriers (self- or industry-imposed) and actually connect with the people and cultures they've traveled so far to experience. It's true: I'll remember the "good conversation with cheeses" long after I've forgotten the churches and museums I saw that day.
Arriving back at my hotel, I picked up an overnight-air package. Inside I found a classy, large-format magazine — hot off the press — Smithsonian Presents Travels with Rick Steves.
For years I've known that Smithsonian readers share my enthusiastic curiosity about everything European, and the importance of wringing maximum experience from their travels. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with the Smithsonian magazine's editorial staff to make what is, in essence, a 100-page collection of my favorite ways to connect with the wonders of Europe.
The project has stoked my passion for more great travels, and I am thrilled to see the final product. In this month's Travel News you'll have a chance to order your copy, and read more articles about the Europe I feel so lucky to share with you.
Like a good plate of cheeses, it's the start of a memorable conversation.
Happy travels,
Rick