Welcome back!

I’m not normally in the habit of praising Top Gear, mainly because of the anti-motorcycle views of Jeremy Clarkson, despite both of his co-presenters being avid motorcyclists (or maybe because of, who knows?).

Anyhow last night’s Top Gear was a gem.

The three presenters were given 15 million Vietnamese dong with which to buy a vehicle and travel 1000 miles from south to north Vietnam. What could be easier they think with Clarkson already salivating at the thought of the supercar he will be able to buy with that much dosh.

However, the joke is on them when they realise that 15 million dong ($1000 US) will only
buy them a very rough motorbike.

Of course Richard Hammond and James May are delighted at the prospect and even
more so at Clarkson’s discomfort.

Much hilarity follows throughout the program from the organising of helmets – Clarkson and May’s heads are bigger than the average Vietnamese! – to the carrying of gifts on the back of the motorbikes, the frequent torrential rain and the numerous breakdowns and mishaps.

Clarkson admits at the end of the program that he has quite enjoyed himself and talks about how beautiful the country is. Not sure if he appreciated how much less of it he would have experienced had he been in a metal box, but it’s a start anyway.

You can watch it courtesy of BBC IPlayer and I recommend that you do, here’s the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00gfhsn/Top_Gear_Series_12_Episode_8_(new_series)/