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Around the World in 80 Days


Synopsis


'The pace of this kind of travel has not much changed since Fogg set out in 1872. Trains may be a little faster, but there are certainly no high-speed rail links yet across India, China or the USA. Passenger services have practically disappeared from the world's shipping lanes ... Recourse to air travel, even as a convenient means of escape, was not allowed.'

Following the route taken by Phileas Fogg 115 years earlier, Michael Palin set out from the Reform Club to circumnavigate the world. The rules were simple, but nothing else about the trip was straightforward...

From a tour of Venice on a rubbish barge to ship spotting at the Suez Canal and the bicycle rush hour and snake snacks in China, this is an unparalleled tribute to man's ability to make life difficult for himself.

Summary

Chapter 1: A Strange Wager

* Introduces Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and eccentric English gentleman who makes a bet with his fellow Reform Club members that he can travel around the world in 80 days.
* Real Example: Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight in 1927 showcased similar determination and technological advancement.

Chapter 2: The Departure

* Fogg sets off on his journey from London with his loyal valet, Passepartout.
* Real Example: The adventures of British explorers David Livingstone and Richard Burton in Africa in the mid-19th century.

Chapter 3: From Suez to Bombay

* Fogg and Passepartout travel across the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal, encountering delays and risks.
* Real Example: The complexities of modern international travel, with its varying customs and transportation systems.

Chapter 4: The Opium Den

* In Hong Kong, Passepartout accidentally ingests an opiate drug, causing a delay in their departure.
* Real Example: The dangers of substance abuse and its impact on travel plans.

Chapter 5: The Rescue of Aouda

* Fogg meets and rescues Aouda, a young Indian woman being forced into marriage.
* Real Example: The global fight against human trafficking and the resilience of victims.

Chapter 6: The Burning of the Pagoda

* In Calcutta, Fogg intervenes to prevent the burning of a Hindu widow on her husband's funeral pyre.
* Real Example: The historical practice of sati and the social reforms of the 19th century.

Chapter 7: The Jungle

* Fogg, Passepartout, and Aouda navigate the Indian jungle, facing wild animals and dangerous terrains.
* Real Example: The challenges of modern-day conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity.

Chapter 8: Hong Kong to Yokohama

* Fogg and his companions travel by ship from Hong Kong to Yokohama, Japan.
* Real Example: The rise of transcontinental sea travel and the interconnectedness of global trade routes.

Chapter 9: The Pacific Crossing

* Fogg's ship encounters a storm and is delayed, putting his wager in jeopardy.
* Real Example: The perils of sea travel and the technological advancements that have improved maritime safety.

Chapter 10: The Railway

* Fogg travels across the United States by train, encountering a Native American ambush and a robbery.
* Real Example: The westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century and the challenges of rail travel at the time.

Chapter 11: The Arrival in New York

* Fogg arrives in New York, facing a police arrest due to a misunderstanding.
* Real Example: The importance of cultural understanding and the role of law enforcement in international travel.

Chapter 12: The Final Sprint

* Fogg and his companions race against time to reach London before the 80-day deadline.
* Real Example: The high-stakes nature of international competitions and the determination of elite athletes.

Chapter 13: The Return to London

* Fogg and his companions return to London, believing they have failed their wager.
* Real Example: The significance of time management and the unexpected obstacles that can arise in international travel.

Chapter 14: A Mistake of Identity

* It is revealed that Fogg has actually won his bet due to a time zone error.
* Real Example: The fascinating complexities of global time zones and their impact on travel itineraries.

Conclusion

* Fogg's journey around the world in 80 days becomes a testament to human determination, technological advancements, and the interconnectedness of the global community.
* Real Example: The ongoing spirit of exploration and the continuing quest to conquer distance and connect with the world.

Philippines

Philippines

Gastro Obscura

Gastro Obscura

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Indonesia

Indonesia