Can Rome’s Ancient World Be Saved? My Video with BBC Travel

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In July, I filmed my first video for BBC Travel: It’s about how Rome’s ruins are at risk — and what’s being done (or not) to save them. The video is part of what we hope will be a series called Dissolving History, about cultural heritage under threat around the world. You can watch Dissolving History: Rome here.

Cultural heritage (a decidedly unexciting term for what I think is one of the most exciting things around — the one way we can really get up close and personal with our own history!) is a topic close to my heart. I first covered how Italy’s heritage was underfunded five years ago. Since then, I’ve written about UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage for National Geographic Traveler and Italy’s stolen works of art for the BBC.

But even when I’m not writing about cultural heritage directly, I’m writing about it somehow. It’s rare that I write a travel story — or take a trip at all — without somehow touching on the destination’s monuments and museums, its artifacts and archaeology. And I have a feeling it’s the same for most of you.

So it’s an important topic. And a surprisingly fun one. Check out the video for more.

And here are some behind-the-scenes shots, if you’d like to see…

Biblioteca Casatense, Dissolving Heritage Rome

I was fortunate enough to get an interview with Italy’s Minister of Cultural Heritage Dario Franceschini. Here, I’m debriefing with his aides after the interview.

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For MSN U.K., My Video on Some Favorite Rome Spots

Rome is a visual delight. So while I like to think that I can get across a lot of the city’s energy and offerings through writing, sometimes video does the trick. Especially when it’s shot and edited as beautifully as this one, which MSN U.K. approached me to host on my favorite cultural gems in Rome.

The 2-minute video aired a couple of days ago on their website, and you can watch it here. And don’t miss the companion Rome video, done by my friend and talented tour guide Simona!

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