Video Details
Curious Traveler
| Website: | http://www.curioustravelertv.com |
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| Next Airing: | Sun, May 5th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD |
Availability information for this program
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:
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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: Sun, May 5th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:09 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
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: Tue, May 7th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026 -
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.
Next Airing: Wed, May 8th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:45 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, May 12th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:09 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
Curious Paris
Why does Paris look like Paris? Why were the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III built for World Expos? Why is the Opera Garnier so ornate? Why is there a Romano-Byzantine Basilica atop the highest point in Paris? Why are the streets so windy in Montmartre? Why was a famous cabaret built inside a red mill: the Moulin Rouge?
Next Airing: Tue, May 14th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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?
Next Airing: Wed, May 15th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:46 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, May 19th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:36 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
Curious Rome
Why is there a giant hole in the top of the Pantheon? And how is it still standing after more than two millennia? Why does Piazza Navona look like a racetrack? And why did it used to be a swimming pool? Where did the bronze for St. Peter's Basilica come from, and why are those windows in the dome so heavenly?
Next Airing: Tue, May 21st, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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?
Next Airing: Wed, May 22nd, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:44 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, May 26th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:24 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
Curious Copenhagen
Why did Shakespeare use Kronborg Castle as the setting for Hamlet? Was picturesque Nyhavn really the playground for sailors and brothels? Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle - why so many palaces in one small European country?
Next Airing: Tue, May 28th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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?
Next Airing: Wed, May 29th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:45 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
Curious Vancouver
Who was Gassy Jack and why was he so gassy? Why was Capilano Suspension Bridge built and what do all those totem poles mean? What's so important about the Hotel Vancouver, and what does it have to do with the train station, the Queen of England, and Harry Potter? Who was Yip Sang, and why did he have his own Boy Scout Troop?
Next Airing: Tue, Jun 4th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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.
Next Airing: Wed, Jun 5th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:24 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
Curious Loire Valley
When and why were so many stunning chateaux built in such a concentrated area in central France? Why is there a river running through Chateau de Chenonceau, and what do the ladies of the castle have to do with it? Why does Chateau de Chambord have 440 rooms, yet no one ever lived there? Why is there a porcupine over the entrance to Chateau d'Amboise?
Next Airing: Tue, Jun 11th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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.
Next Airing: Wed, Jun 12th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:39 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, Jun 16th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:30 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
Curious Venice
Where is the hidden symbol of Venice on the iconic gondola? Why are there two different saints on the gateway columns? Why is the solar system off on Torre dell'Orologio? Why does Saint Mark's Basilica look like Hagia Sophia? Why does the Doge's Palace have a Stairway of Giants, and what do those symbols mean?
Next Airing: Tue, Jun 18th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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, Jun 19th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:24 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, Jun 23rd, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:28:17 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
Curious Kotor
Why is there a beautiful, tiny blue-domed church floating in Kotorska Bay? Why did someone build 1350 steps up the side of Kotor's mountain? Why is The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon pink? And why are the towers mismatched? Why are the streets within the fortress walls intentionally in a maze?
Next Airing: Tue, Jun 25th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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: Wed, Jun 26th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:36 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
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: Sun, Jun 30th, 2024 at 5:30 PM on KUED-HD Length: 00:29:03 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026 -
Curious Oslo
Why are you encouraged to walk on the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House? Why did Vikings live here, and why are their ships shaped like that? Why was the Oslo National Theatre built, and what's that secret staircase? What is the troll legend, and why did it happen here?
Next Airing: Tue, Jul 2nd, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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: Wed, Jul 3rd, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:43 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
Curious Bordeaux
Who got hitched at Bordeaux Cathedral and why was it such an important moment in history? Did Parisian architecture actually come from Bordeaux? Why is Bordeaux so synonymous with wine? What was the Place de la Bourse hiding? What do all these sculptures mean at Place des Quinconces? Why were two ancient gates spared?
Next Airing: Tue, Jul 9th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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: Wed, Jul 10th, 2024 at 6:00 PM on UEN-TV Length: 00:27:45 Usage rights: 3/17/2020 to 3/17/2026 -
Curious Sorrento
Why did the ancient Roman rich and famous choose to vacation here? Who opened the gate for the bad guys in the 1500s? What does the town clock tower symbolize? What's the history of majolica tile art? Why are Sorrento lemons and limoncello so famous?
Next Airing: Tue, Jul 16th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
Curious Stockholm
What did Alfred Nobel invent that led him to create the Nobel Prize? What is Gamla Stan? What's so important about the throne inside the Royal Palace of Stockholm? What is the Djurgarden Canal, and why was it only for the Royal Family? Why did the Swedes grow grass on their rooftops, and what's the history of their folk costumes?
Next Airing: Tue, Jul 23rd, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
Curious French Villages
Why did the famous French architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc only work on one residence: the historic Roquetaillade Castle? Why is there a monolithic church in Saint-Emilion? And why did its monk sleep underground? Why is there a giant wall around the tiny village of Blaye? And why was beautiful Bourg-en-Gironde built into the side of a cliff? And how do Cadillac and Pauillac make time stand still?
Next Airing: Tue, Jul 30th, 2024 at 6:00 AM on UEN-TV Length: 00:26:46 Usage rights: 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2025 -
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!
Length: 00:27:34 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
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.
Length: 00:27:57 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026 -
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.
Length: 00:28:56 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!
Length: 00:27:56 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
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!
Length: 00:27:39 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
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!
Length: 00:27:45 Usage rights: 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2025 -
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.
Length: 00:28:50 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026 -
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.
Length: 00:28:46 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026 -
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.
Length: 00:28:54 Usage rights: 10/15/2023 to 10/14/2026