Michael Palin's Pole to Pole Season 1 Episode 1 Cold Start

Michael Palin's Pole to Pole is a travel documentary series that follows Michael Palin, an English comedian, writer, and presenter, as he embarks on an epic journey from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through various countries and cultures along the way. Season 1 episode 1, titled "Cold Start," is the first episode of the series, in which Michael begins his journey from the Arctic Circle in Norway and travels through Finland, Russia, and Estonia.

The episode starts with Michael introducing himself and explaining the purpose of his journey, which is to travel from the northernmost point of the earth to the southernmost point, using every possible mode of transport, and meeting interesting and diverse people along the way. He then boards a plane to Tromso, a small city in northern Norway, where he experiences his first taste of the arctic climate.

In Tromso, Michael meets the locals and learns about their way of life in the arctic, where the sun doesn't rise for months during the winter season. He visits a reindeer farm and goes dog sledding, experiencing firsthand the extreme cold and the vast, white landscape. He also meets a group of Sami people, indigenous to northern Scandinavia, and learns about their traditions and beliefs.

From Tromso, Michael takes a cruise ship to Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, where he discovers a different kind of cold, the political cold war between Finland and Russia. He visits the Sibelius Monument, a symbol of Finnish nationalism, and learns about the country's rich cultural heritage, including its famous sauna culture. He then takes a train to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he experiences a new kind of culture shock.

In St. Petersburg, Michael explores the city's rich history and architecture, including the famous Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, and the Peter and Paul Fortress. He also meets some locals and learns about their experiences living in the Soviet Union and the changes that have taken place since the fall of communism.

The final leg of Michael's journey in this episode is in Tallinn, Estonia, where he explores the medieval old town and learns about the country's struggle for independence from the Soviet Union. He meets a group of musicians and learns about Estonia's unique singing tradition, which played a significant role in the country's independence movement.

Overall, "Cold Start" sets the tone for the rest of the series, showcasing Michael Palin's curiosity, humor, and ability to connect with people from different cultures. The episode also highlights the beauty and diversity of the northern regions of Europe and sets the stage for the challenges Michael will face as he embarks on his journey towards the South Pole.