1 00:00:00,043 --> 00:00:03,126 (punchy organ music) 2 00:00:04,963 --> 00:00:08,630 (cheerful orchestral music) 3 00:00:15,433 --> 00:00:18,433 (children laughing) 4 00:00:24,020 --> 00:00:26,518 (monkey hissing) 5 00:00:26,518 --> 00:00:27,408 - [Maestro] Oh! 6 00:00:27,408 --> 00:00:31,026 Humboldt, come back here, you little monkey. 7 00:00:31,026 --> 00:00:34,276 - Humboldt, what, is Humboldt a monkey? 8 00:00:35,266 --> 00:00:37,825 - Humboldt was a great explorer, a very great explorer! 9 00:00:37,825 --> 00:00:41,039 The Humboldt Penguin, so called because he discovered them. 10 00:00:41,039 --> 00:00:43,340 But he discovered much more than that, much more. 11 00:00:43,340 --> 00:00:45,410 Take the Humboldt Current, for example. 12 00:00:45,410 --> 00:00:47,605 And there's Mount Humboldt in Venezuela, 13 00:00:47,605 --> 00:00:49,853 many landmarks in the USA, 14 00:00:49,853 --> 00:00:51,867 and the Humboldt Glacier in Greenland, 15 00:00:51,867 --> 00:00:55,236 Mount Humboldt in New Caledonia, Humboldt Bay in New Guinea. 16 00:00:55,236 --> 00:00:58,241 - How about the Humboldt Flea, Maestro? 17 00:00:58,241 --> 00:01:00,148 (monkey hissing) 18 00:01:00,148 --> 00:01:02,011 - Humboldt was more than an explorer; 19 00:01:02,011 --> 00:01:04,204 he was an ecologist, someone who observes, 20 00:01:04,204 --> 00:01:06,640 and tries to understand the harmony in the forces of nature, 21 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:07,818 a humanist, as well. 22 00:01:07,818 --> 00:01:10,914 He would defend human rights at all times. 23 00:01:10,914 --> 00:01:13,619 - You got a Humboldt Flea now, I'm pretty sure, 24 00:01:13,619 --> 00:01:15,641 before you're (mumbling) you'll discover it. 25 00:01:15,641 --> 00:01:16,898 - Humboldt! 26 00:01:16,898 --> 00:01:18,856 - Do you mind if I continue? 27 00:01:18,856 --> 00:01:20,175 - Yeah, we wanna hear! 28 00:01:20,175 --> 00:01:21,258 Tell a story! 29 00:01:22,133 --> 00:01:23,756 - There's so much to Humboldt's story. 30 00:01:23,756 --> 00:01:25,057 Where do I begin? 31 00:01:25,057 --> 00:01:27,374 I'll start at the beginning. 32 00:01:27,374 --> 00:01:29,957 This is Paris in the year 1798. 33 00:01:32,654 --> 00:01:35,071 (soft music) 34 00:01:41,302 --> 00:01:42,135 (books clattering) 35 00:01:42,135 --> 00:01:42,968 - Oh! 36 00:01:42,968 --> 00:01:44,335 Ugh. 37 00:01:44,335 --> 00:01:45,168 Well. 38 00:01:45,168 --> 00:01:47,869 Pardon me, monsieur, I wasn't paying attention. 39 00:01:47,869 --> 00:01:50,957 - Entirely my fault, monsieur, I was thinking. 40 00:01:50,957 --> 00:01:52,216 - Permit me to introduce myself, 41 00:01:52,216 --> 00:01:54,088 Alexander von Humboldt from Berlin. 42 00:01:54,088 --> 00:01:56,146 - Aime Bonpland, La Rochelle. 43 00:01:56,146 --> 00:01:56,979 - [Alexander] How do you do? 44 00:01:56,979 --> 00:01:58,195 You are a botanist? 45 00:01:58,195 --> 00:02:01,642 - A doctor, but plants interest me. 46 00:02:01,642 --> 00:02:03,999 And you appear to be an astronomer. 47 00:02:03,999 --> 00:02:06,190 - Well, not exactly. 48 00:02:06,190 --> 00:02:09,239 I'm interested in a great deal, in all of nature! 49 00:02:09,239 --> 00:02:10,700 - In all of nature? 50 00:02:10,700 --> 00:02:13,283 I think we might work together. 51 00:02:15,976 --> 00:02:17,759 It would be useful to compare notes. 52 00:02:17,759 --> 00:02:19,362 - [Alexander] Maybe we could go together on expedition. 53 00:02:19,362 --> 00:02:20,195 Why not? 54 00:02:20,195 --> 00:02:22,374 - [Aime] It's true, the world's full of so much to discover. 55 00:02:22,374 --> 00:02:23,207 Plants-- 56 00:02:23,207 --> 00:02:24,270 - [Alexander] Yes, the very laws of nature. 57 00:02:24,270 --> 00:02:25,385 - [Aime] Human beings! 58 00:02:25,385 --> 00:02:27,123 (items clattering) 59 00:02:27,123 --> 00:02:28,123 - [Both] Oh! 60 00:02:33,052 --> 00:02:36,385 - His Majesty, Carlos IV, King of Spain. 61 00:02:37,656 --> 00:02:39,523 (footsteps clopping) 62 00:02:39,523 --> 00:02:42,196 Baron Alexander von Humboldt of Berlin, 63 00:02:42,196 --> 00:02:43,537 scholar and philosopher; 64 00:02:43,537 --> 00:02:46,335 and Monsieur Aime Bonpland, French botanist. 65 00:02:46,335 --> 00:02:49,348 Gentlemen, you wish to explore our colonies out in America. 66 00:02:49,348 --> 00:02:50,365 Well, why is that? 67 00:02:50,365 --> 00:02:52,146 - For pure science, your majesty. 68 00:02:52,146 --> 00:02:54,832 In these regions are plants and animals never cataloged, 69 00:02:54,832 --> 00:02:56,131 whole peoples unknown. 70 00:02:56,131 --> 00:02:58,081 Only a Frenchman, Monsieur De La Condamine, 71 00:02:58,081 --> 00:03:00,639 published a book about the area. 72 00:03:00,639 --> 00:03:04,587 - These days, expeditions are costly, and we are not rich. 73 00:03:04,587 --> 00:03:06,938 - But sire, the Baron von Humboldt is quite prepared 74 00:03:06,938 --> 00:03:09,052 to finance the expedition entirely and graciously 75 00:03:09,052 --> 00:03:12,335 without charge, give everything he collects to our museums. 76 00:03:12,335 --> 00:03:15,572 - In that case, well, may I wish you a happy voyage. 77 00:03:15,572 --> 00:03:17,888 I will instruct all my governors, and prefects, 78 00:03:17,888 --> 00:03:19,427 and captains, and well, you know, 79 00:03:19,427 --> 00:03:21,260 to assist you in any way they can. 80 00:03:21,260 --> 00:03:25,093 But be warned: such places are very dangerous. 81 00:03:27,426 --> 00:03:30,564 (footsteps clopping) 82 00:03:30,564 --> 00:03:34,314 (easygoing optimistic music) 83 00:03:38,249 --> 00:03:41,542 - An excellent specimen here in the prime of life. 84 00:03:41,542 --> 00:03:43,459 Admire the man's teeth! 85 00:03:44,306 --> 00:03:45,934 - Hmm. 86 00:03:45,934 --> 00:03:46,870 - Slavery's wrong. 87 00:03:46,870 --> 00:03:49,020 People have a right to be free. 88 00:03:49,020 --> 00:03:51,661 I know that one day South America will follow 89 00:03:51,661 --> 00:03:53,938 the example of North America and Europe. 90 00:03:53,938 --> 00:03:56,337 There's going to be a revolution down here. 91 00:03:56,337 --> 00:03:57,500 - [Aime] Do you really think so? 92 00:03:57,500 --> 00:04:01,079 The Spanish are in power here, and they won't give it up. 93 00:04:01,079 --> 00:04:02,421 - You are right, senors. 94 00:04:02,421 --> 00:04:04,573 One day we will get our liberty. 95 00:04:04,573 --> 00:04:05,872 - You can speak our language? 96 00:04:05,872 --> 00:04:08,745 - Yes, senor, also many Indian dialects. 97 00:04:08,745 --> 00:04:09,959 I know the area very well, 98 00:04:09,959 --> 00:04:13,811 and I'm an expert at paddling canoes. 99 00:04:13,811 --> 00:04:15,398 - Are you interested in working for us, 100 00:04:15,398 --> 00:04:16,740 joining our expedition? 101 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:17,878 - Yes, I am! 102 00:04:17,878 --> 00:04:19,134 Where are you headed? 103 00:04:19,134 --> 00:04:20,865 - [Alexander] To the south, up the Orinoco, 104 00:04:20,865 --> 00:04:22,452 all the way to the Amazon. 105 00:04:22,452 --> 00:04:25,110 - [Carlos] Come over here, to where we can talk. 106 00:04:25,110 --> 00:04:27,707 First, we have to cross the plains on horseback, 107 00:04:27,707 --> 00:04:30,388 then we must find a dugout canoe to buy. 108 00:04:30,388 --> 00:04:31,809 - What is your name? 109 00:04:31,809 --> 00:04:33,092 - My name is Carlos. 110 00:04:33,092 --> 00:04:36,589 If you want, we can leave tomorrow, sunup. 111 00:04:36,589 --> 00:04:39,422 (easygoing music) 112 00:04:42,790 --> 00:04:46,121 (knife slicing) 113 00:04:46,121 --> 00:04:46,954 - [Aime] Careful! 114 00:04:46,954 --> 00:04:49,369 It could be poisonous! 115 00:04:49,369 --> 00:04:52,869 - It's a milk tree, delicious, not poison. 116 00:04:54,383 --> 00:04:57,050 (knife slicing) 117 00:04:58,326 --> 00:04:59,707 - I wouldn't drink that! 118 00:04:59,707 --> 00:05:03,802 - If the Indians always drink it, why can't I? 119 00:05:03,802 --> 00:05:06,334 (slurping) 120 00:05:06,334 --> 00:05:08,020 It's really good! 121 00:05:08,020 --> 00:05:10,853 (easygoing music) 122 00:05:17,183 --> 00:05:18,016 Whoa! 123 00:05:19,172 --> 00:05:22,148 - Be careful, senor, it is quite dangerous. 124 00:05:22,148 --> 00:05:23,606 It will shoot lightning bolts so big 125 00:05:23,606 --> 00:05:24,872 they will kill a horse, senor. 126 00:05:24,872 --> 00:05:26,651 - Come now, Carlos, kill a horse? 127 00:05:26,651 --> 00:05:28,399 - Si, senor, I saw one do it. 128 00:05:28,399 --> 00:05:29,616 - Then I'll have to examine it. 129 00:05:29,616 --> 00:05:31,392 This animal is unique. 130 00:05:31,392 --> 00:05:33,179 - Now, wait a minute, I have an idea. 131 00:05:33,179 --> 00:05:37,414 (speaking in foreign language) 132 00:05:37,414 --> 00:05:38,994 (twig snapping) 133 00:05:38,994 --> 00:05:40,811 (slapping) 134 00:05:40,811 --> 00:05:42,581 (water splashing) 135 00:05:42,581 --> 00:05:44,513 (electricity zapping) 136 00:05:44,513 --> 00:05:46,901 (horses braying) 137 00:05:46,901 --> 00:05:48,201 (grunting) 138 00:05:48,201 --> 00:05:51,368 (electricity zapping) 139 00:05:53,334 --> 00:05:54,812 - This is really extraordinary! 140 00:05:54,812 --> 00:05:56,029 An electric shock! 141 00:05:56,029 --> 00:05:56,862 Look there! 142 00:05:56,862 --> 00:05:59,304 That horse is practically dead! 143 00:05:59,304 --> 00:06:00,709 (electricity buzzing softly) 144 00:06:00,709 --> 00:06:02,199 (electricity zapping loudly) 145 00:06:02,199 --> 00:06:04,449 (laughing) 146 00:06:06,384 --> 00:06:10,521 You see, this organ builds up an electrical charge. 147 00:06:10,521 --> 00:06:13,503 It's a powerful weapon for this strange creature. 148 00:06:13,503 --> 00:06:17,086 (playful orchestral music) 149 00:06:22,867 --> 00:06:24,409 - Red Bells, they are unknown! 150 00:06:24,409 --> 00:06:25,773 I must have one! 151 00:06:25,773 --> 00:06:28,606 (water sploshing) 152 00:06:31,044 --> 00:06:33,294 (grunting) 153 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:38,313 Ugh! 154 00:06:42,582 --> 00:06:46,499 (speaking in foreign language) 155 00:06:49,457 --> 00:06:51,245 - This river is the Apure. 156 00:06:51,245 --> 00:06:52,750 It will lead to the Orinoco. 157 00:06:52,750 --> 00:06:54,750 It will take a few days. 158 00:07:03,480 --> 00:07:04,701 - [Alexander] These trees are gigantic, 159 00:07:04,701 --> 00:07:06,451 it's hard to believe! 160 00:07:07,835 --> 00:07:10,356 - The Orinoco, you see it there! 161 00:07:10,356 --> 00:07:11,939 - Welcome, welcome! 162 00:07:23,636 --> 00:07:25,811 (paper rustling) 163 00:07:25,811 --> 00:07:27,472 Hello, I am Brother Zair. 164 00:07:27,472 --> 00:07:29,288 You are looking for a canal linking 165 00:07:29,288 --> 00:07:31,278 the Orinoco to the Rio Negro, 166 00:07:31,278 --> 00:07:33,478 which will bring you to the Amazon. 167 00:07:33,478 --> 00:07:35,390 - Condamine, in his early explorations, 168 00:07:35,390 --> 00:07:36,776 said that there was a canal. 169 00:07:36,776 --> 00:07:38,728 - Brother Alonzo went up the Orinoco. 170 00:07:38,728 --> 00:07:39,561 - Mm hmm. 171 00:07:39,561 --> 00:07:41,405 - He shows me there can be no such canal. 172 00:07:41,405 --> 00:07:42,585 - [Alexander] Well, that we shall see. 173 00:07:42,585 --> 00:07:45,534 - In any case, you won't go far in that nutshell there. 174 00:07:45,534 --> 00:07:47,404 You will need a much larger boat, 175 00:07:47,404 --> 00:07:50,005 a sturdier one, and porters. 176 00:07:50,005 --> 00:07:51,595 And, if you like, I will be glad 177 00:07:51,595 --> 00:07:53,544 to accompany you on your journey. 178 00:07:53,544 --> 00:07:54,682 - Ah! 179 00:07:54,682 --> 00:07:57,012 - But now you must come to the monastery, 180 00:07:57,012 --> 00:07:58,845 take your refreshment. 181 00:08:21,654 --> 00:08:23,193 You will barter with the Indians. 182 00:08:23,193 --> 00:08:25,717 There are some fishhooks, some leaves of tobacco, 183 00:08:25,717 --> 00:08:27,910 two small kegs of alcohol. 184 00:08:27,910 --> 00:08:29,577 - [Alonzo] Two more. 185 00:08:30,600 --> 00:08:31,489 Bye bye! 186 00:08:31,489 --> 00:08:32,322 Goodbye! 187 00:08:36,204 --> 00:08:37,547 - Oh, whoa! 188 00:08:37,547 --> 00:08:38,440 My oh my! 189 00:08:38,440 --> 00:08:40,023 Oh my, my goodness! 190 00:08:42,738 --> 00:08:45,571 (water splashing) 191 00:08:48,104 --> 00:08:51,771 (dramatic orchestral music) 192 00:08:55,337 --> 00:08:57,620 Protect us from the rapids. 193 00:08:57,620 --> 00:09:00,287 (water rushing) 194 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:07,233 - Ah, man! 195 00:09:14,323 --> 00:09:15,156 Whoa! 196 00:09:26,314 --> 00:09:27,147 - All out! 197 00:09:27,147 --> 00:09:28,397 Here, we carry! 198 00:09:32,912 --> 00:09:33,745 - Oh! 199 00:09:43,343 --> 00:09:46,013 (water sploshing) 200 00:09:46,013 --> 00:09:47,233 - I think he got an animal. 201 00:09:47,233 --> 00:09:48,900 I'll go have a look. 202 00:09:50,360 --> 00:09:51,193 - Maul. 203 00:09:56,428 --> 00:09:57,353 - Bring boat to shore. 204 00:09:57,353 --> 00:09:58,476 Be better that way. 205 00:09:58,476 --> 00:09:59,518 No! 206 00:09:59,518 --> 00:10:01,261 - The boat is just a few feet away. 207 00:10:01,261 --> 00:10:03,656 It's much simpler to drag it. 208 00:10:03,656 --> 00:10:06,489 (water sploshing) 209 00:10:09,033 --> 00:10:11,283 (laughing) 210 00:10:12,925 --> 00:10:14,939 (water splashing) 211 00:10:14,939 --> 00:10:17,130 - Piranha fish, eat up all. 212 00:10:17,130 --> 00:10:18,797 You lucky this time. 213 00:10:27,166 --> 00:10:29,999 (water splashing) 214 00:10:33,178 --> 00:10:35,286 (Brother Zair humming) 215 00:10:35,286 --> 00:10:37,604 - An alligator, quite a specimen! 216 00:10:37,604 --> 00:10:40,104 Almost 10 feet long, that one! 217 00:10:41,384 --> 00:10:43,461 (tiger snarling) 218 00:10:43,461 --> 00:10:46,294 (water splashing) 219 00:10:51,709 --> 00:10:54,459 (bats squawking) 220 00:11:04,548 --> 00:11:05,889 (rifle booming) 221 00:11:05,889 --> 00:11:08,639 (bats squawking) 222 00:11:19,319 --> 00:11:21,948 - [Alexander] They should be near the Casiquiare Canal, 223 00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:24,878 the one that Condamine wrote about. 224 00:11:24,878 --> 00:11:26,303 (party members gasping inquisitively) 225 00:11:26,303 --> 00:11:28,886 (bees buzzing) 226 00:11:30,100 --> 00:11:33,683 (party members exclaiming) 227 00:11:34,518 --> 00:11:37,185 (water rushing) 228 00:11:41,497 --> 00:11:44,747 (Brother Zair humming) 229 00:11:50,562 --> 00:11:53,931 - It's not just a boat; it's turning into Noah's Ark! 230 00:11:53,931 --> 00:11:54,988 - Look at these, father. 231 00:11:54,988 --> 00:11:57,964 The Indians gave us these as gifts, some tame toucans! 232 00:11:57,964 --> 00:12:00,964 (groaning sleepily) 233 00:12:06,356 --> 00:12:09,356 (scarfing greedily) 234 00:12:10,497 --> 00:12:13,276 (chuckling softly) 235 00:12:13,276 --> 00:12:15,267 How about that? 236 00:12:15,267 --> 00:12:17,208 (chuckling softly) 237 00:12:17,208 --> 00:12:21,375 Those toucans are becoming good parishioners, Padre! 238 00:12:26,300 --> 00:12:30,050 (writing utensil scratching) 239 00:12:33,243 --> 00:12:34,750 - Oh, I've a terrible headache. 240 00:12:34,750 --> 00:12:36,576 My head is bursting! 241 00:12:36,576 --> 00:12:37,534 - It's malaria. 242 00:12:37,534 --> 00:12:40,256 All those mosquitoes, they carry the disease. 243 00:12:40,256 --> 00:12:41,763 We'll return to Angostura. 244 00:12:41,763 --> 00:12:43,608 You will be all right. 245 00:12:43,608 --> 00:12:46,275 (trumpet music) 246 00:12:54,701 --> 00:12:57,284 - Quickly, prepare the quinine! 247 00:13:05,433 --> 00:13:06,350 Drink this. 248 00:13:09,373 --> 00:13:11,562 This is quinine, just what you need. 249 00:13:11,562 --> 00:13:12,395 Drink it up. 250 00:13:12,395 --> 00:13:13,297 - How's Bonpland? 251 00:13:13,297 --> 00:13:15,214 - He's no better, alas. 252 00:13:19,622 --> 00:13:21,693 - Senor, your friend, and-- 253 00:13:21,693 --> 00:13:23,235 - Bonpland, you mean. 254 00:13:23,235 --> 00:13:24,068 - Si, senor. 255 00:13:24,068 --> 00:13:26,151 He does not move anymore. 256 00:13:27,347 --> 00:13:28,180 - I go! 257 00:13:29,494 --> 00:13:30,327 Bonpland! 258 00:13:31,161 --> 00:13:34,480 Reaction in the pupil, his heart is beating: he's alive! 259 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:35,563 More quinine! 260 00:13:38,266 --> 00:13:39,099 - There! 261 00:13:42,172 --> 00:13:43,533 (gasping) 262 00:13:43,533 --> 00:13:44,700 - A good sign. 263 00:14:01,088 --> 00:14:03,522 - [Woman] Morning, father. 264 00:14:03,522 --> 00:14:06,650 - Well, young man, feel better now? 265 00:14:06,650 --> 00:14:09,294 We thought we were going to lose you. 266 00:14:09,294 --> 00:14:11,406 - I feel better, Padre, only I would like-- 267 00:14:11,406 --> 00:14:13,288 - Yes, some more quinine. 268 00:14:13,288 --> 00:14:15,240 - Not exactly. 269 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:17,677 A comb, if it's possible. 270 00:14:17,677 --> 00:14:18,510 Carlos! 271 00:14:19,704 --> 00:14:21,410 - You called me, senor? 272 00:14:21,410 --> 00:14:24,327 - [Aime] Would you please shave me? 273 00:14:32,083 --> 00:14:34,750 (woman humming) 274 00:14:37,567 --> 00:14:38,650 There she is. 275 00:14:48,165 --> 00:14:49,125 - Oh! 276 00:14:49,125 --> 00:14:49,958 Oh no! 277 00:14:51,700 --> 00:14:54,950 (church bells ringing) 278 00:14:57,340 --> 00:14:59,419 - You're here to pray, my son? 279 00:14:59,419 --> 00:15:00,900 - Yes, I am, Padre, I'm here to pray, 280 00:15:00,900 --> 00:15:02,928 but I'm also looking for someone. 281 00:15:02,928 --> 00:15:03,761 - Someone? 282 00:15:04,956 --> 00:15:07,714 The young lady has returned to her village upriver. 283 00:15:07,714 --> 00:15:10,681 - Oh, I'm much obliged, Padre. 284 00:15:10,681 --> 00:15:13,365 - Senor, she is upriver at her home! 285 00:15:13,365 --> 00:15:14,546 - I know, but I love her. 286 00:15:14,546 --> 00:15:17,527 It's impossible to go on living without her! 287 00:15:17,527 --> 00:15:18,360 - Senor! 288 00:15:25,419 --> 00:15:26,556 - Why, it's incredible! 289 00:15:26,556 --> 00:15:29,440 It's totally unknown, a mushroom big as that! 290 00:15:29,440 --> 00:15:30,773 It's incredible! 291 00:15:35,994 --> 00:15:38,902 A mackerelopodopterus, another species totally unknown. 292 00:15:38,902 --> 00:15:40,981 It's fantastic! 293 00:15:40,981 --> 00:15:42,064 A coleoptera. 294 00:15:46,919 --> 00:15:50,174 Oh, I'd say that is a denrobotis but with many stripes. 295 00:15:50,174 --> 00:15:51,424 Completely new. 296 00:15:53,261 --> 00:15:54,670 - Ugh. 297 00:15:54,670 --> 00:15:55,503 Ugh. 298 00:15:57,844 --> 00:16:00,769 - Well, Carlos, do you think he'll ever come back? 299 00:16:00,769 --> 00:16:02,138 - Fairly sure, senor. 300 00:16:02,138 --> 00:16:06,305 He will return with his arms full of new discoveries! 301 00:16:08,319 --> 00:16:10,268 - Alexander, look at this butterfly. 302 00:16:10,268 --> 00:16:11,648 And how about this frog? 303 00:16:11,648 --> 00:16:12,743 They're remarkable! 304 00:16:12,743 --> 00:16:13,836 - Good for you, my friend! 305 00:16:13,836 --> 00:16:18,003 You are finding everything that you're looking for. 306 00:16:22,110 --> 00:16:23,491 - Go in peace, my children. 307 00:16:23,491 --> 00:16:25,614 You both deserve some good rest. 308 00:16:25,614 --> 00:16:28,236 More than 2,000 kilometers in this strange land. 309 00:16:28,236 --> 00:16:29,941 - Now much less strange. 310 00:16:29,941 --> 00:16:30,774 - Yes! 311 00:16:30,774 --> 00:16:32,033 And having the company of alligators 312 00:16:32,033 --> 00:16:33,841 and of boa constrictors, vampire bats, 313 00:16:33,841 --> 00:16:36,258 it's hardly ever boring here. 314 00:16:48,645 --> 00:16:51,084 - I have a nice delivery of 60 slaves, 315 00:16:51,084 --> 00:16:53,253 every one in excellent health. 316 00:16:53,253 --> 00:16:54,464 - You should be ashamed! 317 00:16:54,464 --> 00:16:56,025 They have a right to be free! 318 00:16:56,025 --> 00:16:58,377 Every human being is free! 319 00:16:58,377 --> 00:17:00,573 - What? Who does he... 320 00:17:00,573 --> 00:17:02,403 Yes, who does he think he is? 321 00:17:02,403 --> 00:17:04,678 - We just couldn't live here without slaves. 322 00:17:04,678 --> 00:17:07,278 - Everybody knows that blacks aren't human! 323 00:17:07,278 --> 00:17:08,942 (whip snapping) 324 00:17:08,942 --> 00:17:11,339 - I agree, slavery is something we must never allow. 325 00:17:11,339 --> 00:17:13,002 It must be stopped, of course. 326 00:17:13,002 --> 00:17:13,960 But what can we do? 327 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:16,522 After all, we're just two! 328 00:17:16,522 --> 00:17:17,526 - I don't know. 329 00:17:17,526 --> 00:17:21,261 We'll leave this country, go someplace else, to Bogota! 330 00:17:21,261 --> 00:17:24,675 And there we can explore the Andes. 331 00:17:24,675 --> 00:17:25,529 - The Andes? 332 00:17:25,529 --> 00:17:27,483 The Andes. The Andes. 333 00:17:27,483 --> 00:17:31,955 - The world's longest mountain chain, 7,000 kilometers long. 334 00:17:31,955 --> 00:17:34,228 The peaks are more than 6,000 meters up. 335 00:17:34,228 --> 00:17:35,487 Snow that never melts. 336 00:17:35,487 --> 00:17:37,571 Volcanoes always erupting. 337 00:17:37,571 --> 00:17:40,820 So, leaving from Quito, the ancient Inca capital, 338 00:17:40,820 --> 00:17:42,810 2500 meters above sea level, 339 00:17:42,810 --> 00:17:46,977 our friends set off to explore the Andes mountains. 340 00:17:48,580 --> 00:17:52,330 (suspenseful mystical music) 341 00:17:58,891 --> 00:18:01,808 (condor squawking) 342 00:18:06,185 --> 00:18:07,018 - Oh! 343 00:18:07,018 --> 00:18:07,851 Hmm. 344 00:18:09,742 --> 00:18:11,487 (condor squawking) 345 00:18:11,487 --> 00:18:12,869 - Oh! 346 00:18:12,869 --> 00:18:13,702 - It's all right. 347 00:18:13,702 --> 00:18:14,823 No need to worry. 348 00:18:14,823 --> 00:18:18,229 The condor never attacks, not a man or any living thing. 349 00:18:18,229 --> 00:18:19,691 They feed on dead carcasses. 350 00:18:19,691 --> 00:18:20,912 They're scavengers. 351 00:18:20,912 --> 00:18:21,745 - Yuck! 352 00:18:21,745 --> 00:18:23,279 - Mustn't think bad him. 353 00:18:23,279 --> 00:18:24,498 They keep everything clean. 354 00:18:24,498 --> 00:18:25,456 Look! 355 00:18:25,456 --> 00:18:28,373 (condor squawking) 356 00:18:29,871 --> 00:18:31,822 - Chimborazo, goes up 6,000 meters. 357 00:18:31,822 --> 00:18:33,918 A mountain no one's been able to climb. 358 00:18:33,918 --> 00:18:34,972 - No wonder! 359 00:18:34,972 --> 00:18:36,718 Much too high to climb. 360 00:18:36,718 --> 00:18:38,630 - We will start our ascent tomorrow. 361 00:18:38,630 --> 00:18:39,963 - Hey, who's we? 362 00:18:46,111 --> 00:18:48,061 - We will go no further. 363 00:18:48,061 --> 00:18:50,010 - But without you, we can't go up! 364 00:18:50,010 --> 00:18:51,313 - This mountain's sacred. 365 00:18:51,313 --> 00:18:53,144 Indians cannot go up. 366 00:18:53,144 --> 00:18:53,977 We stay here. 367 00:18:53,977 --> 00:18:55,706 - I go all the way up! 368 00:18:55,706 --> 00:18:57,384 - And so will I! 369 00:18:57,384 --> 00:18:59,093 - Then let's go up! 370 00:18:59,093 --> 00:19:02,676 (playful optimistic music) 371 00:19:15,910 --> 00:19:17,807 (sighing) 372 00:19:17,807 --> 00:19:19,596 - We're at 19,000 feet. 373 00:19:19,596 --> 00:19:21,179 We will keep going. 374 00:19:28,575 --> 00:19:30,197 Ow! 375 00:19:30,197 --> 00:19:33,101 (groaning) 376 00:19:33,101 --> 00:19:33,934 - Hold on! 377 00:19:36,354 --> 00:19:37,233 Got you. 378 00:19:37,233 --> 00:19:39,483 (grunting) 379 00:19:43,888 --> 00:19:46,138 - [Aime] Oh yes, I slipped. 380 00:19:48,685 --> 00:19:50,752 - No one's ever climbed this far. 381 00:19:50,752 --> 00:19:53,523 Nosebleeds, it's oxygen. 382 00:19:53,523 --> 00:19:55,426 (sniffing) 383 00:19:55,426 --> 00:19:57,931 It's the low air pressure, the lack of oxygen. 384 00:19:57,931 --> 00:19:59,393 We are very high. 385 00:19:59,393 --> 00:20:01,183 It causes the bleeding, and it's serious. 386 00:20:01,183 --> 00:20:02,116 We'll go down. 387 00:20:02,116 --> 00:20:04,147 - Yes, but we're nearly there; let's go on! 388 00:20:04,147 --> 00:20:05,572 - We could wait, and see when 389 00:20:05,572 --> 00:20:08,239 we get accustomed to the height. 390 00:20:14,970 --> 00:20:16,311 - We're almost at the top! 391 00:20:16,311 --> 00:20:17,144 - Ah! 392 00:20:22,479 --> 00:20:25,468 Too bad, we're within a few hundred meters of the summit. 393 00:20:25,468 --> 00:20:27,458 Nobody has ever climbed higher. 394 00:20:27,458 --> 00:20:28,801 - The record! 395 00:20:28,801 --> 00:20:32,218 - [Alexander] But now we have to go down. 396 00:20:40,987 --> 00:20:43,546 It was right here the Inca emperor Atahualpa 397 00:20:43,546 --> 00:20:47,205 told the conquistador Pizarro he'd fill up a whole room 398 00:20:47,205 --> 00:20:50,338 with gold as high as he could reach for his freedom. 399 00:20:50,338 --> 00:20:52,726 - He might lead an attack if you release him. 400 00:20:52,726 --> 00:20:54,157 It's a trick. - So what do we do? 401 00:20:54,157 --> 00:20:54,990 What else? 402 00:21:02,600 --> 00:21:06,661 - At last, here we are, at the Pacific Ocean! 403 00:21:06,661 --> 00:21:08,936 - That's strange, so few trees about. 404 00:21:08,936 --> 00:21:12,936 - In fact, very little vegetation; I wonder why. 405 00:21:23,660 --> 00:21:24,493 Oh! 406 00:21:27,909 --> 00:21:30,076 Water's cold, I mean cold! 407 00:21:40,248 --> 00:21:42,831 All right, shove off, let's go. 408 00:21:50,694 --> 00:21:52,279 You see the water is cold. 409 00:21:52,279 --> 00:21:54,678 That's why this particular region has little rainfall 410 00:21:54,678 --> 00:21:55,879 and is as arid as a desert. 411 00:21:55,879 --> 00:21:57,048 - Yes, but what explains it? 412 00:21:57,048 --> 00:21:58,225 - It's because the cold water 413 00:21:58,225 --> 00:21:59,797 cools down the air just above it. 414 00:21:59,797 --> 00:22:01,217 Cold air holds less moisture; 415 00:22:01,217 --> 00:22:02,352 but, when it reaches the land, 416 00:22:02,352 --> 00:22:04,218 it warms up and absorbs moisture. 417 00:22:04,218 --> 00:22:06,490 There is high humidity, and this turns into heavy fog. 418 00:22:06,490 --> 00:22:07,342 - [Aime] So it rain. 419 00:22:07,342 --> 00:22:08,175 - Mm hmm. 420 00:22:08,175 --> 00:22:09,633 But not before passing over the mountains. 421 00:22:09,633 --> 00:22:11,217 The humid air rises over the mountains, 422 00:22:11,217 --> 00:22:12,559 the Andes going to the east. 423 00:22:12,559 --> 00:22:15,559 On the other side is where it rains. 424 00:22:16,458 --> 00:22:18,231 - [Maestro] Washington, the brand new capital 425 00:22:18,231 --> 00:22:22,398 of the United States, which has just won its independence. 426 00:22:27,582 --> 00:22:29,208 - All rise for Thomas Jefferson, 427 00:22:29,208 --> 00:22:31,077 President of the United States of America. 428 00:22:31,077 --> 00:22:34,246 - Baron von Humboldt, it is a pleasure to welcome you. 429 00:22:34,246 --> 00:22:38,146 I've heard much about your explorations and your good work; 430 00:22:38,146 --> 00:22:40,909 and of yours, too, Monsieur Bonpland. 431 00:22:40,909 --> 00:22:42,656 - Mr. President, the countries of South America 432 00:22:42,656 --> 00:22:46,032 are about to be free and democratic, just as your country. 433 00:22:46,032 --> 00:22:49,699 But a problem still has to be resolved, sir. 434 00:22:51,066 --> 00:22:54,517 - [Thomas] And what is this problem? 435 00:22:54,517 --> 00:22:56,063 (whip snapping) 436 00:22:56,063 --> 00:22:59,311 - An enormous problem, Mr. President: slavery! 437 00:22:59,311 --> 00:23:02,074 You cannot maintain your democracy when you put 438 00:23:02,074 --> 00:23:06,185 human beings in slavery because they have black skin. 439 00:23:06,185 --> 00:23:07,018 - Mm hmm. 440 00:23:12,264 --> 00:23:15,014 (paper rustling) 441 00:23:21,494 --> 00:23:22,877 - Baron, the people of Berlin 442 00:23:22,877 --> 00:23:24,559 are rising up against injustice. 443 00:23:24,559 --> 00:23:25,738 They're shooting in the streets! 444 00:23:25,738 --> 00:23:27,007 - That's right, Karl. 445 00:23:27,007 --> 00:23:29,849 There are still some ready to die for liberty. 446 00:23:29,849 --> 00:23:31,211 I want to see this. 447 00:23:31,211 --> 00:23:33,327 - [Maestro] At the age of 90, Humboldt completed 448 00:23:33,327 --> 00:23:35,238 the last volume of his great work, Kosmos. 449 00:23:35,238 --> 00:23:37,836 He tried to explain that all the forces and physical parts 450 00:23:37,836 --> 00:23:39,973 of the world come together to form a unity. 451 00:23:39,973 --> 00:23:42,940 What causes winds and currents is just a part of the whole. 452 00:23:42,940 --> 00:23:46,699 Humanist; liberal; founder of ethnology and anthropology, 453 00:23:46,699 --> 00:23:49,698 the study of human society, Humboldt died having completed 454 00:23:49,698 --> 00:23:53,112 a body of work that was gigantic. 455 00:23:53,112 --> 00:23:57,195 (adventuresome mysterious music)