Program 591: Polynesian Explorers; Northern Greece; Greek To Me

Tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in Northern Greece, and "Comma Queen" Mary Norris explains what a love of Greek language and mythology can add to your own Greece odyssey. We'll also admire the seafaring skills of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with the Hawaiians.

• Christina Thompson, author of "Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia" (Harper)
• Anastasia Gaitanou, tour guide from Thessaloniki, Greece
• Apostolos Douras, tour guide from Athens, Greece
• Filippos Kanakaris, tour guide and theatre director from Athens
• Mary Norris, author of "Greek To Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen" (W. W. Norton)

• Christina Thompson is the author of "Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia." Christina is also editor at the Harvard Review Online.
• Information about the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its landmark sail around the world on the Hokulea.
• The ancient burial tombs of Aigai at Vergina, in northern Greece, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Anastasia Gaitanou is a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association.
• Filippos Kanakaris has directed modern adaptations of classical Greek plays for the Syn Drómos theatre company in Athens.
• Mary Norris summarizes her passion for Greek language and culture in an article she wrote for the New Yorker. Her latest book is "Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen."
• The NY Times book review of "Greek to Me" includes enthusiastic reader comments.
• Kardamyli is an historic town on the southern Peloponnesian coast of Greece that Mary and Rick have each enjoyed visiting.