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Curious Traveler

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CURIOUS TRAVELER takes viewers on an enriching and entertaining "field trip for grown-ups" to some of the most intriguing European and North American cities in the world. Daytime Emmy- and Telly-winning travel, arts and entertainment journalist Christine Van Blokland brings her passion and genuine curiosity for the arts, quirky characters, storytelling, and lifelong learning to this new series. In each location, Christine explores the hidden histories in their art, architecture, museums, monuments, houses of worship and city parks. Each episode begins with Christine's list of "Curious Questions": Is the Mona Lisa really a prostitute? Is the Eiffel Tower really Egyptian? Why are there acorns all through Grand Central Terminal? Christine's previous television credits include: Let's Go!, Georgia Traveler, Let's Go! Georgiaand Better Destinations.

Episodes:

• Curious Bruges

  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?

  Next Airing:	Wed, Jul 16th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:24
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Dublin Pubs

  Why is Dublin known worldwide 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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Jul 21st, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:36
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Ghent

  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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Jul 28th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:43
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Sussex

  Why does George IV's Royal Pavilion look so different from 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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Aug 4th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:45
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Greece

  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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Aug 11th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:26:43
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Lucerne

  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 Mannliturm. Then it's up to the Swiss Alps aboard the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, to learn the history of the St. Gotthard Pass, some dragon lore, and the curious connection between Pontius Pilate and Mount Pilatus.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Aug 13th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:29:03
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Innsbruck

  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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Aug 18th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:50
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Tallinn

  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 Kok 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.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Aug 20th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:37
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Sicily and Sardinia

  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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Aug 25th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:56
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Switzerland's Curious Castles

  Christine gets curious about the castles of Switzerland: In Chateau de Chillon, she explores its unique architecture and discovers secret passageways. In Chateau de Gruyeres, 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.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Aug 27th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:27
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Tyrol

  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 Luftlmalerei 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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Sep 1st, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:45
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Aix-En-Provence & Arles

  Christine gets curious about Aix-en Provence: why it's known as the City of a Thousand Fountains, visits Cezanne'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.)

  Next Airing:	Wed, Sep 3rd, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:58
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Barcelona

  Who designed a drippy, wacky & wonderful icon? What is happening on Casa Mila'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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Sep 8th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:34
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Netherlands' Curious Unesco

  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.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Sep 10th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:42
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Toronto

  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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Sep 15th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:39
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Dijon & Beaune

  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 Hotel Dieu Museum/Hospices de Beaune and luxuriates in the historic Hotel le Cep.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Sep 17th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:59
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Lisbon

  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!

  Next Airing:	Mon, Sep 22nd, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:09
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Estonia's Curious Culture & Traditions

  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 Voromaa, she cleanses her spirit in a UNESCO Estonian smoke sauna.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Sep 24th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:46
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Bergen

  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 Hakon'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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Sep 29th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:09
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Krakow

  Christine takes viewers through the beautiful streets and layers of Krakow, to learn its Medieval, Renaissance and Enlightenment history, when it was an intellectual and cultural center of Europe. She gets a special tour of Copernicus' alma mater: Jagiellonian University and Collegium Maius, from the University's Dean. Next, she takes us inside the Krzysztofory Palace Museum, set inside a 17th century baroque palace, to learn about Kraków's UNESCO-status Nativity scenes, and to learn the legend of the Lajkonik. Then, it's up to Wawel Castle, perched high upon a hill, then back down to Old Town for the annual Wawel Dragon legend and parade.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Oct 1st, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:56
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Braga

  Who was born in Guimaraes 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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Oct 6th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:36
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Bern

  Christine gets curious about the connection between bears and Bern, and the city's founder, Berthold V. In Bern's Old Town, she takes viewers inside its historic clock tower, the Zytlogge, to see its Renaissance mechanisms still tick-tocking away. Then, she follows Bern's subterranean stream, which surfaces quite prettily in Bern's historic fountains, each its own work of art. Then it's over to Munsterplatz and Bern Minster for the 16th century history of how the Protestant Reformation impacted Bern. Then, after all that exploring, she takes a breather on the Einstein Bench, in the picturesque Rose Garden, overlooking beautiful Bern.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Oct 8th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:57
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Lofoten, Norway

  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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Oct 13th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:24
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Estonia's Curious Palaces & Castles

  Christine traces the curious history of Estonia's fine homes, built for and lived in by, not Estonians, but Baltic Germans, Scandinavians and Russians. Her journey begins at Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great after he conquered Estonia, for his wife Katherine, and named it Kadriorg, which means 'Katherine's Valley'. At Alatskivi Castle, she explores the curious history of a German baron who copied Scotland's Balmoral Castle in Estonia. Then, she tours one of the grandest baroque manors in Estonia, Palmse Manor, surrounded by its splendid gardens and Lahemaa National Park. At Vihula Manor, Christine interviews an historian who is lucky enough to live in an Estonian manor house.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Oct 15th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:54
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Historic Villages of Portugal

  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?

  Next Airing:	Mon, Oct 20th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:30
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Warsaw

  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.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Oct 22nd, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:50
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Northern Norway

  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? Brrr...

  Next Airing:	Mon, Oct 27th, 2025 at 3:30 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:28:17
  Usage rights:	9/1/2022 to 8/31/2028

• Curious Gdansk

  Christine explores Gdansk's history as a Baltic seaport, and how its medieval trade with Holland resulted in its Dutch architecture. Inside the exquisite Main Town Hall, she investigates the beautiful wood carvings and paintings of the council room, full of wonderful symbolism. Then she explains the Gdansk city crest, influenced by the Hanseatic League, the Teutonic Knights and the Polish kings. She also focuses on Gdansk's Neptune Fountain and the Long Market. Visits to St. Mary's Basilica, full of religious treasures, the Amber Museum, full of artistic treasures, and the WWII sites at Westerplatte Peninsula, full of heroic history, round out the visit.

  Next Airing:	Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:27:55
  Usage rights:	10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026

• Curious Brussels

  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?

  Length:	00:27:46
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Cardiff

  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?

  Length:	00:27:44
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Hong Kong: Culture & Traditions

  How did Hong Kong get its name? What is so junky about a junk boat? We get curious about the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path on Lantau Island. Then, we head to the Kung Wo Tofu Factory to learn a centuries-old tofu-making technique. Christine also takes you inside a Tin Hau Temple, the Man Mo Temple, and a traditional Qipao dress-making shop.

  Length:	00:27:24
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Manchester

  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?

  Length:	00:27:45
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• Curious Southern Wales

  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.

  Length:	00:27:39
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

• England's Curious Great West Way

  England's Great West Way follows the ancient path from London to Bristol. We take the train and get curious at stops along the way: Stonehenge, Bath's masonic architecture, the Roman Baths and the S.S. Great Britain. We also sample some curious pub pies, learn some cockney rhyming slang, and visit a few charming villages.

  Length:	00:27:45
  Usage rights:	3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026

Availability: