Program 336: Waters of Rome; Ferenc Mate at Sea; Outdoor France

Release Date: 08-24-2013

Description

The waters of Rome can provide you with a refreshing way to explore the ancient capitol of the world. Hear how sailing the dangerous waters around Canada's Vancouver Island sets the scene for the first of the Dugger mystery novels from Ferenc Máté. Also, we explore getting some serious fresh air and exercise, in the great outdoors of France.

Guests

  • Francesca Caruso, tour guide based in Rome
  • Gene Openshaw, co-author of Rick Steves' "Europe 101" art history book
  • Ferenc Máté, vintner and author of the novels "Sea of Lost Dreams" (W. W. Norton) and "Ghost Sea" (Penguin)   
  • Virginie Moré, tour guide based in Brittany, France

Related Links

  • Francesca Caruso's website includes her contact information. 
  • There was a shrine built to the "Venus of the Sewer" in the Roman Forum.
  • The fourth-century Basilica di San Clemente in Rome is known for its 12th century mosaic, and its underground tour of a first century AD Roman street scene. 
  • Wikipedia has a list, with photos, of major fountains in Rome.
  • There's a two-minute video trailer to Ferenc Máté's novel "Sea of Lost Dreams" on You Tube.
  • Ferenc's book "Ghost Sea" takes place among the Kwakiutl people in the remote northern coast of Canada's Vancouver Island.  Penguin Books includes an interview with Ferenc about the book on its website. 
  • Rick and Ferenc mention the Native masks and totem collections at the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, and the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria.
  • There are hundreds of designated "GR" footpaths for longer hikes in France.  Many have accommodations along the way. 
  • The official website of the Tour-de-France bicycle race has an English language section for American visitors, and shows each year's route.
  • An online list of ski areas at Chamonix includes web cam views.
  • Trip Advisor has user reviews of the Cirque de Gavarnie hiking route in the Pyrenees near Lourdes.

Haiku Awards

Anguilla Haiku Awards

sugar in water

to tempt you sweet little bird

you capture our hearts

 

minnow scatter like

confetti as the houndfish

glistens on the scene

 

all strut and bustle

jaunty plumed tail, cockscomb crown

this lot. your kingdom

 

frigate bird flying

above, elegant. Below

soaring sting ray sails

 

I always seek you

broad-shouldered, bright-belted knight

of the starry sky."

— Christine Kouwenhoven,  Baltimore

Program Extras

Program 336 Extra #1 - One more thought about the waters of Rome from Gene Openshaw, who suggests that the Trevi Fountain demonstrates how the modern infrastructure of Rome is based on its ancient water lines. And Francesca Caruso describes Rome's distinctive public drinking fountains. (runs 2:42)

Program 336 Extra #2 - Ferenc Máté describes a little about the main characters in his series of "Dugger/Nello" mystery novels, which are historical adventures where the sea plays a prime role. (runs 1:28)