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| Some bedtime reading |
I knew Simon Reeve was going to be there. I love his TV programmes and last year we didn't see him (maybe we went on the wrong day). We found out he was on the main stage at 1pm and I sure as hell wasn't going to miss him this time!
We had to queue up for him but we had good seats (the photo was taken on my mobile - not a great shot and I couldn't zoom!). Simon was so interesting. He spoke about the countries he'd been to (rather and lot) and his TV programmes, and the stick he gets about some. He said he listens to feedback (having calmed down over the years!). He particularly spoke about Cuba, Ireland and Greece (the TV programme about Greece starts on Sunday night). It was interesting to hear that the funding for these programmes comes from different departments, depending on what the topic is. The Ireland programme was funded by Religion and Ethics. He got stick for that programme because some people said it was all about religion. Simon said that if the BBC had said it was about faith in the present day, a whole few million would have switched off! The BBC can monitor the views and know from experience that certain topics are a no-no with some people. I actually enjoyed the Ireland programme and learnt a lot. It was an eye-opener for me.
Talking about Greece, Simon spoke of his feelings for the refugees who were coming in on boats while he was there filming. He agreed the topic was a volatile one and that his thoughts were confused. He admitted that there were some people coming purely for a better life (not refugees) but said 'who can blame them', while there were many desperate people. He said that while the crew were there, no one from Greek authorities or anyone else in authority was there supervising the beaches and that they did not have grip on the matter. He saw the shoes and the abandoned items. It was obvious from what Simon said that it had all affected him deeply.
At the end of the interview questions were taken from the audience. One lady asked him about Bake Off (I didn't know he'd been on it). What he said was very funny. He'd never seen the programme and had no idea about what he was letting himself in for until all the bumph arrived. He remonstrated to his wife about having to bake a signature dish, or whatever, and she said 'just go on and make a fool of yourself'. I think that's what he did. I don't think he'll be asked back!
Another lady asked about the Zika virus in the Brazil and were media hyping it up. Simon's view is yes, they would, but that we should never allow these scares to stop us travelling unless the Foreign Office say you should not go. His advice on travelling anywhere in the world was to take the pills, take all precautions, but go. Take risks, he said. Life is a risk and the world is a wonderful place, go and explore!
Simon was very passionate about how the world is changing. He has noticed it on his travels and remote tribes see it happening and wonder why. He said that people don't generally realise how bad things are and how things like national parks and marine equivalents are little arks in the world. He said far from discouraging people to visit these places they should go because tourism puts money in to enable rangers to be paid to stop poachers etc. He was very adamant that the first world was responsible for decline of these places.
I found Simon a very inspiring speaker with an ethical conscious. He spoke from the heart and comes across as a very genuine person. The time flew by. I could listen to him all day!
Before Simon's session, Nick Crane from BBC 'Coast' was speaking. We heard a little of his chat while we were queuing up, mainly about coastal erosion (we cannot stop it) and something about his umbrella - that it is useful to stand under when writing notes!
A great few hours spent at the show. It's on until Sunday in London. If you need inspiration for a holiday, that's your place.
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| Simon Reeve's interview |
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