When asked about his grandchildren, Sir Michael revealed that they were not particularly interested in his work, whether it be his travel adventures or his involvement with Monty Python. However, one of his grandsons showed a keen interest in his net worth, constantly googling it to see if it fluctuated. Sir Michael humorously advised against letting his grandson make his tea, as he might take advantage of his financial status.
Speaking about his new TV show, Sir Michael shared that “Michael Palin’s Himalaya Journey of a Lifetime” is a retrospective look at his previous travels and experiences in the Himalayas. He revisits his old footage, reads from his diary entries, and provides a fresh perspective on his adventures from 20 to 30 years ago. Sir Michael expressed his enjoyment of the process, stating that he can now watch the episodes without the self-consciousness and nervousness he once felt. Instead, he can appreciate the beautiful shots captured by the talented cameraman, Nigel, and immerse himself in the overall experience.
Throughout the interview, Sir Michael recalled some surprising moments from his time in the Himalayas. Although there were a few things he had forgotten, meeting the Dalai Lama remained a standout memory that he would never forget. The Dalai Lama showed appreciation for Sir Michael’s work and even expressed a desire to travel with him and carry his bags, leading to light-hearted joking about the Dalai Lama’s bag-carrying ability.
When it came to safety concerns during his Himalayan journey, Sir Michael shared that the worst experience he had was battling altitude sickness. As they reached higher altitudes, Sir Michael experienced terrible headaches, lack of sleep, and extreme exhaustion. He recounted a particularly challenging night where he felt so unwell that he decided to go to bed in the middle of the afternoon. Upon waking up, he was surrounded by darkness and silence, momentarily thinking he had died and reached heaven. However, the sound of a nearby cough quickly reassured him of his continued existence.
Sir Michael’s appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show provided viewers with fascinating insights into his personal and professional life. From his relationship with his grandchildren to his adventures in the Himalayas, Sir Michael continues to captivate audiences with his humor and genuine enthusiasm for exploration. As fans eagerly await the release of “Michael Palin’s Himalaya Journey of a Lifetime,” it is clear that Sir Michael’s charm and adventurous spirit remain as strong as ever.
