Rick on Public Radio: 2005
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I heard Rick talking today about Russia--warning that while he enjoys travelling there it is only for "agressive travellers." He described hotels with "no-neck" mafia types in the front and feeling like one needs security to keep body and soul together. This is very unfair. For adventurous travellers who want to get off the beaten path, Russia is wonderful and very safe in my experience, even for those who do not know much Russian (though deciphering cyrillic for sound is useful). I have be travelling to Russia for many years. Now is an excellent time to go--there is much more order and comfort than in the past, huge numbers of fascinating sites, good values. And there are many excellent guidebooks to help.
Mark
Urbana, IL Sat 12/10/2005
I have listened to the podcast of Rick's show titled "French Food & Faux Pas." He included some terrific French music within the contents of this show. Does anyone know the name of the artists who performed this music?
gordon
Baltimore, MD Sun 11/27/2005
Just listening to your progarm about religion and travel. In that program your delightful Muslim guest stated that Allah and the Christian God are the same God with different names. She may truly believe this, but it is not true. Even a brief reading of the Bible and the Koran clearly demonstrates that these are not the same people. For example, the Christian God is trinitarian, three in one. As your guest stated numerous times, Allah is one and one alone. This is just one basic difference. Please do not further this misconception, both Christian and Muslim, that Allah is the Christian God by another name. Respectfully submitted.
Holli
Memphis, TN Sat 11/05/2005
hello, my name is jheferson castillo and I am from Galapagos Islands, in this moment i was listening the program on the radio, and mekes me really happy to hierd people tolking about the place where i grew up!
jheferson
Seattle, Wa Mon 10/10/2005
Don't forget Canyonlands and Arches National Park, and on down to Monument Valley, then to Canyon de Chelly. There is nothing more beautiful on earth!
Ed
Tacoma, WA Mon 10/10/2005
I was listening to the program today, and they were talking about road trips in the Southwest. I don't like to drive, so I take Amtrak quite frequently. The "Southwest Chief" from Chicago to LA, is a wonderful way to experience the region. Winslow, Lamy, Needles, Trinidad, are all wonderful stops to explore, and connection to the Grand Canyon is available via the Grand Canyon Railroad at Williams Junction. Plus, you cross the Raton Pass in the daylight going either direction, which is not to be missed.
Dan
Seattle, WA Mon 10/10/2005
Suggestion for a future "Rick on Radio" program: Estonia, Latvia, Lituania, Russia.
Ricardo
New York, NY Mon 10/03/2005
An observation about your comment on the French attitude toward language: some of the sounds that we produce trying to pronounce French really can be confusing or misleading. Interestingly, an American and a German may well understand each other's French but leave a Frenchman genuinely bewildered. Attitude there is, undeniably, but that's not the whole story.
"Lingua franca," by the way, is Latin and means "free language" or "common language" - not "the French language." France, on the other hand, does get its name from the Franks or "free people."
Donald Galt
Seattle, wa Sat 10/01/2005
Hey folks,
The other day I was thinking that you all need to put Rick's radio show on a podcast. Well, low and behold you did it without me even asking you to.
Your work goes beyond just recreation. It is about helping people understand the world around them better. I appreciate your mission and how you go about fulfilling it.
Bob I.
Grand Junction, CO Fri 09/30/2005
I wanted to comment on Rick Steves response to a caller regarding a year abroad. His reaction to a person's intent to spend a year abroad was a little discouraging. I have spent years abroad and have a suggestion: Mr. Steves said that people get worn out and frustrated with the weather. I would recommend that if a person is taking a sabbatical, they might consider going on a service trip. There are many organizations that welcome workers who have relatively minimal skills but who are willing to put themselves into a community. They should start by looking at service organizations that are in their own trade. (For example: my family is in the construction industry-- there are dozens of organizations that build water systems, community gardens, teaching dairies, etc. that welcome self-supported American volunteers.)
People who are focused on a task-- especially if that task involves improving the lives of others-- tend to be less focused on themselves or their own needs.
dana
Bainbridge Island, WA Sat 09/24/2005
After listening to your program about Turkey, I just wanted to mention a book I just read about "Baths"... It's called Cathedrals of the Flesh by Alexia Brue. Also, if you look in the back of her book, you find a guide to which saunas/hamams/banyas to check out all around the world. From New York, Paris, Russia, and many more... Ciao, Monika
Monika
Toronto, On Thu 09/22/2005
Burton Holmes invented travelogues and was known for his travel films. He even has a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame". You, however; are like the next generation of that. You're expertise on traveling to Europe is endless and always helpful. Just look at your tv shows and guidebooks. I have your dvds and guidebooks and am a huge fan. Your Graffitti Wall is a great way to get insightful information about issues when traveling to Europe. However; I was ecstatic after hearing about your new radio show that started earlier this year. I'm a travel agent student wanting to specialize in Europe. So looking foward to listening to your archived programs is an fantastic way to keep up with current topics and to hear what other people have to say. Listening to your travel related interviews and hearing your answers to traveler's questions is what makes it such an awesome program to listen to. Keep up the great work! Ciao, Monika
Monika
Toronto, On Wed 09/21/2005
I enjoyed the July segment on traveling in the southeast. As a NC native, I must clarify for people heading to the Outer Banks. Your guest pronounced the city where "The Lost Colony" is produced as "man-TAY-oh" when it should be pronounced as "MAN-tee-oh". It took me several minutes to figure out what he meant. For all readers, I highly recommend the Outer Banks as a terrific family vacation with plenty for kids to do without too much commercialism.
Kaz
Raleigh, NC Tue 09/20/2005
I enjoy your travel podcasts, and also the music that you have between chapters. If you could post the name of the songs that you use for each program here in your website, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Rick
New York, NY Mon 09/19/2005
Rick. Shame on you!! There is no such thing as 'Downtown London.' Well at least you did not refer to the Tube as the Subway! London is as expensive as you want to make it. I stay at a B&B in the most crime free district, Harrow, for about $30.00GBP a night with full bath and brakfast. Try to match that in New York. Yes if I eat at 'Fifteen' it's very expensive but using the web and going to places with 'early bird dinners.' with same quality, it's cheaper than San Francisco.
Larry
Daly Cty, CA Sat 09/17/2005
Your show is great. I enjoyed the recent piece on "marrying Italy" - my wife is an Italian and I lived in Italy for two years. You might want to know that "fica", which your guest said was somewhat irreverant, is actually downright obscene. Just thought you should know.
Peter J.
Indianapolis, IN Wed 08/24/2005
Rick, I only caught part of yesterday's show and was fascinated about your discussion of Tuscany and air travel. We are planning a trip to Europe (next June/July) and have booked a week in Tuscany, for a cooking school! We plan to start in Scotland and end up in Italy. I understand that the air travel would be cheap with companies like Easy Jet, but I am having lots of difficulty finding out about car rental companies that would allow us to pick up in one country (say Austria) and then drop of in Florence. If you had any tips on that, I would be so very grateful. I will keep listening :-)
Suzanne
Union, WA Sun 08/14/2005
You CAN travel the California coast (LA to San Jose) and visit lots of wineries without a car. You can even spend a week in Hollywood and ride public transportation just about anywhere you want to go. I was skeptical (and discouraged by others), but had a wonderful trip. It just took some extra planning....
Sandee
Madison, WI Mon 08/01/2005
Hola: I just spent two wonderful weeks with my family in Costa Rica as part of my ongoing business plan of providing investment opportunities and information on Costa Rica as a tourism destination and permanent residence plans. Feel free to contact me if interested. I am an mba graduate from the University of Washington and a native of Costa Rica.
Luis Navarro
Seattle, WA Sun 07/31/2005
Rick, also on your European food traditions program your guest mentioned that taking olive oil home from France, Italy, or Spain is better than taking wine home because it lasts longer. This could not be further from the truth. Olive oil is best on the day it is made, and then it deteriorates every day after that. After a year of storage the oil will certainly taste flat or even rancid. As for wine, yes there are some that are meant to be drunk early, Beaujolais Nuevo for example. Therefore, I would just like everyone to know that who listened to the program that the idea of olive oil lasting a long time is not true. Thanks!
Bryan
Dallas, TX Fri 07/29/2005
Rick, I am listening to your program regarding wine right now. Please, may I suggest that you approach wine a little differently? Wine should simply be an accompaniment for food and that is they way most Europeans see it. For example, beautiful simple Beaujolais from France goes great with most bistro food in France. Also, a simple Barbera goes great with most tomato dishes in Italy. And of course a magnificent dry Riesling goes great with charcuteries of France and Germany. My point is, I think the conversations with the complexities of wine are boring. What is beautiful is when regional wines go great with regional food. Wine speak is a turnoff, except for those wine snobs out there, which is fine, but I think they are a paucity among listeners. Please in the future approach wine in a more simple fashion, which actually is more sophisticated. Thanks!
Bryan
Bryan
Dallas, TX Mon 07/25/2005
Subject: Your program about Turkey
Dear Mr. Steves,
My wife and I, turkish immigrants in Seattle, have been your fans for quite some time and always plan our European tours with your books and videos. We are right now listening to your radio program on Turkey with quite misty eyes. You have done for our home country what our embassy failed to do all these years.
Even beyond Turkey, your service to America and Americans by promoting human contact is beyond what most "decorated" patriots have accomplished. Please keep doing what you do. Continue giving us the wonderful world.
If you happen to have some free time, we would love to have you and your family for a turkish meal and real turkish tea.
Carl & Ozlem
Seattle, WA Thu 07/07/2005
I visted France for the first time and used your book. I was of great assistance and because of it I found everthing and easily. I also did you walking tour and it was so exact that I had to laugh. Thank you so very much for all of your help and advise. It made my trip extraordinary! I am planning my trip for Southern France, Italy and Austria in 2006. I do recommend a 3 to 4 week trip to all. I have ordered your book on Italy when great expectations that it will lead me as well as the last one did. I would like any information on Capri that you might have. Many thanks and keep traveling and helping us. A former Washingtonian.
Bobbie
Medford, OR Sat 05/28/2005
I was born in Cuba and have lived in Miami for over 40 years. I speak to Cubans that risk their lives every day to escape an oppresive dictatorship and a very grim future. These escapees from Cuba laugh at Americans that visit the island. They only see them as someone that they can something from. Money, gifts, a good time or simply a way to get out. None of them want Americans there. Sure, they are pleasent and friendly...it's their nature. But no one in Cuba has a real job. So, you see masses of youth hanging out in corners or parks plotting how they are going to escape or make an easy buck. You want to go to Cuba? Travel at your own risk. Every year hundreds of international tourists are killed in the streets. Also theft is rampant. Take a chance on a Jinetera? Sure, but your $50 investment has a 75% chance of getting AIDS. Thousands of Jineteras have been thown into an old airport base in Santa Clara without any medical attention. It is called the landing strip for the dying. Nice uh? Yes, go to my country, be harrassed, be limited to travel, see a suffering society live!!! I suggest that if you like Latin American countries go to those that have a lot to offer, not Cuba. Wanna see Cubans, Go to Miami....We are all here.
The embargo is there for a reason. We want Fidel out. The people in the Island want Fidel out. He is a mass murderer and a miserable excuse for a human being. We will all go to Cuba, and lift the boycott, when Fidel is dead.
Rafael
Miami, FL Thu 05/12/2005
I've bought my last Rick Steves book. Cuba is a communist tyranny. I have friends who are refugees from Cuba.
You are advocating breaking the law when you suggest that Americans go to Cuba.
The first Americans to visit Cuba should be the 101 Airborne.
But hey, why don't you go yourself, & spend a little time in Castro's gulag?
Harmon
Chicago, IL Thu 05/05/2005
Hi Rick,
I would suggest the Latin American Working Group as a great source for information on Cuba - US relations at www.lawg.org.
Matt
Darrington, WA Mon 05/02/2005
Caught your wonderful Cuba show this weekend while I was mowing the lawn wearing headphones... certain patches of grass were cut several times over so that I could hold on the reception! What a informative and balanced report ...even an insight into the difficulties of being a welcomed travel writer who speaks his/her mind. When I've heard you speak in person, I've always been impressed by your frank political views. This venue seems a great platform (better than TV) for those views.
Is there a chance that you will branch out into Central or South America for Backdoor adventures? I just spent a week in Costa Rica and came away thinking that the country would be perfect for your version of a low-budget eco-adventure. Chris
Chris
ANACORTES, WA Sun 05/01/2005
Dear Rick; I've just finished listening to your excellent show on Cuba ( which KUOW had a challenging time getting on to their air........technically speaking) and I wanted to congadulate you all on a courageous decision to produce and air the show.WHile I don't think it's going to land any of you or your speakers in jail or with fines, still, I think it was honorable of you to present Cuba and its government in a non-critical light. I especially applaud your comment regarding cultural exchanges and the need to open our understanding of other cultures by keeping ourselves open to the ability to travel instead of closing off those opportunities. Please continue to pursue these kinds of travel topics.
I'm actually enjoying this radio show of yours more than the Tv programs.
Keep exploring;
Kris
Kris
Seattle, WA Sat 04/30/2005
Dear KUOW and Rick Steves,
Thanks for creating and airing this great new radio show.
It's a nice supplement to the books and video: A 'Car Talk' for 'Back Door' travelers. I'm hoping to hear you speak with some of your European colleagues whom you've featured in videos; your local guides and the characters who brought so much color and depth to things like Greek ruins and Parisian restaurants.
Being in San Francisco, I'm also looking forward to eventually hearing the 'Travel' show on local radio, but for now we'll tune in online through the KUOW site.
Keep up the good work (Now I can't wait to get back on the road!)
Mike
San Francisco, CA Thu 04/28/2005
Dear Rick,
I'm happy to say that I was able to listen to your first radio show on KUOW and really enjoyed it. It's great to have a good show on during the Saturday afternoon time slot from 2:00 - 3:00.
I especially enjoyed the segment on Nepal as my husband and I (both in our 60's) did the Annapurna Circuit in March 2002. I was very happy to hear you recommend the hiring of a guide/porter. The people there suffered first from 9/11 and now the Maoists and really need the work. We went through a recommended guide service and traveled our three weeks in the company of an experienced guide who was studying economics at the University, although he didn't think his chances for getting a job were good as he was from the Sherpa caste. We learned a great deal about the culture from him (treating him to a beer each night helped the conversation a lot) and still correspond via e-mail. He is tithed a certain percentage of his salary by his village for the local school, and each year we have sent him some money to help with that and the education of his children.
We've followed your advice through your classes and books since 1986 and look forward to more radio shows!
Regina
Seattle, WA Thu 04/28/2005
An hour of Rick Steves and then 2 hours of A Prairie Home Companion - what more could a couple of 60+'s want on a Saturday evening on the East Coast?
We'll listen on line until WHYY picks you up.
Jane
Philadelphia, PA Thu 04/28/2005
Thank you so much for your radio show. I plan to bicycle in Holland and camp and stay in hostels. I am 65 years old. The reason I picked Holland is that there are lots of bike paths. I don't like bicycling on the road. I understand that there is a designated bike path called the North Sea Cycle Trail that goes on the north sea in England, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland and Belgum. I also enjoy the Burk Gillman in Seattle, I live in Bremerton and we have nothing for bicycles. There is a wonderful trail that goes from Sequim to Port Angeles called the Olympic Discovery Trail.
Ann
Bremerton, WA Thu 04/28/2005
Dear Rick and Friends,
I love the radio show. It stirs me to action even more
than the TV show--maybe because I was raised on radio.
I listened for the first time in the ferry line for
Bremerton. It was even more tantalizing because I had
to turn off the engine and radio periodically to save
battery. Wow! It was great! It may become a Sunday
tradition, like Jack Benny, Phil Harris and the good
old Sunday radio shows of the 40's/50's. Good luck.
Keep going.
Roberta DeBruler
Redmond, WA Wed 04/27/2005
Speaking to eating things that are in season or are a special --
When we were in Austria (Wels, Linz, Hallstadt) this past summer the Eierschwammerl mushroom was in season & featured everywhere we went. I had them 5 nights in a row... each time with a very different treatment (with Semmelknödel, in a "ragout", in soup, in scrambled eggs) and each time very good.
At the same time, along the Danube (Krembs, Welk) we happened across an Apricot fair and kept finding desserts featuring Marille.
Thanks for this interesting and fun show!
Dana Sigley
Seattle, WA Mon 04/25/2005