Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, both in terms of population and geography. Over 192 million people call this land their home. Taking up over half of South America, Brazil is a mix of races, religions, sophistication, wildness, wealth, poverty, and unexplored wilderness. The country is considered one of the rising global powers with vast natural resources, a burgeoning 
industrial base, and a strong currency that make it the envy of all. In Brazil with Michael Palin, Michael Palin visits Brazil for the very first time, travelling from the lost world of Amazonia to the buzzing metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, to meet the people and visit the places that shape this nation.All four episodes air back-to-back Tuesday June 17 from 8pm-12am on WETA TV26 & HD! Read on for details on each episode.
Episode 1 - Out of Africaairs Tuesday at 8pm
Michael Palin’s Brazilian odyssey begins in the North East where modern Brazil was born. He starts in the city of Sao Luis before travelling down the coast to Recife and Salvador, dropping in on the vaqueros Brazilian Cowboys who work on vast cattle ranches. His travels also take him south to the stunning coastal lagoons of the Lencois Maranhenses national park. In Salvador he learns to drum with the famous Olodum School and has a lesson in how to cook Bahian-style before finding out what lies behind the beguiling moves of Capoeria dancers.
Episode 2 - Into Amazoniaairs Tuesday at 9pm
Palin travels on several rivers through the very heart of Amazonia. He meets the Yanomami tribe and talks to their spokesperson about the threats to their way of life. He visits the magnificent Manaus Opera House and samples some exotic Amazonian foods in Belem at the mouth of the Amazon. Travelling ever southwards to the upper reaches of the Xingu River he is welcomed to the Wauja tribe, one of the most colorful of all the Brazilian indigenous peoples. This leg of his journey ends in the capital Brasilia, where Palin meets up with rock star and political activist Dinho Ouro Preto.
Episode 3 - The Road to Rio airs Tuesday at 10pm
On the road to Rio, Palin visits the source of Brazil's great mineral wealth -the state of Minas Gerais and its giant 
mines. Here he meets some ordinary Brazilians dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the state. On to Rio De Janeiro the host to the next Olympics and World Cup. Rio has always been a party town, but it’s also blighted by drugs and gang violence. Palin learns how the authorities are hoping to bring the favelas back into the city. He also learns how to celebrate a goal like a Brazilian radio commentator, and books a room in one of the city’s famous ‘love hotels’!
Episode 4 - The Deep Southairs Tuesday at 11pm
On his final leg of his journey, Palin starts in the picture perfect town of Parati where he meets up with Prince João de Bragança, heir to the defunct throne of Brazil. In Embraer and Sao Paolo Michael meets some of Brazil's successful politicians, heads of business, and TV soap stars who all have mixed opinions on Brazil's future. After experiencing the beauty and serenity of the vast wetlands of The Pantanal, Palin comes to his journey’s end at the magnificent Iguazu falls where he concludes that Brazil has much to offer the world as it takes its place as a new potential superpower.
