Palin's New Europe - Starts Sunday

Michael Palin's newest travelling tv-series, Michael Palin's New Europe, hits the small screen in the UK this coming Sunday night (September 16, 21:00, BBC1). This series covers many of the countries that In Your Pocket have been writing about for quite some time, such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and more.

I reckon Palin has a way of getting in touch with the spirit and pulse of a place that is humble yet real, and I look forward to seeing the series. Of course, I live in Lithuania, which means I won't be able to see it on the telly and will have to wait until the series is released on DVD and sold for a small fortune (rathan than downloading it for free from the internet the day after it is broadcast).

Meanwhile, travel agents and various self-declared experts are predicting that the 'Palin Effect' could impact Eastern Europe in the same way that it has affected regions covered by his previous programmes: more tourism.

An interesting interview-write-up-sales-piece is available on the BBC Press Office website.

Country Life

There was a time in my life when I used to occasionally buy Country Life, that printed guardian of English tradition and privilege. Many years ago polo was still a minority sport (the Queen's Cup Final not being televised on Sky Sports, heaven forbid), and reports of top games were found in just a few publications. Country Life was one of them.

In those days, when I was just a student, I often thought of what I might do with my life; what tasks and endeavours might wait in my path to some kind of achievement.

Of all the things I ever thought I might have to do, or be asked to do, however, I never, ever, for one moment considered the possibility that I might be interviewed by the mighty Country Life.

Well yesterday, it happened. Country Life came calling (on questions of buying property in Romania and Croatia).

Like most In Your Pocket editors I have answered my fair share of questions from journalists: it comes with the job. IYP is ahead of the game in most cities and so we are often called on for our insider knowledge.

But of all the publications I have ever spoken to (or written for), from The Times to La Republicca, I have never felt quite so gratified as yesterday: the lovely, polite girl from Country Life made my day. She has promised to quote me and give IYP a plug. Now I simply can't wait to see the magazine. I mean, my name, my name, in Country Life!

What a super Easter surprise.

Flaming underpant fury in Zagreb

An man in Zagreb has accidently set fire to his house and burned it to the ground after intending to immoliate only his dirty underwear. Enraged after failing to find any clean undies, Ivo Jerbic threw all his dirty duds into the garden and set fire to them, reports Ananova. The flaming undergarments, however, got out of control and ended up igniting the house. While no one was injured, the underpant arson could land Mr. Jerbic in jail for endangering the lives of his family.