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 Quebec City

After nearly 500 years, French is still the official language of this North American city. How has this UNESCO World Heritage Site retained its 'Frenchness' after all this time? Why does the Chateau Frontenac hotel look like a French castle, and what does it have to do with the Canadian railway? What's so curious about Rue Saint-Jean, Place Royal and Petit-Champlain?

  • 2019-11-22T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2019-11-22T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Dublin

How did Dublin get its name? And what do Vikings and a black pool have to do with it? Who was Maewyn Succat, and why is he celebrated with green beer? How did the harp become a symbol of Ireland, and why do the harps on Irish coins and Guinness beer look different? What is the curious history of the Book of Kells, and how did it make its way into Trinity College's Longroom Library?

  • 2019-11-25T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-11-27T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2019-11-27T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-11-29T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2019-11-29T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Vienna

Who were the Habsburgs, Maria Theresa, Franz Joseph and Sisi? And how did they shape Vienna? What is the Ringstrasse, and why are there so many oversized, ornate public buildings dotting it? Where did Mozart perform as a 6-year-old prodigy? When and why did Austria shrink to a tenth of its size? What do the eagles on the rooftop of St. Stephen's Cathedral symbolize? And why are Vienna's coffee and pastries so legendary?

  • 2019-12-02T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-04T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-06T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Yorkshire

This beautiful region of England is full of picture-perfect rolling hills, quaint stone cottages, sprawling country estates and that distinct Yorkshire dialect. Why are country estates named Castles and Abbeys? What is The Shambles, and how did it get its name? Why is one of the largest medieval Gothic cathedrals in Europe in the small town of York? How did the Quakers and chocolate shape York's history? Where and what is Herriot's country?

  • 2019-12-09T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-11T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-13T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Austrian Christmas Markets

Why is a European Christmas Market also called Weihnachtsmarkt or a Christkindlmarkt? And what do these markets have to do with the Holy Roman Empire? Why do you find Christmas Markets mostly in German-speaking countries? What is the curious history of the Advent Wreath, of Silent Night, and a creepy Christmas character named Krampus? And is a Krampus different than a Krapfen?

  • 2019-12-16T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-18T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2019-12-18T09:00:00-08:00
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