I find Mr. Steves' books and TV programs just dull, so I didn't care enough about him to hate him until a few years ago. That's when I discovered that my favourite hotel in Paris is often full of folks on Rick Steves tours, which makes getting a reservation occasionally tricky.

When they're in residence, there is a schedule posted next to the lift. A sample entry:

"7:00 am. Gather in lobby for orientation on how to use the Metro."

I'd sooner gouge out my own eyes than get up at the crack of dawn to be taught how to ride a subway.