Program 722: Mid-American Feast; Ambassador's Guide to Switzerland; Diver's Guide to the World

Go for a dive to discover the beauty of the underwater world.  On the next Travel with Rick Steves, diving experts tell us what motivates them to explore beneath and above the surface, in warm and cold water destinations around the world. 

A former U-S ambassador shares her favorite festivals and experiences to enjoy in the cities of Switzerland.

And a creative writing instructor with an appetite for American comfort foods describes a few of his favorite dishes that help to define the American Midwest.

• Matthew Gavin Frank, author of "The Mad Feast: An Ecstatic Tour Through America's Food"  (Liveright)
• Former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Suzan G. LeVine
• Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, authors of "A Diver's Guide to the World: Remarkable Dive Travel Destinations Above and Beneath the Surface" (National Geographic)

• Matthew Gavin Frank teaches Creative Writing at Northern Michigan University, and is the author of "The Mad Feast: An Ecstatic Tour Through America's Food." His latest book, "Flight of the Diamond Smugglers," takes place in coastal South Africa.
• Matt Frank spoke with Rick about typical comfort foods of the Southern U. S. on Travel with Rick Steves program #604 in June 2020.
• Suzan G. LeVine was the United States Ambassador to Switzerland from 2014-2017.  She posts at @ambsuzi on Twitter.
• The website for the U. S. Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein includes links to travel advisories and emergency assistance.
• The Rick Steves online guide to Switzerland.
• Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor are the authors of "A Diver's Guide to the World."  Carrie also offers observations "From the Field" in New Zealand on her carrieink.co.nz website.   They also post frequently to Facebook and Instagram at "Beneath the Surface Media."
• The tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Saba is known as a remarkable diving destination.

• Rolley Polley, "Blue Rumba,"  Cocktail Mix: Bachelor's Guide to the Galaxy (collection) / Rhino
• Gody Klay Trio, "Something for Steven," Swingin' Round Switzerland (collection) / Swiss Radio International-Musica Helvetica 
• JCM_JMOD_0028_01301_Four_Top_a_APM
• Fats Waller, "All That Meat and No Potatoes," If You Got To Ask, You Ain't Got It / Bluebird-Legacy
• Rodriguez, "You Can't Get Away," Coming From Reality / Light in the Attic
• Frank Sinatra, "Chicago," Come Fly With Me / Capitol  
• Claude Bolling, "Back Home in Indiana," Crossover USA / BMG-Milan
• * Mike Toppins, "American Pie," Original Dueling Banjos: The Sequel (collection) / CMH Records
• Hot Strings, "Swing from Berne with Love," Swingin' Round Switzerland (collection) / Swiss Radio International-Musica Helvetica 
• Sudwestfalische Philharmonie, "Swiss Panorama (Schweizer)," East West Symphony and other compositions by Heinrich Schweizer / Musica Helvetica-Swiss Radio International
• SOHO_SOHOA_0118_01401_Dancing_Dirndls_APM
• Kammerensemble Arco Musicale, Matthias Kofmehl, Alphorn, "Konzert Für Alphorn In F Und Streicher: Rondo," Virtuoses Alphorn / MDS Records
• SON_SCDV_0752_04401_Da_H_ch_Uf_De_N_Alpe_APM
• Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Christian Pollack, cond., "Liechtenstein March op. 36  (Josef Strauss)," Josef Strauss Edition, vol. 20 / Marco Polo
• * Lemongrass, "La Mer," Nikki Beach, vol. 1 (collection) / Loungism Recordings
• Lux, "Northern Lights," Café Del Mar, vol. 7 (collection) / Musicrama-Koch
• SON_SCDV_0016_01101_Shoal_Of_Little_Fish_A_APM
• Soho Travelers, "Elements of Nature (Light of the Bar Mix)," Indian Chill Lounge  (collection) / 4 Elements Records
• Icarus Music, "Barrier Reef," Aquanaria / (self-released)
• Katia and Marielle Labèque, pianos, Evelyn Glennie, percussion, "Aquarium" from "Le Carnaval des Animaux (Saint-Saens)," Carnival! -- a benefit for the Rainforest Foundation International / RCA Victor
• SON_SCDV_0016_02001_Night_Divers_A_APM
• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, conductor, "'Under the Sea' from 'The Little Mermaid,'" Sailing / Telarc

• At 21:08, Suzi LeVine says Switzerland is usually one of the highest-ranking countries for happiness, trust in government, and life expectancy.  She explains it as a result of a balanced relationship that the Swiss have with the world, which she says the rest of us may have gotten a taste of during the pandemic.
• At 22:57, Suzi describes an impressive light show on the federal palace in Bern every November. 
• At 29:18, talking about fireworks displays, Rick notes that Swiss Independence Day is August 1st.  Suzi adds that the Buskers Festival that Rick stumbled on is held annually in Bern in June.
• Suzi describes National Day in Liechtenstein, August 15, at 35:34. 
• At 37:08, Rick notes that Suzi still works in government, from her current home base in Seattle.
• At 54:10, Chris estimates the average cost of renting equipment and diving with a guided group anywhere around the world is around $100.