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Published: March 18th 2013
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Anastasia78 and Rick Steves!
Dreams really do come true... I hadn't put hot rollers in my hair in ages. You see, I've got about two feet of red-ish, brown-ish, curly-ish, wild-ish hair. I usually let it fly untamed and tangled like I was tapping my inner Chewbacca. But this night I was going to meet one of my greatest travel heroes; the man who helped me plan numerous trips to Europe, Rick Steves. I slept where he told me to sleep. I ate where he told me to eat. I walked where he told me to walk. I believe his guidebooks are invaluable for planning a trip to Europe.
I took out the hot rollers my little brother had gotten me as an eighth grade graduation gift twenty years ago. I plugged them in and was delighted to feel the cold plastic rollers slowly turn warm, then hot. An hour later my mane was soft and wavy. I dusted blush on my cheeks and applied an extra coat of mascara, for good measure.
Seated only five rows from the front of the auditorium, we had a great spot to listen to Rick. He spoke of his childhood travels, the beginnings of his career as a travel writer, his
feelings on the legalization of drugs, gun control in the United States, worldwide threats of terrorism and the U.S. presence in Afghanistan amongst many other political viewpoints.
After an hour and a half of lecturing he opened the floor to audience participation. People raised their hands asking various questions about hiking trails in Spain or hotels in Italy.
Jeremy nudges me. I know what he's thinking: "Andrea, you of all people surely have something to say. Raise your hand!"
I raise my hand and Rick sees me. "Yes, ma'am, what is your question?" he asks me.
"Well, like you, I agree that getting to know the local people in your travels really enriches the experience. But for those that maybe aren't comfortable talking to strangers, how would you recommend they do this? How can I, as a tourist, briefly integrate myself into a community and learn from them?"
If you know me at all, you realize this isn't an issue I struggle with, but Mr. Steves didn't know that. It was still a good question.
He answers, "It depends on where you are. For instance, if you're visiting England, go to a pub. But
don't sit at a booth in the back, sit at the bar. THAT'S where you'll have the most interesting conversations."
Oh Rick, I knew that.
Then he stands there, looks at me and smiles. "But
you...you're going to draw a crowd wherever you go," he continued.
I smile a little nervously, look down at the floor and feel myself blushing. I can't remember the last time someone made me blush.
"
You should play backgammon in the alleys of Istanbul. There would be quite a crowd of Turkish men gathered around to help you play."
I glance up at Jeremy and he rolls his eyes. "Typical," he says.
I should of known this would happen if I rolled my hair.
The never ending compliment went on. Mr. Steves added, "I don't think they'd soon forget playing backgammon with you."
Six hundred people in the audience burst into laughter and I sat there thinking, "What was
that?"
After the Q&A session ended, we funneled our way out and stood in line for Rick to sign our books.
It was an interesting evening, much too political in my opinion but nonetheless quite a
treat to meet my great travel icon in person.
Yes, I learned something. When planning a trip to Europe, a Rick Steves' travel guide is worth its weight in gold.
And whatever the travel guide can't do for you, a set of hot rollers surely can.
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Brendan Vermillion
Loved loved loved this!
What a great story and memory. Rick Steves helped me through my trips to Europe as well. I am envious that he spoke with you in such a manner. It is great that even to him you stand out. Don't blush, savor the moment.