Across the world through a single line

Knock on the doors of little-known nations we share the invisible line of the Tropic of Cancer with, and get to know their stories on a new TV show. Sunday Mid-Day chatted with the show's host, Simon Reeves

Take a trip with Simon Reeves, host of BBC Entertainment's new adventure show Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer lies 23 north of the Equator and crosses through some of the most varied places on Earthu00a0-- from Africa to India, Bangladesh to Burma, Mexico and the Caribbean, taking in a range of lifestyles, environments and landscapes. Following on from his journey around the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, Reeves embarks on an adventure along this imaginary line.

Simon Reeves in the Bahamas. The host of new travel show,
Tropic of Cancer, has visited 100 countries in the last ten years

What exactly is an adventure journalist? And where do I sign up?
Oh, that's just a fancy term that someone at the BBC coined. We try to blend travel with current affairs and get to know people's stories. For example, we were in Somaliland, which is a self-declared state but isn't recognised internationally. These are the kind of things that Tropic of Cancer talks about, and all you have to do is listen to the stories.

What experiences stood out while shooting for Tropic of Cancer?
We began the series in Mexico and travelled east. In Mexico, I hitched a ride with a police squad team and they were telling me about the drug trade that is a big problem there. I learned about Lucha libre, a wrestling technique that is popular in Spanish countries, and ended up getting beaten up by a bunch of women wrestlers.

Was it difficult to communicate with locals who didn't speak English?
Some of these countries have never seen foreigners and camera crew. I travel with a local guide because I speak only one language, English. But I try to gauge from facial expressions and body language if a person is approachable or not, and then it's easy to find at least one thing in common. We are all human, after all.

What advice would you give someone planning a holiday?
Don't travel stupid. When you go to a place, don't spend too much time cooped up in a hotel. Try to read up first, go out, eat the local food, and talk to the locals. That is what will make the place more memorable.

When: Tuesdays,u00a08 pm
On: BBC Entertainment

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