I love Rick Steves

I have seen Rick's video of his trip to Iran -- which I assume is what you might be purchasing for $5? It's very good. I also got to see him lecture on this trip in person in San Francisco about 3 weeks ago, in a lovely room at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. It was packed. He was great. The second time I've heard him lecture. See him if you have a chance.

Great offer! I'll fill the form out too!
Rick is a wonderful speaker! I saw him in Austin in November at Bookpeople. The store was way too small for such a big crowd!
I also went to his travel festival two years ago in Edmonds. I signed up for only his classes. The festival was from morning till night, and I could never get tired of this wonderful man!
On his blog, he now announces that if you are bothered by him talking politics, not to bother reading his blog. His politics is one of the things I admire most about him, and I get a lot from reading his blog.
I was lucky to spend some alone time with Rick when in Edmonds. My profession as a musician interest him since he a a wonderful background in music. He has so much to offer in so many things.
I love Rick too!!!

Rick would like the phone # of the women on this thread who say they love him.

Well -- I attended the lecture with a man who was darn impressed with him also!

What does Mrs. Steves think about all this. Is she ok with Rick getting the phone #s?

I tried again to get "that" picture of Kent in his leiterhosen (sp) but he still stays no. Keep up watching for "this" picture!!!
We're going to have a "sing a long" Sunday of Climb Every Mountain. When the weather improves in Oregon, I'll try to get us all up on Mt. Hood for the picture and singing....Stay tuned!!

Kent is obviously joking. I hope so! I too love Rick but not that way : ).

Just joking, prompted by the number of and duration of the hugs and kisses in the original post.(I'm just jealous):)

Oh, we would want to hug and kiss you too, but we are waiting on that promised photo of you in shorts first.

I wonder if Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern and Samantha Brown have a similarly devoted cadre of fans?

Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown surely do have very devouted fans. You have to look for those @ the Travel Channel website.

Aha! Now we know why Samantha Brown's show is so popular-- it can't be for the travel advice..

The real reason I "love" Rick Steves is that he opened the door of European travel to me, for which I will be eternally grateful. It has enriched my life and that of my family in innumerable ways. The minute I saw his shows on PBS, his travel philosophy, the way he behaves, his respect and interest in art, architecture and culture -- I knew this was the way I wanted to travel. At the lecture I attended a person from the audience asked him how he managed to retain his interest, and sense of wonder about all the places he visits. Rick just said that even though he may appear somewhat "dorky" this is how he is, he is just an average person who wants to engage with and learn about all different people and countries. One person in the audience summed up Rick's appeal, in my opinion -- that he just knows how to be a good guest. I think he really connects with people who share his attitude, or are inspired to adopt it. I don't feel the same way about any other travel show hosts I've seen. The committment just doesn't seem to be there.

For what he has done for European tourism, I believe Rick deserves at least an honorary KNIGHTHOOD from somewhere in Europe. I'm sure he would wear his honors with modesty and respect. I had traveled in Europe before ETBD, but Rick's books and tours have brought me back a dozen more times. If you want to give your host in Europe a small "thank you," consider a gift of a travel DVD from ETBD.

Yes, he should be known from this day forward as Sir Rick Steves.

Kent, I'd hug and kiss you too for helping me last year. Feel better? :-)

So glad to see I'm not the only adoring Rick Steve fan, LOL Am sure he'd be blushing if he read this thread...or not!

Here's another adoring (appreciative) fan of Sir Rick. Because of Rick we're able to go to Europe much for frequently than we would without his great tips. Thank you Sir Rick!
Our daughter says I'm famous now just because I shook his hand on the AMS-SEA flight in October '07...even the younger generation appreciates him!
I missed the discussion of Kent in lederhosen...? will that be part way up Mt Hood or do we need to make it to the summit? Will boch beer be available there?

Darcy, I am jealous. You shook Sir Rick's hand???? Oh my. But wait, you didn't think to hug and kiss him too? Maybe you're leaving that part for moi...good on you, LOL

Be still my beating heart...

Oui, Eli, I'll leave the hugs and kisses to toi but only because I was standing in the middle of the aisle and he was in his seat. I can just imagine a lurch of the plane and me landing in his lap....Not appropriate!

Okay someone come to my "mind" rescue. Rick was given a knighthood or something and is now in a museum but I can't remember what I read. Next time I see Kent I'll give him a hug but not a kiss....My husband and I saw him last night but I hadn't read this post yet!! We owe a lot to the readers of this website for all the helpful suggestions, comments and directions they have given to us. A hug to all of you.

I'm not inclined to give Rick a hug, but I would like to shake his hand. I don't much agree with his politics, but I think he is an excellent businessman. His guides and videos are excellent -- I value his opinions, and like his economic approach to travel. He knows his market and helps first time and reluctant European travelers overcome their concerns. He runs his business with integrity, and seems like a pretty good guy all the way around. I have never heard him speak in person, but I did watch one of his lectures -- the one that comes with the full set of European videos -- and it was excellent -- entertaining and informative.

Because of Rick, we are able to be here and get to "know" each other. Isn't it wonderful how much we share and learn from each other?

Seriously, even my kids can't imagine travelling without our RS book. I had forgotten to take his France book with us this past Christmas, so when we were frantically trying to find an area in Brittany, my daughter exclaimed, "I TOLD YOU TO BRING RICK'S BOOK, but NOOOOO, you had to leave it back." Then she rolled her eyes and said, "so now we can continue being lost!"

I guess she is a new adoring fan, but I had to point out that while in Rome, we did follow his directions and she was the one to point out that Rick tends to write as if we're standing next to him.

I have learned a lot from Rick's books and DVD's. I use other guide books along with his for planning a trip but the one we take with us is Rick's. His tips have been invaluable such as packing light, B&B's, back door tips, etc. There is one thing for which I will always be thankful that he did. In March 2004, he was in Atlanta speaking at the Fernbank Science Center on a Sunday afternoon. He was speaking at the request of one our local PBS stations. Lufthansa was giving away two round trip tickets to anywhere in Europe where they flew. Rick was asked to draw the winning ticket from the container. Yep, he drew my number and we used the tickets in June 2004 for a trip to Germany and Austria. No hugs and kisses but I did shake his right hand (the one that drew the winning ticket) with extra vigor. Prior to this I had never won anything but that day more than made up for previous let downs.

Eli and Jo,
Kent got his hug from you tonight. My husband and I met up with him and his wife. As we were saying our goodbyes, I told him I had to give him a hug from Jo because I had not remembered Eli's post, but Kent reminded me so he got two hugs. Still no picture of him on the hilltop ----yet!!!!
We all love Rick Steves AND HIS people for all the work they do and what they provide us with the travel information. Thank you to ALL!!
I'd like to thank the webmaster for deleting the offensive posting this morning. Great job!!

Kent got two hugs? Wooohoooo, he must be really happy.