All language subtitles for Amazing.Railway.Adventures.with.Nick.Knowles.S02E01.1080p.HDTV.H264-DARKFLiX

NICK: Welcome to a brand new series
of Amazing Railway Adventures.

NICK: Welcome to a brand new series
of Amazing Railway Adventures.

'I'm setting off
across the world

'I'm setting off
across the world

'on a series
of stunning railway journeys.'

'on a series
of stunning railway journeys.'

Looking over the driver's shoulder,
getting the best view.

Looking over the driver's shoulder,
getting the best view.

Looking over the driver's shoulder,
getting the best view.

I think this might be
my favourite railway station ever.

I think this might be
my favourite railway station ever.

'Travelling through
fantastic landscapes...'

'Travelling through
fantastic landscapes...'

The village looks like Toy Town.
It's magnificent.

The village looks like Toy Town.
It's magnificent.

..via some, frankly,
gobsmacking feats of engineering.

..via some, frankly,
gobsmacking feats of engineering.

I've never seen anything like this.
Have you?

I've never seen anything like this.
Have you?

I just moved an entire steam engine.
That is amazing!

I just moved an entire steam engine.
That is amazing!

'Tasting the ultimate in luxury...'

'Tasting the ultimate in luxury...'

There are times doing this job
where I just wanna pinch myself.

There are times doing this job
where I just wanna pinch myself.

'..meeting all kinds of people.'

'..meeting all kinds of people.'

SHE SPEAKS
IN OWN LANGUAGE

The first time in my life that
I'm decorating a cake in a train.

The first time in my life that
I'm decorating a cake in a train.

That's just great.

Grazie mille.
Prego.

Grazie mille.
Prego.

'These are
my Amazing Railway Adventures.'

'These are
my Amazing Railway Adventures.'

'These are
my Amazing Railway Adventures.'

Let's go.

Let's go.

Oh, we're going backwards?
THEY LAUGH

Oh, we're going backwards?
THEY LAUGH

'This time, a tale of three cities.

'This time, a tale of three cities.

'I'm travelling between
three capitals on a European odyssey

'I'm travelling between
three capitals on a European odyssey

'to Budapest, Bratislava and Prague,

'to Budapest, Bratislava and Prague,

'which is
where I'm starting my journey.'

'which is
where I'm starting my journey.'

This entire area
has a glittering past.

This entire area
has a glittering past.

'The region played
a significant role

'The region played
a significant role

'in the mighty
Austro-Hungarian Empire,

'in the mighty
Austro-Hungarian Empire,

'and I can't wait to uncover
its many treasures.'

'and I can't wait to uncover
its many treasures.'

I'm also interested
to see how it's bounced back

I'm also interested
to see how it's bounced back

from years of Soviet rule
to join the rest of Europe

from years of Soviet rule
to join the rest of Europe

from years of Soviet rule
to join the rest of Europe

with a new openness and confidence.

with a new openness and confidence.

Today,
the old romance walks hand in hand

with a place in the modern world.

with a place in the modern world.

'I'll be scaring myself silly
at a Bratislava landmark...'

'I'll be scaring myself silly
at a Bratislava landmark...'

'I'll be scaring myself silly
at a Bratislava landmark...'

Don't look down.
Oh, BLEEP. Jeez.

Don't look down.
Oh, BLEEP. Jeez.

Yeah, don't do that.

Yeah, don't do that.

'..living the high life
in Budapest...'

'..living the high life
in Budapest...'

Egeszsegedre. That's how you say
"cheers" in Hungarian.

Egeszsegedre. That's how you say
"cheers" in Hungarian.

Eh-guess-she-get-ah.
"Ged-re".

Eh-guess-she-get-ah.
"Ged-re".

"Ged-ra." Egeszsegedre.
Yeah.

"Ged-ra." Egeszsegedre.
Yeah.

'..and riding a railway
with a very small staff...'

'..and riding a railway
with a very small staff...'

This one OK?
OK.

'..but with a big attitude.'

'..but with a big attitude.'

'My vantage point over Prague
is the Petrin Tower built in 1891.

'My vantage point over Prague
is the Petrin Tower built in 1891.

'My vantage point over Prague
is the Petrin Tower built in 1891.

'And if it looks familiar, yes,
it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower,

'And if it looks familiar, yes,
it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower,

'And if it looks familiar, yes,
it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower,

'but this one's
just a fifth of the size,

'but this one's
just a fifth of the size,

'and the top is 190ft high.'

But because we're on
the top of a hill,

But because we're on
the top of a hill,

when you stand at the top
and look out,

you are at the same height
as you would be on the Eiffel Tower.

you are at the same height
as you would be on the Eiffel Tower.

And what a view.

'Prague was once the capital of
an ancient kingdom called Bohemia.

'Prague was once the capital of
an ancient kingdom called Bohemia.

'Prague was once the capital of
an ancient kingdom called Bohemia.

'Now it's the capital
of the Czech Republic,

'also known as Czechia.'

'also known as Czechia.'

The same year they opened the tower,

they opened
the Petrin Hill funicular railway.

they opened
the Petrin Hill funicular railway.

Now, I love a funicular railway,

and it's down there
in amongst the trees somewhere.

and it's down there
in amongst the trees somewhere.

It's gonna take me down
into the old town and to the station

It's gonna take me down
into the old town and to the station

so I can catch my train.

'The track is a third of a mile long

'The track is a third of a mile long

'with a hefty maximum gradient
of one in three.'

'with a hefty maximum gradient
of one in three.'

A funicular a railway
is an incredibly effective system

A funicular a railway
is an incredibly effective system

of getting people
up and down a hill.

In front of us, we can see
the other carriage coming up.

In front of us, we can see
the other carriage coming up.

This is the passing point where
the other carriage is coming up.

This is the passing point where
the other carriage is coming up.

We're now exactly halfway.

And I know that because these two
carriages are connected by a cable.

And I know that because these two
carriages are connected by a cable.

I'll show you, look.

Imagine these two loops
are the carriages.

Imagine these two loops
are the carriages.

If one is heavier,
it pulls the other one to the top.

If one is heavier,
it pulls the other one to the top.

They're about the same weight.
One at the top.

They're about the same weight.
One at the top.

You put some water into a tank,
it becomes heavier.

It pulls the other one to the top.

Release the water from the bottom,
put a bit of water in the top,

Release the water from the bottom,
put a bit of water in the top,

and that goes to the bottom
like that.

and that goes to the bottom
like that.

'Originally, the water came
from a reservoir,

'Originally, the water came
from a reservoir,

'but these days,
the system is electric.

'but these days,
the system is electric.

'The clever thing is
it doesn't need much power

'The clever thing is
it doesn't need much power

'because of the counterbalance.'

'because of the counterbalance.'

I love them.

There was one in Hastings
where my nan lived when I was a kid.

There was one in Hastings
where my nan lived when I was a kid.

Just love going on them.

Just love going on them.

Oop!

I've got to get my shoelace
back in now.

I've got to get my shoelace
back in now.

'The heart of Prague
is the Old Town Square

'The heart of Prague
is the Old Town Square

'packed with historic buildings

'packed with historic buildings

'and what is probably
the city's most famous

'and what is probably
the city's most famous

'and mind-boggling attraction.'

'and mind-boggling attraction.'

This clock is the Prague Orloj,

This clock is the Prague Orloj,

but to call it a clock is a bit like
calling the Sistine Chapel doodles.

but to call it a clock is a bit like
calling the Sistine Chapel doodles.

but to call it a clock is a bit like
calling the Sistine Chapel doodles.

It's an extraordinary piece
of astronomical timekeeping,

It's an extraordinary piece
of astronomical timekeeping,

600 years old.

It tells the movements
of the planets.

It tells the movements
of the planets.

It tells the phases of the moon.

It tells the phases of the moon.

It also, by the way,
tells what they call Bohemian time.

It also, by the way,
tells what they call Bohemian time.

Years ago, rather than having more
hours of sunlight

Years ago, rather than having more
hours of sunlight

like we would have,

in the summer,
they just had longer hours.

in the summer,
they just had longer hours.

Isn't that cool?

'The clock was the combined work
of an astronomer

'The clock was the combined work
of an astronomer

'and an imperial clockmaker.'

As you can see, crowds are gathering

As you can see, crowds are gathering

cos the clock is about to do
one of its special things.

cos the clock is about to do
one of its special things.

BELL DINGS GENTLY

'On the hour,
the 12 apostles appear,

'On the hour,
the 12 apostles appear,

'and death comes to life, too,

'marking out our days
with a gruesome grin.'

'marking out our days
with a gruesome grin.'

Now, amazingly, I get to go
inside this incredible timepiece

Now, amazingly, I get to go
inside this incredible timepiece

with the keeper of the clock,
and I think this is Peter.

with the keeper of the clock,
and I think this is Peter.

Hello.
Nick. How are you?

Hello.
Nick. How are you?

We have a key to get in.
The key.

We have a key to get in.
The key.

Look at that. That is a proper key.

Look at that. That is a proper key.

Thank you very much. Let's go.

Please.
Thank you.

Oh, my word. Look at this!

Oh, my word. Look at this!

Oh, gosh, This is amazing.

There's so many cogs and wheels
and pulleys,

There's so many cogs and wheels
and pulleys,

There's so many cogs and wheels
and pulleys,

and it's...
It's like a living computer.

and it's...
It's like a living computer.

and it's...
It's like a living computer.

Really?

Really?

'That's astonishing.

'That's astonishing.

'It seems the clock was badly
damaged during World War II,

'It seems the clock was badly
damaged during World War II,

'but the first post-war repairs

'weren't true
to the medieval original.

'weren't true
to the medieval original.

'Peter and his wife
put right the problems

'Peter and his wife
put right the problems

'with their own restoration.'

What do you love
about looking after the clock?

What do you love
about looking after the clock?

I love it just when you see
a little dial turn,

I love it just when you see
a little dial turn,

and another wheel turns,
and a little thing spins around.

and another wheel turns,
and a little thing spins around.

I think it's a beautiful thing.

I'm just...
slightly mesmerised by it

I'm just...
slightly mesmerised by it

and the fact that
it just sits there doing nothing

and the fact that
it just sits there doing nothing

and then suddenly
does something like this.

and then suddenly
does something like this.

CLUNKS

'I can't resist it.
I want to set it going.'

'I can't resist it.
I want to set it going.'

May I start it
to run the figures in it?Yes.

May I start it
to run the figures in it?Yes.

Are you sure?
Yes.

So, this handle?
Yes.

So, this handle?
Yes.

MECHANICAL CLANGING

MECHANICAL CLANGING

Look at it! Oh, my gosh.

Look at it! Oh, my gosh.

I can see through the ceiling,
the figurines are going out.

I can see through the ceiling,
the figurines are going out.

They shouldn't be because we're not
on the correct part of the hour.

They shouldn't be because we're not
on the correct part of the hour.

This machine has just suddenly
sprung to life.

This machine has just suddenly
sprung to life.

Look at that.
Just of its own accord.

Look at that.
Just of its own accord.

Hoo-hoo-hoo!

I cannot believe
Peter let me do that,

fire off the clock
at the wrong time of day.

fire off the clock
at the wrong time of day.

Oh, that's magnificent.
Anyway, I've got a train to catch.

Oh, that's magnificent.
Anyway, I've got a train to catch.

Praha Hlavni Nadrazi.

Praha Hlavni Nadrazi.

Beautiful lyrical language,
isn't it?

It actually just means
"Central Railway Station".

It actually just means
"Central Railway Station".

Isn't it a beautiful building,
though?

Prague's like that,
beautiful everywhere.

Prague's like that,
beautiful everywhere.

'Prague is famous
for its mix of architectural styles,

'Prague is famous
for its mix of architectural styles,

'reflecting a long, complex history.

'reflecting a long, complex history.

'From the Gothic Church
of Our Lady Before Tyn,

'From the Gothic Church
of Our Lady Before Tyn,

'via more baroque
than you could shake a stick at,

'via more baroque
than you could shake a stick at,

'to the extraordinary Dancing House
built in 1996,

'to the extraordinary Dancing House
built in 1996,

'there can't be many styles
not represented here.'

'there can't be many styles
not represented here.'

PIANO PLAYS

That sounds familiar.

Piano in the station,

and what you're hearing is Dvorak,
who was a Czech composer,

and what you're hearing is Dvorak,
who was a Czech composer,

and what you're hearing is Dvorak,
who was a Czech composer,

1840-something
to 1900-something,

1840-something
to 1900-something,

1840-something
to 1900-something,

very famous Czech composer,
and this is New World Symphony.

very famous Czech composer,
and this is New World Symphony.

You and I will recognise it
from a brown bread advert

You and I will recognise it
from a brown bread advert

a few years back.

a few years back.

But I know the man who's playing it,
so come and say hello.

But I know the man who's playing it,
so come and say hello.

David Beveridge
is an American music historian

David Beveridge
is an American music historian

who came to Prague to study Dvorak
30 years ago and never left.

who came to Prague to study Dvorak
30 years ago and never left.

who came to Prague to study Dvorak
30 years ago and never left.

David, can I interrupt you
for a second? Lovely to see you.

David, can I interrupt you
for a second? Lovely to see you.

Ah, it's nice to see you.

Lovely to hear that in a sort of
railway station setting.

Lovely to hear that in a sort of
railway station setting.

It's the right place
for a piece by Dvorak.

Why is that?
Well, Dvorak was a great fan

Why is that?
Well, Dvorak was a great fan

of railroads - railroads
and especially locomotives.

of railroads - railroads
and especially locomotives.

So it was a lifelong passion
for him.

Do you think anything he ever wrote
was inspired by that?

Do you think anything he ever wrote
was inspired by that?

Well, some people say that one of
his most famous melodies

Well, some people say that one of
his most famous melodies

was inspired in its rhythm by

was inspired in its rhythm by

the clackety-clackety-clack
of the railroad,

the clackety-clackety-clack
of the railroad,

one of his humoresques.

one of his humoresques.

HE PLAYS
HUMORESQUE NO. 7

HE PLAYS
HUMORESQUE NO. 7

You can kind of hear it, can't you?

Chickety-chickety-chickety,
chickety-chickety-chickety,

Chickety-chickety-chickety,
chickety-chickety-chickety,

Hear that clickety-clickety-clack.

Hear that clickety-clickety-clack.

Yeah, do you think
there's any truth in it?

Yeah, do you think
there's any truth in it?

We don't have any statement
from Dvorak to that effect,

We don't have any statement
from Dvorak to that effect,

but we can imagine.

'There was once a train named the
Antonin Dvorak after the composer.

'There was once a train named the
Antonin Dvorak after the composer.

'There was once a train named the
Antonin Dvorak after the composer.

'Sad to say, it's no longer running.

'Sad to say, it's no longer running.

'Some good news, though,
David is heading the same way as me

'Some good news, though,
David is heading the same way as me

'and catching my train.

'and catching my train.

'From Prague,

'my journey will take me
south eastwards across the border

'my journey will take me
south eastwards across the border

'into Slovakia and on to Bratislava.

'into Slovakia and on to Bratislava.

'From there, it's another train
into Hungary to reach Budapest.

'From there, it's another train
into Hungary to reach Budapest.

'David and I have settled
into our carriage.'

'David and I have settled
into our carriage.'

Now that we're actually on a train,
you can't hear the clickety-clack

Now that we're actually on a train,
you can't hear the clickety-clack

cos it's one of those modern trains
where you don't hear.

cos it's one of those modern trains
where you don't hear.

Yes, we need
one of those old-fashioned ones.

Yes, we need
one of those old-fashioned ones.

Chi-chick, chi-chick.
Yeah.

Then we could play that piece
of music to it, couldn't we?Yeah.

Then we could play that piece
of music to it, couldn't we?Yeah.

'Later, there's more music
to my ears...'

'Later, there's more music
to my ears...'

TRAIN HORN BLARES

TRAIN HORN BLARES

Here a second.
HORN SOUNDS

Well, that's a better one, isn't it?
Yeah, that's much better.

Well, that's a better one, isn't it?
Yeah, that's much better.

'..followed by fear
like I've never known it.'

'..followed by fear
like I've never known it.'

WOMAN:Don't look down.

My mouth is dry.
My knees are shaking.

My mouth is dry.
My knees are shaking.

Oh! I looked down.

NICK: 'With the great composer's
music still ringing in my ears,

NICK: 'With the great composer's
music still ringing in my ears,

'I'm travelling from Prague to
Bratislava with Dvorak expert David.

'I'm travelling from Prague to
Bratislava with Dvorak expert David.

'I'm travelling from Prague to
Bratislava with Dvorak expert David.

'He's been telling me
what a fan of railways

'He's been telling me
what a fan of railways

'the brilliant Bohemian was.'

'the brilliant Bohemian was.'

Where do you think that Dvorak's
love of trains came from?

Where do you think that Dvorak's
love of trains came from?

Where do you think that Dvorak's
love of trains came from?

We suspect that he began to be
interested in trains as a child

We suspect that he began to be
interested in trains as a child

We suspect that he began to be
interested in trains as a child

because in the village
where he lived at that time,

because in the village
where he lived at that time,

they constructed the first
railway line from Prague to Dresden.

they constructed the first
railway line from Prague to Dresden.

they constructed the first
railway line from Prague to Dresden.

It really turned the whole life
of the village upside down.

It really turned the whole life
of the village upside down.

How much of a trainspotter was he?

Well, he was a big trainspotter,

I think
he went to the station in Prague

almost every day
to see the trains coming and going,

almost every day
to see the trains coming and going,

inspect the latest locomotives.

inspect the latest locomotives.

He was teaching composition
at the Conservatory in Prague

He was teaching composition
at the Conservatory in Prague

and went on a long walk
with one of his pupils,

and went on a long walk
with one of his pupils,

who recorded everything
that Dvorak said,

who recorded everything
that Dvorak said,

and they saw a train,
and Dvorak commented on it.

and they saw a train,
and Dvorak commented on it.

"You know,
I would give up all my symphonies

"You know,
I would give up all my symphonies

"if I could've invented
the locomotive."

"if I could've invented
the locomotive."

That's a statement, isn't it?
Yeah.

That's a statement, isn't it?
Yeah.

There are a lot of things
that Dvorak allegedly said

There are a lot of things
that Dvorak allegedly said

that are not very well documented,
but this is pretty well documented.

that are not very well documented,
but this is pretty well documented.

It's really lovely to meet you.

It's really lovely to meet you.

Yes, it was my pleasure.
Thanks for coming.

Nice to meet you, too, Nick.

'The Czech railway network
boasts 7,000 bridges

'The Czech railway network
boasts 7,000 bridges

'and more than 160 tunnels.

'and more than 160 tunnels.

'This train takes about four hours
from Prague to Bratislava,

'This train takes about four hours
from Prague to Bratislava,

'plenty of time to explore.'

I always love it
when they have a picture window

at the back of the train

so that you can see the track
running away from you.

so that you can see the track
running away from you.

I wanna show you the train,
so come with me cos amazingly,

I wanna show you the train,
so come with me cos amazingly,

there are five different classes
of travel.

there are five different classes
of travel.

Come through this way. Here we go.

Come through this way. Here we go.

So, these are the carriages

where it's the most economic way
to travel.

where it's the most economic way
to travel.

So, we're just stepping up one class
where you've got open seating.

So, we're just stepping up one class
where you've got open seating.

And as you can see,
there are screens in the head rests

And as you can see,
there are screens in the head rests

to watch movies, do computer work
and so on and so forth.

to watch movies, do computer work
and so on and so forth.

But it feels a lot posher already,
doesn't it?

But it feels a lot posher already,
doesn't it?

So, this is standard class.

So, this is standard class.

Have a little look in
in one of the carriages here,

Have a little look in
in one of the carriages here,

you can see
that there are six seats.

This, I particularly like.

It's a family room.
Isn't that brilliant?

It's a family room.
Isn't that brilliant?

So you get a bit more space
for the kids to play around

So you get a bit more space
for the kids to play around

and to put your pushchairs,
all of that. Thank you.

and to put your pushchairs,
all of that. Thank you.

It's a very busy kitchen, obviously,

cos they're looking after everybody
all over the place.

cos they're looking after everybody
all over the place.

Come through.
We haven't finished yet.

Come through.
We haven't finished yet.

Heading into business class,
open seating.

Heading into business class,
open seating.

Much quieter, isn't it?

Much quieter, isn't it?

I literally think they've actually
got better soundproofing in here,

I literally think they've actually
got better soundproofing in here,

so it feels like a smoother ride.

so it feels like a smoother ride.

Now, when you go business,
even if you're only going one stop,

Now, when you go business,
even if you're only going one stop,

you get a glass of Champagne
or some fruit juice,

you get a glass of Champagne
or some fruit juice,

and then you pretty much get
to the engine at the front.

and then you pretty much get
to the engine at the front.

So, five different classes
plus a family room

So, five different classes
plus a family room

So, five different classes
plus a family room

and five different levels
of service.

and five different levels
of service.

I don't think I've ever seen that
on a train ever before.

I don't think I've ever seen that
on a train ever before.

Of course, there's one place
that's in a class of its own,

Of course, there's one place
that's in a class of its own,

the driver's cab,
and I've been invited in.

the driver's cab,
and I've been invited in.

So, do you have the best job
in the world?

So, do you have the best job
in the world?

So, do you have the best job
in the world?

Yeah.
Yeah?

It's the best job.

Looking over the driver's shoulder,

Looking over the driver's shoulder,

getting the best view
of this beautiful countryside,

getting the best view
of this beautiful countryside,

I feel a little bit special.

I feel a little bit special.

Can I do the horn?

HORN BLOWS

Here is second.
DIFFERENT HORN BLOWS

Here is second.
DIFFERENT HORN BLOWS

That's a better one, isn't it?
Yeah, that's a much better.

That's a better one, isn't it?
Yeah, that's a much better.

Back in my compartment,
the classic offering

Back in my compartment,
the classic offering

for the at-seat service
is beer and cake.

for the at-seat service
is beer and cake.

All right.
That is your poppy seed cake.

Ah, yeah. Lovely.

Ah, yeah. Lovely.

Thank you very much.

Glass for a beer.
Glass for a beer.

Glass for a beer.
Glass for a beer.

Thank you.
Enjoy.

See, that's nice and easy, isn't it?

See, that's nice and easy, isn't it?

Now, poppy seed cake first cos
that is a sort of local delicacy.

Now, poppy seed cake first cos
that is a sort of local delicacy.

Now, poppy seed cake first cos
that is a sort of local delicacy.

Let's have a little bit of this.

Oh, that's very unusual.

Oh, that's very unusual.

That literally is a filling
of poppy seeds and sugar.

That literally is a filling
of poppy seeds and sugar.

Did you know the Czechs drink
more beer than any other nation?

Did you know the Czechs drink
more beer than any other nation?

Did you know the Czechs drink
more beer than any other nation?

'That's per person, of course.

'And they're very proud
of their beer.

'In the 1830s, beer quality
was so bad in one city

'In the 1830s, beer quality
was so bad in one city

'that 36 barrels were tipped away,
prompting a new approach to brewing.

'that 36 barrels were tipped away,
prompting a new approach to brewing.

'that 36 barrels were tipped away,
prompting a new approach to brewing.

'The city was Pilsen,

'and the resulting beer
was Pilsner.'

'and the resulting beer
was Pilsner.'

What a way to see the countryside,

with a proper Czech pilsner
and a piece of cake...

with a proper Czech pilsner
and a piece of cake...

..to see the country go by.

'The Morava River
marks the Czech-Slovak border,

'The Morava River
marks the Czech-Slovak border,

'and from here,
it's only a short hop down

'and from here,
it's only a short hop down

'to the second of my three cities.

'to the second of my three cities.

So, here we are,
Bratislava, Slovakia.

So, here we are,
Bratislava, Slovakia.

'Next morning, my sightseeing begins
at the UFO Tower,

'Next morning, my sightseeing begins
at the UFO Tower,

'an icon of the Bratislava skyline
built during the Communist era.'

'an icon of the Bratislava skyline
built during the Communist era.'

'an icon of the Bratislava skyline
built during the Communist era.'

What an amazing view of the city.

What an amazing view of the city.

And somewhere you can actually
have lunch and dinner, too.

And somewhere you can actually
have lunch and dinner, too.

Of course, there are many of these
around the world

Of course, there are many of these
around the world

where you can sit up
and look at the city

where you can sit up
and look at the city

from a high vantage point.
HE LAUGHS

But there's not many
where you can do that.

But there's not many
where you can do that.

You can actually go outside
and walk around.

You can actually go outside
and walk around.

'This is nervous laughter,
by the way.

'This is nervous laughter,
by the way.

'For me,
the walk is no laughing matter.

'For me,
the walk is no laughing matter.

'I have an extreme fear of heights.

'I have an extreme fear of heights.

'And no amount of safety gear
is going to make me feel better

'And no amount of safety gear
is going to make me feel better

'about a drop of nearly 300ft.'

'about a drop of nearly 300ft.'

Already at the moment,
my knees are hurting,

Already at the moment,
my knees are hurting,

my stomach is churning,

my stomach is churning,

my heart is beating fast,
and I'm sweating.

my heart is beating fast,
and I'm sweating.

'But I've set myself a challenge,
so I'm gritting my teeth.'

'But I've set myself a challenge,
so I'm gritting my teeth.'

'But I've set myself a challenge,
so I'm gritting my teeth.'

This is a difficult thing because
the director and the programme

This is a difficult thing because
the director and the programme

have actually made it very clear
that I don't have to do this.

have actually made it very clear
that I don't have to do this.

But it comes down to this, really.

It's like you've got to...

It's like you've got to...

You've got to conquer your fears,
haven't you?

You've got to conquer your fears,
haven't you?

Honestly, honestly, I'm actually...
I feel like crying at the moment,

Honestly, honestly, I'm actually...
I feel like crying at the moment,

but at the same time,
I know how angry I'd be with myself

but at the same time,
I know how angry I'd be with myself

if I walked away, so...

OK?

HE EXHALES

WOMAN:Don't worry.
I will try my best to comfort you.

WOMAN:Don't worry.
I will try my best to comfort you.

Just walk slowly, slowly.

Just walk slowly, slowly.

Oh, geez.

How do you feel?
Terrible.

How do you feel?
Terrible.

Don't think about the height.

This is the toughest thing
I've ever done.

This is the toughest thing
I've ever done.

My mouth is dry, my knees...
My knees are shaking.

My mouth is dry, my knees...
My knees are shaking.

Don't look down.

Oh, I looked down.
OK, let's keep going.

Oh, I looked down.
OK, let's keep going.

My breathing is getting better.

My breathing is getting better.

OK. OK.
My breathing is getting better.

OK. OK.
My breathing is getting better.

And I have to say,
the view out here is spectacular.

And I have to say,
the view out here is spectacular.

I'm not sure how much better it is
than inside the glass

I'm not sure how much better it is
than inside the glass

where you can feel safe
and have a cocktail.

where you can feel safe
and have a cocktail.

So, what do you reckon?
Would you do this?

So, what do you reckon?
Would you do this?

Do you know?
The weird thing is as well,

the glass on this, I don't think
you can see, angles out.

the glass on this, I don't think
you can see, angles out.

So the ledge that you're on looks
like it's about a foot and a half,

So the ledge that you're on looks
like it's about a foot and a half,

but the bit you can actually use
is about eight inches.

but the bit you can actually use
is about eight inches.

OK, I'm gonna do
one last thing before I finish.

OK, I'm gonna do
one last thing before I finish.

I'm gonna look down...OK.
..which I've been trying not to do.

I'm gonna look down...OK.
..which I've been trying not to do.

I've been looking out and looking
at the view, but here we go.

I've been looking out and looking
at the view, but here we go.

Oh, BLEEP.

Oh, BLEEP.

Geez.

Yeah, don't do that.

Yeah, don't do that.

HE GROANS
Thank you very much.

HE GROANS
Thank you very much.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

How do you feel?
I'm not sure yet.

How do you feel?
I'm not sure yet.

I don't think I've ever done
anything that hard, in terms of...

I don't think I've ever done
anything that hard, in terms of...

..conquering fear or anything.

..conquering fear or anything.

I'm glad I did it, and I'd like
to be joyous at this stage

I'm glad I did it, and I'd like
to be joyous at this stage

because I've conquered it but...

..not at the moment.

'I covered nearly 200ft
doing the circuit,

'I covered nearly 200ft
doing the circuit,

'which definitely earns a drink.

'Should've gone for a whisky, huh?'

'Should've gone for a whisky, huh?'

I've recovered a little bit now,
which is good,

I've recovered a little bit now,
which is good,

and I am proud that I did it.

And I don't mind the fact
that you saw me in such a state

And I don't mind the fact
that you saw me in such a state

because I think it's important
to understand the level...

because I think it's important
to understand the level...

of... that I had to conquer,
for want of a better expression.

of... that I had to conquer,
for want of a better expression.

You know, I was...

My head was swimming,
my knees were shaking,

my stomach was sick, I was...
Sheer terror.

my stomach was sick, I was...
Sheer terror.

But you can't let fear
rule your world.

But you can't let fear
rule your world.

Not gonna do it again, though.

'The rest of my time
in the Slovak capital

'The rest of my time
in the Slovak capital

'involves a lot less adrenaline.

'involves a lot less adrenaline.

'I'm here on a special day -

'the ending of the 500km
of Slovakia Race,

'the ending of the 500km
of Slovakia Race,

'which was first run in 1937.

'Nearly 100 vintage and classic cars
are loaded onto a special train

'Nearly 100 vintage and classic cars
are loaded onto a special train

'Nearly 100 vintage and classic cars
are loaded onto a special train

'which takes them to the starting
point near the Ukrainian border

'which takes them to the starting
point near the Ukrainian border

'so they can race back
to the capital.

'I'm lucky enough to be in town
to see their triumphant return.

'I'm lucky enough to be in town
to see their triumphant return.

'I'm lucky enough to be in town
to see their triumphant return.

'If you're a fan of sleek lines
and polished chrome,

'If you're a fan of sleek lines
and polished chrome,

'this is the place to be.'

'this is the place to be.'

It's a Skoda.

These beautiful cars are Tatras.

These beautiful cars are Tatras.

These beautiful cars are Tatras.

Aren't they stunning?

Probably one of my favourite designs
in vintage cars.

Probably one of my favourite designs
in vintage cars.

They've been making cars
in this part of the world

They've been making cars
in this part of the world

since the late 1800s,
and I don't know whether you know,

since the late 1800s,
and I don't know whether you know,

but Slovakia produces more cars
per capita than any other nation,

but Slovakia produces more cars
per capita than any other nation,

but Slovakia produces more cars
per capita than any other nation,

a million cars a year.

a million cars a year.

And they have a great heritage, too.
This is a real treat for me.

And they have a great heritage, too.
This is a real treat for me.

I keep coming to cities
that I don't want to leave,

I keep coming to cities
that I don't want to leave,

but I have to.

I have to catch a train
in the morning.

'The next part of my journey
will whisk me into Hungary...'

'The next part of my journey
will whisk me into Hungary...'

Can I learn to dance?

'..but the dance moves I need
come from Germany.'

'..but the dance moves I need
come from Germany.'

WOMAN:Left. Right.

WOMAN:Left. Right.

'And I fulfil
a childhood ambition...'

'And I fulfil
a childhood ambition...'

I'm going to move a turntable.
Here it goes.

I'm going to move a turntable.
Here it goes.

'..shifting 147 tonnes
of steam engine.'

'..shifting 147 tonnes
of steam engine.'

'..shifting 147 tonnes
of steam engine.'

NICK: 'The third capital city

'of my Eastern European journey
beckons.'

'of my Eastern European journey
beckons.'

Morning. What a lovely day.

Morning. What a lovely day.

I'm on my way to Budapest.

I'm on my way to Budapest.

'From Bratislava,
my train this morning

'From Bratislava,
my train this morning

'heads through southern Slovakia,

'heads through southern Slovakia,

'then crosses the Hungarian border,
stopping at Vac,

'then crosses the Hungarian border,
stopping at Vac,

'on the way to the city once known
as the Queen of the Danube.

'on the way to the city once known
as the Queen of the Danube.

'on the way to the city once known
as the Queen of the Danube.

'In Budapest, there will be one
extra special journey,

'In Budapest, there will be one
extra special journey,

'just seven miles long.

'just seven miles long.

'It's nearly 100 miles
to my next stop,

'It's nearly 100 miles
to my next stop,

'so I'm passing the time
with a brain teaser,

'so I'm passing the time
with a brain teaser,

'and it's a tough one.

'It was a huge hit for Hungarian
professor and inventor Erno Rubik.'

'It was a huge hit for Hungarian
professor and inventor Erno Rubik.'

'It was a huge hit for Hungarian
professor and inventor Erno Rubik.'

'It was a huge hit for Hungarian
professor and inventor Erno Rubik.'

Possibly the most annoying toy
in history.

Possibly the most annoying toy
in history.

LAUGHS

But I couldn't do it as a child,

But I couldn't do it as a child,

and I think I'm reasonably bright,
but I couldn't do it.

and I think I'm reasonably bright,
but I couldn't do it.

I've done one side,
and then I did the red side earlier.

I've done one side,
and then I did the red side earlier.

But, you know, kind of handy thing
to take on a train with you

But, you know, kind of handy thing
to take on a train with you

cos hours and hours
of either fun or annoyance,

cos hours and hours
of either fun or annoyance,

cos hours and hours
of either fun or annoyance,

depending on how your brain works.

'After crossing the border
into Hungary,

'After crossing the border
into Hungary,

'the track hugs the River Danube
quite closely

'the track hugs the River Danube
quite closely

'most of the way to Budapest.

'most of the way to Budapest.

'It's a giant of a river
at 1,770 miles long.'

'It's a giant of a river
at 1,770 miles long.'

'It's a giant of a river
at 1,770 miles long.'

Its river basin
is home to 79 million people

Its river basin
is home to 79 million people

Its river basin
is home to 79 million people

and covers 19 different countries,

and covers 19 different countries,

runs all the way
from the Black Forest in the north,

runs all the way
from the Black Forest in the north,

all the way to the Black Sea
in the south.

So, this is Vac,

which is home to an ethnic group
called the Danube Swabians.

which is home to an ethnic group
called the Danube Swabians.

which is home to an ethnic group
called the Danube Swabians.

I'm going to go off and meet some.

'The ancestors
of this small community

'The ancestors
of this small community

'were mostly from Swabia
in southwest Germany.

'were mostly from Swabia
in southwest Germany.

'In the 1700s, many emigrated
to Central and Eastern Europe

'In the 1700s, many emigrated
to Central and Eastern Europe

'and especially
to the Danube Basin.'

'and especially
to the Danube Basin.'

TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS

You hear the music?
That must be them.

You hear the music?
That must be them.

'The turmoil of two world wars
has left the community

'The turmoil of two world wars
has left the community

'at around 200,000 people,
far smaller than at its peak.

'at around 200,000 people,
far smaller than at its peak.

'at around 200,000 people,
far smaller than at its peak.

'They're doing all they can

'to preserve their blended
Swabian-Hungarian heritage

'to preserve their blended
Swabian-Hungarian heritage

'and meet up
for traditional dancing.'

'and meet up
for traditional dancing.'

That's very good. That's great.
I really enjoyed that.

That's very good. That's great.
I really enjoyed that.

Me too.
Can I learn to dance?

Me too.
Can I learn to dance?

Yes.

Well, let's try...

Can I try it?
Oh, you're gonna teach me? Lovely.

Can I try it?
Oh, you're gonna teach me? Lovely.

OK.
OK.

Left.

Right.
Oh, I see.

Left, right, left.

Left, right, left.

Very good.
Right. Well, let's get some music.

Very good.
Right. Well, let's get some music.

Can we do some music?
Music?

Can we do some music?
Music?

MUSIC PLAYS

MUSIC PLAYS

Not bad.

It's the whole family... and babies.

It's the whole family... and babies.

Yeah.
THEY LAUGH

No, my family's not...
But my family are dancers.

No, my family's not...
But my family are dancers.

Oh, I see. I see.

Oh, I see. I see.

'My dance partner
is a local community leader

'My dance partner
is a local community leader

'by the name of Ildiko Linka.'

'by the name of Ildiko Linka.'

So, in your heart,
are you Hungarian, German, Swabian.

So, in your heart,
are you Hungarian, German, Swabian.

So, in your heart,
are you Hungarian, German, Swabian.

I born in Hungarian in Budapest.

I born in Hungarian in Budapest.

I born in Hungarian in Budapest.

My heart first Hungarian.

My heart first Hungarian.

My second heart is Schwabisch.

My second heart is Schwabisch.

Your third heart...
Third...

Your third heart...
Third...

THEY LAUGH
It's German.

THEY LAUGH
It's German.

So, do the young people do this,
too,

So, do the young people do this,
too,

or do the young people not...
not interested?

or do the young people not...
not interested?

The young people
go in the summer school,

The young people
go in the summer school,

and they learn German,
and they learn dance.

and they learn German,
and they learn dance.

and they learn German,
and they learn dance.

And the Schwabisch school, too.
OK.

And the Schwabisch school, too.
OK.

So, do you think that you'll be able
to keep the traditions alive?

So, do you think that you'll be able
to keep the traditions alive?

I hope.
Yeah.

I hope.
Yeah.

Isn't it funny
how these pockets of migrated people

Isn't it funny
how these pockets of migrated people

managed to hang on to their heritage
for hundreds of years?

managed to hang on to their heritage
for hundreds of years?

managed to hang on to their heritage
for hundreds of years?

Long may it last.

HE SINGS TO HIMSELF

HE SINGS TO HIMSELF

'My next stop is
all about preserving heritage, too,

'My next stop is
all about preserving heritage, too,

'but this time, railway heritage.'

'but this time, railway heritage.'

I've come to visit
the Hungarian Train Museum.

I've come to visit
the Hungarian Train Museum.

As you're about to see,
it's vast and full of amazing stuff.

As you're about to see,
it's vast and full of amazing stuff.

'It's home
to over 100 railway rarities,

'It's home
to over 100 railway rarities,

'among them a teakwood dining car
built in 1912,

'among them a teakwood dining car
built in 1912,

'which once formed part
of the Orient Express.'

'which once formed part
of the Orient Express.'

And look at the trains, look,
oldest one over there, 1882.

And look at the trains, look,
oldest one over there, 1882.

And look at the trains, look,
oldest one over there, 1882.

And then, in order of age,
going round.

And then, in order of age,
going round.

They're all stunning

until you get to the one
with the star, which is 1958.

until you get to the one
with the star, which is 1958.

'This 424 class was one
of over 500 built

'This 424 class was one
of over 500 built

'by the MAVAG works in Budapest.

'by the MAVAG works in Budapest.

'Used for passenger services
and heavy freight,

'Used for passenger services
and heavy freight,

'they were nicknamed "Buffalo".'

It's a trainspotter's paradise.

And this isn't even the bit
that I've come to see.

And this isn't even the bit
that I've come to see.

This is interesting.

Have you heard the expression
"wheeltappers and shunters"?

Have you heard the expression
"wheeltappers and shunters"?

The wheeltappers were the people
that went along in the shunting yard

The wheeltappers were the people
that went along in the shunting yard

to check there weren't any cracks
in the wheels.

to check there weren't any cracks
in the wheels.

If you listen to this,
this is an OK wheel.

MUSICAL DING

Lovely ring.
This is one with a crack in it.

DULL THUD
Dead.

That's how you tell the difference.

Quick way to check
if the wheels are OK.

To be fair, this has got
a very big crack in it.

To be fair, this has got
a very big crack in it.

'When you come to a railway museum,
you don't expect cars.

'When you come to a railway museum,
you don't expect cars.

'But as I said,
there are some real rarities here.'

'But as I said,
there are some real rarities here.'

Now, this may look like a gimmick

that's been put together
for the museum, but in actual fact,

that's been put together
for the museum, but in actual fact,

it was a car
that was used on the railway

it was a car
that was used on the railway

during the Soviet era.

'Russian Chaika luxury cars
were used

'Russian Chaika luxury cars
were used

'by Hungary's
top communist officials.

'by Hungary's
top communist officials.

'In 1968, this one was retired,
then acquired by Hungarian Railways.

'In 1968, this one was retired,
then acquired by Hungarian Railways.

'In 1968, this one was retired,
then acquired by Hungarian Railways.

'They converted it to run on rails

'as a nippy form of transport
for their staff.'

'as a nippy form of transport
for their staff.'

You don't see many of those, do you?

'The most striking feature
of the museum

'The most striking feature
of the museum

'is this roundhouse,
built in 1911 with 34 bays.

'is this roundhouse,
built in 1911 with 34 bays.

'is this roundhouse,
built in 1911 with 34 bays.

'They're all linked by a turntable,

'one of the largest in the world
that still works.

'one of the largest in the world
that still works.

'It's where I'm meeting the manager,
Norbert Schved.'

'It's where I'm meeting the manager,
Norbert Schved.'

Norbert, nice to meet you.
Norbert, nice to meet you.

Norbert, nice to meet you.
Norbert, nice to meet you.

You're in charge
of this whole place?

I am, indeed, yes.

So, how many trains
do you have here?

How many steam engines, for example?

How many steam engines, for example?

We have over 20.

Four of them is actually operating,
one of them here.

Four of them is actually operating,
one of them here.

We have a lot of carriages.
The oldest one was from 1868.

We have a lot of carriages.
The oldest one was from 1868.

It still operates,
but it has wooden brakes,

It still operates,
but it has wooden brakes,

so I wouldn't really be happy
to try it.

so I wouldn't really be happy
to try it.

There are
so many amazing things to see,

There are
so many amazing things to see,

but this turntable is the thing.

but this turntable is the thing.

To operate a train turntable once in
my life would be an amazing thing.

To operate a train turntable once in
my life would be an amazing thing.

But this one operates?

It does, and this is the time
to operate it by yourself.

It does, and this is the time
to operate it by yourself.

Really?
You can do it now.

Can we go and...?
Of course. Wow!

Can we go and...?
Of course. Wow!

'Norbert's entrusting me
with a piece of kit

'Norbert's entrusting me
with a piece of kit

'26 metres long and capable
of shifting nearly 180 tonnes.'

'26 metres long and capable
of shifting nearly 180 tonnes.'

'26 metres long and capable
of shifting nearly 180 tonnes.'

Wow, so its electric motor
drives it.

Wow, so its electric motor
drives it.

What's the...? Which handle
do I press to make it go?

What's the...? Which handle
do I press to make it go?

That one.
This one?Yes.

And it's all ready to go, is it?
Yes, it's ready to go.

And it's all ready to go, is it?
Yes, it's ready to go.

I'm gonna move a turntable.
Here it goes.

That's amazing!

And you can see why it's built.

And you can see why it's built.

The easiest way
to put the different engines in

The easiest way
to put the different engines in

The easiest way
to put the different engines in

for servicing in a small area
was to have a turntable.

for servicing in a small area
was to have a turntable.

'That's because steam trains are
less manoeuvrable in reverse gear.

'That's because steam trains are
less manoeuvrable in reverse gear.

'But with a turntable, you could
easily turn the engine around.

'But with a turntable, you could
easily turn the engine around.

'Later, diesel trains were designed

'Later, diesel trains were designed

'to move forwards and backwards
with equal ease,

'to move forwards and backwards
with equal ease,

'so turntables lost their purpose.'

'so turntables lost their purpose.'

This is fabulous!

Great. Very good.

Great. Very good.

That was amazing!
I just moved an entire steam engine.

That was amazing!
I just moved an entire steam engine.

It's 147 tonnes.
147 tonnes.

It's 147 tonnes.
147 tonnes.

That was the easiest thing
in the world.

It's amazing this electric motor
can turn something so huge.

It's amazing this electric motor
can turn something so huge.

Oh, that's... That's...
That's a joy for me.

Oh, that's... That's...
That's a joy for me.

You must love steam trains yourself
to do this.

You must love steam trains yourself
to do this.

We do, all the team. I mean,
that's what we're all here for.

We do, all the team. I mean,
that's what we're all here for.

Oh, that's a dream come true for me.

And I think I will be the envy
of so many people back in the UK.

And I think I will be the envy
of so many people back in the UK.

It's...

It's an amazing experience.

I've completely failed
to line up the tracks.

I've completely failed
to line up the tracks.

NICK LAUGHS

Well, a little bit of practice.
Yeah.

Well, a little bit of practice.
Yeah.

Happily, it's a completely
competent driver

Happily, it's a completely
competent driver

who gets me
to my final destination -

who gets me
to my final destination -

the capital of Hungary.

So, this is Budapest.

The end of this journey,
but not the end of my adventure.

The end of this journey,
but not the end of my adventure.

'Later, there's a Danube cruise...'

'Later, there's a Danube cruise...'

Hungarian is the
third-hardest language

to learn in the entire world.

to learn in the entire world.

'..and a linguistic challenge
with two Budapest celebrities...'

'..and a linguistic challenge
with two Budapest celebrities...'

Egeszsegedre.

Aga...?
Egeszsegedre.

'..and I'll be at a railway
where old trains

'..and I'll be at a railway
where old trains

'combine with a very young staff.'

'combine with a very young staff.'

This one OK?
OK.

This one OK?
OK.

Thank you very much.

NICK: 'I've reached
the third capital city

NICK: 'I've reached
the third capital city

'in my Eastern European odyssey.'

'in my Eastern European odyssey.'

This is Budapest,
two cities until 1873.

This is Budapest,
two cities until 1873.

This side is Buda,
very old, very ancient.

This side is Buda,
very old, very ancient.

This side is Pest, very young,
only been around since 1500.

This side is Pest, very young,
only been around since 1500.

This side is Pest, very young,
only been around since 1500.

Can't wait to get down and see it.

'In fact, the early history
of both cities

'In fact, the early history
of both cities

'reaches back as far as Roman times.

'reaches back as far as Roman times.

'Their growth was due
to the importance

'of the crossing points
over the River Danube.'

'of the crossing points
over the River Danube.'

This is the famous Liberty Bridge,

opened by Emperor Franz Joseph
in 1896.

opened by Emperor Franz Joseph
in 1896.

opened by Emperor Franz Joseph
in 1896.

The two eagle-y things
you see on the top are "turuls".

The two eagle-y things
you see on the top are "turuls".

They're a mythical beast that appear
on the coat of arms for Hungary.

They're a mythical beast that appear
on the coat of arms for Hungary.

'History is everywhere you turn
in this part of Europe,

'History is everywhere you turn
in this part of Europe,

'but I want to hear
from the younger generation.'

'but I want to hear
from the younger generation.'

Hello.
Oh, hi. Hi.

Hello.
Oh, hi. Hi.

Nini?
Yes.

Vanda?
Vanda.

I'm Nick.
Hi, Nick.

Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.

'Nini Molnar is a fashion designer,
and Vanda Schumacher is an actress,

'Nini Molnar is a fashion designer,
and Vanda Schumacher is an actress,

'Nini Molnar is a fashion designer,
and Vanda Schumacher is an actress,

'and both are reality TV stars.'

'and both are reality TV stars.'

You were in a programme,

I'm A Celebrity...
Get Me Out Of Here,

both of you?
Yeah. Yeah.

We were in Colombia.

Oh, is that right?
Yeah.

But also, you did...?

I did
The Desperate Housewives Of Hungary.

I did
The Desperate Housewives Of Hungary.

The funny part of it -
I've never been married.

The funny part of it -
I've never been married.

They just wanted me to spice up
things a little bit in the show.

They just wanted me to spice up
things a little bit in the show.

I have a brand, so I'm, like,
an independent, single woman.

I have a brand, so I'm, like,
an independent, single woman.

I have a brand, so I'm, like,
an independent, single woman.

So, how does Budapest compare

with places like Paris
and London and New York?

with places like Paris
and London and New York?

Obviously, it's much smaller.

I do think that it can compete

I do think that it can compete

in the architecture
and in the buildings.

in the architecture
and in the buildings.

And I think
in the last two, three years,

And I think
in the last two, three years,

it's, like, changed a lot.

So, I think maybe in the long term.

Obviously, we are behind,
and we had the communism,

Obviously, we are behind,
and we had the communism,

and we had so many problems,
the wars,

and we had so many problems,
the wars,

so we are a bit behind,
but trying to catch up.

so we are a bit behind,
but trying to catch up.

Aren't we?
Yeah.

It is a country
that's full of history,

It is a country
that's full of history,

but a lot of that history
is about war.

Do you think young people
are aware of it?

Do you think young people
are aware of it?

I think it depends
because most of the people just...

I think it depends
because most of the people just...

want to forget it and just move on.

want to forget it and just move on.

Obviously, we learned it,
and our parents lived it, let's say,

Obviously, we learned it,
and our parents lived it, let's say,

so I think it's embedded in us.

so I think it's embedded in us.

You inherit these insecurities,
so we can still feel it,

You inherit these insecurities,
so we can still feel it,

let's say, in our parents.

What is it
to be a person from Budapest?

What is it
to be a person from Budapest?

Is there an identity?
Or is it just to be Hungarian?

Is there an identity?
Or is it just to be Hungarian?

Haven't you heard that, like,

Hungarian is
the third-hardest language

to learn in the entire world?

to learn in the entire world?

So, can you guess which are
the first two hardest language

So, can you guess which are
the first two hardest language

before Hungarian?

Chinese?
Yeah.

One is Chinese, and the other,
it's Arabic, actually.

One is Chinese, and the other,
it's Arabic, actually.

Arabic?
Yeah, and then Hungarian.

Arabic?
Yeah, and then Hungarian.

So it's very difficult, and it's
not really related to anything.

So it's very difficult, and it's
not really related to anything.

I mean, they said that
it's related to Finnish, right?

I mean, they said that
it's related to Finnish, right?

Finnish, yes.

So we have Finnish roots, but there
is basically nothing in common.

So we have Finnish roots, but there
is basically nothing in common.

It just sounds similar.

I have to say,
I never really thought

about seeing it from the river,
but this is, I think,

about seeing it from the river,
but this is, I think,

one of the best ways
to see the city.

There's so much around you.

'We're passing
the Hungarian Parliament.

'We're passing
the Hungarian Parliament.

'The resemblance to our own
Houses of Parliament IS intentional

'The resemblance to our own
Houses of Parliament IS intentional

'because when building began here
in 1885,

'because when building began here
in 1885,

'Britain was seen
as a shining beacon of democracy.'

'Britain was seen
as a shining beacon of democracy.'

So, what is the future for Hungary,
do you think?

So, what is the future for Hungary,
do you think?

And Budapest?

I really hope
there's a bright future.

There are so many more tourists,
and they are all blown away by it.

There are so many more tourists,
and they are all blown away by it.

I mean, it's really a lovely city.

I mean, it's really a lovely city.

Yeah, it's been a beautiful city
for me to come and visit.

Yeah, it's been a beautiful city
for me to come and visit.

The scenery is amazing.
The city is so beautiful.

The scenery is amazing.
The city is so beautiful.

Thank you very much, and cheers.

Egeszsegedre. That's how
you say "cheers" in Hungary.

Egeszsegedre. That's how
you say "cheers" in Hungary.

Eh-guess-she-get-ah.
"Ge-dre".

Eh-guess-she-get-ah.
"Ge-dre".

"Ge-dre".
Exactly!

Egeszsegedre.

Egeszsegedre.
Egeszsegedre.

'I loved being on the water,
but up in the Buda Hills,

'I loved being on the water,
but up in the Buda Hills,

'there's an irresistible railway
just over seven miles long

'there's an irresistible railway
just over seven miles long

'still to visit.'

Hello. One ticket, please.

Thank you very much.

My last railway journey on this
adventure is a little bit special.

My last railway journey on this
adventure is a little bit special.

Well, in two ways.

First of all, it's a steam train,
and who doesn't love a steam train?

First of all, it's a steam train,
and who doesn't love a steam train?

'And secondly,
it's staffed by children.

'And secondly,
it's staffed by children.

'They work in almost all the roles
you'll find on a railway -

'They work in almost all the roles
you'll find on a railway -

'from conductor to switching points.

'from conductor to switching points.

'Adults supervise them
and drive the trains.

'Adults supervise them
and drive the trains.

'The railway started in 1950

'as part of the Young Pioneers,
the Communist Youth movement.

'as part of the Young Pioneers,
the Communist Youth movement.

'It was a way to encourage teamwork
and instil respect for labour.

'It was a way to encourage teamwork
and instil respect for labour.

'It was a way to encourage teamwork
and instil respect for labour.

'The communist ideology is gone,
but the sense of mission remains,

'The communist ideology is gone,
but the sense of mission remains,

'and it's an honour
to be selected as a volunteer.

'and it's an honour
to be selected as a volunteer.

'Tamas is one of the older ones.'

So, how old were you
when you started working here?

So, how old were you
when you started working here?

I was ten years old, and now I'm 17.
Wow.

I was ten years old, and now I'm 17.
Wow.

I was ten years old, and now I'm 17.
Wow.

This is the second family for me,
this railway.

This is the second family for me,
this railway.

And when I see a locomotive
in motion,

And when I see a locomotive
in motion,

this is just warms my heart.
Yeah.

this is just warms my heart.
Yeah.

And what do you think
that you gain from it?

I think the first thing
is a big, big community,

I think the first thing
is a big, big community,

I think the first thing
is a big, big community,

and the second is that
you will grow up so much faster.

and the second is that
you will grow up so much faster.

and the second is that
you will grow up so much faster.

This railway can show us, like,

This railway can show us, like,

ten-year-old childrens here
can do work.

ten-year-old childrens here
can do work.

If you give responsibility
to children

If you give responsibility
to children

If you give responsibility
to children

and you have a supervisor
who can lead them,

and you have a supervisor
who can lead them,

then they can do anything.

Do you still love it?
Yes.

Tamas has work to do,
and my ride awaits -

Tamas has work to do,
and my ride awaits -

a beauty built in Budapest
in 1942.

a beauty built in Budapest
in 1942.

This one OK?
OK.

Jo kirandulast kivanok.
Thank you very much.

Jo kirandulast kivanok.
Thank you very much.

'It may only be seven miles long,

'but this is the world's
longest railway run by children.

'but this is the world's
longest railway run by children.

'but this is the world's
longest railway run by children.

'The narrow gauge track
winds through the Buda Hills,

'The narrow gauge track
winds through the Buda Hills,

'with eight stations allowing
da-trippers to hop on and off.

'with eight stations allowing
da-trippers to hop on and off.

'And in case you're worried
about child labour,

'And in case you're worried
about child labour,

'the children
only do two shifts a month.

'the children
only do two shifts a month.

'To qualify as volunteers,
they must excel at school,

'To qualify as volunteers,
they must excel at school,

'train for four months,

'and pass the same test
as the adult railway workers.'

'and pass the same test
as the adult railway workers.'

No, no.
That's OK?

Souvenir? Buy souvenir?
Oh, buy a souvenir?

Souvenir? Buy souvenir?
Oh, buy a souvenir?

How much is this?
1,200.

How much is this?
1,200.

How much is this?
1,200.

OK.

Er, 1,000.

Thank you.
Thank you.

It's embarrassing
I can barely manage

It's embarrassing
I can barely manage

"thank you" in Hungarian,

yet these youngsters
speak English...

Csilleberce allomas kovetkezik.

Csilleberce allomas kovetkezik.

..on top of everything else.

THIS is what a train sounds like.

THIS is what a train sounds like.

TRAIN CHUGS

TRAIN CHUGS

And I know the story about Dvorak

And I know the story about Dvorak

writing a song in time to
a train shuffle might not be true.

writing a song in time to
a train shuffle might not be true.

writing a song in time to
a train shuffle might not be true.

I'm gonna go with it was cos
it's a wonderful rhythm, isn't it?

I'm gonna go with it was cos
it's a wonderful rhythm, isn't it?

What an amazing way to finish
this railway adventure by steam.

What an amazing way to finish
this railway adventure by steam.

What an amazing way to finish
this railway adventure by steam.

'So, I'm coming to the end
of my "Tale Of Three Cities".

'So, I'm coming to the end
of my "Tale Of Three Cities".

'I've enjoyed every moment,
with one huge exception.'

'I've enjoyed every moment,
with one huge exception.'

OK, I'm gonna look down.

OK, I'm gonna look down.

Here we go.

Oh, BLEEP. Geez.

Oh, BLEEP. Geez.

Yeah, don't do that.

'I wanted to see how
these three cities have moved on

'I wanted to see how
these three cities have moved on

'from 20th-century traumas

'and are surviving
in a more open Eastern Europe.

'and are surviving
in a more open Eastern Europe.

'In Prague, I was awed by
the restoration of a medieval gem.

'In Prague, I was awed by
the restoration of a medieval gem.

'In Prague, I was awed by
the restoration of a medieval gem.

'And in Budapest, how an amazing
railway is shaping young lives.'

'And in Budapest, how an amazing
railway is shaping young lives.'

'And in Budapest, how an amazing
railway is shaping young lives.'

If you give responsibility
to children,

If you give responsibility
to children,

then they can do anything.

And it's been an extraordinary trip,
if you think about it,

And it's been an extraordinary trip,
if you think about it,

through three capital cities,
each of which I love

through three capital cities,
each of which I love

and could have stayed in
for a whole week.

and could have stayed in
for a whole week.

I'm gonna have to come back
and do them again someday.

I'm gonna have to come back
and do them again someday.