An Evening with Michael Palin at The Institute of Education in London continued By Steve Rudd

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The demand for signed books by the men themselves was phenomenal and I think the Foyles staff there were astounded themselves, saying that they'd never seen a queue like it. But who wouldn't want to grasp the opportunity to meet Michael in person, shake his hand and have a hearty laugh with the man? After waiting forty-five minutes in the queue, it was my turn next. Sorry, Sir, lightly whispered one of the Foyles staff as I approached the desk at which Michael was seated, but there is a no-photos policy in operation.

So bang went my smart idea of getting a picture taken with him. Still, that didn't undermine the surreal magic of the moment, as I divulged the fact that I was a fellow Yorkshireman from the market town of Driffield. Michael, along with Michael Parkinson, was brought up in South Yorkshire in the Sheffield area. Ah, Driffield, said Michael, that's near Beverley, isn't it? Wow.. after travelling to more places in the world than most people ever dream about, he still has an affinity for knowing the whereabouts of fairly nondescript English towns that he's never even visited before.

I asked him if he'd ever considered making a TV series in Britain. Although he has recorded one-off programmes in places such as the Highlands of Scotland, he's never made a serious travel series set in Britain. The idea has been discussed before, but this is where I come to for my holidays, he quipped with a grin. Britain is where he comes to for his holidays! Even if he lives in London when he isn't globetrotting!.. Incidentally, Yorkshire is one area that he says he hasn't really explored before. But he should.

Just as more of us should metaphorically attempt to follow in some of his footsteps, and in due course dare to head out into the world at large to see what new people and places have to offer.. and, more importantly, to see what we have to offer them. For more information about Michael and his travels, please consult his excellent website at www.palinstravels.co.uk Thank you very muchly.

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