Program 447a: Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padua

Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and home to one of Europe's oldest universities.

• George Farkas, tour guide based in Budapest
• Peter Polczman, tour guide based in Budapest
• Geothermal scientist Andres Ruzo, author of "The Boiling River" (TED Books) and founder of The Boiling River Foundation
• Cristina Pernechele, tour guide based in Padua, Italy

• Rick writes about the mineral bath customs of Hungary. 
• The public Szechenyi Spa and Baths is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest.  Other popular private baths include the Rudas Baths, and the Gellert Bath on the Pest side of the river.  
• Andrés Ruzo has a TED talk and photos online about his encounter with the boiling river in the Amazon of Peru. 
• Andrés Ruzo's book "The Boiling River," is published by TED books.   He also has organized the non-profit Boiling River Project to help study and protect the river.
• Wikipedia has historical information about Padua (Padova).
• English-language website for the University of Padova.
• Cristina recommends seeing the Scrovegni Chapel (which requires advance reservations) and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, if you only have a few hours in Padua.