The Real Marigold on Tour - Season 2

First aired: 12/4/2017 4 episodes

Episodes

1. China

Aired: 12/4/2017

After exploring what it is like to grow old in India, Miriam Margolyes, Wayne Sleep, Rosemary Shrager and Bobby George reunite for another global adventure. This time they sample retirement in China. The group stay in the capital of the Sichuan Province, Chengdu. A bustling city of over 14 million people, all the group find the language barrier difficult, and Miriam in particular struggles with the regional cuisine. A swim in a high-tech pool, in one of the world's biggest buildings, makes a bad situation worse as Miriam discovers a modern China at odds with her memory of it from a trip 30 years ago. After experiencing city life, the group opt for an overnight stay in a country retreat. A ride on a high-speed bullet train takes them high into the mountains surrounding the city. Home to the giant panda, a feeding session at a local sanctuary leads to an emotional moment for Miriam, while Rosemary can't quite understand what all the fuss is about. Back in Chengdu, a final night at the Sichuan opera gives the group an opportunity to reflect on their bewildering and dazzling time in China.

2. Cuba

Aired: 12/11/2017

Miriam Margoyles, Wayne Sleep, Bobby George and Jan Leeming reunite to head to the hot and vibrant city of Havana, Cuba, where life expectancy is high, food is rationed and the way to travel is in iconic 50s cars. After being wowed by the pink Cadillacs that pick them up from the airport, the group spend their first night learning to dance with the locals. Later in the week, Wayne visits a dance troupe and realises his classical training doesn't count for much when it comes to learning Cuban dance. But much to his joy, he is invited to participate in the annual Cuban carnival. Meanwhile, Miriam struggles to adapt to life without high-speed broadband, although at least she still has gin. Perhaps the biggest change comes for Jan, who meets a Cuban man while sea swimming. Not put off by the language barrier, the pair decide to go on a date. As the visit draws to an end and the group celebrate with their new friends, there's time to reflect on life in this fascinating and fast-changing country.

3. Iceland

Aired: 12/20/2017

Sheila Ferguson, Rustie Lee, Paul Nicholas and Dennis Taylor reunite and head on an adventure to the cold but beautiful country of Iceland, where they split their time between a small fishing village and the capital, Reykjavik. In Hausavik, the ladies visit a senior citizens centre - much to Sheila's initial trepidation. Meanwhile, Paul and Dennis join an all-male choir and end up singing to a huge audience in a canyon. The team then reunite to head out whale watching and are moved to tears by what they see. After experiencing the peaceful, slow pace of life in Hausavik, the foursome head six hours south to the capital, where the pensioners' pastimes include aqua aerobics and gymnastics. Paul tries his hand at a handstand for the first time in many, many years! Sheila goes on a date with an Icelandic man and realises that, despite usually living thousands of miles apart, they have a lot in common.

4. Thailand

Aired: 12/31/2017

Rosemary Shrager, Sheila Ferguson, Paul Nicholas and Dennis Taylor explore Thailand. They try their hands at tai chi and take advantage of the opportunity for retired people to attend free schools. A Buddhist meditation retreat proves more relaxing to some of the group than others, and Rosemary investigates cheap dental work. They conclude their trip by attending a Ladyboys show, with Paul and Dennis joining the performers on stage. Last in the series.