Paul Theroux says travel taught him to be a writer. He believes that quality of being a stranger, an outsider, is essential for writers. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge Theroux talks about the spirit of travel. Also, humorist David Sedaris takes us on a weird tour of Paris. And – some travel advice for couples.

Renowned travel writer Paul Theroux tells Steve Paulson that travelers and writers have a lot in common: both benefit from being outsiders. Theroux's books include "Riding the Iron Rooster," "The Great Railway Bazaar," the novel "The Mosquito Coast," and a new book of essays "Fresh Air Fiend." Also, Allen Noren tells Jim Fleming about the infamously awful weather during his motorcycle trip around the Baltic and how it caused him to break up with his girlfriend. Noren has composed a list of travel tips for couples and tells the story of his ill-fated journey is a book called "Storm."

Historian Cindy Aron tells Steve Paulson that "vacations" as we know them today required the development of a non-rural middle class. Aron is the author of "Working at Play: A History of Vacations in the United States." Also, humorist David Sedaris moved to Paris and tells the hilarious story of learning to speak French in his book "Me Talk Pretty One Day." He tells Jim Fleming that he still can't remember the gender of words, and what happened when a "kidney rock" sent him to the hospital.

Chris Stewart studied guitar in Spain and became the drummer for the rock group Genesis before he was replaced by Phil Collins. Stewart got into raising (and shearing) sheep and bought an all but derelict farm in Spain. He tells Jim Fleming about his life there, his neighbors, and why he has no plans to leave. His book about the experience is called "Driving Over Lemons."

• Lonesome Road by Priscilla Herdman from her album Darkness Into Light
• Dreams from Richard Stoltzman
• V.A.C.A.Tion by Connie Francis
• An American in Paris by George Gershwin with the Boston Pops
• Romance D'Amour with Narciso Yepes

Distribution dates:

• week of 08/27/2000 - hour 2