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Palin's Travels
O Pacífico de Lés-a-Lés
Full Circle could be subtitled "Palin's Book of Wonders." As he and his television crew undertake what may be the first-ever circumnavigation of the Pacific Rim, they prove that there is an awful lot of the world Palin hasn't seen. In this, the third and most ambitious of Michael Palin's adventures, he travels for almost a year through the eighteen countries that border the world's largest ocean.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1997
81 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
137 books1,197 followersSir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 11, 2020
Michael Palin's willingness to go just about everywhere and the endurance required for it continues to amaze me.
He has been Pole to Pole,braved extreme temperatures in the Sahara,been up there in the mountains of the Himalaya and travelled around the world in eighty days. (And there are other adventures besides these,including in North Korea and Brazil).
It's still not enough for him,so in this book he is at it again.
Eighteen countries along the Pacific Rim,nine and a half months and 50,000 miles,this is another one of Michael Palin's epic journeys.
Among these countries,I particularly enjoyed reading about his experiences in China,Russia and Australia.
There are some remote corners of Russia where he finds it difficult to find his next mode of transport.
In Australia,he travels the vast wilderness of the Northern Territory and in China,some of the places he visits would soon be submerged by a dam.
The photography is the best thing about the book,there are some dazzling images.
He has been Pole to Pole,braved extreme temperatures in the Sahara,been up there in the mountains of the Himalaya and travelled around the world in eighty days. (And there are other adventures besides these,including in North Korea and Brazil).
It's still not enough for him,so in this book he is at it again.
Eighteen countries along the Pacific Rim,nine and a half months and 50,000 miles,this is another one of Michael Palin's epic journeys.
Among these countries,I particularly enjoyed reading about his experiences in China,Russia and Australia.
There are some remote corners of Russia where he finds it difficult to find his next mode of transport.
In Australia,he travels the vast wilderness of the Northern Territory and in China,some of the places he visits would soon be submerged by a dam.
The photography is the best thing about the book,there are some dazzling images.
January 12, 2026
I had watched Michael Palin's documentary, Full Circle, and was curious to see what his corresponding book was like. It contains his travel diary, written during his (and his BBC film crew’s) 1995-1996 journey around the Pacific Rim. He visited eighteen countries, and the trip itself covered approximately 50,000 miles. They started in the Aleutian Islands and proceeded through Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America before returning north through South and Central America, the US and Canada.
The book is told in a chronological diary format, with dated entries. He records the details of his trip and obstacles they encountered, including transportation breakdowns, delays, and the logistical challenges of traveling with a film crew. Palin writes in a conversational fashion. The book contains many humorous observations and a personal crisis concerning his wife’s health. He notes several environmental concerns, particularly deforestation and ocean pollution, as he encounters them. It is an engaging travelogue.
The book is told in a chronological diary format, with dated entries. He records the details of his trip and obstacles they encountered, including transportation breakdowns, delays, and the logistical challenges of traveling with a film crew. Palin writes in a conversational fashion. The book contains many humorous observations and a personal crisis concerning his wife’s health. He notes several environmental concerns, particularly deforestation and ocean pollution, as he encounters them. It is an engaging travelogue.
April 9, 2020
This is the third book by Michael Palin I have read and I love his writing style. Humorous, informative- without been heavy handed- and entertaining, this was a great book. There are places that were visited in this book that have a real impact on the reader, due to the fact that they no longer exist- mainly the places that are now flooded and underwater due to the building of the Three Gorges Dam. Anyone who is interested in traveling will love this book.
June 12, 2017
Superb book as usual by Michael Palin.
His style of narration makes you feel as if you are participating in the journey. My geography has improved and I have learnt a lot of things. Its a lifetime experience to see the world. Very few get this opportunity. For others like me, it has to be learnt thru the experience of those who travelled.
Books by Palin that I have read - Himalaya, Sahara, Pole to Pole and Full Circle. All of them are classics.
His style of narration makes you feel as if you are participating in the journey. My geography has improved and I have learnt a lot of things. Its a lifetime experience to see the world. Very few get this opportunity. For others like me, it has to be learnt thru the experience of those who travelled.
Books by Palin that I have read - Himalaya, Sahara, Pole to Pole and Full Circle. All of them are classics.
September 23, 2017
This was the first of Micheal Palin’s books that I read way back when I was still at school, I also watched the tv programme but as always the book is better. I’ve gone back numerous times to re read sections about the varied countries and cultures that surround the Pacific. Few travel books manage to give such a good taste of such a diverse group of countries. I did have an aim once to visit all of these counties and maybe I still will fingers crossed.
Want to read
January 6, 2017Unfinished. It's not so much that I disliked this, it's more that I didn't think I could stand listening to 11 hrs of it. Palin's narration was a tad fast for me, and he seemed to spend as much time describing sitting around waiting as he did picturing the locations he visited. I think I would prefer to watch the series.
April 15, 2013
It's ok, nowt special & was a real struggle to finish it. Better to watch the TV shows I think as ive learnt very little or got any real insite into places that he's visited.
February 23, 2015
Another solid travelogue from Palin although for some reason this did not seem to have the bounce and enthusiasm of the others. This maybe due to his wife's illness or just the enormity of the trip. Still Palin always makes a good guide.
May 26, 2020
I listened to the audiobook, which turns this into a brilliant experience.
November 14, 2010
Yes, another Michael Palin book review (you may be happy to know that I have only two more of his books in my possession)! This is another one of his travel odysseys, this time completing a circle around the countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. From Alaska to Russia, China, Vietnam, Australia, Chile, Mexico and the USA (to name a few), Michael and his team become involved in daily life. This is different to the Around the World in Eighty Days concept, as aeroplanes may be used in transport, but there are still exotic boat and train journeys to impress us.
This is an accompaniment to the BBC TV series (which I haven’t finished watching)- but you can still read the book if you haven’t watched the TV series. Michael Palin describes views and events with clarity that will transport you to far reaches of the world.
In this book, he visits Australia (namely the Top End- ie. the Northern Territory is described) and it’s interesting to see an Englishman’s take on the remoteness. I find that area of Australia less remote (it’s only a couple of hundred kilometres between towns, not roadhouses/service stations- excellent) but I suppose it’s a lot different from England!
I found reading about Japan and Chile particularly interesting as I love Japan (and interesting to compare notes) and Chile because I’ve never even thought about visiting there!
Once again, this is a well written travelogue by Palin that invites wanderlust!
This is an accompaniment to the BBC TV series (which I haven’t finished watching)- but you can still read the book if you haven’t watched the TV series. Michael Palin describes views and events with clarity that will transport you to far reaches of the world.
In this book, he visits Australia (namely the Top End- ie. the Northern Territory is described) and it’s interesting to see an Englishman’s take on the remoteness. I find that area of Australia less remote (it’s only a couple of hundred kilometres between towns, not roadhouses/service stations- excellent) but I suppose it’s a lot different from England!
I found reading about Japan and Chile particularly interesting as I love Japan (and interesting to compare notes) and Chile because I’ve never even thought about visiting there!
Once again, this is a well written travelogue by Palin that invites wanderlust!
January 23, 2020
This was my first Palin travel book and it was very interesting. I love how he explores all these cultures that encircle the Pacific Ocean. In some places, he and the crew only had a day or two, and in other places they had several days (sometimes due to illness or weather).
Palin's writing is very easy to get into. It's like having a hot mug of tea with a friend as you discuss wildlife, crazy insects, interesting food, and the politics of traveling with a camera crew. I love his honesty about the good, the bad, and the crazy.
I don't know how he and his crew managed this trip. It was an endurance trial, for sure! 270 days, right? And of course, life continues on for family and friends back home, with intermittent contact. Palin talks about his deep concern for his wife who suffered a health scare and subsequent surgery while he was away.
All together, it was a delightful travel logue. It was a good choice for my own lengthy day trip with 3 hours in one direction. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Michael Palin narrated his own book and it was really nice to hear the voice of the author. He brought forth his emotions for the more dramatic moments. The pacing was perfect. There were no technical issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
Palin's writing is very easy to get into. It's like having a hot mug of tea with a friend as you discuss wildlife, crazy insects, interesting food, and the politics of traveling with a camera crew. I love his honesty about the good, the bad, and the crazy.
I don't know how he and his crew managed this trip. It was an endurance trial, for sure! 270 days, right? And of course, life continues on for family and friends back home, with intermittent contact. Palin talks about his deep concern for his wife who suffered a health scare and subsequent surgery while he was away.
All together, it was a delightful travel logue. It was a good choice for my own lengthy day trip with 3 hours in one direction. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Michael Palin narrated his own book and it was really nice to hear the voice of the author. He brought forth his emotions for the more dramatic moments. The pacing was perfect. There were no technical issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
August 17, 2016
Michael Palin and a film crew make a broad sweep, visiting all of the countries that border on the Pacific Ocean including North America, Asia, Australia, and South America. A trip like this is not for the faint of heart. During his travels Palin has been in some perilous situations. Having done some adventure travel myself, I know the frustration of trying to sleep when the locals are partying furiously in the hotel bar at 4 AM. It makes for a long night.
I was saddened by the instances of almost casual animal cruelty that seemed to take place frequently in many of the places visited.
I was saddened by the instances of almost casual animal cruelty that seemed to take place frequently in many of the places visited.
March 28, 2018
I tried to watch the series as I read the book and what struck me was how different his attitude could be from how he comes across on film. For instance, in China, the section of the book seems a bit depressed. Everything is murky and dirty and a bit depressing. But on film, he never loses this appearance of easiness and comfortableness with everything and everyone.
I’m a fan of his diaries, and this is really not too much different from them. To have been away from family and friends for so long must have been difficult but you’d never be able to tell.
I’m a fan of his diaries, and this is really not too much different from them. To have been away from family and friends for so long must have been difficult but you’d never be able to tell.
December 8, 2024
I listened to this on Audible.
There was something missing in this volume. I have listened to other travelogues by Michael Palin and felt more engaged. This time, it was harder to take in. But there were sections that were better than others. I think the sections in South America and Alaska were the best. Maybe this time around there were fewer human interest stories. I like it when he engages with locals. People make places as much as geography does.
Anyway, this one Michael starts in the Baring Straight and works counter clockwise from Russia to Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Borneo, Australia and New Zealand (may have missed somewhere else in there). Then he starts at the Cape Horn and works his way up through Chile to Peru and into Columbia. I got confused and I am sure I missed some places. He eventually ends up in Mexico, doing the border with American and then up the American/Canadian and west coast to Alaska.
Some points to make. The journey was in 1996. I was only 20 years old at the time, still living in Pennsylvania. I find it interesting to see what has changed and what remains the same. I was surprised that he saw America as if going through a tense uncertain time. It was around the time of the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics so that may be why. I always imagined that America really changed after 9/11, but maybe some of that fear of the outside world started before then. The issues with the Mexican/American border remain stubbornly the same, although I think most of the people trying to cross the border today are from further south, crossing Mexico to reach the "promised land".
As for Russia and China, things have changed. Michael would have struggled to get permission to film in Russia today. And China, while still open to a certain extent, has grown much since 1996. When talking of Japan, he mentions Fukushima. Today, Fukushima is a very different place due to the earthquake and nuclear reactor meltdown. So some things change, some things remain the same. Such is life.
There was something missing in this volume. I have listened to other travelogues by Michael Palin and felt more engaged. This time, it was harder to take in. But there were sections that were better than others. I think the sections in South America and Alaska were the best. Maybe this time around there were fewer human interest stories. I like it when he engages with locals. People make places as much as geography does.
Anyway, this one Michael starts in the Baring Straight and works counter clockwise from Russia to Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Borneo, Australia and New Zealand (may have missed somewhere else in there). Then he starts at the Cape Horn and works his way up through Chile to Peru and into Columbia. I got confused and I am sure I missed some places. He eventually ends up in Mexico, doing the border with American and then up the American/Canadian and west coast to Alaska.
Some points to make. The journey was in 1996. I was only 20 years old at the time, still living in Pennsylvania. I find it interesting to see what has changed and what remains the same. I was surprised that he saw America as if going through a tense uncertain time. It was around the time of the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics so that may be why. I always imagined that America really changed after 9/11, but maybe some of that fear of the outside world started before then. The issues with the Mexican/American border remain stubbornly the same, although I think most of the people trying to cross the border today are from further south, crossing Mexico to reach the "promised land".
As for Russia and China, things have changed. Michael would have struggled to get permission to film in Russia today. And China, while still open to a certain extent, has grown much since 1996. When talking of Japan, he mentions Fukushima. Today, Fukushima is a very different place due to the earthquake and nuclear reactor meltdown. So some things change, some things remain the same. Such is life.
December 31, 2023
All in all a fun read. Having worked through a number of Palin's travel series I think this is probably my second favourite behind Sahara. It's hard to really explain why. It's interesting without becoming too bogged down in detail. Lad travelled here, here's some thoughts on it before moving on. Good enough to get you interested but not to the point where you're like "jeez he's spoke about this old stone house for 2 chapters now..."
Another point which I find somewhat interesting which I'm sure wasn't meant at the time was how interesting it would be as a historical source. During his travel he speaks of Vietnam and China before they blew up economically in the 21st century, he mentions seeing Pinochet in Chile and talks about the Atlanta Olympics, not to mention Fierce Creatures This isn't just a travel narrative, it's become through the passage of time a historical travel narrative. And that really makes it feel all the richer. You're reading about some lad, who works at so and so, hoping to find success selling whatever......... in 1996. As it's now nearly 30 years later you are left to wonder if it all worked out... another dimension to the books. Worth reading then, worth reading now.
Another point which I find somewhat interesting which I'm sure wasn't meant at the time was how interesting it would be as a historical source. During his travel he speaks of Vietnam and China before they blew up economically in the 21st century, he mentions seeing Pinochet in Chile and talks about the Atlanta Olympics, not to mention Fierce Creatures This isn't just a travel narrative, it's become through the passage of time a historical travel narrative. And that really makes it feel all the richer. You're reading about some lad, who works at so and so, hoping to find success selling whatever......... in 1996. As it's now nearly 30 years later you are left to wonder if it all worked out... another dimension to the books. Worth reading then, worth reading now.
February 19, 2022
An interesting read, although without the time element of Around The World In 80 Days it is very much a travelogue. Strange reading it 25 years after it was first written and wondering why some events aren’t mentioned. Michael Palin gives you a feel for the countries he visits, much of which is not on the usual tourist trail.
April 12, 2022
Highly entertaining! Michael Palin had established himself as an intuitive and insightful traveler and his writing reflects his interest in people, their culture, their lives and of course where they live. His humour is evident from start to finish. Having watched the series on television, it was a pleasure to be reminded of how entertaining it was.
May 21, 2023
For the most part I enjoyed the narrative style of Palin and the way he shares his experiences on the journey. Unfortunately, I was listening to the audiobook and he absolutely butchers the pronunciation of alot of the Japanese names, which was quite jarring.
The ending was also a bit abrupt and dissapointing, but that's less of a writing issue and more of what happened in the adventure itself.
The ending was also a bit abrupt and dissapointing, but that's less of a writing issue and more of what happened in the adventure itself.
October 29, 2020
Audiobook. Missed the race-against-the-clock element from “Around the World...”, and also the long trips on boats with interesting people. This one was more like travel journalism. Still good to listen to while working though.
May 21, 2024
the third of Palin’s big journeys - not quite sure why I mised this 25 years ago - he is a great travel writer with a wry sense of humour
July 16, 2023
I did enjoy all of the Michael Palin travel shows at the time. Still enjoyable being read by him but the world & travel shows have changed in last 20 years
December 21, 2020
Really enjoyed this. The journey starts in the Diomede islands off the coast of Alaska. Palin works his way round the Pacific Rim, anticlockwise, ending back where he started about 9 months later. The book is full of amusing anecdotes and at times moving insights into the mind of this wonderful comedian. You feel like you are journeying with Palin, largely because of his honesty in relating the highs and lows of travelling. I'm writing this in Christmas 2020 when we have all been sequestered, for the best part of a year, due to covid-19. I find my travel bug is in full flow and I am desperate to travel - even vicariously, if that is all that's allowed. Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari follows...
August 9, 2024
Brilliant and made more so with the flashes of self effacing Sheffield wit 🙂
September 13, 2019
Truly a 3.5, to be fair, but without the ability to do half-stars I'll happily round up for a writer I admire as much as Palin.
"Full Circle" continues the collection of exhilarating, educational, and humorous travel diaries that have become hotly-suggested reads to those within earshot of me the last couple months. It takes the reader on a 50,000 mile trip around the Pacific Rim, the collection of countries that surround the Pacific Ocean, in an effort to understand how and why this section of the world is becoming an economic and technological powerhouse (or, rather, was on the brink of becoming said powerhouse, as the action takes place in 1995/96).
It's an interesting concept, but one that is far more abstract than Palin's past two entries which is one of the two reasons that I found myself lost on occasion while reading. Not that the locations and cultures he was visiting were any less fascinating! Most were handled with the delicate, grounded, and generous detail that I've come to expect from these publications. When he learns something, it's with such delight that it's infectious. It just happens to lack a strict narrative and the journey itself is twice (if not more) in length than the others, which makes it slightly harder to follow. By the time I made it back to Alaska, I'd kind of forgotten the memories from the other side of the Pacific.
It's well-worth the read! Again, a highly-suggested entry. It just happens to be a toughest read thus far.
"Full Circle" continues the collection of exhilarating, educational, and humorous travel diaries that have become hotly-suggested reads to those within earshot of me the last couple months. It takes the reader on a 50,000 mile trip around the Pacific Rim, the collection of countries that surround the Pacific Ocean, in an effort to understand how and why this section of the world is becoming an economic and technological powerhouse (or, rather, was on the brink of becoming said powerhouse, as the action takes place in 1995/96).
It's an interesting concept, but one that is far more abstract than Palin's past two entries which is one of the two reasons that I found myself lost on occasion while reading. Not that the locations and cultures he was visiting were any less fascinating! Most were handled with the delicate, grounded, and generous detail that I've come to expect from these publications. When he learns something, it's with such delight that it's infectious. It just happens to lack a strict narrative and the journey itself is twice (if not more) in length than the others, which makes it slightly harder to follow. By the time I made it back to Alaska, I'd kind of forgotten the memories from the other side of the Pacific.
It's well-worth the read! Again, a highly-suggested entry. It just happens to be a toughest read thus far.
June 23, 2022
Because I have already read several travel books by this author, I had a certain expectation, which has not been fully fulfilled. I missed something of the enthusiasm and openness of this author's other travel books. At times it felt as if he saw the journey as a chore, perhaps of course because his wife was undergoing a nasty diagnosis and surgery during that period.
I recently read his first travel book (Around the world in 80 days), and then it didn't bother me that it's a bit older. But with this book I had the feeling that it was somewhat dated in, for example, views on sustainability and animal welfare.
All in all this is a nice book, entertaining and with the charm that is so characteristic of Michael Palin.
I recently read his first travel book (Around the world in 80 days), and then it didn't bother me that it's a bit older. But with this book I had the feeling that it was somewhat dated in, for example, views on sustainability and animal welfare.
All in all this is a nice book, entertaining and with the charm that is so characteristic of Michael Palin.
May 31, 2017
His longest and most exciting adventure to date (as of his writing, not my reviewing).
Written in his usual observational style, it is peppered with wry comments, a host of memorable characters and, this time, more drama from home – reminding you that whilst it is on the face of it a jolly ramble, his journey took the best part of a year to complete and was quite draining.
Despite that you get the feeling that he is just getting into his stride and I am looking forward to reading his later travels.
Up to his high standard and highly enjoyable.
Written in his usual observational style, it is peppered with wry comments, a host of memorable characters and, this time, more drama from home – reminding you that whilst it is on the face of it a jolly ramble, his journey took the best part of a year to complete and was quite draining.
Despite that you get the feeling that he is just getting into his stride and I am looking forward to reading his later travels.
Up to his high standard and highly enjoyable.
January 14, 2018
This is the third book by Michael Palin I have read and I love his writing style. Humorous, informative- without been heavy handed- and entertaining, this was a great book. There are places that were visited in this book that have a real impact on the reader, due to the fact that they no longer exist- mainly the places that are now flooded and underwater due to the building of the Three Gorges Dam. Anyone who is interested in traveling will love this book.
July 12, 2022
Whether being airlifted by the Coast Guards from 'Seward's Icebox' across the Aleutians, boarding train and ferry around the Japans, screaming off through the hills of the Philippines in a jeepney, climbing the mountains to Machu Picchu, or sailing in open boats through the valley and sleeping on lake banks in South America; Michael Palin brings the world home.
In a travelogue that covers his journey around the Pacific Rim, the author shares his experiences along with a sprinkling of wit, geography, statistics, and an attention to such details as animals and nature. But, his primary focus is on the people he meets and the ways in which they live. What I like most about Palin is this ordinary-guy-style of writing about the world around him. He never comes across as an expert, but more like an average guy who is willing to travel and share his own perspectives. Of course, he is well known from documentarys and especially among Brits.
The book was published in 1997, and is noticeable for the differences in political view (Clinton was President in the US, for example,) as well as for some of the author's nationalistic viewpoints being a bit one-sided. But, that's par for the course I think. Compare the two quoted viewpoints where first the Europeans wiping out an empire is seen as a 'defeat,' while across the US border the ethnic struggles become 'paranoia.' I am sure the author would not be quite as nationalistic in idea today. The world is changing.
The book is enjoyable enough that I took time to plot his journey on Google Earth Pro, and read it slowly over two weeks. I've read so little during our stay-at-home Summer vacation. But, it was a fun read, not too heavy and at the same time keenly interesting to think about visiting places along the Pacific Rim in one go. I read this from the Kindle edition, listening along with the audio read by the author, which I got on sale from the UK Audible marketplace sometime back. I use that account primarily to scan for books from other countries, other languages, and especially for the UK sales. I recommend Palin's books for readers who like travelogues that read like being there yourself.
"The Pacific Ocean covers one-third of the world’s surface and around it lives one-third of the world’s population."
In a travelogue that covers his journey around the Pacific Rim, the author shares his experiences along with a sprinkling of wit, geography, statistics, and an attention to such details as animals and nature. But, his primary focus is on the people he meets and the ways in which they live. What I like most about Palin is this ordinary-guy-style of writing about the world around him. He never comes across as an expert, but more like an average guy who is willing to travel and share his own perspectives. Of course, he is well known from documentarys and especially among Brits.
"Ninety-nine per cent of all the Japanese in the world were born and still live in Japan. No minority, either racial or religious, comprises more than one per cent of the community."
"Japan was rebuilt by the Americans in the seven years after the war and it is the reconstruction, rather than the destruction, that is remembered."
The book was published in 1997, and is noticeable for the differences in political view (Clinton was President in the US, for example,) as well as for some of the author's nationalistic viewpoints being a bit one-sided. But, that's par for the course I think. Compare the two quoted viewpoints where first the Europeans wiping out an empire is seen as a 'defeat,' while across the US border the ethnic struggles become 'paranoia.' I am sure the author would not be quite as nationalistic in idea today. The world is changing.
"But the fact remains that a sophisticated, supremely well-organized empire was defeated by less than two hundred Europeans."
"The American paranoia that is responsible for all this will not be assuaged by events filtering through to us over the car radios. A bomb..."
The book is enjoyable enough that I took time to plot his journey on Google Earth Pro, and read it slowly over two weeks. I've read so little during our stay-at-home Summer vacation. But, it was a fun read, not too heavy and at the same time keenly interesting to think about visiting places along the Pacific Rim in one go. I read this from the Kindle edition, listening along with the audio read by the author, which I got on sale from the UK Audible marketplace sometime back. I use that account primarily to scan for books from other countries, other languages, and especially for the UK sales. I recommend Palin's books for readers who like travelogues that read like being there yourself.
December 12, 2024
Die weißen Turnschuhe wieder zurück! Gerade erst ist Michael Palin von einer Reise zurückgekommen, als er schon wieder über die nächste nachdenkt. Diesmal will er rund um den Pazifik reisen. Für die mehr als 20000 Meilen haben er und seine Crew sich 200 Tage Zeit genommen. Einmal aufgebrochen wollen sie nur noch zurückkehren, um "schmutzige Wäsche zu waschen und Ehen zu retten".
Ich liebe es, mit Michael Palin zu reisen. Seine Begeisterung steckt mich immer wieder an und sein Humor ist einfach unvergleichlich. Dieses Mal hatte ich allerdings das Gefühl, als würde er mit angezogener Handbremse reisen. Seine Erzählungen klangen ungewöhnlich nüchtern, er wirkte müde. Vielleicht lag es daran, dass er und seine Crew sich von der Aufgabe, der sie sich gestellt hatten, ein wenig überfordert waren. Mehr als einmal schrieb Palin, dass er Ausflüge und Besichtigungen nicht machte, um sich zu schonen, weil noch so viel vor ihm lag. Das ist ungewöhnlich, denn normalerweise ist er immer der erste, der ein paar Schritte weiter geht als andere.
Am Wendepunkt der Reise passiert das Schlimmste: bei seiner Frau wird ein Gehirntumor entdeckt, sie muss operiert werden. Als sie die Diagnose erfährt, ist Michael Palin nicht zu erreichen, die beiden telefonieren erst wieder als die Operation unmittelbar bevor steht. Trotzdem fliegt er nicht nach Hause. Das ist aber nicht seine Entscheidung allein, auch Helen will nicht, dass er seine Reise unterbricht. Erst nach der Operation besucht er sie. Mit dabei ist sein Fotograf, der das erste Mal seine neugeborene Tochter sieht. Die Reise nach Australien, für den Rest der Crew nur ein Katzensprung, wird für die beiden zu einer Reise um die halbe Welt. Dieses Ereignis erlaubt einen Blick "hinter die Kulissen". Wie müssen sich die Familien der Reisenden fühlen, die immer wieder zurückgelassen werden?
Zurück auf Kurs nimmt man eine Veränderung wahr. Palin schreibt wieder leichter, erzählt von Fußballübertragungen in die Anden und anderen Kleinigkeiten, die seine Berichte immer zu etwas Besonderem machen. Auch wenn noch viele Meilen vor ihnen liegen, geht es doch wieder nach Hause.
Es war ein ehrgeiziges Projekt. Aufgrund der großen Entfernung geht er nicht so ins Detail, wie ich es von Michael Palin gewohnt bin. Es ist immer noch ein schöner Reisebericht, aber ich bin von ihm Besseres gewohnt.
Ich liebe es, mit Michael Palin zu reisen. Seine Begeisterung steckt mich immer wieder an und sein Humor ist einfach unvergleichlich. Dieses Mal hatte ich allerdings das Gefühl, als würde er mit angezogener Handbremse reisen. Seine Erzählungen klangen ungewöhnlich nüchtern, er wirkte müde. Vielleicht lag es daran, dass er und seine Crew sich von der Aufgabe, der sie sich gestellt hatten, ein wenig überfordert waren. Mehr als einmal schrieb Palin, dass er Ausflüge und Besichtigungen nicht machte, um sich zu schonen, weil noch so viel vor ihm lag. Das ist ungewöhnlich, denn normalerweise ist er immer der erste, der ein paar Schritte weiter geht als andere.
Am Wendepunkt der Reise passiert das Schlimmste: bei seiner Frau wird ein Gehirntumor entdeckt, sie muss operiert werden. Als sie die Diagnose erfährt, ist Michael Palin nicht zu erreichen, die beiden telefonieren erst wieder als die Operation unmittelbar bevor steht. Trotzdem fliegt er nicht nach Hause. Das ist aber nicht seine Entscheidung allein, auch Helen will nicht, dass er seine Reise unterbricht. Erst nach der Operation besucht er sie. Mit dabei ist sein Fotograf, der das erste Mal seine neugeborene Tochter sieht. Die Reise nach Australien, für den Rest der Crew nur ein Katzensprung, wird für die beiden zu einer Reise um die halbe Welt. Dieses Ereignis erlaubt einen Blick "hinter die Kulissen". Wie müssen sich die Familien der Reisenden fühlen, die immer wieder zurückgelassen werden?
Zurück auf Kurs nimmt man eine Veränderung wahr. Palin schreibt wieder leichter, erzählt von Fußballübertragungen in die Anden und anderen Kleinigkeiten, die seine Berichte immer zu etwas Besonderem machen. Auch wenn noch viele Meilen vor ihnen liegen, geht es doch wieder nach Hause.
Es war ein ehrgeiziges Projekt. Aufgrund der großen Entfernung geht er nicht so ins Detail, wie ich es von Michael Palin gewohnt bin. Es ist immer noch ein schöner Reisebericht, aber ich bin von ihm Besseres gewohnt.
September 9, 2022
Rating between 3 & 4 (depending on the media)
Difficult to give a rating for this one as I part read physical and then switched to audiobook, both had plus’s and minus’s I felt.
MP’s writing style was very easy to get into, almost conversational and I could hear his voice reading the book (before I started the audiobook version). But I did find myself wanting to skip over places I wasn’t interested in. (Rating of 3)
The audiobook was well read by the author and kept my attention. It seemed to flow almost like a mini talk or conversation with him about the journey and i think is better than reading the physical book yourself. (Rating of 4)
The tv series was entertaining, great visuals and MP does make a personable presenter/chief traveller. Looking at the places they visited now 25+ years later you wonder how much get have changed and how much has been lost due to progress. (Rating of 4).
The major problem overall is perhaps with the journey itself for me at least. Yes the idea of visiting all countries bordering the Pacific was worthy of an expedition but it times it felt like every new place or country was just another tick on the itinerary.
Where the book scored over the tv series is in trying to show how much physical hard work the trip was for the team and how much it took out of them.
Travelling almost continuously for nearly 9 months and having to film at the ‘most interesting spots’ on the way must have been a real ordeal at times for them. The tv series never really shows that and at times makes it appear they did a bear grylls type of thing - completed filming for the day or week, disappear to a nice hotel for a couple of days and then restart their journey once refreshed.
I would probably rate this on a par with the previous expedition’Pole to Pole’ but behind ‘Around the World ...’
Overall a solid recommendation for the audiobook, tv series worth seeing and perhaps the physical book to dip into occasionally as look at the pictures.
Difficult to give a rating for this one as I part read physical and then switched to audiobook, both had plus’s and minus’s I felt.
MP’s writing style was very easy to get into, almost conversational and I could hear his voice reading the book (before I started the audiobook version). But I did find myself wanting to skip over places I wasn’t interested in. (Rating of 3)
The audiobook was well read by the author and kept my attention. It seemed to flow almost like a mini talk or conversation with him about the journey and i think is better than reading the physical book yourself. (Rating of 4)
The tv series was entertaining, great visuals and MP does make a personable presenter/chief traveller. Looking at the places they visited now 25+ years later you wonder how much get have changed and how much has been lost due to progress. (Rating of 4).
The major problem overall is perhaps with the journey itself for me at least. Yes the idea of visiting all countries bordering the Pacific was worthy of an expedition but it times it felt like every new place or country was just another tick on the itinerary.
Where the book scored over the tv series is in trying to show how much physical hard work the trip was for the team and how much it took out of them.
Travelling almost continuously for nearly 9 months and having to film at the ‘most interesting spots’ on the way must have been a real ordeal at times for them. The tv series never really shows that and at times makes it appear they did a bear grylls type of thing - completed filming for the day or week, disappear to a nice hotel for a couple of days and then restart their journey once refreshed.
I would probably rate this on a par with the previous expedition’Pole to Pole’ but behind ‘Around the World ...’
Overall a solid recommendation for the audiobook, tv series worth seeing and perhaps the physical book to dip into occasionally as look at the pictures.
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