Program 447: Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova
Release Date: 06-11-2016
Description
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 of 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 Padova, located just half an hour from the crowds of Venice, and home to one of Europe's oldest universities.
Guests
- 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 Padova, Italy
Related Links
- 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.
- Scientists are debating the origins of the Lusi mud volcano on eastern Java in Indonesia.
- The National Ocean Service defines "extremophile organisms."
- Wikipedia has historical information about Padova (Padua), as well as information on transportation and sites to visit.
- Background information about Paphlagonia, in the Black Sea region of today's Turkey, where the settlers of Italy's Veneto region are believed to have originated.
- English-language website for the University of Padova.
- Clips from Rick's TV show about sights in Padova and the Veneto region.
- Cristina recommends seeing the Scrovegni Chapel (which requires advance reservations) and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, if you only have a few hours in Padova.
Program Extras
Pgm 447 extra - Rick asks geoscientist Andres Ruzo about his acceptance by the indigenous people who live near the boiling river in the Peruvian Amazon. The Asháninka people call the river Shanay-timpishka, or "boiled with the heat of the sun." Andres also relates a story about the fears of a jungle guide, who made them turn back. (runs 2:22)