dear rick-thanks so much for your european writings! i was a schiller college/heidelburg student in '73-'74 so i enjoy your input more than anyone! i have eur-railed with two daughters from the british isles to paros, greece, jaunted to africa with canadian friends, and have basically fallen in love with adventure and travel more than i can tell you. here's the situation...my son is a rising senior and i need to introduce him to european travel in the most adventurous/exciting way...will your son lead a group of exceptional young men..3/4 guys? chamonoix/mt blanc, cinque terra, paris, and rome?

Posted by: beth marbury - Jul 10, 2006 4:53 PM

Dear Rick Steves: I have traveled numerous times to Europe with my family and have always had a great time. This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with friends, some who have not been to Europe and only one who had been to Paris. We used your Paris book to help us plan our trip and seek out new and exciting fun. I have been to Paris five times but never visited the Catacombs, the Pere La Chaise Cemetary or the Sewers. These were all well worth the visit and provided what we called our "ashes to ashes" tour. People were surprised about the sewer tour, but it was great and very informative and provided a different view, literally and figuratively, to Paris. We took your advice on a great dinner spot. Turned out he was out of food, it was the Music Festival of June 21, so he sent us to a friend's restaurant. We had a wonderful time and mentioned Phillip. Your book provided wonderful insight for our tour of the cemetary. We wished we had your Barcelona book!

Posted by: Jenniehef - Jul 11, 2006 6:10 PM

Rick Steves--Yes, blogging is the wave of the traveler's future. My daughter is also blogging her way around the world and it provides me with more information and color than an email. Check it out at:
http://www.trippingonwords.blogspot.com.
Also, I made a trip to Gimmelwald in May and thank you for that tip!! I definitely will return when the snow melts.

Posted by: Barb W. - Jul 11, 2006 7:37 PM

VISITED ITALY APRIL 2006,AS EVERYWHERE, USED YOUR 2002 BOOK.(HAVE SINCE UPDATED TO 2006). ON A SUNDAY MORNING IT WAS A WARM AND A BIT MORE THAN A TEN MINUTE HIKE OVER THE BRIDGE TO CIVITA. NOT EVEN FIVE MINUTES INTO THE TOWN, ON OUR WAY TO A COOL DRINK AND TOASTED BRUSCHETTE AT ANTONIO'S WINE CELLAR WE RAN INTO YOU AND CREW OF TWO!! WHILE SITTING ON THE TREE STUMPS SAVORING THE WILDLY WONDERFUL BRUSCHETTA, ANTONELLA AND HER BABY STOPPED IN THE SHADE AND IN TRUE WARM ITALIAN STYLE STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH US. WE HAD NO IDEA THAT SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF THE OWNER, UNTIL YOU CAME BY. AND THEN THE DLIGHT OF THE DAY! YOU CAME OUT AND ASKED IF WE WOULD LIKE TO COME INSIDE AND BE PART OF THE BACK GROUND FOR YOUR NEW VIDIO/PBS SHOWS. IT WAS AN EVENT TO BE REMEMBERED, EVEN IF WE "END UP ON THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR". OTHER THAN THE PBS PROGRAM FOLIO,BEST WAY TO FIND OUT WHEN IT WILL SHOW? HOPE TO GET BACK TO ITALY IN 2007. KATE

Posted by: Kate Dempsey - Jul 14, 2006 3:17 PM

Thanks Rick for your most informative blog, and wish you well on your current tour. My wife, daughter and I ran into you in Stechelberg, Switzerland while you were visiting Theo VonAllmen's residence in 1990 when we did not know who you were. You inquired of my wife as to what travel book she was useing and she said "Europe Through the Back Door," guess she should have had you autograph it. We have gone back to Stechelberg every year since and thank you for the discovery of the area. We stay always with Frau Beer - a really great find. Our trip comes up again in about 45 days.

Posted by: Wes - Jul 14, 2006 4:04 PM

Rick,
This is FUN! I've followed you for 10 years or more on PBS, appreciated your helpful suggestions, and your luggage. At 81 I'm still going, frequently alone, and always look for the out of the way places and good suggestions you have.

It is a great way to try to keep one's mind open!

Thanks a lot!

Posted by: Mary  [URL] - Jul 14, 2006 4:27 PM

Rick, thanks to your blog, I can travel without leaving my desk.

I had your Paris book with me while visiting the Musee D'Orsay in April and couldn't help but notice that others had it too, sometimes in another language. Even though we could not converse with each other, we understood the international language of traveling with Rick Steves!

I also received compliments on my carry on luggage which came from your travel store. Thank you.

Posted by: Bonnie Wong - Jul 14, 2006 5:13 PM

Great Blog Rick. I've been following you for years like everyone else. I started traveling back in 1965 when I moved to Paris for a year..later lived in Germany for a decade. As an artist/traveler I'm getting ready to fly back to Europe in October and am consulting your books, again, for great tips of where to roost. Thanks for your hard work----I meant 'fun' work.

Posted by: Steve Paschal  [URL] - Jul 14, 2006 6:17 PM

I can hardly wait until you arrive in Spain. I'm awaiting the updated guide for a trip there next June for a couple of weeks with a performing group. Thanks for the blog so the rest of us can "tag along." A group visited Italy in 2004 with your books in hand!

Posted by: Judy - Jul 14, 2006 8:09 PM

Hi Rick
My husband and I were on a tourbus all over Ireland and Scotland last May. We love how you urge everyone to get out and meet the LOCALS, and we absolutely did, every night.

We were surprised how most of the service staff in all hotels were from Russia, all living in small homes, some within eyesight of the restaurants, especially out in the country..so those on the tour that did not venture out into the towns never actually met anyone from Ireland.

The climate surprised us, we saw rhododendrons growing wild in their parks and taking over their forests, and bamboo also, and didn't know about the warm current keeping their winters mild.

Can't wait to see your show on Ireland, yes, the locals have great folk music and stories and it's fun to "bend an elboe" with them, smile, and raise a glass or 2.

Posted by: Kerry - Jul 14, 2006 8:28 PM

Rick,
Was in Rome last month and LOVED it.
Used your book and felt like a very educated traveler. Just finished watching European Christmas DVD. Now I have to figure a way to get my husband to Europe in December.
Keep up the good work.
Katie

Posted by: Katie - Jul 14, 2006 9:14 PM

First blog I've visited. What a trip! Your notes w/ all those opinions - wit, wisdom, wisecracks. I'm a Bush-loving Democrat, but I get a kick out of this website. The travel stories evoke great memories and give us ideas for our next adventure. The opinions are thought-provoking, regardless of agreement. It's your website...do what you will. Others can do the same.

Rick, thanks to you & staff for years of service. My wife and I have used your books and gear over the years to visit 20 countries on cycle, plane, train and automobile. (Biking is the best, by the way...) Love your personality profiles, from Walter in the Alps to the elderly lady walking a donkey at Civita. They make your books come alive. Also appreciate Europe 101 and Mona...done all tours but Vienna's whats-its-name art museum, trumped for us by the '90 World Cup finals. (That was worth it...Vienna will be there tomorrow.)

Love your Edmonds store, too. Great town.

All the best!
Bill/Portland

Posted by: Bill - Jul 14, 2006 10:57 PM

hope you will be able to visit us
this time round when you come to Ærø Denmark

after many yrs in your book we would like to meet you personally and to see our b&b and farm suroundings......
yrs. julie and aksel graasten farm
Ærø

Posted by: Aksel og julie hansen - Jul 14, 2006 11:50 PM

THANK YOU FOR A VERY ENTERTAINING PIECE OF ART--BLOGGING!THESE ADVENTURES YOU HAVE SEEM TO COME ALIVE AS YOU WRITE THEM, ESPECIALLY TO US ON THE MAINLAND OF USA.I TRULY ENJOYED THE COFFEE SHOP STORY OF THE POTENTIAL CREAM TO BE ADDED IN EACH CUP OF BREW....DELIGHTFULL AND HOW TRUE. PERHAPS I'LL USE THAT EXAMPLE ONE DAY IN TEACHING. THANKS FOR KEEPING US HERE INFORMED, AND OF COURSE WISHING WE WERE THERE....GOOD TRAVELS TO YOU,SUE/PORTLAND,ORE.

Posted by: SUE - Jul 15, 2006 12:39 AM

Hi Rick,
I have been enjoying your website for years...12 of us went to Paris and Italy a couple years ago utlizing many of your ideas and suggestions. I like your new Blog...I am waiting for the Ireland spread...we are thinking of an Ireland trip next year. Your stories and descriptions of such interesting and beautiful places make me feel like I am there with you...thanks! Mona/Irvine,Ca*$

Posted by: Mona - Jul 15, 2006 10:19 AM

Hi Rick,
My husband and I have traveled to many places in Europe as my husband, Jerry, traveled to Europe on business. So we would tack on an extra week after Jerry's business and spend it usually in one place, so we could get to know the town/area and feel like we were connecting with the town and the people. A couple years ago we stayed one week in Lucca and last year one week in Arles. We like to find a very local restaurant(no tourists) and then go there 2-3 times and are thrilled if we are greeted on our 2nd and 3rd visits. We have always done the travel research ourselves and were thrilled when we discovered Rick Steves books a few years ago! We often stay in your recommended hotels. We are especially happy with your travel philosophy which enables us to get closer to the locals. And we really like it when you locate the laundramats in your books...... For the first time we are taking a Rick Steves tour next spring to Sicily and are looking forward to it tremendously.

Posted by: Karen Johnson - Jul 15, 2006 12:03 PM

Rick,

It was great to see you today in Salzburg. We have been watching you on tele and have wanted to tour Europe since we bought your package through PBS in 2001. Its taken us 5 years and we are really enjoying your tips. We are vegan's and highly recommend spicy spices, the bike rentals to Hellbrunn and Hallien along the river. We almost ran up to you but could see you we're busy working. Hope you brought your family with you. That was our favorite show of your family in the black forest. Best wishes for a great 2006 filming and see you on the tele. Your travel fans from Vegas.

Posted by: Mo & Tony From Vegas - Jul 15, 2006 12:08 PM

keep those blogs coming

Posted by: raymond84 - Jul 15, 2006 5:27 PM

Rick,

This is a great idea. So great in fact that we started a blog in June for our summer trip to Europe. You can see it at Thayers Europe Blog. Our trip is taking us by motorhome through Holland, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. We are currently in Holland visiting relatives. We pick up the motorhome in Germany tomorrow. Most of our planning for the trip has been with your information that you have provided over the years on your shows and in your literature. Thank you so much for the wealth of information that you have given us.

Do you have any advice on getting internet connectivity for my laptop while travelling?

Have a great trip this summer!!!

Glen Thayer

Posted by: Glen Thayer  [URL] - Jul 15, 2006 11:52 PM

CORRECTION on m7 7/14 Blog. We were in CIVITA when we met Rick and crew but we were at Vittoria's ANTICO MULINO, the old stone olive press.
Kate 7/15

Posted by: Kate Dempsey - Jul 16, 2006 3:16 AM

Enjoyed your Blog Rick! Keep 'em comin'!
I found it interesting about your Alah, christian God mix prayer. You mentioned that the Christian God was Triune. You might find it interesting if you visit the British Museum, in the Egypt section, you will see many triune Gods worshipped by the Egyptians. This is believed to be the history of the "trinity" as we know it today. The bible speaks of one God, very similar to the one God of the muslims!

Posted by: Jennifer Deskin - Jul 16, 2006 7:09 AM

Thanks for telling it like it is. We traveled to 7 different countries in the last 6 months and were treated indifferently until my wife and I told of our anti Bush feelings.

Posted by: ron godzinski - Jul 17, 2006 11:43 PM

Rick, This is my first blog experience!! My children will be impressed. Thanks for blogging me.

Posted by: lindadeluca - Jul 22, 2006 7:12 AM

You're getting boring---more concerned with restaurants, hotels & your wardrobe than getting out there for real European adventure. Restaurants/hotels/same old/same old.
Get out there and evaluate hiking and bicycling trails in the Alps; what about European float trips? Just because baby boomers are getting older doesn't mean they don't want adventure!

Posted by: bob precoda - Jul 25, 2006 6:30 PM

In the past three years, my husband and I have visited London, Paris, Vienna, and Prague. Several of these trips, we have rented a car and traveled the countryside, going into Scotland and Wales only briefly. Others, we have taken a train for side trips.
When the travel bug bit, it bit hard. It is what keeps me going.
In Prague, this summer, standing outside the Jewish cemetary, trying to decide if to go in, we hear another couple say, "What does Rick Steves say about it?" and they pull out their book. We laughed because we had our copy in our backpack, as we always do.
I am trying to decide on our next trip. It is either a start at Edinburg Scotland, to the Okney Islands and then to Ireland or a trip to the South France (Lyon) and then to Switzerland.
It may be our last trip ever. I would love any advise on this. It is keeping me awake at night.

Posted by: Patricia M. Carver - Jul 28, 2006 12:09 PM

Rick, love your coments on G.W. Bush in Viena. My wife and I were traveling after 911 in Greece & Turkey and the people then knew Mr. Bush was up to no good, so far they have been right. I hope we can do better in 08. Keep up the good work, plan to use your 21 days through Italy in 2008. C.W. Schroeder July 29-06

Posted by: C.W. & Karen Schroeder - Jul 30, 2006 9:20 PM

Dear Rick:
I've enjoyed your travel shows and guides for years. Please stick to travelling and lose the political comments. They are gratuitous and detract from our real interest in your work. Don't join the ranks of other celebrities who feel that their leanings are of any interest to the rest of us.
Respectfully
Brendan

Posted by: Brendan McCooey - Aug 05, 2006 10:44 AM

Just purchased your book on Italy 2006. I leave in four weeks and will definitely use your suggestions. Thank you for information on things like laundromats. Once in Paris, my husband and I were trying to figure out how to use the machines. An expatriate American was sitting nearby and helped us out. We asked about jazz clubs in Paris and he said to meet him at the laundromat that night. We did and he took us to a hopping club (through the kitchen) to front row seats. He knew everyone at the club. We laughed when we found out we went all the way to Paris to hear a jazz group from Jacksonville Florida.

Posted by: Joan - Aug 20, 2006 5:47 PM

Hi Rick
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I grew up as the child of acedemics, and we would periodically spend six months at a time travelling through Europe with any old car we could pick up so my parents could give their talks at various universities. We often stayed at the homes of the hosting academics, in cheap (but often interesting) hotels, and in campgrounds. Many of our travels took us through small towns generally unknown by tourists. I am now an attorney on Whidbey Island, and rarely get the chance to get away as I have to be here for my practice. Your blog reminded me so much of my childhood in the sixties and seventies, not only becuase of the places you go, but because of your perspective, on travel, which is similar to mine because of my childhood. Thank you so much for the nostalgia trip. Deb Truitt

Posted by: Deb Truitt - Aug 22, 2006 8:41 PM