Why are the constellations backwards in Grand Central? Why are there acorns all over the place? Why does the Great Hall at the Met look like the Baths of Caracalla? Why is there a golden Diana statue in the middle of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and what does that have to do with the General Sherman statue by The Plaza? Why is Rockefeller Center’s Atlas statue in permanently grimacing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral? And what does he have to do with the Pieta inside?
Why is St. Paul’s Cathedral such an iconic symbol of London? And why doesn’t it face due east? And what does St. Paul have to do with the City of London crest? What is the City of London and why can’t the Queen come in? Why do so many London neighborhoods end in –gate? Why is Temple Church round? And what did those secretive Knights Templar do here? And what does all of this have to do with Magna Carta — and why has a copy remained at Salisbury Church for 800 years?
Why is there a dragon on the Welsh flag? Why does the man next-in-line for the British throne hold the title the "Prince of Wales"? What are the Walls of Constantinople doing here in Wales? Who is King Longshanks? And how is he related to King Vortigern and Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus? Where is Britain’s smallest church? I can’t see it! And how the heck do you pronounce the 2nd longest place name in the world: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch???
Why did the French settle here? And why is French still the official language here (as well as English)? Why is there a Paris Metro Stop in the middle of the city? Why is Notre-Dame Basilica bathed in blue? And why does it slope downwards towards the altar? Why does the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) look like DC’s Eisenhower Building and why does the Bank of Montreal look like the Pantheon? And is there really an archaeological dig going on under your feet at Place Royal?
Why is there a French Loire Valley castle in the middle of the American Deep South? Did you know that the name "Biltmore" is completely made up? Why did the architects of the Statue of Liberty, the New York Subway, and Central Park put their stamp on this small town? Why did Henry Ford, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Edison all stay in a hotel where it looks like the roof is melting? And how did Scots-Irish immigrants create American country music?
Who is “Gassy” Jack & why is the historic district named after him? Who was “A.B.C. Architect” and why did he design such a grand Parliament Building in Victoria? Why isn’t there a sign above the main entrance to The Empress Hotel? And why is High Tea such a big deal here? How did an 11th and 12th century French, Spanish & Italian Romanesque-style castle, built for a Scottish self-made millionaire, become ‘Canada’s Castle’? And how did a turn-of-the- 20th century female chemist turn a quarry into one of the most famous gardens in the world?
Why does Paris look like Paris? Why were the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III built for World Expos? Why is the Opera Garnier so ornate? Why is there a Romano-Byzantine Basilica atop the highest point in Paris? Why are the streets so windy in Montmartre? Why was a famous cabaret built inside a red mill: the Moulin Rouge?
Why is there a giant hole in the top of the Pantheon? And how is it still standing after more than two millennia? Why does Piazza Navona look like a racetrack? And why did it used to be a swimming pool? Where did the bronze for St. Peter's Basilica come from, and why are those windows in the dome so heavenly?
Why did Shakespeare use Kronborg Castle as the setting for Hamlet? Was picturesque Nyhavn really the playground for sailors and brothels? Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle - why so many palaces in one small European country?
Who was Gassy Jack and why was he so gassy? Why was Capilano Suspension Bridge built and what do all those totem poles mean? What's so important about the Hotel Vancouver, and what does it have to do with the train station, the Queen of England, and Harry Potter? Who was Yip Sang, and why did he have his own Boy Scout Troop?
When and why were so many stunning châteaux built in such a concentrated area in central France? Why is there a river running through Château de Chenonceau, and what do the ladies of the castle have to do with it? Why does Château de Chambord have 440 rooms, yet no one ever lived there? Why is there a porcupine over the entrance to Château d'Amboise?
Where is the hidden symbol of Venice on the iconic gondola? Why are there two different saints on the gateway columns? Why is the solar system off on Torre dell'Orologio? Why does Saint Mark's Basilica look like Hagia Sophia? Why does the Doge's Palace have a Stairway of Giants, and what do those symbols mean?
Why is there a beautiful, tiny blue-domed church floating in Kotorska Bay? Why did someone build 1350 steps up the side of Kotor's mountain? Why is The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon pink? And why are the towers mismatched? Why are the streets within the fortress walls intentionally in a maze?
Why are you encouraged to walk on the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House? Why did Vikings live here, and why are their ships shaped like that? Why was the Oslo National Theatre built, and what's that secret staircase? What is the troll legend, and why did it happen here?
Who got hitched at Bordeaux Cathedral and why was it such an important moment in history? Did Parisian architecture actually come from Bordeaux? Why is Bordeaux so synonymous with wine? What was the Place de la Bourse hiding? What do all these sculptures mean at Place des Quinconces? Why were two ancient gates spared?
Why did the ancient Roman rich and famous choose to vacation here? Who opened the gate for the bad guys in the 1500s? What does the town clock tower symbolize? What's the history of majolica tile art? Why are Sorrento lemons and limoncello so famous?
What did Alfred Nobel invent that led him to create the Nobel Prize? What is Gamla Stan? What's so important about the throne inside the Royal Palace of Stockholm? What is the Djurgården Canal, and why was it only for the Royal Family? Why did the Swedes grow grass on their rooftops, and what's the history of their folk costumes?
Why did the famous French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc only work on one residence: the historic Roquetaillade Castle? Why is there a monolithic church in Saint-Émilion? And why did its monk sleep underground? Why is there a giant wall around the tiny village of Blaye? And why was beautiful Bourg-en-Gironde built into the side of a cliff? And how do Cadillac and Pauillac make time stand still?
How did Dublin get its name? And what do Vikings and a black pool have to do with it? Who was Maewyn Succat, and why is he celebrated with green beer? How did the harp become a symbol of Ireland, and why do the harps on Irish coins and Guinness beer face opposite directions? What is the curious history of the Book of Kells, and how did it make its way into Trinity College Library's Long Room?
Who were the Habsburgs, Maria Theresa, Franz Joseph and Sisi? How did they shape Vienna? What is the Ringstrasse, and why are there so many oversized, ornate public buildings dotting it? Where did Mozart perform as a 6-year-old prodigy? When and why did Austria shrink to a tenth of its size? What do the eagles on the rooftop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral symbolize?
What does the Yorkshire dialect have to do with Vikings? How did the Quakers and chocolate shape York’s history? Why are English country mansions named Castles and Abbeys? What is The Shambles, and how did it get its name? Why is one of the largest medieval Gothic cathedrals in Europe in the small town of York? Where and what is Herriot’s country?
Why is there a giant church complex, the DomQuartier, in this tiny Alpine town? Who lived in Mirabell Palace and Hellbrun Palace? Why is Getreidegassse so charming, and why are those shop signs so important? Where did Mozart live? And how do you solve a problem like Maria? From the Sound of Music to Silent Night to the Sonatas of Mozart, it’s time to get curious about Salzburg!
How did this UNESCO town in Mexico get such a curious name? And what does the Mexican Hairless Dog have to do with it? Why are there so many grand mansions in such a small town? What do postcards have to do with its soaring Gothic church? Why is there an art school in a former convent? And how did San Miguel de Allende become an art colony?
Where is 'Auld Reekie', and how did it get its name? What is underneath Edinburgh's Old Town? And what is so curious about its New Town? Why was Edinburgh Castle built on Castle Rock? What’s the connection between Edinburgh and Harry Potter? What is a 'Close' and why were they so necessary in Edinburgh? What is so royal about the Royal Mile? Who is Arthur, and why does he get his own Seat?
Why is there a stone giant holding a flame, high in the hills overlooking Guanajuato City? How did silver help shape this town? Why are its streets and alleys so winding, and what happened to the Guanajuato River? What does Guanajuato's main church have to do with the King of Spain? Why does the town’s marketplace look like a Paris train station? And its theatre like the Paris Opera House?
Why is a European Christmas Market also called Weihnachtsmarkt or a Christkindlmarkt? And what do these markets have to do with the Holy Roman Empire? Why do you find Christmas Markets mostly in German-speaking countries? What is the curious history of the Advent Wreath, of Silent Night, and a creepy Christmas character named Krampus? And is a Krampus different than a Krapfen?
In this episode, we explore the curious world of Royal Warrants, a special designation given only to the best shops and services, literally fit for a king or queen. We also visit the atelier of one of Princess Diana's gown designers. From the royal dressmakers to tiara makers to the royal cheesemonger (yes, there is such a thing); we take you across London, on a truly royal shopping spree.
Who is buried under Glasgow Cathedral and why? Who was Saint Mungo, and where can you see a modern version of him? What do the symbols mean inside Queen's Cross Church? Why does Glasgow City Chambers look like a palace? How did the creativity of one local man, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, leave a permanent mark on his city, and influence an entire artistic style?
Why did England choose Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia as their earliest American settlements? Why did King William III and Queen Mary II establish a university here? What was life like for the colonists here? What crazy concoctions are to be found in a colonial apothecary? What does the amber ox have to do with American history?
After nearly 500 years, French is still the official language of Québec. How has it retained its ‘Frenchness’ after all this time? Why is the Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage site? Why does the elegant Château Frontenac have to do with the Canadian railway? What’s so curious about Rue Saint-Jean, Place Royale and Petit-Champlain? Why is there a giant basilica dedicated to a saint here?
England’s Great West Way follows the ancient path from London to Bristol. We take the train & get curious at stops along the way: Stonehenge, Bath’s masonic architecture, the Roman Baths, the S.S. Great Britain, sample some curious pub pies, learn some cockney rhyming slang, and visit some charming villages too.
Why is La Grande-Place so gilded? How did Brussels’ chocolate legacy begin? Where can you walk through the pages of a comic book? How did Flanders become such a source of Master artists?
Why is there a giant wall in the middle of Cardiff? Who built Cardiff Castle? And Coch Castle? Why does Cardiff have so many Victorian and Georgian arcades? What is a bara brith? And laverbread? (Seriously, what is it?) Where did Princess Diana give her first public speech in Welsh?
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 junk-y about a junk boat? Get curious about the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path on Lantau Island. Then, the Kung Wo Tofu Factory, to learn the centuries-old tofu-making technique. We also take 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 so known 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?
Who stole the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and who recovered it? And who is restoring it? What is Prinsenhof, and why is it so pretty? Where did the famous Ghent Dragon fly in from? Why is Ghent so famous for its lace? Why is St. Peters Abbey so important to Ghent history?
Why does George IV's Royal Pavilion look so different than other British royal palaces? What happened at the Seven Sisters Cliffs? What is a Smugglers Pub? Who wouldn't sit under a dragon? Where did Sherlock Holmes retire? And what does the Guinness family have to do with a medieval hotel?
Who left some ancient treasures in a magical cave? What does the measurement of time have to do with the Olympics? Where can you find a bit of Egypt and Venice in Crete? Why is an olive wreath put on the head of a champion and why was there a jar of olive oil at Zeus’ feet? When was Chania the home to Minoans? How did a lion g to the top of a Greek mountain? It’s time to get curious about Greece!
Who lived in Ambras Castle because she wasn't allowed to live in Hofburg Palace? What was a copper-capped balcony built for? Where can you find some castle-loving peacocks? Why are so many Austrian window shutters red and white striped? When did some giants move out of a palace, to make way for Marie Antoinette? How fast does a bobsled go? Hold on tight, it’s time to get curious about Innsbruck!
Who is on the Sicilian flag, and why does she have three legs? What does the island of Mozia have to do with the English alphabet? Where can you find a temple to Venus? Why did you have to be outside Cagliari's city walls before sunset? When was the number 5 so important to the village of Savoca? How does an arancini teach us Sicilian history? It’s time to get curious about in Sicily & Sardinia!
Who built a chapel on the edge of an Alpine cliff? What does a pagan beast and a Catholic tradition have to do with a children’s parade? Where can you dance the Schuplattler? And eat an ‘Imperial Mess’? Why did the Lüftlmalerei tradition start? When did Emperor Franz Joseph & Empress Sissi sleep in a snowy retreat? How do you make an igloo? Yodel-Lay-Hee-Hoo, it’s time to get curious about Tyrol!
Who designed a drippy, wacky & wonderful icon? What is happening on Casa Milà's rooftop? Where did Columbus meet the King & Queen of Spain upon returning from the Americas? Why won’t you find any street corners in the Eixample neighborhood? When was the Bishop’s Bridge built in the Gothic Quarter? How did a Roman & Moorish arch greet visitors in 1888? It’s time to get ‘curiositat’ about Barcelona!
Who built a 98-room European fairytale castle & what do street lights have to do with it? What do a windmill & whisky have to do with a Canadian empire? Where can you find secret underground tunnels in Toronto? Why is a grocery store & a synagogue important to Toronto’s history? When did hockey become a Canadian obsession? How did Toronto get its name? Time to get curious about Toronto!
Who were the Portuguese explorers of the Age of Discovery? What do some monks have to do with an iconic Portuguese pastry? Where can you find a bright yellow welcome mat? Why is a Lisbon castle dedicated to the patron saint of England? When did a special type of cross become a symbol of Portugal? How do some tiny little tiles tell the big history of Portugal? Time to get curious about Lisbon!
Who lived in a Victorian home named for a troll, with a little man cave down by the lake? What is the oldest church & building in Bergen? Where can you stroll through 1800s Bergen & meet a curious character or two? Why was King Håkon’s Hall built & who wasn’t invited to dance there? When was Bryggen an important port? How does a simple fish soup tell the story of Norway’s fishing heritage?
Who was born in Guimarães Castle and founded a nation? What are the curious symbols all over the Torre de Menagem? Where can you find a beautifully blue Baroque palace? Why are there about 600 steps, 5 levels & so, so many zigzags leading up to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary? When was Braga Cathedral built, and what did the Romans do here? How did a rooster come to be a symbol of Portugal?
Who discovered the world’s longest Viking longhouse? What are the giant, triangular wooden huts called “hjells” used for? Where can you find the Devil’s Stairs? Why is there a giant stadium on a tiny little island? When did a house painted red mean one thing, but a house painted yellow mean another? How did one tiny fish ensure a nation’s survival, from the Viking Age through the Middle Ages?
Who was born in Belmonte & became a famous Portuguese navigator? What is the ‘Eternal Kiss’ & what does a grouchy mom have to do with it? Where did St. Francis of Assisi stop to rest during his pilgrimage along the St. James’ Way? Why is a frilly window in a medieval castle so important? When was a secret tunnel built under a hilltop town? How did three different kings contribute to one castle?
Who was the first tourist to visit the northernmost point in Europe? What is a bunad? And what is its role on National Day? Where is there a fjord named after a troll (and are there any trolls there)? Why are street signs in both Norwegian & Russian in Kirkenes? When did king crabs move to Norway and why? How is the tradition of ice sculpting carried on in an Arctic hotel?
Christine gets curious about Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge, its ornately painted city squares, including the Weinmarkt, its many beautiful fountains, the Musegg Wall, the Wildenmann and the Männliturm. Then, up to the Swiss Alps aboard the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, to learn the history of St. Gotthard Pass, dragon lore and the curious connection between Pontius Pilate and Mount Pilatus.
Christine gets curious about the legend of Kalev and the foundation of Tallinn; the story of the Danish flag falling from the sky; Tallin’s UNESCO Old Town, City Hall & Old Thomas, the medieval wall, Kiek in de Kök and Fat Margaret towers, a Russian Orthodox church, St. Catherine's Passage, and unicorn horn powder at one of the oldest medieval pharmacies in Europe.
Christine gets curious about the castles of Switzerland: In Château de Chillon, she explores its unique architecture and discovers secret passageways. In Château de Gruyères, she learns about the legend of the ‘Gru’, and the many phases the castle went through under different rulers; and at Schloss Thun, she explores a medieval hall, and tells the legend of the creature who lives in its attic.
Christine gets curious about Aix-en Provence: why it’s known as the City of a Thousand Fountains, visits Cézanne’s Atelier & a mansion in the historic Mazarin District, then learns the curious connection between a king & the calisson. In Arles, she visits the exact spots where van Gogh painted, then Arles’ Roman Arena, and learns what a 'vomitorium' was (not as gross as you think).
Christine gets curious about UNESCO sites in the Netherlands. At the Kinderdijk Windmills, she shares how early residents made their below-sea-level lands habitable. Then, to the Colonies of Benevolence, a 19th century social experiment to help the poor. At Beemster Polder, she explores a town that was once at the bottom of a lake. Finally, she explores the midcentury marvels at Van Nelle Factory.
Christine explores Dijon and Beaune in France. Highlights include Dijon's Old Town and its architectural treasures, Notre-Dame du Dijon, an owl legend, Palais des Etats de Bourgogne, Philippe le Bon Tower, Cite de la Gastronomie. In Beaune, she makes the region’s famous mustard at Fallot Mustard Mill and visits the Hôtel Dieu Museum/Hospices de Beaune and luxuriates in the historic Hôtel le Cep.
In Estonia, Christine travels to the Setomaa region, visits an Seto Orthodox church, meets the indigenous Seto people, and learns about their polyphonic singing tradition and traditional folk costumes. In the Peipsi region, she visits the Onion Route, learns about Russian Old Believers, and creates traditional arts and crafts. In Võromaa, she cleanses her spirit in a UNESCO Estonian smoke sauna.
Christine ventures through the beautiful streets of Kraków to learn its Medieval, Renaissance and Enlightenment history. She tours Copernicus’ alma mater, Jagiellonian University and Collegium Maius, and learns about the Lajkonik legend at the Krzysztofory Palace Museum. After a trek up to Wawel Castle, she heads to Old Town for the annual Wawel Dragon legend and parade.
Christine gets curious about bears, Bern, and the city’s founder, Berthold V. In Old Town, she tours the Zytlogge clock tower and its Renaissance mechanisms. Then, she follows Bern's subterranean stream, which surfaces in historic fountains. In Münsterplatz and Bern Minster, she learns how the Protestant Reformation impacted Bern. Later, she rests on Einstein’s Bench in the Rose Garden.
Christine traces the history of Estonian homes made for Baltic Germans, Scandinavians and Russians. She visits Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great, and named for his wife Katherine. Next, she explores the curious history of Alatskivi Castle and tours Palmse Manor, surrounded by Lahemaa National Park. At Vihula Manor, Christine interviews a historian who lives in an Estonian manor house.
Christine explores Warsaw, pre and post WWII. At the Royal Castle, she learns about Warsaw’s role within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Next, she explains the history of Sigismund’s Column and investigates Roman symbolism in the Lazienki Palace. After, she visits the Warsaw Rising Museum, to remember the heroes of WWII. Lastly, she attends a concert of Chopin music, and makes Polish pierogis.
Christine explores Gdañsk’s history as a Baltic seaport and its medieval trade with Holland. In Main Town Hall, she investigates the art of the council room. Then she explains the influences of the Gdañsk city crest and visits Gdañsk’s Neptune Fountain and the Long Market. Lastly, she explores the WWII sites at Westerplatte Peninsula and the treasures of St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Amber Museum.
