Typically, when Rick is on the road researching or filming, I’m either on the road with a tour group or guidebook researching in Europe, or I’m subbing at a private school near our home town. I’m sure most people can imagine that it’s hard to be apart from one’s partner for a two-month stretch, soContinue reading “On Set with Rick Steves”
Category Archives: Culture
A New Way to Travel
This summer, I escorted two Rick Steves’ My Way Tours–it’s a new kind of tour, geared towards independent travelers who want the freedom to customize their own itinerary but don’t want the hassle of figuring out how to get from point A to point B or where they’re going to stay. I escort the groupContinue reading “A New Way to Travel”
Is There a Doctor in l’Hôtel?
You know that tickle-throat, on-the-verge-of-a-festering-cold feeling? The one that tells you “If you ignore me, it can only go horribly wrong from here”? Yeah, it sucks. But you know what’s worse? Ignoring it while you’re traveling abroad. Such was my lot seven weeks into a nine-week stint on the road, earlier this year. I hadContinue reading “Is There a Doctor in l’Hôtel?”
Walk Like a Roman
When I think of Rome, I recall ancient sites, coin-filled Baroque fountains, sexy (and not-so-sexy) men casting Ciao, Bellas at every passing female, and platefuls of pasta that, without fail, end up blissfully in my belly. Equally engrained in my brain are nostalgic, cinematic images of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn zipping on a VespaContinue reading “Walk Like a Roman”
A Date with David
My heart starts pulsing harder as I enter the room. I know he’s down the hall. I try not to look, but I can’t help it. He looks really good; he always does. There are so many people, but their presence is hardly noticeable to me. I’m here only for one thing…him. I try toContinue reading “A Date with David”
My Egyptian Friend, Tarek From Cairo
In earlier posts, you learned about my travels throughout Egypt with Rick Steves. The man who made our trip such a rewarding learning experience was our friend and guide from Cairo, Tarek. We are so grateful to have met such a kind, professional, sincere man to teach us about such a beautiful country, its history,Continue reading “My Egyptian Friend, Tarek From Cairo”
“Freeky Fries” and Fancy Rest Stops
When I think back to road trips that I’ve taken in the U.S., I don’t fondly think of rest stops. More often than not, I recall dimly lit parking lots, shady-looking characters lurking by a picnic bench taking drags off slinky cigarettes, seatless toilets in malodorous bathrooms, and–if you’re lucky–there’s toilet paper. I once gotContinue reading ““Freeky Fries” and Fancy Rest Stops”
Hello, George Clooney!
It’s the start of tour season again, and this time I’m working on a Best of Italy tour. When I mention to friends that I’m going to Lake Como, they all ask me if I’m going to see George Clooney’s villa. I wish. I’m staying in Varenna–a romantic and picture-worthy town on the eastern sideContinue reading “Hello, George Clooney!”
Struggling With Israel
For the last month, I’ve been struggling over what I wanted to share regarding my experiences in Israel. While impactful and moving moments made the travel experience rich at times, I sensed a persistent tension and distrust throughout the country. It was a low-lying and lingering fog–cold, eerie, barely visible, yet permeating nearly every location,Continue reading “Struggling With Israel”
I Believe The Children Are Our Future
My newfound fondness of the Egyptian people manifests most profoundly in how I feel for their children. In them, I see goodness, love, and hope. Youth has kept them from being jaded. The nurturing love of their families has helped them remain open and engaging. Curiosity swims in their eyes. Friendliness beams in their smiles. Continue reading “I Believe The Children Are Our Future”