Hi, I'm Rick Steeves. For me, one of the highlights of any trip overseas is a chance to chat about the world with people in other countries.

You know, Italian, they really love to be involved in some conversation from foreigners, especially from Americans.

Coming up, we'll find out what people in Italy are talking about, so that maybe you can weigh in too.

Unfortunately, though, the Italians are not seeing the immigrants who are coming in as a resource, which is what they are.

And with the Italian birth rate being as low as it is, their economy is not going to survive

without an immigrant population.

We'll also look at visiting the greatest state houses of Britain.

They're open to the public.

Among splendid sitting rooms and fancy gardens, you just might get to meet the master of the

house.

He's a delightful man, always makes a point of

coming and saying hello to visitors.

And he's got knickknacks all over the place and that family tree for the dogs of the family.

Eves drop on what's making news in Italy and visit the stately homes of

England it's just ahead on Travel with Rick Steves. One great way to connect with the locals is to speak the language or at least some of it.

Rosetta Stone is a fast fun way to learn.

It's got helpful tools like online video chats with native speaking teachers.

You can take the Rosetta Stone demo or purchase the program at a special discount at Rosetta

Stone.com.

slash Rick Steves.

Anyone who's a fan of Doubt Nab, you'll appreciate an outing to one of the great estate houses of England.

Quite a few are open to the public, and many have events and exhibits throughout the year.

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