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.

Full Episodes

Upcoming Airdates

Curious London Shops

You may not be able to live like a royal, but wouldn't it be nice to shop like one? In this episode, we explore the curious world of Royal Warrants, a special designation given to only the best shops and services, literally fit for a king (or queen, or prince or princess). Kind of like knighthood for a shop. From the royal dressmakers to tiara makers to the royal cheesemonger (yes, there is such a thing); we take you across London, inside the world of the royals.

  • 2020-01-22T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-22T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-24T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-24T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Glasgow

Who is buried under Glasgow Cathedral and why? Who is Saint Mungo, and why is he so big? Why does Glasgow City Chambers look like a palace? How did this seaport town become a center for Scottish Enlightenment? And how did the creativity of one man, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, leave a permanent mark on this city?

  • 2020-01-27T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-29T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-29T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-31T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-01-31T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Williamsburg

Why did the English choose Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia as their early American settlements? Why did King William III and Queen Mary II establish a university here? What was life like for the colonists here? What crazy concoctions are to be found in a colonial apothecary?

  • 2020-02-03T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-05T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-05T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-07T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-07T09:00:00-08:00
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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?

  • 2020-02-10T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-12T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-12T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-14T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-14T09:00:00-08:00
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Curious Paris

Why does Paris look like Paris? Why were the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III built for World Expos? Why is the Opera Garnier so ornate? Why is there a Romano-Byzantine Basilica atop the highest point in Paris? Why are the streets so windy in Montmartre? Why was a famous cabaret built inside a red mill: the Moulin Rouge?

  • 2020-02-17T09:00:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-19T05:30:00-08:00
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  • 2020-02-19T09:00:00-08:00
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