Program 320: Jeff Greenwald's Nepal; Visiting St Peter's Basilica

Travel writer Jeff Greenwald makes a point to return to Nepal every year and describes how long-held customs are challenged by modern pressures and political turmoil. He also points out what’s timeless about the Himalayan culture that draws him back year after year. Also, we take a close-up look at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome to understand what went into making it the most impressive church in the world with tips for making it a high point of your life's travels.

• Travel writer Jeff Greenwald, executive director of Ethical Traveler, and author of Snake Lake (published by Counterpoint)
• Gene Openshaw, co-author of Rick Steves' art history book "Europe 101"
• Francesca Caruso, licensed tour guide based in Rome, Italy

• Jeff Greenwald’s website and blog.
• Jeff Greenwald is executive director of Ethical Traveler, which seeks “to use the economic clout of tourism to protect human rights and the environment.”
• Jeff’s books are collected on a page at Amazon.com
• Information about the Bhaktapur World Heritage Site in Nepal.
• Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher Jeff Greenwald mentions, who is based in Kathmandu, and also founded the Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Buddhist retreat center in Mendocino County, California.
• Francesca Caruso's website includes her contact information.
• Information for visiting Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, including making a reservation to visit the Scavi tombs underneath the church.
• Gene Openshaw has developed a chart of Renaissance notables in “the Class of 1500.”
• Wikipedia has a detailed explanation of Raphael's painting "The School of Athens."