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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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The Essay Podcast

The Essay

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Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: InterRail Postcards

The Essay: InterRail Postcards: Episode 1: Adam Thorpe

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Factual: Travel

InterRail Postcards

Episode 1

Episode 1: Adam Thorpe

Adam Thorpe

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Adam Thorpe on the sense of arrival into adulthood which the InterRail pass signified.

In a series exploring how student travel has changed, novelist Adam Thorpe remembers the sense of absolute arrival into adulthood which the InterRail pass signified.

The InterRail Pass recently turned 40: five writers recall personal journeys and explore how the changing shape of Europe and the advent of new technology have transformed student travel forever. 

The first InterRail Pass was introduced just over 40 years ago - restricted to travellers of 21 or younger and covering 21 countries for a month's train travel. 

Five writers of different generations recall the rite of passage of a month's travel with nothing but a rucksack and an InterRail Pass. Each also explores how new technology and the redefined frontiers of Europe and beyond have changed the intoxicating blend of independence and adventure forever. 

With his signature blend of lyricism and humour, the novelist Adam Thorpe writes "I'll never forget my trip to Lapland, during which I had the misfortune to be in an all-night sleeper with six Danish girls on their way to be au-pairs in the States...". In his 'postcard' he vividly remembers the sense of absolute arrival into adulthood which the Pass represented, and compares his experiences with those of his own student children. 

Producer: Beaty Rubens

First broadcast in June 2011.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Series in which writers discuss how new technology has changed student travel forever

As the Inter-rail Pass turns 40, five writers recall personal journeys and explore how the changing shape of Europe and the advent of new technology have changed student travel forever

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Episode 1: Adam Thorpe

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