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Posted on by Rick Steves

Mediterranean Hopscotch Won’t Work

We’re having some fun trying to find the right name for our next PBS pledge special. I’m really excited about giving people a sneak peek at our new shows, so we’re fast-tracking the post-production of one of the six we shot this summer — Croatia. Here’s the discussion so far between me and my marketing director, Rich Sorensen. Any name ideas from our friends in blog-land are plenty welcome.

Rick to staff:
I’m planning on doing a PBS pledge special featuring Mediterranean destinations called “Mediterranean Hopscotch.” Rick
Hi Guys,
Is that name final? I’d like to help come up with a name. I don’t think “Mediterranean Hopscotch” sounds very enticing. And further more, it makes people think of Scotland — which isn’t very Mediterranean.
~Rich.

Rich,
If you have a better name, let me know…but I don’t think scotch tape means Scotland. It needs to be four words: Rick Steves’ Mediterranean xxx. Your turn, sir.
Rick

Rick Steves’ European Dream Cruise Special
Join Rick Steves on this video voyage connecting southern Europe’s most captivating ports of call, from bustling Barcelona to exotic Istanbul. Along the way we’ll explore the Riviera, Greece’s rugged Peloponnese coast — and get a fresh look along the Adriatic with Rick’s all-new show on Croatia.
~Rich.

I don’t like cruise. It’s not a cruise. How about these:
Mediterranean Treasures
Mediterranean Niblets
Mediterranean Treats
The Iliad and the Wet Dream
Mediterranean Charms
Mediterranean Gems
Rick

How about these:
Mediterranean Mambo
Mediterranean Magic
Mediterranean Meanderings
Mediterranean Gems
Mediterranean Harbors
Mediterranean Favorites
Mediterranean Moments
Mediterranean Sun
Mediterranean Shores
Mediterranean Mix
Mediterranean Medley
Mediterranean Mosey
~Rich.

Or this:
Mediterranean Serendipity
~Rich.

Rich,
Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Serendipity — that’s the best so far.
Rick

Comments

57 Replies to “Mediterranean Hopscotch Won’t Work”

  1. I like ” Mediterranean Meanderings ” personally.. But then I just like the word ” Meanderings ” Serendipity is well.. I mean I know PBS viewers are on average smarter than say.. Fox Viewers.. but how many are going to wonder .. now.. what does Serendipity mean..

  4. Just out of curiosity “Annonymous” (which you spelled wrong), which study or survey are you citing regarding the “smarts” of Fox viewers and PBS viewers. Wondering, John XXX, Ph.D. Fox Viewer & PBS Viewer P.S. Rick – I like “Mediterranean Moments”

  8. Rick Steves Mediterranean Madness Rick Steves Marvelous Mediterranean Rick Steves Mare Nostrum (just kidding) Rick Steves Travelers of the Mediterranean (aarrrgh!) Rick Steves Mythic Mediterranean That’s all I got.

  9. I like “Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Medley”. I describes a harmonious mix and uses alliteration as well as having a two syllable end word and the words “Rick Steves'” serve as book ends for the longer word, Mediterranean. It has sort of an ‘a-b-a’ harmony in terms of music or poetry.

  10. The Iliad and the Wet Dream, though clearly impossible for a PBS title (or family friendly special or, well, anything with good taste) made me laugh. In another world, I’d vote for that one. :)

  11. I am sticking with “Mediterranean Meanderings” that I said in the last blog entry. Heres what Dictionary.com said about Meander me·an·der (m-ndr) intr.v. me·an·dered, me·an·der·ing, me·an·ders 1. To follow a winding and turning course: Streams tend to meander through level land. 2. To move aimlessly and idly without fixed direction: vagabonds meandering through life. See Synonyms at wander. n. 1. meanders Circuitous windings or sinuosities, as of a stream or path. 2. A circuitous journey or excursion; ramble. Often used in the plural. 3. An ornamental pattern of winding or intertwining lines, used in art and architecture. Doesn’t that sum up the MED?

  13. Rick, knowing your love of alliteration, I came up with this: Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Migration And a few more… Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Menagerie Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Marvels Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Melody

  14. Rick…. how about “Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Menagerie” referring to the ‘varied mixture’ the Med has to offer? Lots to choose from….. good luck!

  15. I’m with Dick — I like the alliteration of Mediterranean M** and a two-syllable M-word. I think “moments” would work because my best travel memories are not of itineraries or places but specific moments…. Or how about ‘Mediterranean Magic’? The phrase ‘Mediterranean Odyssey’ also keeps running non-alliteratively through my mind, but I think the connotations of Odyssey are a little negative… all those travel disasters, to get home to find a house full of those who were wishing you dead….

  16. Lots of compromis’n on the way to your horizon as you add syllables to your title words for the show. As for me, I’ve always had a soft spot for: MEDITERRANEAN MARVELS or The Marvelous Mediterranean (I also know a muse from the mediterranean but that’s another story.) It’s easier to just recognize Deanna Woodruff and her team for the great job on the 2010 Rick Steves’ Tour Catalogue – a superior brochure which should pay dividends. bill kester pendleton, sc

  19. I second Christi’s suggestion of ‘Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Delights’. If you’ve had sweets in Turkey, they are often called ‘Turkish Delights’. They are all different and are all delicious in their own way. It sorta’ reminds me of the line in the movie ‘Forest Gump’ where Forest’s mom suggests life is like a box of chocolates. Well to me, the Mediterranean is like a box of Mediterranean Delights. My family is from Southern Montenegro. Best, S L

  22. Thanks for all this help. So far, my favorites are: Mediterranean Mosaic, Delights, Medley, and Treasures. I appreciate your input. Of these, what’s the best?

  23. They are all worthy, but I’ll go with Delights. It seems to fit with the idea of southern Europes’s most “captivating ports of call”.

  24. My vote goes to Mediterranean Mosaic, because the area is made up of many small, colorful, sometimes glittering, different pieces which, viewed together, form an enchantingly beautiful whole picture.

  31. I like Mosaic of the choices stated by Rick………but my FAVORITE is ……Mediterranean Delights…….this is fun….let us know Rick the winner soon….

  32. Mediterranean Seashores (get it?). Or Mediterranean Mélange, for another M suggestion. Actually, I do like Mediterranean Odyssey, as it’s a literary reference to the culture of the region, just like Mosaic references Mediterranean art. Serendipity doesn’t make much sense to me in this context, though it’s a word I enjoy in general. Fun conversation!

  37. How about “Rick Steves Mediterranean Montage”? And no, PBS viewers are not smarter than Fox viewers. They just think they are.

  38. One can’t help noticing the difference between this blog and your travel as a political act blog. While you tackle important issues there, folks just don’t respond. On this blog, over 35 people have responded to the challenge of the name for the new series, are having fun doing it, and are secretly (or not so secretly) glad that this is a non-political issue. Like it or not, travel tips and fun are what people look for on your blogs.

  43. I like “Mediterranean Mosaics,” but I can foresee confusion abounding with it. Some people might be misled upfront into thinking the show is about mosaics (of the artistic kind) and that may or may not have a desirable result. I’ll vote for “Mediterranean Treasures” or “Simply Mediterranean” or “Mediterranean Charms.”

  48. Just wanted to say I’m thrilled that you are doing shows on Croatia. I just moved home from a two year teaching experience there. It is gorgeous, not too expensive, and not flooded with American tourists. Also just happened to be flipping through your Dancing with Europa journal and saw you had been to Rovinj. Had a huge laugh that you couldn’t put the untouristy bars in your guidebook!

  51. I vote for “Mediterranean Odyssey”. The point of Rick’s advice and tools is to create a well planned trip without meanderings that allow one to be without stress. Odyssey best describes this type of trip. Definitions of Odyssey A Greek epic poem. Also: A long wandering and eventful journey An extended adventurous voyage or trip. An intellectual or spiritual quest: an odyssey of discovery

  52. Mediterranean Mosaic is great! Mosaics can be found all over the Mediterranean… Gaudi’s Park Guell, ancient mosaics uncovered at Pompeii, in Islamic art. I also like the metaphor, how small pieces (countries) are singular on their own, but together can make up a beautiful, cohesive image (the Mediterranean region). But I will watch it, whatever the title is!

  55. I like “delights”–seems more lighthearted –and we certainly were delighted with our time spent in Croatia and the Riveria. Second choice would be mosaic–more serious and intellectual sounding.

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