3 Things I Learned from Rick Steves

Before I depart on a vacation overseas, I love to do lots of research. And I start by reading guidebooks. Many, many guidebooks (I currently own 28). Browsing through the pages and compiling a list of things to see and do is a big part of the enjoyment of travel. Then I go to the Internet for more information on the items that made my list.

Rick Steves' series of European guidebooks is my favorite. He offers great tips on affordable hotels and restaurants; useful maps and walking tours; and personal recommendations on some very special experiences.

These are my three favorite Rick Steves recommendations:

1.  St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London

Lyon - Silk and Gastronomy

Our second day in the city of Lyon begins with an optional excursion (39 Euros) to the city's Silk Museum and a foodie's paradise, Les Halles Paul Bocuse. The tour began at 8:30 a.m. with our departure for La Maison des Canut in the Croix Rousse area, where the art and history of silk weaving in Lyon were explained.

The Silk Museum of Lyon

Lyon - Frescoes and Traboules

I heard the ship's engines start up about 5:00 a.m. - it was a very quiet rumble. We had a late breakfast (including a mimosa), bid farewell to the resident swans and the remainder of the morning was spent cruising the Saone River to Lyon, the third largest city in France after Paris and Marseille.

Swans on Saone River at Macon

Memories, Old and New

My grandmother recently turned 99. Physically she’s still spry – she’s one of the more mobile residents of her nursing home. But sadly her memory hasn’t fared quite so well. Ask her about the residents of her rural community from seventy years ago and she’ll tell you lively stories about each one. But she won’t remember last Christmas or her birthday party. Not even what she had for lunch today.