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Travel with Rick Steves

628 Amtrakistan; Astronaut's View; Renaissance Florence

Travel with Rick Steves

Rick Steves

Europe, Society & Culture, Places & Travel, Rick Steves, 721132, Public Radio, Travel, Npr

4.52.5K Ratings

🗓️ 6 February 2021

⏱️ 52 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Find out what taking high-definition photos of Earth through the windows of the International Space Station revealed to astronaut Chris Hadfield. Hear why writer Eric Weiner prefers spending four days on Amtrak over a cross-country flight. And get inspired to view the Renaissance treasures of Florence.

For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Transcript

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0:00.0

How do you like to travel?

0:02.3

Eric Weiner recommends a cross-country trip by train for a welcome kind of intimacy with your fellow passengers.

0:08.7

And you have these conversations with people that you just wouldn't have at 30,000 feet.

0:13.7

For astronaut Chris Hadfield, the view from 250 miles out in space shook up how he saw the Earth.

0:20.5

He explains what taking photographs from the space station showed him.

0:24.5

We really see a global perspective, but with a huge respect for the history that got us where we are.

0:30.0

Seeing the art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance up close can be a revelation.

0:35.0

As you scroll the streets of Florence, tour guide and the Piperado points out how the achievements of the 15th century influence who we are today.

0:43.0

And it's not just a beautiful building, but the function of the hospital, the innocence really embodies the humanistic spirit that is now running through Florence.

0:51.0

Hence, from Amprak to the space station and Renaissance Florence, come along for the hour ahead. It's travel with Rick Steves.

1:00.0

Hey, I'm Rick Steves. In my latest book for the love of Europe, I share highlights of a lifetime of exploring Europe.

1:07.0

My favorite experiences, sights and encounters in 100 essays. Order your copy today at ricksteves.com.

1:15.0

Some of the greatest views on Earth are from 250 miles out in space.

1:20.0

In just a bit, astronaut Chris Hadfield tells us how he photographed the Earth going 17,000 miles an hour.

1:27.0

Where the challenges of light and clouds take on a whole new dimension.

1:31.0

And we'll explore some of humanity's greatest cultural achievements on the streets of Renaissance Florence.

1:37.0

Let's start today's travel with Rick Steves with author Eric Weiner. He recommends seeing the USA from a long distance train ride on Amprak.

1:46.0

Our interview with Eric was recorded just before the COVID shutdowns kicked in.

1:51.0

When we travel, it's fun to see the world from a different perspective.

1:55.0

Eric Weiner believes travel by train offers a rare combination of expansiveness and coziness.

2:02.0

We spend a lot of time traveling by train while reading the work of great philosophers. And for him, it goes together beautifully.

2:09.0

He writes about that in his latest book, The Socrates Express. Eric, thanks for joining us.

...

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