I haven't watched a Rick Steves travel special in years. When I was young, I used to enjoy watching his shows. He was the all-American travel host but he wasn't an engaging host. I never read any of his travel guides. But this book is quite enjoyable. All his entries about a certain place in Europe are short (no longer than 4 pages).
I read a story recently in the New Yorker about the man Rick Steves. It was a great profile about his life and views. It was a great read.
If you can't make it to Europe, the next best thing is filled yourself with stories and pictures about the continent. I am losing hope day by day that I will never get to go anywhere until 2022. How depressing!