Video: Visiting Dalí’s House Is Just…Surreal

If you’re a traveler, you find yourself visiting the homes of lots of dead people. My favorites are the studios of artists (painters, sculptors, composers) — and perhaps the best of all is Salvador Dalí’s home in Cadaqués, Spain. In this clip, you’ll experience Dalí’s house with me: his crazy entryway, his penis-shaped pool, his studio (where he cleverly innovated an easel that could be raised and lowered, so he could paint while staying seated), and his delightful bedroom. At the entry, a statue of a warrior with a small child coming out of it greets visitors — a reminder to leave your aggressive spirit out and enter as a playful child.

I’m always impressed by how many of my favorite creative people were powered by their muse…their own Yoko Onos. It’s lots of fun to see the world Dalí created with his muse, Gala, and to consider the norms they trashed. Join me for a look at their home where, together, they would wake up and be the first in Spain to see the sunrise.

Of all the homes of dead people you’ve toured, which is your favorite? Join the discussion in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Video: A Ghostly Border Station Between France and Spain

It’s Day 26 of my 100-day trip to Europe, and I’ve just wrapped up a productive week of guidebook research in France with my co-author, Steve Smith. We’ll be saying au revoir soon — but first, we’re driving into Spain together.

When we came upon an abandoned border station — covered in graffiti and smothered in old travel memories — we just had to stop, get out, and reminisce. Peeking into a window, I actually saw an old exchange board that listed pesetas and francs — a time warp from before 2002, when the euro replaced most local currencies in Europe.

I’m so glad borders and walls are out of fashion in Europe. The many proud nations of Europe don’t always get along, but they have learned to respect each other quite impressively — and they recognize that an after you attitude (rather than me first) makes it possible for diversity and peace to flourish. In fact, in my travels I find that using the phrase after you (nach Ihnen in German, après vous in French, dopo di lei in Italian, and so on) is a big part of happy travels.

I’d love to hear about your European border-crossing memories. Please share your stories with me in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

 

Video: Easter Celebrations Across Europe

Happy Easter! All this week, I’ve been sharing daily clips from Rick Steves’ European Easter, my one-hour public television special that’s airing now nationwide (check your local listings) and streaming online. And the “He is risen” finale is today’s clip: It’s Easter Sunday, and families in Spain, Italy, Slovenia, and Greece come together to celebrate, just as they have for generations. Enjoy…and thanks for sharing this beautiful holiday season with us.

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Video: Sevilla’s Semana Santa

In honor of Holy Week, I’m sharing daily clips from Rick Steves’ European Easter, my one-hour public television special that’s airing now nationwide (check your local listings) and streaming online.

Today we continue the story of Sevilla’s dramatic Semana Santa processions. Locals shuffle past their beloved floats, flamenco singers are overcome with emotion, and evocative processions trudge through the city streets — showered by flower petals.


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Video: Palm Sunday in Sevilla, Spain

Happy Palm Sunday. In honor of Holy Week, I’m sharing daily clips from Rick Steves’ European Easter, my one-hour public television special that’s airing now nationwide (check your local listings) and streaming online.

In today’s clip, we’ll experience one of Europe’s most bombastic Holy Week celebrations: the processions of Sevilla’s Semana Santa. Beginning on Palm Sunday, neighborhood congregations around Sevilla adorn their floats with flowers and candles, as “costaleros” prepare to carry those floats through the streets on their backs, amid a parade of cloaked penitents.


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