Program 671: Three-Hour Louvre; Friend in Foreign Service; Summer of '73

Get an expert's tips for enjoying the best of the Louvre's gigantic trove of treasures on a short visit. Then hear about what you can expect from US embassy and consulate staff, should you need their assistance while traveling, from the President of the American Foreign Service Association. And listen in as Rick recalls his first unchaperoned backpacking trip to Europe, right out of high school, in the summer of 1973.

• Art and literary critic James Gardner, author of  "The Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum" (Grove Atlantic)
• AFSA President Eric Rubin
• Gene Openshaw, co-author with Rick of "Europe's Top 100 Masterpieces" and "Europe 101" (Avalon Travel) 

• James Gardner is the author of "The Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum."
• James recommends viewing the architectural details of the Colonnade of the Louvre. 
• The Louvre has recently made its entire collection available to view virtually on its website.
• James spoke with Rick about the history of the building housing the Louvre on Travel with Rick Steves program #644 in July 2021.
• Eric Rubin is the elected President of the American Foreign Service Association.
• STEP is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It allows American travelers to enroll their trip abroad with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, which will alert you in case of emergencies.