Travel with Rick Steves 448 Those Friendly Canadians; Pacific Conflicts; Summer in Slovenia
Jun 25, 2016
Eric Weiner, NPR correspondent and author, shares his love for Canada, praising the politeness and humility of its people. He contrasts the political images of Harper and Trudeau and highlights Quebec's unique culture amidst globalization. Bestselling author Simon Winchester discusses the rising geopolitical significance of the Pacific, explaining China's military strategies and linking regional trade growth to its global influence. Slovenian guides share insights on summer travel, recommending must-see sights like Ljubljana and Lake Bled, plus local festivals.
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Annual Canadian Road‑Trip Calm
- Eric Weiner visits Canada every year and says crossing the border lowers his blood pressure because of the people, not just the scenery.
- He illustrates Canadian niceness with a joke about 50 Canadians leaving a pool, showing self-aware politeness.
Weekend Getaway: Eastern Townships
- Eric Weiner recommends the Eastern Townships in Quebec for a quick, French‑flavored getaway near the U.S. border.
- He suggests cycling, lakeside relaxation, and French meals to get a small‑town France experience without crossing the Atlantic.
Pacific Power Vacuum Explained
- Simon Winchester argues the U.S. long treated the Pacific as an American lake after WWII while imperial powers retreated.
- He links the 1991 Pinatubo eruption and U.S. base closures to a Chinese expansion into the South China Sea.
