Ep 3. Ancient Mariners

Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days is a travel documentary series that follows the adventures of comedian Michael Palin as he attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. In season 1 episode 3, titled Ancient Mariners, Michael takes to the seas and explores the rich maritime history of the world.

The episode begins in Dubai where Michael meets Captain Saleem, a seasoned sailor who offers to take him on a traditional dhow boat to explore the Persian Gulf. The crew shows Michael the ancient art of pearl diving and he learns about the long-standing trade relations between India and the Gulf.

From there, Michael travels to Oman where he explores the fortified city of Muscat and visits a traditional boatyard where he meets shipbuilders who still use centuries-old techniques to build dhows. He then sets sail on a dhow and spends several days on the open seas, experiencing first-hand the challenges and rewards of oceanic travel.

The next leg of Michael's journey takes him across the Indian Ocean to the Maldives, where he visits a small island community and learns about the traditional maritime practices that have sustained these small island nations for centuries. He is invited to join the islanders for a special ceremony in which they bless their boats before embarking on a fishing expedition.

Michael then heads to Sri Lanka, where he explores the bustling city of Colombo and takes a train journey to the ancient Buddhist ruins of Anuradhapura. Here he meets a monk who introduces him to the concept of the bodhi tree, the tree under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.

The final leg of Michael's maritime journey takes him across the Bay of Bengal to Bangladesh, where he visits the bustling port city of Chittagong. Here he witnesses the extraordinary sight of hulking beached cargo ships being dismantled by hand, with workers using nothing but simple tools to break down giant metal structures.

Throughout the episode, Michael marvels at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient mariners who braved the oceans to explore new lands and establish trade routes. He learns about the cultural and economic connections that have shaped the world as we know it today, and gains a new appreciation for the challenges and rewards of traveling by sea.

In the end, Michael reflects on his seafaring adventures and notes that while much has changed since the days of the ancient mariners, there is still something timeless and transcendent about the ocean and the stories it holds. This episode of Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days is a fascinating and inspiring exploration of the maritime history of the world, and a testament to the enduring power of exploration and discovery.