Among the most delightful TV shows you might encounter this year, or possibly any year, features Sir Michael Palin, arguably our most daring octogenarian, navigating the slick rocks barefoot near one of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls – El Hacha in Venezuela.
In that instant, a man – five years past a heart operation – pauses amidst the raw power of nature, gasping slightly, drenched by the mist yet profoundly invigorated in spirit.
‘I’m 81! I shouldn’t be here! I should be in bed,’ he yells to the world.
Although Sir Michael, now 82 and recently back from his daring journey through a South American nation, has been known for his adventurous TV travels, he confessed to an unusual moment of apprehension as he contemplated taking on the waterfall challenge.
I usually avoid discussing age, but when strangers offer you their seats on public transportation, it’s important to consider the impact on one’s health.
In this scenario, I found myself contemplating whether to venture into a powerful waterfall with bare feet, given the risk of slipping on a rock and potentially falling.
Not only did he accomplish the task, but he seemed to relish every moment of it,” could be a possible paraphrase in a natural and easy-to-read manner. This version maintains the original sentiment while making the language more conversational and engaging.
Upon my return, I felt significantly improved as prior to leaving, I had questions and concerns about my ability to continue performing successfully.”
Or more casually, “After coming back, I was a lot less anxious since before I left, I had some doubts about my ability to keep up.
It’s official, then. Sir Michael Palin can still hack it.
The recent television journey took him on a three-week trip to Venezuela, a destination that, due to its captivating coastlines, majestic Andes mountains, and expansive Amazon rainforest, should arguably be among the most popular travel destinations globally.
The reason it’s not commonly visited by tourists could be because it is among the riskier destinations in South America due to its high safety concerns.
Over the last ten years, an alarming rise in inflation and violent crimes has prompted over seven million residents to leave their homeland.
Under President Nicolas Maduro’s leadership, international observers note that the nation appears to be rapidly transitioning into a more authoritarian or totalitarian regime.
I’m delighted to introduce myself as a devoted admirer, speaking here about none other than Michael Palin, famously known for his work with Monty Python and currently reigning as a travel documentary maestro.
In more straightforward language, it could be expressed as: Over the years, he has become skilled at creating captivating TV shows from challenging locations such as North Korea, Iraq, and Nigeria. However, during this journey, Sir Michael and his crew were detained by armed officials while attempting to film at the location of a statue dedicated to former president Hugo Chavez.
As I delve into this topic, I must admit, it can come across as rather daunting – even a tad fear-inducing. However, the way he narrates it, there’s an undercurrent of amusement that leaves me chuckling to myself.
‘They took all of our equipment,’ he says.
In reality, it wasn’t only the gear that was photographed by military intelligence. Everything found inside the bag, including personal items like laundry, were captured in photos. Frankly, I can’t fathom why military intelligence would have any interest in my personal belongings, such as my underwear.
Initially, he chuckles and shares that he noticed the guards had searched him up online. Specifically, they stumbled upon a YouTube video where John Cleese and I were engaged in a conversation about ‘The Life of Brian’ with the Bishop of Southwark.
It appears that they found it difficult to understand, given their response, as they didn’t seem familiar with Monty Python’s style of humor.
Behind their helmets and visors, they all seemed somewhat puzzled, he chuckles. The entire situation was reminiscent of Monty Python’s humor, yet eventually things fell into place, allowing us to continue.”
In this paraphrase, I aimed to keep the original meaning while making it more natural and easy to read for a general audience. The phrase “Pythonic” refers to the style of comedy popularized by the British comedy group Monty Python, so I added a reference to their humor to maintain that connection. Finally, I changed “strings were pulled” to “things fell into place,” as it conveys the same idea in simpler terms.
He feels fortunate because his job allows him to do things that are not typically allowed due to safety regulations or people telling him ‘no’, like going off the beaten path.
In Venezuela, you won’t find any handrails. Instead, it’s a vibrant, enigmatic, astonishing, and loud destination. My visit there might have involved numerous rule-breakings.
What I love most about traveling is the challenge it presents. No matter where I go, I encounter fresh situations that push me beyond my limits, both physically and mentally.
Does he think we mollycoddle our octogenarians too much in this country? Yes, it seems.
‘As you grow older, there’s often a sense of limitation – sitting more and doing less due to potential risks like burns from hot coffee. But those rules disappear when you travel. That’s exactly what I do – escape the routine and explore the world.’
There is a moment in this documentary, though, when he utters the ‘r word’ (retirement).
On a lounge chair overlooking the breathtaking Canaima lagoon, he takes in the view and muses that he could imagine spending his retirement here. However, he admits it’s a lifestyle he ultimately wouldn’t choose, despite its allure.
He considers Sir David Attenborough a close friend, and he drew inspiration from him when contemplating whether to tackle the waterfall.
Few people continue filming segments on-camera at the age of 80, but naturally, there’s an exception – Sir David Attenborough.
At 99 years old, he’s still creating art on windy coastlines or in marshy areas. That’s the kind of person who inspires everyone to push themselves even more.
After the loss of their wives, both men immersed themselves back into their work once again. Sir Michael, who has been a widower for two years now, lost his wife Helen – a mother to their three children – shortly following their 57th wedding anniversary, just a few days later.
He functioned as her caregiver for quite a while, approximately two years. His role involved ensuring that Helen took a daily walk, even on the days when she seemed reluctant.
Well, indeed! To get her giggling was quite easy; it was usually my hapless attempts at cooking that set her off. She found my ineptitude quite amusing.
He discusses the intense pain she experienced near the end, and wonders aloud, “I can’t fathom where she mustered up the courage for that.
Instead of yearning for a swift end, it could be said that although there were moments where she felt this way, the chance to witness her grandchildren grow was something she deeply cherished.
Sir Michael was the most unsentimental person you’d ever come across, yet the grief in this situation is undeniably tangible. Helen often encouraged him on his journeys, and it wasn’t long after her passing that he resumed filming, as he felt compelled to do so because “what other choice did I have? Stay home?” was likely what she would have advised.
Helen didn’t show much enthusiasm for his adventure stories, and one time, while he was on Mount Everest, she asked him when the plumber would arrive instead.
Each year, despite the profound absence of his loved one, he continues to plan family vacations as a tribute to her resilient spirit, choosing to celebrate life in her memory.
After Helen’s departure, he finds himself needing to restructure his life significantly. For six decades, their bond was “we” and “us,” but now it’s merely “me” and “I.” Adjusting to this change has been challenging, but he has come to see their relationship as a continuum that extends beyond her death. Engaging in work provides him with a sense of purpose, helping him navigate this transition.
In simpler terms, losing more friends also happened to him due to the fact that exceptional fitness for someone in their 80s seems to bring along an unfortunate burden or hardship.
Terry Jones, Neil Innes, and Tristram Powell – these individuals were like a colorful troupe on stage. However, if you turn around now, the scene seems a little less vibrant and populated.
It’s challenging since most of the individuals I could lean on are those who know me well and I know them reciprocally. Consequently, I find myself with limited comforting companions during tough times.
How are the items belonging to his wife being handled? At this point, it’s still under development, and most of Helen’s belongings have yet to be moved.
He mentions that he hasn’t discarded their belongings out of sentimentality, as he doesn’t wish to part with them, and for the past couple of years, the house has remained unchanged.
I prefer my shelves, cabinets, and hooks not to be left bare or vacant. It feels more satisfying when these spaces are filled with their intended items.
Preferably, let’s keep the scarves where they are and move the dresses into the closet. I enjoy maintaining our home’s familiar feel. The thought of clearing out your belongings from my life feels unusual. At present, I’m not psychologically prepared for such a change.
Many individuals in similar circumstances have reached out to me via emails and letters. Although no one can truly understand exactly what you’re going through, some shared feelings and experiences might bring comfort, such as the determination to move forward with optimism.
He intends to continue his journey, as he finds the world captivating and feels fortunate that he isn’t confined to merely observing it through books or television. Instead, he actively engages with it, shaping the stories on TV and penning the books himself.
So where next? That will depend on the success of this series.
Your worth is measured by your latest performance, and fundamentally, we are here to amuse, not discover or delve into scientific matters.
Performers, if audience ratings are high, I’ll consider my job well-done. Yet, could there be more performances in the future? Despite advancing years, I’m still enthusiastic about taking on new challenges.
Later this month, you can watch Michael Palin’s travel series on Channel 5 (UK) featuring Venezuela. His book with the same title will be released by Hutchinson Heinemann on September 25th.
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2025-09-08 20:21