Audio By Carbonatix
When you first hear Rick Steves on the radio, your natural immediate response is “Jeez, what a nerd.” Maybe it’s the nasal voice or his intense hatred of Naples, but there’s something a bit off-putting about the whole thing. But here’s the deal: When you travel, you need to bring a nerd with you. You realize that when you’re dodging those wine-sopped scooter jerks in Naples, hoping desperately not to get murder-robbed on the way to see Madame Butterfly, never mind that the opera house will also lose your tickets and refuse to help you find them. That’s when you throw your hands in the air and scream, “I should have listened harder, Rick Steves!” Homeboy knows his stuff, and those books he writes are more than guides. They’re access tools that unlock secret vistas on church rooftops; compasses for the best made-that-morning gelato; and valuable pro tips for how to not-die should you wind up marooned in Naples. Listen to Steves; he’s the best nerd. In fact, hear him Wednesday at the Winspear (2403 Flora St.) as he discusses “The Value of Travel,” an evening of chat dedicated to how meeting new people in new environments will change your outlook on living. It starts at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $40. Visit attpac.org.
Wed., Dec. 4, 2013
