Ep 6. Far East and Farther East

Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days is a travel show that details Michael Palin's journey around the world, following in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg's famous journey from the Jules Verne novel. Season 1 episode 6, titled "Far East and Farther East," sees Palin continuing his journey across the Asian continent.

In this episode, Palin begins in Hong Kong, where he explores the bustling city and meets with locals to learn about the history and culture of the area. He then heads to Taiwan, where he visits a night market and tries some of the local street food. From there, he travels to the Philippines, where he participates in a traditional cockfighting match and learns about the country's unique blend of Spanish and Asian influences.

Palin then heads to Japan, where he visits Tokyo and takes part in a traditional tea ceremony. He also learns about the samurai warriors and visits a castle to see some of the ancient weapons and armor used by these warriors. From Japan, Palin travels to Russia, where he learns about the country's history and visits some of the famous landmarks, such as the Kremlin and Red Square.

Throughout the episode, Palin meets with locals and learns about the cultures and traditions of the places he visits. He also learns about the challenges facing these regions, such as pollution, overpopulation, and political instability. Despite these challenges, Palin remains optimistic and inspired by the beauty and diversity of the people and places he encounters.

Overall, "Far East and Farther East" is a fascinating episode of Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days, showcasing the unique cultures and rich history of some of the world's most interesting regions. Palin's curious and open-minded approach to travel makes for a captivating viewing experience, and the episode offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life across the Asian continent.