Curious Traveler

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?

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?

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?

Who was born in Guimarães 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?

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 Håkon’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?

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!

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!

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

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 Lüftlmalerei 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!

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!

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!

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!