The Radio Vagabond

ELK HORN, IOWA: Ghosts in the Cemetery and Beers With the Big-Bearded Mayor in His Harley Garage

In this final episode from Elk Horn, Iowa – the most Danish town in America – I visit the local cemetery, where history is literally carved in stone. Warren Whatson, the caretaker and local historian, shares stories about the early Danish settlers and how names and traditions changed over time. Then I meet Stan Jens, the big-bearded mayor of Elk Horn, who invites me for a beer in his Harley garage. Between motorcycles and laughter, we talk about preserving Danish culture, small-town pride, and community spirit. It's a perfect ending to my time in "Dane Country." See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/339-elk-horn-iowa/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/339-elk-horn-iowa/]

LITTLE DENMARK, USA: Inside the Most Danish Town in America

Welcome to Elk Horn, Iowa – a tiny farming town of about 650 people that calls itself Dane Country. I'm spending time with locals to find out how Danish it still is today. I stay in a Danish-style BnB, eat æbleskiver with medister sausage for breakfast, visit a real 1848 windmill brought here piece by piece from Denmark, and sit down with the people keeping the heritage alive. I also dive into the story of the Danes who left everything in the 1860s and crossed the Atlantic in search of a better life on the American prairie. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/335-elk-horn-iowa-usa/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/335-elk-horn-iowa-usa/]

ELK HORN, IOWA: Windmills, Museums, and a Prince Named Otto

Welcome back to Elk Horn, Iowa – a small Midwestern town that became the heart of Danish America. In this episode, we hear a remarkable coincidence about the first Danes to arrive here, visit the historic Danish Windmill with manager Lisa Steen Riggs, and explore The Museum of Danish America. I also get a personal tour of "Bedstemor's Hus," built in 1908 by the colorful local legend known as Prince Otto. From documentaries that made locals famous in Denmark to preserved heritage homes and cultural festivals, Elk Horn continues to celebrate its Danish roots with pride. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/338-elk-horn-iowa/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/338-elk-horn-iowa/]

SAUDI ARABIA: Camels, CouchSurfing, and the World's Tallest Tower That Never Was

In this final episode from Saudi Arabia, I travel from the peaceful Red Sea town of Yanbu to vibrant Jeddah – and end the journey at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival near Riyadh. Along the way, I meet generous locals at a night market, stay with a kind CouchSurfing host, and visit the world's tallest unfinished skyscraper, the Jeddah Tower, now standing eerily still in the desert. The trip ends in true Saudi style – surrounded by majestic camels competing in a beauty contest with millions at stake. This country has surprised me in every way. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/257-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/257-saudi-arabia/]

SAUDI ARABIA: Reflections in the Desert and the World's Largest Mirror

In this episode, my travel partner Cynthia and I explore Al Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia – where ancient culture meets cutting-edge architecture. We stroll through Old Town's 1,300 mudbrick houses, chat with a modern young Saudi woman named Dalal, and marvel at Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building shimmering in the desert. We also test our luck (and our rental car) in the sand again – with a dramatic sunset rescue by friendly locals. As Saudi Arabia opens up to visitors, this mix of hospitality, history, and high-tech design feels like a glimpse into the country's future. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/254-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/254-saudi-arabia/]