Program 439: Madagascar; Edinburgh 2016; David McCullough's Favorites

Adventure traveler Hilary Bradt tells us why Madagascar is her favorite place in the world to explore. Then guides from Scotland share sightseeing advice for Edinburgh, with tips for day trips into the Scottish countryside. And historian David McCullough tells us how in-person visits to America's historical sites has influenced his writing and enriched his life.

• Adventure traveler and guidebook author Hilary Bradt, author of "Madagascar," "Madagascar Highlights," and other Bradt Guide titles.
• Scottish tour guides Liz Lister, Anne Doig, Brian Hay
• Historian David McCullough, author of "The Wright Brothers" (Simon and Schuster) and other bestsellers

• Hilary Bradt's website includes her blog entries, and links to guidebook updates.
• The Bradt Travel Guides website.
• Lemurs are unique to Madagascar.
• The new Edinburgh tram line runs from the airport to York Place.
• The cantilever Forth Railroad Bridge over the Firth of Forth is an historic icon of Scotland.
• The "Outlander" TV series is set in Scotland, and airs on the Starz cable network in the U.S.  
• The Guildford Arms is recommended as a Victorian-style pub in New Town, Edinburgh.  
• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is in Glasgow.
• David McCullough's website.
• David McCullough is celebrating 50 years with his publisher Simon and Schuster, with his latest best-seller, "The Wright Brothers."  He'll discuss the Americans in Paris that he writes about in "The Greater Journey" in time for Bastille Day, this July on Travel with Rick Steves. 
• David McCullough cites Yale art historian Vincent Scully as one of his most memorable teachers.  He also mentions viewing Boticelli's "Birth of Venus" at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence as one of the highlights of his life.

"Water's Edge Haiku" Awards

Soft rain where roses
never wilt and harsh seas cut
creatures' shist spire edge
— Erin Foley, Kawaihae, Hawaii describing the Beara coast of Ireland

Gem-blue Aegean
Worn hills roll out and on
Walking Aesop's road
— Paul Holler, Arlington Heights, Illinois describing the Greek island of Samos

It's in the water
Fun, fun, fun is what we have
Cool is what we are.
— Simone Justene Wendt, along the Smith River near Crescent City, California