The Power of Rick Steves

We've become quite the followers of Rick Steves, ever since our 2008 trip.
Kevin and Katja gave us his 2011 Italy book for Christmas this year and we used it in planning this trip.

On our car ride he taught us Italian phrases like "buon giorno", "mi scusi", "prego", "il conto per favore" and the impolite "balle", "ma qualcuno ha fatto una scoreggia?", and "mettitelo nel culo"

Our first night in Italy, unsure of the custom of tipping, we tried to secretly consult his book when paying the bill. The waiter cam up behind Katja, glanced at the book and asked, "what does Rick say?". We all laughed then he went on to say that Rick had just been there in March and affirmed us that he is a nice man. Before he walked away, he said over his shoulder (imagine heavy Italian accent), "but he say no tip your waiter- that not very nice-ah!". So of course we had to leave a generous tip after that :)

We usually consulted the book when looking for recommended places to eat- almost always agreeing with his suggestions that the food was great, the service was good, etc.

(Mossimo, owner of this RS recomended cafe in Cinque Terre, pulled a worn copy of the 2011 edition out while bragging about how his food is the best food in Italy- it WAS pretty darn good!)

Several of the places we ate at had the book behind the counter or referenced him in signs or comments, with pride. Many of the customers had the book (various versions) sitting on the table as they ate, while riding the train, as they stood in lines for museums, etc.

His tips saved us hours that we would have had to stand in lines to see the major sights, like the Vatican. As we walked past the hoards of people lined up to get in, the local tour guides hounded us to hire them. One of them saw us holding the big RS book and shouted after us... "Rick Steves! I love Rick Steves. I want to be like him when I get older." He then proceeded to say that his tour was recommended by Rick and could be found on page 132, which was later confirmed to be false...

Before we left the states, we downloaded his free app. It's full of interviews, history, culture, and information. The best part is the walking tours. In Florence, Rome, and Athens we used his guided walks to learn about the sights as we viewed them. (often parking our bums in the shade to listen before moving on).

(Rome)

(at the Coliseum)

( the Roman Forum)

(The Acropolis)

(Athens Parliament building)

(A church in downtown Athens)

We even saw two women listening to his tour of the forum in Rome- they didn't have headphones and I would recognize that familiar voice anywhere!

Thanks Rick for all of your help!