He is a travel author, TV travel host, avid piano player, the list goes on. Over the years, I would catch his show on PBS and reluctantly be swept away as he strolled through many European cities, talking to sheep and wearing Lederhosen. Why with reluctance you ask? My heart was clouded with envy. That's it-pure envy. I would ask out loud to the TV set, "Why Rick?". "Why do you get to have this cool-times-a-gazillion job? Why do you get to crack lame jokes with french puns while standing in the Luberon? After all, you have an almost squeaky voice and wear 1980's glasses." Or I would say something like, " Blah blah blah Rick! Who doesn't have a real Irish wool sweater?!" Well no longer. I will not let this negativity keep our friendship from blossoming Rick. I will no longer pretend not to laugh at your jokes just to hurt you. I will confess that you deserve this job. You are more than good at it and you are actually a good guy (he and his wife sunk their retirement into an apartment complex and turned it into a safehouse for women). I will walk by my complete boxed set of your Europe Through the Back Door DVD's without rolling my eyes. And I will no longer stick my tongue out at you during your 17 step spa treatment in Baden-Baden. So here's to you Rick-glasses and all. You are, without a doubt, the Man.
9 comments:
Jill! What a delightful post! You are such a witty writer and I was smiling all the way through your semi-anti-tirade! I now have to investigate this wonderful Steve--his adventures sound really interesting!(he should hire you as his publicist!)
Jill Cory would do the same thing as we would watch him on tv and still will say how can I get Ricks job.
Wow-random, but true. But, I must confess as I watch any of his French travels, the French must be so annoyed by him! But what a cool job to have. Maybe if I learn a couple more languages I can get paid to do what he does.
I've never even heard of this guy...but I must admit now I am intrigued by him. You say you have the complete boxed set of DVDs?
I am outing Kevin...he too loves to hate Rick and so many other travelling hosts. If he could get rid of his wife and kid he would quite possibly travel for the rest of his life. At least you have come to terms with your feelings. Kevin isn't even close.
I love Rick Steves! I can just tell he is a decent guy (and thanks for confirming that.)
I don't care what you say.
I still hate him.
(you are SO clev-ah, Jill)
Jill, I'll totally buy you some lederhosen if you'll wear them while talking to sheep.
I have also never heard of Rick, but now I don't know if I should or shouldn't watch him. I might envy him and know all the while that I am wrong in doing so. I am just not sure I want to put myself through that.
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