Michael Palin's "Full Circle" - Part One Quiz

Answer: Little Diomede Island

Little Diomede Island is one of the most isolated places on the planet. It is also one of the last places in the world to see the new day as it is just to the east of the International Date Line. Across the Bering Strait, you can see Big Diomede Island, controlled by Russia where the time is 24 hours later!

Answer: A US Coastguard ship to Attu in the Aleutian Islands

Michael had arranged to get a ride with the US Coastguard out to the far end of the Aleutian Islands at Attu but he missed the ship as he was stuck when the clouds came in while they were observing the brown bears on Kodiak Island. Attu is an interesting place as it is the easternmost point in the USA. (It is in the Eastern Hemisphere)

Answer: In Vladivostok

Michael had the opportunity to sing the song 'Poliushko Pole' with the Pacific Fleet Choir in Vladivostok. This is a renowned choir and this was a memorable experience for Michael.

Answer: To see the Kodo drummers

The Kodo drummers have to train extremely hard to play these large drums. The trainees are totally focussed on mastering the instrument. The most experienced drummers can drum the 'O-Daiko' which is the Kodo's biggest drum.

Answer: Harajuku

Anyone who visits Harajuku on a Sunday will see a very different Japan to the staid orderly society that is presented during weekdays. Young people gather in the streets around Harajuku and wear garish clothing, large jewellery and try to impress the opposite sex. It is really very safe innocent fun. I have experienced Harajuku on a Sunday and it was great!

Answer: Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is a complete surprise for the tourist to the island of Kyushu. While visiting this model town, you can completely forget that you are in southern Japan and experience life as it would be experienced in the Netherlands. There are many fine replicas of Dutch buildings and live entertainment is offered regularly.

Answer: The Demilitarized Zone

Michael's visit to the Demilitarized Zone was fascinating to watch on the television series. He entered the negotiations room where there was just a line separating North and South Korea. In walking around the table, guests could 'enter' North Korea. Michael was also able to see across into North Korea.

The North Koreans had made the village immediately beyond the fence attractive to make it look prosperous and successful.

Answer: Taishan Mountain

Taishan Mountain is the most important of China's five sacred mountains. Pilgrims make their way up the mountain as the people believe that if you can climb to the top of the mountain, you will live to be 100 years old.

Answer: The Bund

The Bund is the main river promenade alongside the Huangpu River that runs through Shanghai. It is now a popular area for tourists looking to see the new Shanghai with fine modern buildings that are both functional and beautiful.

Answer: The Miao People

After years under Mao Tse Tung where attempts were made to eradicate all signs of traditional culture, the new China is now cultivating and promoting its different ethnic groups. The Miao people wore bright coloured clothing and greeted Michael with a buffalo horn full of rice wine that Michael had to drink.

Answer: Friendship Pass

Friendship pass is eight kilometres beyond Pinxiang. At the pass there is a triumphal archway called the Friendship Gate.

Answer: Vietnamese soldiers stopped the match as they were playing in a high security location

Michael played cricket with the expatriate community in Hanoi. However, the match was stopped as the only open field area that they could find was in an area which the Vietnamese army believed was high security. The army were not happy for the cameras to be filming in this location.

Answer: The Reunification Express

The Reunification Express train once again joins what were at one time North and South Vietnam. During years of fierce fighting, the two sides were enemies and the train line was cut. The line has since been repaired and tourists now love to travel between north and south Vietnam on the train.

Answer: He performs psychic surgery

Michael sees Reverend Segundo perform psychic surgery. This involves feeling over the body and healing parts of the body through psychic belief. At one stage of the procedure, blood comes out of the patient from no particular hole or cut.

Answer: Cock Fighting

Zamboanga is home to one of the largest cock fighting arenas in the Philippines. Michael sees this 'sport' taking place. Each bout is over quite quickly. On the leg of each cock is attached a three-inch curved blade and this is what does the damage.