Michael Palin does it again! His sixth travelogue 'Himalaya' is a fascinating day by day diary account of Micheal Palin's six month, 3,000 mile journey across central Asia and the World's greatest mountain range between 12 May 2003 - 7 April 2004. Palin travels through some of the most diverse ... Read review
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Himalaya With Michael Palin
You might think that Michael Palin has visited pretty much every nook and cranny of the ... more
globe by now, but not so: he's managed to find a few previously unexplored hectares inHimalaya, his latest jaunt for the BBC. Here the format, established originally in his Phileas Fogg-inspiredAround the World in 80 Days, remains unchanged: always affable, seemingly unflappable, Palin journeys through the various countries along the world's greatest mountain range, getting friendly with everyone he meets and offering gently witty, gently affectionate observations on the customs and cultures he encounters. From the Khyber Pass through dangerous territory along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, via Nepal then up into Tibet to Everest and down into China, and finally to Bangladesh, Palin is, as ever, unfazed by whatever the world has to throw at him, be it chaotic bull-racing in Peshawar, the threat of kidnap by Maoist rebels in Nepal, Tibetan Yak herding, or rafting down the Yangtze. Even if both the once indefatigable traveller and the programme format itself seem a little tired at times (in Palin's case probably a side-effect of the high altitudes), the trek still provides manna from heaven for armchair travellers.On the DVD:There are two hour-long episodes on each disc, accompanied by a series of extended scenes which are accessed separately. Palin provides a brief introduction, filmed before he began his journey. --Mark Walker
Himalaya With Michael Palin
You might think that Michael Palin has visited pretty much every nook and cranny of the ... more
globe by now, but not so: he's managed to find a few previously unexplored hectares inHimalaya, his latest jaunt for the BBC. Here the format, established originally in his Phileas Fogg-inspiredAround the World in 80 Days, remains unchanged: always affable, seemingly unflappable, Palin journeys through the various countries along the world's greatest mountain range, getting friendly with everyone he meets and offering gently witty, gently affectionate observations on the customs and cultures he encounters. From the Khyber Pass through dangerous territory along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, via Nepal then up into Tibet to Everest and down into China, and finally to Bangladesh, Palin is, as ever, unfazed by whatever the world has to throw at him, be it chaotic bull-racing in Peshawar, the threat of kidnap by Maoist rebels in Nepal, Tibetan Yak herding, or rafting down the Yangtze. Even if both the once indefatigable traveller and the programme format itself seem a little tired at times (in Palin's case probably a side-effect of the high altitudes), the trek still provides manna from heaven for armchair travellers.On the DVD:There are two hour-long episodes on each disc, accompanied by a series of extended scenes which are accessed separately. Palin provides a brief introduction, filmed before he began his journey. --Mark Walker
Advantages: Wonderful photos of exotic places. Disadvantages: You might get more from watching the series.
...What makes Himalaya and Micheal Palin's other adventures stand out is his comical streak, his immense likablity and his ability to pick up on the randomest and most interesting facts and events about these places and cultures. For example he attends the worlds highest game of polo played up the Himalayan plains at the Shandur Pass and in Pakistan visits a diverse group of people hidden amongst the Kalash Valley, these people's customs, dress and ... ...countries and 3000 miles of Himalaya at the beginning of April 2004....."
If you arn't interested in books, then I recommend you watch the series, available to buy on DVD or video and if you like that check out some of Palin's other televised adventures e.g. Pacific Rim, Sahara, Pole to Pole or Around the World in 80 Days. They are all just as interesting, amusing and very easy to get addicted to! We've nearly got the full set of the DVD's now and ...
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Advantages: Gives you more than the TV show. Great Pictures Disadvantages: Can leave you scratching your head for where he was in the show
...in sections, but is always respectful to the other cultures.
A problem with it is the size. You have to read it at home because it's very heavy, and is not good for the train. If you have watched Himalaya on the TV, then you should definatley get the book. ...
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Advantages: Informative, Entertaining all the way Disadvantages: Some chapters can be a bit too long
...A very entertaining and informative book. From the first page to the very end you are entertained all the way! While the DVD capturing the guys' adventure is also very good, the book tells the story and fills in the gaps not captured on DVD. You can learn about so much more through reading the book. I also found that their thoughts and feelings were described a lot better and I found that I was able to relate to them both.
They describe every mile of their journey. Some sad, some exciting and you're with them every step of the way. I have read other reviews in the past where someone has compared it to MichaelPalin's himalayas and other books by him. I can not repeat enough. This is not so much a book on the history of each country they pass through, but the experience that they both have. Through preparation to the very end...
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02.10.2008
