A cappuccino with a Capuchin!
Since the 1980s, I’ve spent every spring and summer in Europe — and I’m back again this year, ready for another 100 days of exploring, researching, learning, tasting, and sipping. I’m starting things off in Palermo — sharing a laugh at a neighborhood bar with my new friend, Brother Antonio. (I can’t think of a better way to kick off my spring travels.)
Over the next 100 days, I’ll be making TV in Sicily, updating guidebooks in France and Spain, joining a Rick Steves tour in Portugal, visiting the great cities of Central Europe (Budapest to Berlin), making TV in Scotland, and enjoying Iceland with our newest guidebook: Rick Steves Iceland. And every day, I’ll be checking in with you here and on my Facebook page, sharing an intimate and candid look behind the scenes at my day-to-day life in Europe. We’ll be stoking lots of travel dreams together — so be sure to let your traveling friends know.
By the way, the coffee drink “cappuccino” gets its name from the color of the robes worn by the Capuchin friars. I really, really wanted to drink a cappuccino with a Capuchin, and Brother Antonio was happy to join me for a nice laugh about it. (Like other Franciscans — the “Jugglers of God” — Capuchins are quick to embrace a spontaneous good time.) As I said “ciao” to Brother Antonio, he bid me “pace e bene” — peace and wellness.
Tonight, I’m going to explore Palermo’s back streets. I’ll be sure to post an update — see you then.