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Rick Spotted at Rialto Market Today

We were just hangin’ at Rialto today, touring the market in the company of our local Cesarine, prior to a lovely home-cooked meal at her home. When who crossed our path but a tall guy with a voice we’ve heard for years…Mr. Rick himself. We were deep in conversation with our hostess so we didn’t try to interrupt his day, but it was a thrill to see him out and about in Europe once again.

The Cesarine experience was fabulous. She watched us at the market to see what grabbed our attention, then made sure to get some and prepare it for us in addition to the planned meal. Five delicious courses, a unique Prosecco from a friend’s vineyard, and great stories about her life in Venice. A highlight of our trip, and an experience I’ve wanted to try for years.

For me, the best part is having my oldest friends from Canada finally able to visit me, their first trip to Italy. Seeing their eyes widen when they taste local foods is making me very happy.

Posted by
3961 posts

Nelly, thank you for sharing your heartfelt story.
What an exciting day. It is truly wonderful to hear Rick is back in his element! Your Cesarine experience sounds fabulous. Love the Rialto Market. How nice that your Canadian friends can visit you! So nice to live vicariously today.
Grazie.

Posted by
10713 posts

So happy for you and your friend. It’s so special when she can get a glimpse of your world and why you are in Italy. Brava.

Posted by
1027 posts

Rick would have loved to hear about what you were doing at the market? He eats that stuff up.

Posted by
2645 posts

I can't be the only one who looks around when in Europe hoping to catch a glimpse of him...

Posted by
173 posts

@roubrat you are not haha

When I flew to Spain this past September the guy sitting at my side in the next aisle looked exactly like Rick. I had to do a double take. I almost wanted to ask but thought that would be dumb. I figured Rick probably flies something fancier than premium economy on Delta.

When we were deboarding in Madrid though I saw he had a Rick Steves backpack so it did kind of make me wonder again haha.

Posted by
2645 posts

That's too funny James, especially the backpack. He was traveling light!

Posted by
88 posts

Back in May 2006, my brother & I were in the CT and went to Monterosso al Mare TI booth. I waited outside while my brother was busy looking at brochures. Out walked Rick Steves with 2 other men (who I believe were his producer & cameraman). I kept nudging my brother to look, which he finally did. Yes it was Rick Steves. We had a very short conversation with him and he was gracious enough to take his picture with us. We had both been fans, watched his tv shows, and had the Italy book with us. Needless to say, after meeting him, we became HUGE lifelong fans. I remember how down to earth Rick was and how genuinely enthusiastic he was about traveling.

Posted by
471 posts

Hmmmm. I've never thought of Rick Steves as tall. Perhaps I need to check my perceptions.

Posted by
1089 posts

From my 5’1” perspective, that IS tall!

Posted by
693 posts

Can recall a similar sighting several years ago. The late great Anthony Bourdain was doing a walking monologue, when his camera crew caught two gals in the background, who were seated outside a nearby table in a Spanish town. The surprised gals clearly recognized Bourdain and rose to their feet to begin pursuit.
I am done. The travel gurus

Posted by
755 posts

I saw RS a few years ago at a travel seminar, and he appears taller than 6 feet, and much slimmer in person. He was very open and engaging in public just as you would expect. Samantha Brown spoke as well and afterwards was right behind me in the restroom line. She looks exactly the same in person. On stage she told the amusing story of how she had never traveled anywhere before being picked as the face for her show. Is she still on TV?

Posted by
2645 posts

Yes, Samantha Brown is still on TV. She has a show called Places to Love.