Program 699: New Year's Traditions; New Orleans Originals; David McCullough Tribute

Consider new ideas for greeting the new year by learning about some of the unusual traditions — and a few superstitions — with which Swedes, Croats, Scots, and the Welsh celebrate this time of year. Then hear about the multicultural food and music that enliven the streets of New Orleans' neighborhoods. And join us as we remember the late historian David McCullough with a look back at his examination of how the Wright Brothers changed the way we see the world.

• Marita Bergman, tour guide from Stockholm
• Marijan Krišković, Croatian tour guide
• Martin deLewandowicz, Welsh tour guide 
• Anne Doig and Ken Hanley, tour guides from Edinburgh, Scotland   
• New Orleans-based tour guides Andrew Farrier and Sandy Hester
• Late historian/author David McCullough

• Edinburgh's three-day Hogmanay New Year's street festival is said to be one of the largest street parties in the world.
• Andrew Farrier and Sandy Hester guide with Free Tours By Foot New Orleans.
• Andrew hosts many of the company's You Tube walking tour videos of New Orleans and nearby.
• Historian David McCullough was with publisher Simon and Schuster for more than 50 years. His book "The Wright Brothers" was released in 2015.
• David McCullough told us on Travel with Rick Steves program #439 how traveling to the sites of American history has always been an important part of his writing, and a high point in his life.  David also spoke with Rick about the influence of France on Americans who learned skills in Paris that would transform 19th century America, on program #450.