Annapurna To Everest

DVD, Himalaya (Annapurna To Everest)

Best episode of the series. You see the real dangers of travel in these areas when Maoists kidnap their hosts, later releasing them, but showing that these things can happen when you're in an alien country. He also has to go through some of the hardest moments of any of his journeys as he climbs ever higher, affected by the altitude sickness. But he perseveres and remains cheerful. His attitude is that he hopes he proves the experts wrong, and climbing is good for you when you're ill after all! It's quite inspiring to see him carry on. He is helped by the dazzling vistas of the highest peaks on Earth, cloud-whipped, amazing shots.

There is also humour, such as drinking with some guides and mentioning how they say 'bottoms up' in the Sahara, a reference to the previous journey! The sights and experiences, especially focused on Michael are more intense and beautiful, and the widescreen aspect really brings that out even more. There is surprising stuff too, such as open air cremations where an actual dead person is alight, while monkeys have to be kept at bay. A great watch, this episode, and much like the earlier, classic adventures in going where no Palin has been before, seen before and survived before. And more of Everest is coming up.

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