Rick Steves

[hyde]

Ahhhh! I can't stand him!!! No!! I saw him filming in Germany while i was there though.

[monkeypants]

Aw, it's a Rick thread!

I studied in London last year, and everywhere I went, I saw people carrying around Rick's books.

On a research trip to the British Library, I actually saw a couple with the book quietly (and pleasantly) arguing over where to go, saying things like "But Rick said to go there first!"

It was kind of touching how they talked like he was there.

Anyway, definitely like how he tries to really keep in touch with the people who use his books. The e-mails I get from his site every week are kind of dorky, but they make me smile all the same.

Plus, he does e-mail out issues I'm not aware about on occasion - e.g. when Congress tried to cut funding to PBS.

[atpeacewithme]

He IS a dork (which makes him so lovable)! The Let's Go people are like pretentious frat kids. The Lonely Planet folks take themselves way too seriously. But Rick. He's a good-natured, curious traveler who keeps his sense humor and humilty intact. His books are written in such a personal style that it really DOES feel he's popped over in the bakery for some coffee and you'll catch up with him later.

Rick saved me. I had been travelling for about six months, I was in Spain and I just had it. I was tired. I missed my boyfriend and my parents. Then, like magic, a Rick book appeared in the seat next to me. He gave me a pep talk and suddenly I was ready to go again! :-)