I really enjoy the emails people send me sharing magic moments and offering not only practical tips, but philosophical ones. Eric shared a magical midnight in Spain that will stay with him and his family for the rest of their lives.
When I travel, I know that serendipity is a friend. She leads me to unexpected magical moments that come with a warm welcome and leave me with a lifelong memory. We all need to take those crazy detours and embrace the experiences they offer. Here’s Eric’s letter. If it reminds you of a time you were proactive in making it happen, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Dear Rick,
I wanted to share a comment with Mr. Steves and the rest of your team. I have attended a number of sessions taught by Rick during your all-day travel events in Edmonds, as well as reading a number of his books. One bit of advice he shares that has always stuck with me is to be flexible ‘ and be prepared to go off the typical tourist route ‘ in order to experience the culture. That bit of advice was running through my head when the following occurred:
Last May, my wife, our 25-year-old daughter, and I travelled to Sevilla, Spain, to spend a week with our 21-year-old daughter who was ending her semester of studying abroad in Sevilla. The four of us had taken a side-trip to Granada for a couple of days, and were returning to Sevilla by bus. It dropped us off just before midnight, and we began the mile-and-a-half walk back to our Sevilla apartment. As we walked, we heard what sounded like amplified live music in the distance. At that point I asked myself, “What would Rick Steves do in this situation?”
I turned to the rest of the family and said, “I know it’s midnight, but let’s go find out where this music is coming from!”
They were all game, and off we went, following the music. We came to a large park that turned out to be the venue for a type of Renaissance Fair. Being Spain, at midnight the place was packed with people visiting various booths containing crafts and food. At the far end of the venue was a stage where the live music was coming from. It was a group of Spanish musicians playing Celtic music.
At this point I need to add that both our daughters have been trained in Irish Dance. In 2004, we’d travelled to Ireland, where one competed in the Irish Dance championships ‘ another two-week Rick Steves-inspired vacation that resulted in both daughters doing some impromptu dancing in an Irish pub in Doolin.
Okay, back to the story. As the group was coming to the close of their set, they announced that they were going to play an American song that, although not really a Celtic tune, had a similar beat. Then they launched into “Oh Susannah!” So here we were, watching a Spanish band playing an American song, trying to make it Celtic, and singing the American words with very heavy Spanish accents. It was an experience!
During the entire performance, a few people directly in front of the stage were dancing and moving to the music. All the while our eldest daughter was tapping her feet to the tunes.Finally, the group announced its final number. As they began to play, our eldest daughter launched into her Irish dancing and moved to directly in front of the stage. As the band played, she danced, and the rest of the crowd parted into a large circle to watch her dance to the music. When it was all over, the band ‘ AND our daughter ‘ all received a great cheer and applause.
We would not have experienced and of this had I not asked myself: “What would Rick Steves do in this situation?”
Thank you to everyone at Rick Steves’ Europe for helping us to get more out of our vacations.
‘ Eric in Mount Vernon, WA
I think Eric has coined a new catch phrase: “WWRSD?”
Absolutely! I agree with Thomas. Words to TRAVEL by! We will be embracing it during our upcoming trip. In fact, I am sure we have in the past, but now it has a name. Thanks Rick! Thanks Eric! (Wonderful story by the way Eric.) WWRSD!!!!!!!!!
Rick [INVALID] Great story! It reminds me of my visit to Split, Croatia in 1990 (then a part of Yugoslavia). I was traveling alone, didn`t know anyone there, and was wandering around the narrow streets near Diocletian`s palace late at night. A light rain was falling, when suddenly I heard this incredible folk music coming from someone`s apartment nearby. I sat down on the steps and stayed for awhile, lost in another world. Another trip, another country, and another musical “wow” moment. My husband, his sister and I were in Prague, walking through the Old Town on a cold winter night, when we came upon a square where a woman was standing giving an impromptu opera performance. I don`t recall what aria she was singing, but it was the most hauntingly beautiful music, and I stood there awhile and told my companions I would catch up. Amazingly, most people were just walking on by, as if it were a regular occurance.
Just wanted to comment on your wonderful talk at the New York Times Travel Show in NYC on Sunday. The best of the bunch, by a long shot!
Great story Eric, but you don`t have to call every spontaneous vacation moment a `Rick Steves Moment`. You won`t be violating any patents.
Inna, that`s true, however I know of no other travel guide or even teacher that emphasizes this spirit more than Rick Steves. So I will be calling it “a Rick Steves` moment”. :)
WWRSD? Pleeeze, he did not invent traveling off the beaten path. Spontaneity in traveling is the only kind of traveling I have ever done, and I did not learn that from Rick! I laugh at some of these fawning posters! Then there is the notion of trying to equate WWRSD to WWJD but that is too preposterous to even comment further on.
Had a similar experience in Munich. While walking back to the hotel one night, we heard beautiful music and went to find it. Three extremely proficient musicians were playing string instruments on the sidewalk. They must have been professional concert musicians, because they played wonderful classical pieces one after the other without any sheet music. And the violinist contributed some humorous commentary. We stood and listened for at least half an hour, and it`s one of my favorite memories of the trip.
Great story! I too have had what would Rick do moments. It always turned out great!
WWRSD? Pleeeze, he did not invent traveling off the beaten path. Spontaneity in traveling is the only kind of traveling I have ever done, and I did not learn that from Rick! I laugh at some of these fawning posters! Then there is the notion of trying to equate WWRSD to WWJD but that is too preposterous to even comment further on. Yes, heaven forbid some people of like mind share a little light-hearted humor. Let`s rush in, laugh at them, and break up their fun.
Back in 2004 I was eating in a small Restaurant that was recommended in the Paris book. Two women were eating at the table next to ours and had the most well behaved dog seated at the table with them. I caught one of the ladies eye, smiled, pointed and asked in very bad French “la nome..La cien..(the name, the dog…). Her English was every bit as good as my French. She said the dogs name was Tara and she rolled the R… I tried to repeat it Tarrrah.. Yes she said “this is Tara… and I… (placing her hand on her chest) am Scarlet O`Hara” I almost fell off the chair, it was so funny. A great bit of humor, a warm moment, and a fond memory! Don,t let them tell you the French are cold and rude. That woman spoke almost no English But still found the words to connect and I would not have had that moment if it weren`t for Rick. I had so much fun That I`m Taking my daughter Back with me in April. Great Story Eric!!!
This entry reminded me of our experience near Granada, Spain 6/06. We rented a villa on a hill above Restabal and had just gone to bed on our first night, when I heard loud explosions. I ran to the window and was delighted to discover fireworks light up the sky. I begged my husband to get dressed so that we might go see what was happening. We were soon driving down the hill amidst a display of color. Upon arrival in the village, we found ourselves in the middle of a street party complete with a stage of live music and a carnival. Multi-generations were out celebrating. Wandering through the narrow streets, doors were open, revealing people eating and visiting. Guess what time it was? After MIDNIGHT! This event is forever etched in my memory of Spain.