Program 779: Bristol; Barcelona; Bruges

Consider three distinctly different styles of historic European cities as we hear how Bristol has transformed itself from an industrial and maritime powerhouse into a creative center for the southwest of England — and how it rewards visitors who set aside at least a day for this city just a half-hour from well-touristed Bath. Then learn from a local about how the Catalan culture of Barcelona sets it apart from the rest of Spain. And discover what visitors have enjoyed for centuries along the cobbled medieval streets of the beautifully Belgian burg of Bruges.

• Charlie Rawson, tour guide based in Bristol
• Jesús Ruíz, tour guide based in Barcelona
• Nico Favoreel, tour guide based in Bruges

• Rick writes about the newfound appeal of Bristol.
• Charlie Rawson's website.
• Watch Charlie's Monday Night Travel tour of Edinburgh's best sights.
• Exhibits on the 19th-century engineering achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel are on the SS Great Britain, docked at Bristol.
• Banksy's street artworks are featured on his website.
• The Rick Steves online guide to Barcelona includes photos of its innovative architecture.
• Jesús Ruiz specializes in private tours of Spain and Portugal from his home base in Barcelona.
• Antoni Gaudí was one of the great "modernist" architects of Barcelona.
• The Rick Steves online guide to Bruges.
• The Visit Bruges website.
• Nico Favoreel spoke with Rick about Bruges and Western Flanders on a Monday Night Travel session in 2023.

Pgm #779 Haiku awards

Old dog's chariot
Noble in your last travels
Like Cleopatra.

— Sherry Seethaler, La Jolla, California

On Capri's chair lift
Feet grazing tops of vineyards
Wine futures below.
— Carla Rutschman, Bellingham, Washington

Visit Modena
See the Maserati shop
Bring back a red one.
— Richard Cross, Arlington, Texas