Pallin finds adventure in new Europe

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Of all the strange things Michael Palin has done during his time as a travel presenter, sleeping in a plastic bag filled with carbon dioxide next to Miss World in the Czech Republic ranks near the top.

But it was quite nice meeting Miss World, the former Monty Python member said.

Palin has just completed a tour of Eastern and Central Europe, visiting 20 countries - some he had barely heard of - discovering their rich histories and getting to know the locals.

He is currently promoting his latest book, New Europe, which chronicles his visits to Dracula's castle in Romania, walking the grim grounds of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, and watching Turkish wrestlers grabbing each other's backsides.