Amazing Train Journeys Season 15, Episode 6: Bolivia

Philippines

Philippe Gougler begins his journey through the Philippines in its capital, Manila. An electric and bustling city, in which the Spanish, American, and Chinese influences that have marked its history are clearly visible. He makes his first encounter in the subway, through which he learns a lot about Filipino romantic relationships. Then, at nightfall, in a working-class neighborhood, he tastes the famous balut, a very special duck egg. In the small town of Legazpi, an astonishing day awaits him. He accompanies teachers who are moving their school from village to village on the rails. Then he leaves for the island of Negros, in the sugar region, near the city of Silay, where he boards the only steam train in the Philippines.

51 min

From Chicago to the Rockies

Heading north to the United States for a journey across the plains and snow-capped mountains, largely following the spectacular route of the Empire Builder, a legendary train that crosses the Rockies in a magical setting. First stop in Chicago, where the extreme cold requires unusual solutions. Here, the rails are literally heated by setting them on fire. Then head to the frozen expanses of Lake of the Woods, on the Canadian border. Here, the train gives way to another way of life: cozy ice fishing. But Philippe Gougler won't be at the end of his surprises because, still on the frozen lake, he discovers an igloo-shaped bar and a surprising tradition that speaks volumes about the local festive spirit.

52 min

Belgium

Belgium, our neighbors, the friends we love to tease but to whom we always return with a smile on our faces. Philippe Gougler will travel along one of the densest railway networks in the world, passing through Namur, Brussels, Antwerp, and not forgetting the Belgian coast on the North Sea coast, and its longest tramway in the world... A wonderful journey for Philippe in this country we think we know well, but which has many surprises in store for us!

52 min

Hungary

52 min

Mozambique

Philippe travels to Mozambique, a little-known gem in southeast Africa, where he will discover dreamlike scenery... Between sublime plains, unforgettable safaris, and the Indian Ocean, trains will take Philippe Gougler in the footsteps of the famous navigator Vasco da Gama. In 1498, he stopped on the island of Mozambique, off the coast of the country, which became a Portuguese colony, a major turning point for world trade on the route to India...

52 min

Crossing the Andes

In the Andes, sublime, almost mystical trains run, crossing the mountains and descending to the Pacific. There are few places in the world like this, places whose immensity, isolation, and mystery make you want to see further, to travel again and again. Philippe Gougler begins his journey through the Andes by Lake Titicaca and a train like no other: a rail bus. The journey continues to the heart of the largest salt desert in the world: the Salar de Uyuni. Then, head to Chile and the Pacific coast aboard one of the freight trains that cross the Andes and travel through unique settings.

52 min