Michael Palin's Pole to Pole Season 1 Episode 2 Russian Steps

Michael Palin's Pole to Pole is a travel documentary series that follows Michael Palin as he embarks on a journey from the North Pole to the South Pole. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Russian Steps," Michael continues his journey through Russia, exploring the historic cities and towns that lie along the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The episode begins with Michael arriving in Yekaterinburg, a city that is famous for being the site of the execution of the last Russian Tsar and his family. Michael visits the Romanov Museum which tells the story of the tragic end of the Russian royal family. He also meets with a local historian who shares his insights about the events that unfolded in Yekaterinburg in 1918.

From Yekaterinburg, Michael takes the Trans-Siberian Railway to Novosibirsk, the third-largest city in Russia. Along the way, he meets with a train conductor who is responsible for keeping the passengers comfortable and entertained during their long journey. The conductor shares his experiences of working on the train and the challenges he faces while carrying out his duties.

In Novosibirsk, Michael meets with a group of microelectronics engineers who are working on the latest technology in the field of miniaturization. He visits a laboratory where they are developing a new range of super-tiny sensors that can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Michael is fascinated by the intricate work being done and marvels at the possibilities that this technology could bring.

The next leg of Michael's journey takes him to the remote town of Krasnoyarsk, located deep in the heart of Siberia. Here he meets with a group of hunters who have been preserving the ancient tradition of falconry for generations. He experiences the thrill of seeing a falcon in flight and watches as it swoops down to capture its prey. Michael is impressed by the skill and precision of the hunters and gains a newfound respect for their way of life.

Continuing his journey, Michael travels to Irkutsk, a city that has played an important role in the history of Siberia. He visits a wooden house museum that showcases the traditional architecture of the region and speaks with a local historian who recounts the city's past. Michael also learns about the importance of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) railway, which was built to connect Siberia to the Pacific Ocean.

The episode concludes with Michael taking a boat trip on Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake in the world. He marvels at the stunning natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains and speaks with a local guide who shares his knowledge about the unique flora and fauna found in the area.

Overall, "Russian Steps" is a captivating episode that takes viewers on a journey through some of the lesser-known regions of Russia. Michael's encounters with local people and his experiences of the country's rich history and culture make for an entertaining and informative watch.