Program 586a: Travel Writers Travels; Autumn Light in Japan; Swedish Values

Release Date: 10-22-2022

Description

Pico Iyer explains why autumn is the perfect season for understanding the soul of Japan. Robert Reid recommends how to amp up your next vacation, by traveling like a travel writer does. And guides from Sweden tell us how to keep expenses in check, to enjoy Scandinavia the way the locals do.

Guests

  • Travel writer Robert Reid
  • Pico Iyer, author of "Autumn Light" (Knopf)
  • Asa Danielsson and Laurel James, tour guides from Sweden

Additional Info

  • Robert Reid has written about "Offbeat Travels" for National Geographic.  He now hosts "Gallery America" for OETA public television in Oklahoma.
  • Rick has just collaborated with Fred Plotkin on an update to Fred's classic volume "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," which caller Alyse has enjoyed using. Their new book "Italy for Food Lovers" is scheduled to be released on January 3, 2023.
  • Pico Iyer released two books about Japan in 2019. "Autumn Light" is a memoir of his life in a suburb of Nara, while "A Beginner's Guide to Japan" is a small book of "observations and provocations" about Japanese society and cultural expectations.
  • Pico spoke further with Rick about his book "A Beginner's Guide to Japan" on Travel with Rick Steves program #576 in September 2019.  He also shared his observations with us during the pandemic lockdowns on program #611 from August 2020. 
  • You can also search the Travel with Rick Steves archives for Pico's previous appearances on program #412 in July 2015, on program #400 in April  2015, on program #305A in August 2014, and program #294A in August 2013.
  • Åsa Danielsson offers tours of Stockholm and throughout Sweden and Scandinavia. Email: [email protected]
  • Asa recommends the provinces of Dalarna and Varmland in central Sweden for finding traditional crafts.

Program Extras

More with Pico Iyer - Author Pico Iyer tells Rick about his friendship with the Dalai Lama, and recounts a particularly moving incident when he was addressing survivors of the 2011 East Japan tsunami. (runs 2:17)