Curious Oslo

How did Manchester kick-start 'Railway Mania' in the Industrial Age? What is Manchester's Water Palace? What is so curious about the architecture of the John Rylands and Chetham's Libraries? Why is a bee the symbol of Manchester? Which pub owner shooed her patrons out with a broom? Why is the National Football Museum in Manchester?

How did Hong Kong get its name? What is so junky about a junk boat? We get curious about the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path on Lantau Island. Then, we head to the Kung Wo Tofu Factory to learn a centuries-old tofu-making technique. Christine also takes you inside a Tin Hau Temple, the Man Mo Temple, and a traditional Qipao dress-making shop.

We get curious about the stunning natural landscape of Wales. We visit Brecon Beacons National Park, Pembrokeshire National Park, St. Davids (the smallest city in Britain), Hay-on-Wye (Wales' Town of Books), the Victorian seaside resort town of Tenby, and lots and lots of curious castles.

Who were the Flemish Masters, and how did they leave their mark on art history? Who stole Michelangelo's Madonna of Bruges? And who rescued her? Why does Bruges look the same as it did in the Middle Ages? What is a Beguinage? And 'Blind Donkey Alley'? And why are all the colorful buildings surrounding the Markt the same width?

Why is Dublin known worldwide for its pubs? Where did traditional Irish music come from? Why are there always flowers decorating a pub? What does the word "pub" mean? What is a "snug?" A Brian Boru harp? And how did a fella named Arthur Guinness become so important?