Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions
Host Burt Wolf conducts lively tours on local history, food, folklore, arts, festivals, theater and tourist attractions of fascinating destinations from around the world.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
Milan, Italy (#802) Duration: 27:51 STEREO TVG
Milan has been an influential city for well over 2,000 years. It was a significant political and commercial center for the Roman Empire, and it has maintained that position ever since. Today, Milan is an industrial powerhouse. It is the financial and commercial center of Italy, a focus for electronics, publishing, television, textiles, international trade-fairs, fashion and food. Burt takes viewers to a 16th century Italian palazzo, filled with authentic furnishings and objects from the Renaissance. We'll also find out why Milan is the source of some of Italy's best cooking.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Sat, May 25, 2013 -- 12:30am
Cruising The Danube (#801) Duration: 25:17 STEREO TVG
River cruising has become one of the best ways to see Europe and at a great price. Burt takes viewers on a cruise down the Danube. He started in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and returned back to Budapest eight days later. While the ship was on the river it made stops in Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, Vienna the capital of Austria, Durnstein, Melk, as well as Grein, Linz and Passau. This show gives you a unique insight into river cruising while stopping for all the sites on the way.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Sat, May 25, 2013 -- 3:30pm
- KQED Life: Sun, May 26, 2013 -- 12:30am
Stamp Collecting, China (#609) Duration: 25:08 STEREO TVG
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.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Plus: Sun, May 26, 2013 -- 2:30pm email reminder
Holland (#806) Duration: 26:53 STEREO TVG
The two most powerful forces in the history of Holland are wind and water. For over a thousand years, the people living in this part of the world have had an amazing ability to take advantage of these two forces. We'll explore the use of windmills, Holland's trading empire and how the nation's wealth was used to commission great works of art. Burt visits the Vincent van Gogh Museum, takes a canal tour and tastes Amsterdam's famous street foods.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, May 27, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, May 27, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Alaska (#807) Duration: 27:11 STEREO TVG
Fragments of the earth's crust drifted together to form Alaska. And they are still very much in the process of drifting and forming. And what they have formed is already the largest state in the United States of America. It's twice as large as Texas and has fifty percent more coastline than all the states in the lower 48 put together. We'll tour the Red Onion Saloon; ride the White Pass and Yukon Railroad and check out 1,500 square miles of ice cap.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, May 28, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, May 28, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 1, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Hong Kong (#808) Duration: 26:41 STEREO TVG
Hong Kong is a small island just off the southern coast of the Chinese mainland. It's a bustling metropolis and one of the world's most important financial centers. It is also a focal point for traditional Chinese history and culture. Burt shows viewers Hong Kong's Chinese music, Chinese art, Chinese theater, and of course, Chinese food. The city's unusual blend of western high-tech with Chinese high-touch has made Hong Kong the most important tourist destination in Asia.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, May 29, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, May 29, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Immigrating to America, I (#809) Duration: 25:02 STEREO TVG
Burt has spent most of his life as a stranger reporting from strange lands and trying to understand what was going on. A few years ago he decided to look at his own country and try to discover the true history of our population. Each year the United States grants permanent residency to more immigrants than all the other nations of the world combined. Most people come here believing that with hard work and determination they will end up with a better life---more money and more freedom. In fact, everyone who is in the United States today is either an immigrant or the descendant of an immigrant.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, May 30, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Thu, May 30, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Immigrating to America, II (#810) Duration: 25:04 STEREO TVG
Every person who lives in the United States is an immigrant or the descendant of someone who immigrated here. In some cases they were travelers looking for a place where they would be free to practice their traditions. In every case they were looking for a better life. Social tensions were always part of the immigrant experience. Burt explores how immigration has created social difficulties and also produced a new vitality. This program will show how immigration has transformed American society and culture and demonstrated that diversity, as well as unity, and is a source of our national strength.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, May 31, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Great Hotels of the World - Part 2 (#1001) Duration: 26:50 STEREO TVG
Burt has been living in hotels for over 30 years -- and often in the greatest hotels in the world. Each of these famous hotels bases its success on different elements and yet there is a common approach to attending to the needs of each guest. In this program Burt shows you some of his favorite hotels in Switzerland and Germany and explains why he considers them best of class.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 3, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
New York City (#1002) Duration: 27:13 STEREO TVG
New York City is the world epicenter for money, creativity and culture. Burt takes a bite of the Big Apple, tells you how it came to be and takes you from the tip of the island to Central Park. Learn about the city's architectural heritage and how a nation of immigrants contributed to the gastronomy of the island.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 4, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (#1003) Duration: 26:47 STEREO TVG
Philadelphia is one of America's oldest and most interesting cities and the birthplace of our nation. Find out how it was founded as a Quaker colony and why it's the guardian of The Liberty Bell. Learn why Philadelphia is considered the city of brotherly love, tour the largest collection of outdoor murals and visit a Masonic Temple. Take a taste of Philly's traditional foods.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 5, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Chicago, Illinois (#1004) Duration: 26:36 STEREO TVG
Chicago is famous for many things including talented chefs, specialty bakers and authentic ethnic foods. Burt untangles the history of Chicago, laughs at Second City's food joke, and visits the House of Blues.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 6, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Napa Valley, California (#1005) Duration: 28:19 STEREO TVG
Napa Valley is the home to some of our most innovative chefs. Burt tours the valley and introduces us to some of the signature dishes at the best restaurants. We find out why California is the nation's leading dairy state, meet one of the most successful wine makers and find out how prohibition saved the business. We'll also take a look at the ancient process for making barrels and how they changed the taste of wine.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 7, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Basque Region, Spain (#1006) Duration: 27:04 STEREO TVG
The Basque country of northeast Spain has the oldest culture in Europe and they are determined to keep their traditions. In Bilbao we'll visit the museum that revitalized the city. In San Sebastian, on the Northwest coast of Spain, we'll check out the fastest ball game in the world and learn why it's home to some of the finest Basque cooking in Europe.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 15, 2013 -- 3:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Sun, Jun 16, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Miami, Florida (#1007) Duration: 26:15 STEREO TVG
Miami Florida is a sophisticated, subtropical city on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. It has been described as the American city of the future. There's fun in the sun but there's also a major infusion of performing arts. We'll visit some of the local art galleries and taste the local flavors.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 15, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Belgium (#1008) Duration: 26:32 STEREO TVG
Burt takes a look at Belgium and tours the capital city of Brussels. We'll find out why beer is the national drink and sample one flavored with cherries. We'll discover why the hand of a giant became the symbol of the city of Antwerp and find out why food experts love Belgian cooking.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
San Francisco, California (#1009) Duration: 27:30 STEREO TVG
San Francisco is a city whose present day gleam began with the discovery of glittering gold. The people who settled San Francisco came from all over the world and as they mixed together they established the traditions that make San Francisco what it is today. We'll look at the city's unique history, love of opulence and appreciation of good food.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 13, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Springfield, Illinois (#1010) Duration: 26:35 STEREO TVG
Burt takes us for a ride on America's great mother road, Route 66, and tells us how it transformed the way the world eats. We'll also discover the true origin of the corn dog, the filled dough nut, the horseshoe sandwich, root beer and Abraham Lincoln's favorite cake. We'll visit Abraham Lincoln's hometown and see what his personal life was really like.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 14, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Luzern, Switzerland (#1101) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
Burt takes a lake steamer to the foot of Mount Pilatus and rides the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to the top of a 7,000 foot peak for some of the most impressive views of Switzerland. The he visits the Lion Monument that honors the Swiss Guards who died defending the King of France in 1792. Mark Twain described the monument as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world. He walks across the Chapel Bridge that was constructed in the first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications. Burt also tours the Old Town with its fountain squares and painted buildings and the Jesuit Church - the first large scale Baroque church in Switzerland which was constructed in 1666.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Touring Ireland (#1102) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
Burt visits Ireland's great pilgrimage sites, follows the trails of St. Patrick, investigates the history of Guinness, learns about the most valuable book in Ireland, looks at the great architecture of Dublin and finds out what's good to eat. This program could easily become the basis for your own fascinating tour of Ireland.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 22, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Burt Wolf's Family Vacation (#1103) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
Each summer, Burt takes his wife, a selection of his sons and daughter-in-laws and grandchildren to Europe. This program takes an irreverent look at one of their itineraries which includes Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic and Leukerbad in Switzerland. Our editors think it is Burt's contribution to "Reality TV" - somewhere between "Survivor" and "Animal Planet".
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
German Immigration to the U.S. (#1104) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
We tend to think that the largest groups to immigrate to America were from Italy or Ireland. But that is not the case. The greatest numbers of people to immigrate to America were from Germany. Today, over 60 million Americans consider themselves of German descent. This program, shot on-location in Germany, takes a look at who they were and where they came from.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 20, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
What Are They Eating in the Photograph (#1105) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
This program looks at a group of famous photographs that have something to do with eating and drinking, including Halsman's photo of Marilyn Monroe having a hamburger at a drive-in, Cartier-Bresson's picnic near Paris, Duncan's photo of Picasso at lunch. Burt, Jeff Rosenheim, a curator of photograph at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Andy Smith, the editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America and Kathryn Howard Oremland, a graduate of Sotheby's Institute of Art explain why each photograph is important, and the history and significance of the gastronomic elements. The recipe for each food is then demonstrated by a leading chef.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 21, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Taiwan - A Sense of Place - Part Three (#1106) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
In 1869, Francis Galton, an English anthropologist argued that all talent was the result of heredity. No matter what the skill - from painting a great picture - to inventing a perfect recipe - it was always the result of the genes you received from your parents. Today, we know that he was smart, but wrong. What we are is the result of the interaction of our genes and our environment and our biology is continually altered by our environment. In these programs, Burt interviews a number of famous Taiwanese-Americans who grew up in traditional Taiwanese homes and immigrated to the United States, including an internet billionaire, a top Hollywood director, and a man who builds 6 million bicycles every year. Then, Burt travels to Taiwan to look at the key influences on their lives including one of Taiwan's most famous museums, a train that travels at over 150 miles an hour, big budget martial arts movies, a restaurant that presents dishes based on famous works of Chinese art, and one of the world's greatest choreographers. Burt tries to discover how the early life of these successful people affected the way they think now.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 24, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Mon, Jun 24, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 -- 3:30pm email reminder
- KQED Life: Sun, Jun 30, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Taiwan - A Sense of Place - Part Four (#1107) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
In 1869, Francis Galton, an English anthropologist argued that all talent was the result of heredity. No matter what the skill - from painting a great picture - to inventing a perfect recipe - it was always the result of the genes you received from your parents. Today, we know that he was smart, but wrong. What we are is the result of the interaction of our genes and our environment and our biology is continually altered by our environment. In these programs, Burt interviews a number of famous Taiwanese-Americans who grew up in traditional Taiwanese homes and immigrated to the United States, including an internet billionaire, a top Hollywood director, and a man who builds 6 million bicycles every year. Then, Burt travels to Taiwan to look at the key influences on their lives including one of Taiwan's most famous museums, a train that travels at over 150 miles an hour, big budget martial arts movies, a restaurant that presents dishes based on famous works of Chinese art, and one of the world's greatest choreographers. Burt tries to discover how the early life of these successful people affected the way they think now.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
Connecting The Dots In America (#1108) Duration: 26:46 STEREO TVG
During Burt's 40 years of reporting, he has lived through a half-dozen recessions in the United States and visited dozens of countries during their economic downturns. In this program, he travels across the U.S. talking to people who have made our nation economically stronger - creative entrepreneurs with great imaginations who started small businesses based on their innovative ideas and technology and made fortunes for themselves and the people who helped them get started.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Boston, Massachusetts (#401) Duration: 25:49 STEREO TVG
The first residents of Boston arrived in 1630 which gave the city an early start in our nation's history. Burt retraces some of the city's historic sites and tells us what really happened during the midnight ride of Paul Revere. You'll visit the first Dunkin Donut shop and see what their donuts once looked like, tour the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, learn about the most complex highway construction project ever undertaken in the United States and find out who's cooking the best lobster and how.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 27, 2013 -- 12:30am email reminder
- KQED Life: Thu, Jun 27, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder
Winter In Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland (#402) Duration: 27:19 STEREO TVG
One of Europe's finest locations for a family winter holiday. You'll join Burt for a balloon trip over the snow covered Alps, meet a team of amazing skiers who specialize in making sports available to the handicapped, paraglide from the top of one of Switzerland's most famous mountains, and visit an ancient castle that's been turned into a museum for wine lovers and a restaurant for food lovers.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 -- 8:30am email reminder









