Rick Steves - Heartthrob a-go-go

There is truly no one nerdier that is sexier than Edmonds, WA-born Rick Steves. He's like John Denver's half-brother, the nomad who only stuck around for "Leavin' on a jet Plane," and took bro's advice. For those of you who don't know Rick is the star of the PBS "Europe through the Back Door" series and the matching guidebooks. First of all, "Back Door?" ROAR! Second of all, anyone who can make an awesome living, nay, an empire out of vacationing in Europe has got some major mojo. And as if that isn't enough, Steves is about the most outspoken lefty liberal in the country. He posted an anti-Bush "voting special" on his travel site to the outrage of many Republican travelers. Rick (may I call you Rick?) didn't care. He used to be one of those Republicans - until travel opened his mind and heart to the rest of the people on this vast planet of ours. He just figured whatever business he lost was worth speaking his mind and exercising his American freedoms. Sexy right?

I met the man himself a couple of months ago at a book reading. I told him that I was planning a European trip because my man Vic has never been out of the USA. He peered in my eyes with those limpid baby blues and said "You've got some work to do, then!"

Today, in honor of Rick Steves, let's all spend five minutes dreaming of a far away place. Maybe even without visiting our minds and hearts can open a smidge. We're not talking Grinch sized proportions, but every little bit helps.