Program 447b: Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova & the Veneto

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
• Péter Pölczman, tour guide based in Budapest
• Geothermal scientist Andrés Ruzo, author of "The Boiling River" (TED Books) and founder of The Boiling River Foundation
• Cristina Pernechele, tour guide based in Padova, 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.
• George Farkas offers custom walking tours of Budapest.
• 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 Padova (Padua), as well as information on transportation and sites to visit.
• Clips from Rick's TV show about sights in Padova and the Veneto region.
• If you only have a few hours in Padova, Cristina recommends seeing the Scrovegni Chapel "Palace of Reason" (which requires advance reservations) and the Basilica of Saint Anthony.