Until the early 1990s, when the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, travelling behind the iron curtain was never easy. In undertaking this journey through Eastern Europe - breathing in its rich history and exquisite sights - Michael fills what has been a void in his own experience and that of very many others. From the snows of the Julian Alps to the beauty of the Baltic sea, Michael finds himself in countries he'd barely heard of, all with tragic histories and seemingly brighter futures. Along the way he meets Romanian lumberjacks, drives the 8.58 stopping train from Poznan to Wolsztyn, treads the catwalk at a Budapest fashion show, learns about mine-clearing in Bosnia and watches Turkish gents wrestling in olive oil. As with all his bestselling books, in his uniquely entertaining style, Palin opens up a new and undiscovered world to millions of readers.