Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions: Previous Broadcasts | KQED Public Media for Northern CA

A Tuscan Harvest, Italy (Episode #708)

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 31, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Tuscany is the artistic, cultural and gastronomic center of Northern Italy. In this program, Burt brings viewers to a vineyard just south of the city of Siena to take part in the fall harvest. We find out what makes the wines of Tuscany so famous, how the grapes are cared for, how the wine is produced. We also get a gastronomic tour of the region and its most famous dishes. We spend time with the owner of the vineyard who immigrated to Canada because he was starving and returned 50 years later as the millionaire founder and owner of Canada's largest trucking company. Burt makes the trip with one of America's leading authorities on Italian wine.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 31, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Vatican City (Episode #703)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 29, 2012 -- 3:30 PM

Rome's Vatican City has a population of only 550 people and a landmass of just over 100 acres, which makes it the world's smallest independent state, but its influence is extraordinary. Burt takes viewers on a unique tour of the city and its history. There are some amazing images from the ceiling of St. Peter's Basilica as well as a look at St. Peter's Tomb below. We see the Sistine Chapel in close-up and visit the Vatican's 500-year-old mosaic studio.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 30, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Cologne, Germany (Episode #704)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 29, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Built by the ancient Romans, Cologne is a mixture of old and new - 60, 000 university students keep it young, a thousand-year-old cathedral gives it maturity. In this program, Burt visits the cathedral, which is Germany's most visited tourist attraction and finds out how it can reconnect travelers with their spiritual feelings. He also stops into the city's best restaurants and presents Cologne's traditional foods and drinks. He takes viewers through a chocolate museum, and a cruise on the Rhine River. He unravels the mystery of why light perfumes are called Eau de Cologne. He also takes us to Cologne's world-famous carnival celebration.

St. Gallen, Switzerland (Episode #707)

KQED Life: Fri, Dec 28, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

The eastern part of Switzerland is one of the best-kept secrets in European travel. It is picturesque, un-crowded and has one of the most interesting Baroque abbeys in the world. Burt takes viewers on a tour of the town of St. Gallen which is celebrating its 1000-year history as an innovative center for textiles. We visit the artists that make St. Gallen a center of clothing design. Burt takes us through the extraordinary fashion exhibits that have been set-up by the city government. Also included are St. Gallen's tourist attractions, its famous marzipan bakers and its great restaurants.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Fri, Dec 28, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Hamburg, Germany (Episode #706)

KQED Life: Thu, Dec 27, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

During the early 1960s, Hamburg was the world's epicenter for rock music. The Beatles, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley and the Everly Brothers were local heroes. Burt takes viewers on a musical tour of the period. He also explores the city and discovers why it has more millionaires per capita than any other city in Europe. We take an excursion through the city's famous port and end up at the Sunday morning fish market party that takes place every week. We also visit the Montblanc factory and discover why their fountain pens don't leak.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Thu, Dec 27, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Aachen, Germany (Episode #705)

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 26, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

During the 8th century, Charlemagne united all the Christian communities in northern Europe and centered his kingdom in the town of Aachen. The magnificent church that he built is still standing. Burt takes viewers on a tour of the city. We discover the strange legends of its ancient fountains, the reason the healing powers of its hot springs have been famous for over 2000 years, and what made it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. We also find out about Aachen's spice cookies and why the people buy over 45,000 tons of them each year. And, of course, Burt introduces us to the signature foods of the city.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 26, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Cologne, Germany (Episode #704)

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 25, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Built by the ancient Romans, Cologne is a mixture of old and new - 60, 000 university students keep it young, a thousand-year-old cathedral gives it maturity. In this program, Burt visits the cathedral, which is Germany's most visited tourist attraction and finds out how it can reconnect travelers with their spiritual feelings. He also stops into the city's best restaurants and presents Cologne's traditional foods and drinks. He takes viewers through a chocolate museum, and a cruise on the Rhine River. He unravels the mystery of why light perfumes are called Eau de Cologne. He also takes us to Cologne's world-famous carnival celebration.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 25, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Vatican City (Episode #703)

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 24, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Rome's Vatican City has a population of only 550 people and a landmass of just over 100 acres, which makes it the world's smallest independent state, but its influence is extraordinary. Burt takes viewers on a unique tour of the city and its history. There are some amazing images from the ceiling of St. Peter's Basilica as well as a look at St. Peter's Tomb below. We see the Sistine Chapel in close-up and visit the Vatican's 500-year-old mosaic studio.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 30, 2012 -- 12:30 AM
KQED Life: Mon, Dec 24, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Christmas In Vienna, Austria (Episode #702)

KQED Plus: Sun, Dec 23, 2012 -- 2:30 PM

Christmas is observed in cities throughout the world, but the festivities in the Austrian city of Vienna are unique. Burt joins the celebration, explains the ancient history and meaning of Christmas, tours Vienna's famous Christmas markets, and discovers why we have Christmas trees. He takes us inside the magnificent castle of the Habsburg family and unravels the story of how they became the most powerful rulers in Europe by using their marriages instead of their military. We also take a look at the foods of Christmas and discover their special meanings. The program gives us a real understanding of one of the world's most popular holidays.

Assisi, Italy (Episode #608)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 22, 2012 -- 3:30 PM

The town of Assisi, in the center of Italy was built on a hill that has been inhabited for about 4000 years, and for almost as long it has been a religious center. They say that the stones that were used to build Assisi have absorbed the prayers of the millions of pilgrims that have come there over the centuries. And now, it is believed that the stones radiate a sense of peace and quiet that has a spiritual effect on visitors. Burt Wolf tours the city, discovers the true story of the life of St. Francis and the founding of the Franciscan order, visits the sites sacred to St. Clare, explains the art in the Basilica of St. Francis, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and traces the creation of the Nativity scene.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 23, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Stamp Collecting, China (Episode #609)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 22, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Collecting things might be part of an innate human desire to own stuff - to gather physical evidence of our lives and the natural world around us, and for thousands of years, people have collected and brought back stuff from their travels. But in 1837, something was created that was easy to collect and gave the collector the sensation of having traveled. It was the first postage stamp. Today, there are over 200 million stamp collectors. Burt Wolf looks at the history of stamp collecting, the most popular stamp ever printed, the most valuable stamp (over one million dollars), and the great forgeries. Then Burt travels to China to find out why the government has an official policy encouraging stamp collecting.

Christmas In Vienna, Austria (Episode #702)

KQED Life: Fri, Dec 21, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Christmas is observed in cities throughout the world, but the festivities in the Austrian city of Vienna are unique. Burt joins the celebration, explains the ancient history and meaning of Christmas, tours Vienna's famous Christmas markets, and discovers why we have Christmas trees. He takes us inside the magnificent castle of the Habsburg family and unravels the story of how they became the most powerful rulers in Europe by using their marriages instead of their military. We also take a look at the foods of Christmas and discover their special meanings. The program gives us a real understanding of one of the world's most popular holidays.

Santa Fe, New Mexico (Episode #701)

KQED Life: Thu, Dec 20, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

For over 12,000 years, Native Americans have been living in the area around Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Spanish arrived in the 1600s and eventually the two cultures blended together to form one of the most interesting societies in America. In this program, we take a helicopter tour of some of the most beautiful parts of the Southwest, visit the oldest church in the United States, and discover how the native tribes used modern ledger paper to preserve their heroic legends and personal stories. We visit the Loretto Chapel and inspect its magic staircase, which appears to be totally unsupported. We travel through the Bandelier National Monument and see the remains of an ancient Pueblo community and take a look at a simple and inexpensive construction technique that will keep a house in good shape for hundreds of years.

Chimayo, New Mexico (Episode #610)

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 19, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico there is a small adobe sanctuary that is visited by over 300,000 people each year. It is known as the "Lourdes of America", and for thousands of years the land under the church has been considered magical by the local Native Americans. Burt Wolf tours the site, looks into the conflicting legends of its history, and investigates the miraculous healings that have been attributed to its sacred soil.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 19, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Stamp Collecting, China (Episode #609)

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Collecting things might be part of an innate human desire to own stuff - to gather physical evidence of our lives and the natural world around us, and for thousands of years, people have collected and brought back stuff from their travels. But in 1837, something was created that was easy to collect and gave the collector the sensation of having traveled. It was the first postage stamp. Today, there are over 200 million stamp collectors. Burt Wolf looks at the history of stamp collecting, the most popular stamp ever printed, the most valuable stamp (over one million dollars), and the great forgeries. Then Burt travels to China to find out why the government has an official policy encouraging stamp collecting.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Assisi, Italy (Episode #608)

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

The town of Assisi, in the center of Italy was built on a hill that has been inhabited for about 4000 years, and for almost as long it has been a religious center. They say that the stones that were used to build Assisi have absorbed the prayers of the millions of pilgrims that have come there over the centuries. And now, it is believed that the stones radiate a sense of peace and quiet that has a spiritual effect on visitors. Burt Wolf tours the city, discovers the true story of the life of St. Francis and the founding of the Franciscan order, visits the sites sacred to St. Clare, explains the art in the Basilica of St. Francis, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and traces the creation of the Nativity scene.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 23, 2012 -- 12:30 AM
KQED Life: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Celebrating Christmas at Biltmore Estate (Episode #307)

KQED Plus: Sun, Dec 16, 2012 -- 2:30 PM

Burt returns to The Biltmore Estate for the second part of his investigation into our Christmas traditions. Why do we have Christmas Trees and why are they covered with electric lights? Who introduced the glass tree ornament and why? How did we get into the habit of wrapping our presents and what do they really symbolize? These and dozens of other Christmas customs are explained in this fascinating and surprising program.

The Abbeys of Austria (Episode #604)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 15, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

As boats sail west on the Danube River, from the Austrian city of Vienna, they stop at some of the most magnificent monasteries in Europe. The abbeys at Melk and Klosterneuburg are two of the most famous. Klosterneuburg has been home to a group of Augustinian clergy for over 900 years and contains the Verdun Altar, which is one of the world's most important medieval works of art. Melk was founded as a Roman garrison and became the cradle of Austrian history. Its library contains hundreds of colorfully illustrated books and was probably the inspiration for Umberto Eco's medieval murder mystery, "The Name of the Rose". It also has the only working model of a reusable coffin that was promoted by the King of Austria. Burt Wolf tours both monasteries and stops for lunch at the restaurant of one of Europe's most talented women chefs.

Siena, Italy (Episode #607)

KQED Life: Fri, Dec 14, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

During the 9th century, the hill town of Siena in central Italy became a major stopping point on the road between Rome and Paris. During the 12th century, the city began building a series of outstanding churches, towers and public squares, and since most of the modern construction has taken place outside the old city, Siena's character remains relatively unspoiled. Burt Wolf tours the narrow winding streets and ancient buildings, looks at the history of St. Catherine and St. Bernardino, investigates a horse race that's been used to settle grudges for over 700 years, and learns how a church, a synagogue or a mosque can help us counter the effects of time.

Santiago De Compostela, Spain (Episode #606)

KQED Life: Thu, Dec 13, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Today, sacred travel is more popular than it has been since the Middle Ages. Each year, millions of people travel to the world's holy sites, and one of the most popular destinations is Santiago de Compostela in the Northwest corner of Spain. Burt Wolf tours its 1000-year-old Cathedra, explains the stories behind its art and architecture and watches as an eight-man team swings the world's largest flying incense burner through the structure. We see the world's oldest travel guide, and visit the Hospital of the Kings of Spain that was built in 1499 - the world's oldest hotel still in operation. We also call on a jeweler who works in Jet, an ancient gemstone so black that describing it caused the phrase "jet black" to become part of the English language. It is a city that can connect you with the divine.

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago, Spain (Episode #605)

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 12, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

A pilgrimage is a trip to a place that was made holy by a special event, or because it held a magical object, or both. People have been making pilgrimages for tens of thousands of years, and one of the most famous is the road to Santiago across Northern Spain. It is like walking through a continuous museum. You cross two-thousand-year-old bridges that were built by the Romans. You sit down to lunch in the reconstruction of a five-thousand-year-old Iron Age hut. You are in constant contact with the great art and architecture of the Middle Ages. Burt Wolf walks the sacred road, looks at the legend of Santiago, and discovers why, even in modern times, over 200,000 people make the trip every year.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 12, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

The Abbeys of Austria (Episode #604)

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 11, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

As boats sail west on the Danube River, from the Austrian city of Vienna, they stop at some of the most magnificent monasteries in Europe. The abbeys at Melk and Klosterneuburg are two of the most famous. Klosterneuburg has been home to a group of Augustinian clergy for over 900 years and contains the Verdun Altar, which is one of the world's most important medieval works of art. Melk was founded as a Roman garrison and became the cradle of Austrian history. Its library contains hundreds of colorfully illustrated books and was probably the inspiration for Umberto Eco's medieval murder mystery, "The Name of the Rose". It also has the only working model of a reusable coffin that was promoted by the King of Austria. Burt Wolf tours both monasteries and stops for lunch at the restaurant of one of Europe's most talented women chefs.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 11, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

The Lands of St. Patrick, Ireland (Episode #603)

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 10, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

During the 5th century, Saint Patrick arrived in Ireland and changed the course of the nation's history. Burt Wolf investigates the real story of Patrick's life, visits Patrick's original church, treks to the mystic pilgrimage sites of Lough Derg and Croagh Patrick and explores the reasons why St. Patrick became the patron saint of the Irish. He also examines the diaries of the ancient monks who chronicled the attacks of the Vikings.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 10, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Getting Ready for Christmas at Biltmore Estate (Episode #306)

KQED Plus: Sun, Dec 9, 2012 -- 2:30 PM

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest private home in the United States. It was built by George Vanderbilt, the grandson of the wealthiest man in the world. We tour the estate with Burt and see how they prepare for Biltmore's Christmas celebration. From Santa Claus and Eggnog to Wreaths and Poinsettias, Burt explains what became part of our Christmas tradition and why.

Southwestern, France (Episode #508)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 8, 2012 -- 3:30 PM

Burt takes us on a tour of the city of Toulouse, discovers why the color blue terrified the soldiers of ancient Rome and how the cloth dyers of Toulouse used blue to make a fortune. They don't call royal families blue bloods for nothing. We visit the largest Romanesque Church in Europe, find out how in 1222 the King of France set the pattern for Donald Trump's real estate deals. We take a look at a group of 35,000-year-old cave paintings that were used to teach young men to hunt. We find out where to rent a houseboat and wander along one of the most beautiful canals in the world. We are guided through the largest collection of works by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, visit Carcassonne, a walled city for over 2,500 year, and stop into one of the finest restaurants in the area to check out the local specialties.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 9, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

Krakow, Poland (Episode #509)

KQED Life: Sat, Dec 8, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

For hundreds of years Krakow has been one of the great cultural centers of Eastern Europe. We tour the city, visit the ancient castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, discover the origin of the croissant, look at some of the 2.5 million works of art in the city's museums and find out how the immodest sight of a woman's legs saved the town's Medieval wall. Burt also checks out what's cooking and visits the Jewish quarter of Krakow that was founded in the 14th century.

Dublin, Ireland (Episode #602)

KQED Life: Fri, Dec 7, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

For over 700 years Dublin lived under foreign domination. Today, however, it is an independent Republic with one of the highest per capita incomes in Europe and a fashionable destination for tourists. Burt Wolf explores the city's Viking history, visits the Guinness brewery to learn how to "pull" a perfect pint, discovers the origin of the Guinness Book of Records, tours the town's classic pubs, and finds out why the ancient Book of Kells is the most valued cultural object in Ireland.

Atlantic City, New Jersey (Episode #601)

KQED Life: Thu, Dec 6, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

In 1854, two real estate promoters turned a windswept island off the coast of New Jersey into America's favorite seaside resort. Burt Wolf looks at the history of Atlantic City, America's first official lifeguard service, the invention of Salt Water Taffy, and the workings of the modern slot machine. He also tours Atlantic City's hotels, casinos and restaurants, including the shop were the sub-sandwich was invented. Finally, we discover how Atlantic City helped invent "Monopoly", the world's best selling board game.

The Shrine at Lourdes, France (Episode #510)

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 5, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

In the southwest corner of France, Lourdes is one of the most important shrines in the Christian world. Famous as a site for healing miracles, over 7000 cures have been documented. Burt takes us on a tour of the churches of Lourdes, discovers the story of the shrine's beginnings, visits the mysterious grotto, takes part in a torch light procession, uncovers the shrine's political significance in the history of France and its role in the story of woman's rights. He also interviews the doctor who was in charge for the investigation of the most recent medical miracle.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Wed, Dec 5, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Krakow, Poland (Episode #509)

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 4, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

For hundreds of years Krakow has been one of the great cultural centers of Eastern Europe. We tour the city, visit the ancient castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, discover the origin of the croissant, look at some of the 2.5 million works of art in the city's museums and find out how the immodest sight of a woman's legs saved the town's Medieval wall. Burt also checks out what's cooking and visits the Jewish quarter of Krakow that was founded in the 14th century.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Tue, Dec 4, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Southwestern, France (Episode #508)

KQED Life: Mon, Dec 3, 2012 -- 8:30 AM

Burt takes us on a tour of the city of Toulouse, discovers why the color blue terrified the soldiers of ancient Rome and how the cloth dyers of Toulouse used blue to make a fortune. They don't call royal families blue bloods for nothing. We visit the largest Romanesque Church in Europe, find out how in 1222 the King of France set the pattern for Donald Trump's real estate deals. We take a look at a group of 35,000-year-old cave paintings that were used to teach young men to hunt. We find out where to rent a houseboat and wander along one of the most beautiful canals in the world. We are guided through the largest collection of works by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, visit Carcassonne, a walled city for over 2,500 year, and stop into one of the finest restaurants in the area to check out the local specialties.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Dec 9, 2012 -- 12:30 AM

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Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions