Rick Steves goes hardcore.

Heh. Okay, not really.

Anyway, Salon has a fascinating interview up with the travel writer, who shares his feelings on Iran, ugly American stereotypes, and the decriminalization of marijuana. It makes for a great read, and shows a different (read: way more political) side of Steves than I think most people give him credit for. Whether you agree with him or not, he comes across really well...

...except for one throwaway line about his wife gaining a few pounds on a beach in Mazatlán, which I suspect he might live to regret. At least, he would if he was my spouse.