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Canal in Haarlem, the Netherlands
Now Playing on Travel with Rick Steves
Program 679a: Nordic Roots; Dutch Towns; Bridge to Nicaragua
Release Date: 10-18-2025
Description
Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, one rural homestay at a time.
Guests
- Lori Erickson, author of "Near the Exit" and "Soul of the Family Tree" (Westminster John Knox Press)
- Dutch tour guide Rolinka Bloeming
- Tim Tendick, Dutch-American tour guide based in Rotterdam
- Penny Reid, author of "Bridging: Languages, Cultures and My Life" (self-published)
- Call-out to Ernesto Ocampo at Agualí Biological Station in Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Additional Info
- Lori Erickson investigates her Viking ancestors in her latest book, "The Soul of the Family Tree." She offers suggestions for visiting spiritually significant locales on her SpiritualTravels.info website.
- Tim Tendick blogs about his travel observations. He's organizing a small group guided tour of Romania in August 2026.
- Rick explored the Dutch town of Delft in detail on Travel with Rick Steves program #431 in January 2016.
- Penny Reid wrote "Bridging" from her journal entries during visits to Nicaragua. She shares more online at alwaysbridging.com.
- The Agualí Biological Station is in a protected natural area of mountains and forests at Matagalpa, in the interior of Nicaragua.
Program Extras
More with Lori Erickson - Lori Erickson explains why she is fascinated by Odin, "the father of the gods" in Norse mythology. (runs 1:53)
More with Ernesto Ocampo - Ernesto Ocampo tells us that many “NGOs” (non-governmental organizations) are not looked on favorably by the government in Nicaragua. (runs 2:02)