Virtual Vacation with Guidester

Motif Media Group
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Travel to Europe is on hold for the time being, but we can still keep the flame of wanderlust alive with the Virtual Vacation Podcast. Join host Jack Baumann, founder of Guidester, and radio show host Arnold Stricker every other week as they dive into new destinations each week exploring their unique history, culture, and special vibe.

  1. Exploring the Historical and Cultural Tapestry of St. Louis Parks - Saint Louis In Tune

    16/09/2025 · BONUS

    Exploring the Historical and Cultural Tapestry of St. Louis Parks - Saint Louis In Tune

    Parks are like the little green lungs of a city, and in St. Louis, they’re practically bursting with stories! We kick things off by boasting about our beloved parks, the perfect spots for a picnic, a casual stroll, or a wild bike ride to nowhere. But wait, did you know there’s a park that was saved by the "Real Housewives of Jefferson County?" Yep, that’s right! We dive into the juicy details of how some fierce housewives rallied to save a piece of history. Plus, we uncover the surprising backstory of a park that once served as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War and was also the site for the 1946 US Olympic water polo team tryouts. It’s a delightful blend of history and modern day shenanigans as we chat with the phenomenal NiNi Harris, the mastermind behind the book 'St. Louis Parks', who has a family member who planted trees in these very parks starting in 1864. She also discusses the development of the city's parks, highlighting the visionary planning that started in 1907 to create a connected park system via Kingshighway Boulevard. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stick around for this! [00:00] Introduction to St. Louis Parks [00:52] Meet the Hosts: Arnold and Mark [01:57] Thoughts on Hard Work and Opportunities [03:16] Introducing Nini Harris: St. Louis Historian [05:15] Diving into St. Louis History [07:25] The Importance of Primary Sources [08:51] St. Louis During the Civil War [12:35] The Rich Heritage of St. Louis [16:22] Exploring St. Louis Parks [21:19] The Second Edition of St. Louis Parks [27:57] The Role of County Parks [28:42] Rediscovering Jefferson Barracks [29:06] Historical Significance of Jefferson Barracks [31:48] Famous Figures at Jefferson Barracks [32:31] The Legacy of Walter Krueger [33:54] Exploring St. Louis Parks [35:55] The Ribbon of Parkway Vision [37:52] Connecting North and South St. Louis [41:52] The Evolution of St. Louis Parks [43:48] The Real Housewives of Jefferson County [47:35] The Importance of Parks in St. Louis [55:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Takeaways: Parks are not just for a picnic; they house rich histories and events, like the Olympic team tryouts. Nene Harris shared that her great-great-grandfather planted trees in St. Louis parks back in 1864. How cool is that? Did you know the Real Housewives of Jefferson County saved a park? It's a wild story that shows how community action can make a difference! St. Louis boasts over 100 parks despite being only 61 square miles, showcasing its dedication to green spaces. The history of St. Louis is layered and complex, intertwining with significant events like the Civil War and immigration waves. Parks in St. Louis have evolved to serve communities, providing activities for youth and acting as vital community hubs. St. Louis Parks, Second Edition – Reedy PressNiNi Harris: Author/Historian This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com #stlouisparks #parksandrecreation #historicalparks #jeffersonbarracks #forestparkforever #fairgroundspark #towergrovepark #lafayettpark #carondeletpark

    57 min

  2. 09/02/2022

    Cruising on the Seine River in France

    For a different view of Europe, you might consider a river cruise. From Paris to Le Havre in Normandy and back is filled with unbelievable scenery, food, and history. Jack Baumann relates what you can expect on a river cruise in France. [00:23] What do you see and expect on a river cruise from Paris to LeHavre? [03:36] Food on the river cruise [04:32] Stops on the river cruise [07:38] Conflans-Sainte-Honorine [07:59] Auvers-sur-Oise (Van Gogh) [08:46] Normandy-cows, climate, language [11:26] Rouen (Richard the Lion-Hearted, Joan of Arc) [13:39] Jumièges Abbey [15:20] Le Havre (historic harbor) [16:48] Arromanches [22:51] Vernon (Old Mill) [24:14] Paris Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 19 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #seineriver  #Normandy  #France  #joanofarc  #Paris  #lehavre  #vangogh  #cheese   #rouen    #omahabeach   #arromanches #vernonfrance # JumiègesAbbey QK3PicWy54Swoup3anJN

    30 min

  3. 07/12/2021

    Castelli Romani: Wine, Strawberries, and the Papal Summer Residence

    Ancient volcanoes that are now lakes form the basis for unbelievable scenery and a great winemaking region near Rome. While Castelli Romani is also known for being the summer residence of the Pope, the region boasts quiet villages, festival celebrations, a moderate summer climate, and succulent strawberries. [00:39] Overview of the area LocationTopographyHow to get there [04:45] Why the area is famous StrawberriesPapal vacation homeCooler summer climateVillages and festivals [08:32] Don't be fooled by the name Roman Castles [09:45] What is there to do? Eat (check out this view), drink, be merry, and enjoy Italian culture and hospitalityNemiWine festival: Borgo diVino [23:06] A tour with Castelli Romani on the itinerary Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 18 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Rome  #Vatican  #Pope  #wine  #CastelliRomani  #volacano  #papalsummerhome  #strawberries #BorgodiVino #Nemi

    27 min

  4. 29/09/2021

    A Day in the Life of An American in Rome

    Rome is a destination full of excitement, history, and culture. There is so much to see in the eternal city where do you begin? Well, that's why there is Guidester! Jack Baumann relates what you can expect as an American tourist in Italy. [01:10] Getting into Italy in a pandemic. What do you have to have and do? [03:48] What do you do when your room reservations fall through? This is what Jack did. The Theater of PompeyTestaccio neighborhood-Velavevodetto [11:19] Typical Italian Day CafePantheonPiazza Navona [13:20] Time for Lunch Interlude [15:12] The Appian Way Catacombs of San Sebastiano [20:24] Time for Dinner Don't forget the AperitivoWhat time is dinner, I'm hungry! [21:21] What's on the docket for tomorrow and the next several days? ColiseumPrivate tour of the VaticanHadrian's Villa [28:29] Exchange Rate [31:06] Summing up the day/sites. DON"T MISS THE SUNSET at San Gianicolo! Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 4 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Rome  #Vatican  #Pope  #Coliseum  #StPetersBasilica  #basilica  #StPaul  #PopeJohnPaul   #PopeJohnPaulII   #VaticanII   #moped   #scooter   #Romanempire   #Constantine   #Caesar   #emperor   #cathedral   #mosaics   #VaticanCity   #Pantheon #Hadriansvilla #PiazzaNavona #TheaterofPompey #Velavevodetto

    34 min
  5. Dinner on the Appian Way-Rubbing Shoulders with Julius Caesar

    09/08/2021

    Dinner on the Appian Way-Rubbing Shoulders with Julius Caesar

    The Appian Way is the oldest road in Rome and one of the oldest continuously used roads in the entire world. What makes this road so special? What is the history that has captivated people for over 2500 years? Why is this one of Jack's favorite places to visit and eat dinner? [00:43] The Pines of the Appian Way (music) [02:33] All Roads Lead to Rome Especially this One! HistoryMonumentsOld ChurchesCatacombs of San SebastianCecilia MetellaThe Eternal City: imperium sine fine – an empire without end from Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid [10:48] Dinner on the Appian Way BaciThe 300 Year Old VillaArtifacts Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 16 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Rome  #Vatican  #Pope  #Coliseum  #StPetersBasilica  #basilica     #Romanempire   #Constantine   #Caesar   #emperor   #cathedral      #Pantheon #Appianway #Romanroad #Villa #PinesoftheAppianWay #Respighi #Augustus #Romulus #Remus #romulusandremus #CeciliaMetella #sansebastiancatacombs

    22 min

  6. 29/07/2021

    Gibraltar-The Original Rock

    The Rock. The name has been used in movies, as an actor's nickname, and even the destination as a logo for an insurance company. Gibraltar is the original rock in southern Spain and has a deep heritage and long-standing point of being a strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. [01:47] Significance of Gibraltar [03:40] Fortifications [04:51] Thumbnail Sketch of the History-The Rock Changes Hands [07:47] The town at the bottom of Gibraltar [08:48] Climate [09:51] The Barbary Macaque or Barbary Apes [10:18] Sights to See Top via cable carGibraltar Nature ReserveSt. Michael's CaveMoorish CastleMediterranean Steps Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 15 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Gibraltar #VacationEurope #British #monkeys #Spain #isthmus #mediterranean #BarbaryApes #stmichaelscave #moorishcastle #MediterraneanSteps #wwII

    18 min

  7. 28/06/2021

    Travel in the Ancient World-You Just Didn't Get Up and Go

    We take travel for granted in today's world. Way back in the day (a.k.a. The Ancient World), weekend getaways, day trips, and to a degree business trips did not even cross the minds of the people. Who did travel? Why did they travel? How did they travel? These are all questions that are answered in this episode. [00:20] Introduction [04:12] What did travel actually mean and who was traveling? wealthy elitesmerchant classcommon people (rare)military [05:35] Importance of the Roman Road System [07:57] Why did people travel? DiplomacyTradeSettling/Starting Disputes or WarsPilgrimage [12:29] Connection of Modern and Ancient Road Systems [14:46] Example of Travel [20:24] Insurance Coverage for Ancient Travel [23:27] When did people travel? [23:58] Where people traveled? [25:57] Back-Up the Chariot: What's the Nitty Gritty on the Roads and the Sites Along the Way? ConstructionFunerary Guilds & Burial Mounds [32:58] Final Thoughts Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #ancientworld #romans #romanroads #alexanderthegreat #caesar #Appianway #juliuscaesar #augustuscaesar #Alexandria #Carthage #London #Gibraltor #punicwars Season 1: Episode 14

    40 min

  8. 15/06/2021

    The Thermal Baths of Budapest - Ahh, "The City of Spas"

    This isn't your Hot Springs, Arkansas thermal bath area. Budapest is known as the city spas as it boasts more hot springs and medicinal baths than any capital city in the world! [02:46] Bath Crazy "Budapesht" not Budapest. [05:39] The Skinny on Thermal Baths 120 Hot SpringsRomans and the Turks [09:10] These are spas, but this isn't a Vic Tanney Health Spa - it's much much better! SpartiesRooftop Communal Hot TubSzéchenyi Baths-18 pools, 15 of which are spring-fed thermal poolsGellért Baths-most photographed spa in HungaryKirály Baths-officially the oldest, built in the second half of the 16th centuryRudas Baths-Turkish dome and octagonal pool [16:11] How to bath in a culturally correct way Shower, don't soak too long, shower, mineral baths, shower, sauna, shower, steam rooms, ice-cold pool, shower, do it again! [22:15] Favorite Bath and the Cost $ [25:54] Family Friendly? Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to Guidester/Virtual-Vacation Season 1: Episode 13 #travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Turkishbaths #Hungary #Budapest #Mineralbaths #Rudasbaths #GellertBaths #SzéchenyiBaths #KirályBaths #Romans #hottubs #architecture #parisoftheeast #cityofspas #thermalbaths #aquatherapy #sauna #steamroom #Brahms #Hungariandances

    29 min
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About

Travel to Europe is on hold for the time being, but we can still keep the flame of wanderlust alive with the Virtual Vacation Podcast. Join host Jack Baumann, founder of Guidester, and radio show host Arnold Stricker every other week as they dive into new destinations each week exploring their unique history, culture, and special vibe.

Information

  • Creator
    Motif Media Group
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Motif Media Group
  • Show Website
    Virtual Vacation with Guidester

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