Just got back from the Adventures in Travel Expo in Chicago, where I ran into Rick Steves. About an hour before his first speaking time (Europe Through the Back Door), I saw him walking down the aisle at the show, taking in some of the other booths. I stopped him and introduced myself as one of the regulars here, and he said, "Yes, there's quite a thriving little community over there!" After the first presentation, he did a book signing, where my son took a picture of us. His later presentation was Travel as a Political Act. He also speaks tomorrow, so anyone who is in the Chicago area might want to get over there to hear him! You can purchase tickets at a discount online ($9) - and the RS booth is offering tour discounts at the show. It's at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
Nancy, thanks for posting your experience with Rick.
Did you happen to mention to him that there are a few ladies here interested in him if things don't work out with the girlfriend?
Um, no, actually I didn't. There were a large number of ladies in Chicago who seemed fairly interested, though.
Girlfriend? I thought he was married. Did I miss something?
According to his bio on this website and Wikipedia, he and Anne divorced almost a year ago. I had no idea. We debated about going to the Travel Expo. May head over that way tomorrow.