Program 742: Sharks; Beyond Havana; Pompeii

A deep-sea diving instructor from Australia explains why he's not afraid of sharks — well, most of them. Then a Cuba travel expert looks at the places and experiences you can explore beyond Havana, as well the rules that govern travel to Cuba for US travelers. And a guide from Italy helps us step into a day in the first century, frozen in time, at the ruins of Pompeii on the slope of Mount Vesuvius.

• Chris Taylor, co-author of "A Diver's Guide to the World: Remarkable Dive Travel Destinations Above and Beneath the Surface" (National Geographic)
• Cuba travel expert Christopher P. Baker
• Rome-based tour guide Nina Bernardo

• Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor are the authors of "A Diver's Guide to the World." They also post underwater photos frequently to Facebook and Instagram at "Beneath the Surface Media."
• Christopher P. Baker's website includes links to his travel writing, photography, and information about his tour guiding in Cuba and Colombia. He also authored the 5th edition of the "National Geographic Traveler Cuba" guidebook.
• The US Embassy in Cuba outlines requirements for US citizens to visit Cuba.
• Rick has assembled an audio tour for Pompeii including a map of the site.
• Nina Bernardo can be reached by email at [email protected] for custom tours of Rome and southern Italy.
• Rick recommends the National Archeological Museum in Naples to see exhibits from Pompeii.
• There are two high-speed train options between Rome and Naples, with either Trenitalia or with Italotreno. Most options take just over an hour each way.