I suppose I'm one of the few people who can honestly say that Michael Palin changed their life. And this book was indirectly involved. Because the success of the TV series this book is about led to a second series about Palin travelling in unlikely ways, Pole to Pole, and it was watching that series and seeing Palin encounter a group of people who were travelling the length of Africa by truck that made me think "I want to do that!", so that within a year I'd given up a job I hated, sold or given away all my belongings, and set off for Africa - a journey that eventually led me to the UK, a complete change of career, and meeting MrPloppy.

Reading this book now makes me realise how long ago all that was. It's like a time capsule at times, as he mentions passing the construction site for the Channel Tunnel, or seeing the World Trade Centre in the New York skyline, or discusses the effects of the Gulf War or the re-election of George Bush (and you realise that he means the first one in both cases!).

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a wonderful TV series.

^ ^
00
=+=
v

Given to the travel agent who has been helping Otakuu and I arrange our own round the world trip. Ours is only taking about 30 days, though :-)

^ ^
00
=+=
v