New Europe. Michael Palin

How he got enough time away from the Governor to do this work is hard to tell, but what a joy. This guy is funnier than Frommer on a good day, and goes to places Frommer fears, or has never heard of. Weird Europe, like the Ukraine, where he visits with friends and makes new acquaintances, all the while noting the foods, smells, vibrations of the countries he crosses. This is a talented, and very bright, man who enjoys getting out and about. Into complicated situations, or just relaxing with friends, he clearly likes this so much more than sitting at home by the fire and drinking scotch. Well, at least a bit more. I load this six disc set into my car, and when it's done, I'm three hundred miles further down the road, and a lot more informed. Then I listen to some trash, and put the six discs back in for the return trip. By now I know more about Europe than the average high school graduate from Kenya, and have had a good time also. This is a wonderful bit of sound, and I hope one day I will have listened to all his stuff. Unless you are a nitwit, or a Ukrainian pinhead, you to will find things here to enjoy and learn.

The pattern of Michael Palin product is pretty well established. First there is the decision to undertake another trip and where that will be. Then there is the shooting of if and the release of it on DVD and it being played on TV etc. Coinciding with it's release on DVD is usually a book written by Palin with a number of colour plates usually supplied by Palins mate Basil Pao. Lastly there is often a spoken word audio where Palin reads the book. In short I find all three useful mediums. For the New Europe book Palin sticks to his formula of a chronological retelling of the journey and this makes for very easy reading. Whether you are whiling away a Sunday afternoon or killing time on a train or plane, the compartmentalised format lends itself to a brisk feeling read. As to the subject matter itself, for this series Palin decided to fill in the gaps in his own knowledge as much as ours by selecting Eastern Europe as his target. Now of course many will quip quite rightly that this is in fact Old Europe and I think we all know what they mean. But the context Palin is using is also quite obvious, this is a huge chunk of Europe that for cultural and often political reasons has not really been taking part in the life of the greater European community. Countries that Palin - and I - grew up thinking of as basically Soviet minions adding their numbers to the glowering Communist threat now have the chance to select their own path, with all the opportunities and pitfalls that entails. What parts of this highly readable account appeals to the reader the most will very much depend on your personal tastes. Do you hanker after the old world charm of the gorgeous cities of central Europe? Do you find the rugged beauty of Turkey beguiling? Or are you more enamoured of finding out a few snippets of information about new nations like Moldova and the Ukraine? What about the combination of beautiful nature and cobblestone streets of the Baltic states or mayhaps you hanker after a summer of exploring the Eastern shores of the Adriatic? Regardless of your fancy you will find tempting morsels about them all or have your interest piqued enough to find deeper information on these areas for yourself. While I found the actual DVD series of this release one of his less inspired and less enthusing offerings I found the book more enjoyable in comparison probably due to the differing anecdotes and conversational style of Palins well worn writers pen.

As all his other books, Mr. Palin makes for interesting and informative reading. Good (British / European) sense of humor; which, perhaps, may not quite hit the mark in the U.S. market.

Of course, the term "New Europe" is said largely tongue in cheek. There is nothing "new" about "New Europe". It's just new to western visitors. For decades, western tourists have been denied or hindered in their access to Moldova, Georgia, Kaliningrad, Albania and so on. Michael Palin's task has been to put this to right. Palin spent some six months wandering through eastern Europe (to use a more commonly applied moniker) meeting an array of fascinating people and musing sometimes whimsically upon his travels. His book, "New Europe" is a direct tie in with a BBC series of the same name. So, don't expect some detailed analytical work. But then again, why would you? Palin was one of the original Monty Python crew. No, this book is simply a pleasant stroll through some interesting apparently "new" places. I guess that, by and large, Palin's work is a coffee table book. That's certainly where it will rest in my house. But, having said this, please don't think that I'm trying to denigrate it. Take it for what it is; namely, a beautifully pictured travelogue. It has been a joy to read over the past week and has certainly whetted my appetite for travel beyond the seemingly more staid confines of Paris, London and Rome.

Michael Palin once more takes us on a great trip into the New Europe. His travel books always make you feel your along for the ride. The best part of his travel books are you get a chance to meet the locals and see and feel how they live and they always make you smile. Palin has many travel books out and they are always of a high standard and make a good read. I hope after a short rest he's back on the road soon.