curious traveler

Curious Paris

Why is there a Romano-Byzantine Basilica atop the highest point in Paris?

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"Curious Traveler" takes viewers on an enriching and entertaining "field trip for grown-ups" to some of the most intriguing European and North American cities in the world. Daytime Emmy- and Telly-winning travel, arts and entertainment journalist Christine Van Blokland brings her passion and genuine curiosity for the arts, quirky characters, storytelling, and lifelong learning to this new series. In each location, Christine explores the hidden histories in their art, architecture, museums, monuments, houses of worship and city parks. Each episode begins with Christine's list of "Curious Questions": Is the Mona Lisa really a prostitute? Is the Eiffel Tower really Egyptian? Why are there acorns all through Grand Central Terminal? Christine's previous television credits include: Let's Go!, Georgia Traveler, Let's Go! Georgiaand Better Destinations.

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Curious Kotor

Why is there a beautiful, tiny blue-domed church floating in Kotorska Bay? Why did someone build 1,350 steps up the side of Kotor's mountain? Why is The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon pink? And why are the towers mismatched? Why are the streets within the fortress walls intentionally in a maze?

  • 2020-04-06T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-08T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-10T06:30:00-07:00
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Curious Oslo

Why are you encouraged to walk on the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House? Why did Vikings live here, and why are their ships shaped like that? Why was the Oslo National Theatre built, and what's that secret staircase? What is the troll legend, and why did it happen here?

  • 2020-04-13T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-15T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-17T06:30:00-07:00
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Curious Bordeaux

Who got hitched at Bordeaux Cathedral and why was it such an important moment in history? Did Parisian architecture actually come from Bordeaux? Why is Bordeaux so synonymous with wine? What was the Place de la Bourse hiding? What do all these sculptures mean at Place des Quinconces? Why were two ancient gates spared?

  • 2020-04-20T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-22T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-24T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-24T10:00:00-07:00
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Curious Sorrento

Why did the ancient Roman rich and famous choose to vacation here? Who opened the gate for the bad guys in the 1500s? What does the town clock tower symbolize? What's the history of majolica tile art? Why are Sorrento lemons and limoncello so famous?

  • 2020-04-27T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-04-29T06:30:00-07:00
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  • 2020-05-01T06:30:00-07:00
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Curious Stockholm

What did Alfred Nobel invent that led him to create the Nobel Prize? What is Gamla Stan? What's so important about the throne inside the Royal Palace of Stockholm? What is the Djurgarden Canal, and why was it only for the Royal Family? Why did the Swedes grow grass on their rooftops, and what's the history of their folk costumes?

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  • 2020-05-06T06:30:00-07:00
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