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In this edition stories from Varanasi, the Pyrenees, Rome, Havana and Ankara.

"That's nobody's business but the Turks'." A quote from one of several songs which feature Turkey which are in turn quoted by Kevin Connolly as he talks about why the country remains keen to join the EU despite the Union's problems with debt and insecurity. Hugh Sykes is in Rome as prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's reported to be on the verge of resignation - he wonders why a country which does so many things so well, and manufactures so many goods coveted worldwide, can find itself in such trouble. A new property law's just been introduced in Havana - Peter Day's just been there and tries to answer the question: does this mean the strong grip of Castro-style Communism is finally being relaxed? Justin Rowlatt sends a despatch from Varanasi in India where the traditional practice of cremating bodies continues by the River Ganges. And you have to be pretty fit to trek across the Pyrenees. We find out how Edward Stourton got on as he retraced the wartime route of the hundreds who used that route to escape from Nazi-occupied Europe.

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30 minutes

Last on

Sat 12 Nov 2011 11:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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10/11/2011

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19/11/2011

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Chapters

  • Introduction

    Duration: 00:28

  • Italy's woes

    Hugh Sykes in Rome examines why a country which makes so many products the rest of the world wants has ended up in so much trouble.

    Duration: 05:13

  • EU appeal

    Kevin Connolly reflects on Turkey's relationship with the European Union and its continuing desire for membership.

    Duration: 12:52

  • 'Free enterprise' in Cuba

    In Havana, Peter Day asks whether a new property law signals a relaxation of Castro-style communism.

    Duration: 05:25

  • Closer to heaven

    Justin Rowlatt in India says the country's thriving economy is making it easier for people to have a holy cremation, which means their souls can go direct to heaven.

    Duration: 05:31

  • On the Freedom Trail

    In the Pyrenees, Ed Stourton treks across the "Chemin de la liberte" to commemorate those who escaped from occupied France in World War II.

    Duration: 04:54

Broadcast

  • Sat 12 Nov 2011 11:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4