Travel
The taxi was to collect us at 7.15am to take us to Pretoria Station to embark upon our journey . As I observed the sun rising over the City of Pretoria from the balcony of our bedroom I don ’ t think I had ever been quite so excited to embark upon this train journey since I was 8 years of age and had a day trip to the Isle of Wight with my local Sunday School from Berkshire to take a steam train ride from Ryde Pier to Ventnor . I had heard so much about the Blue Train but never quite knew what to imagine , all the reports I had received were good but the overwhelming remarks were that it was a experience not to be missed and it certainly didn ’ t disappoint . It is often said that it is the South African “ Orient Express ” but looking back it was the sheer experience and the indulgence that made it so memorable . Upon our arrival at Pretoria Station , on what was developing to be a most beautiful sunny day , the entrance to the Blue Train can only be described as rail journey opulence with a red carpet leading into a separate lounge where pre-journey drinks and snacks are given to you whilst individual butlers check you into your particular suite reservation . We were advised that there were two Blue Train “ sets ” one being of a charter nature accommodating 80 people and the second set with maximum guests of 52 , we were advised that there were 43 guests this day over 9 carriages as we were escorted to our own suite towards the front of the train , our luggage had been taken care of quite separately by our butler . I could not believe my eyes as I entered the carriage as there was nothing particularly special from the outside view of the train other than it was painted beautifully blue with gold lines . The inside was polished veneer wood accommodating twin beds and an ensuite shower and toilet and a small area with a pull out table and chairs and a panoramic window . I was so pleased that it was to be a beautiful day and hoped that the weather would hold for us for our complete journey . The journey from Pretoria to Cape Town was to take 27 hours with a stop off at the Kimberley Diamond Mine . Everything inside the train was spotless and as the train slowly pulled out of the station our butler arrived to introduce herself to us and go through
“ It is often said that it is the South African ‘ Orient Express ’ but looking back it was the sheer experience and the indulgence that made it so memorable .”
the train itinerary , advising us that our journey would be 994 miles through the most diverse and spectacular scenery . There were two sittings for each meal experience from brunch , afternoon tea and evening dinner where you would be escorted by your butler to a designated seat in the restaurant with beautifully laid out tables of white linen table clothes and the very best cutlery . I can only describe the range of the menu and the quality of the food as exceptional . Drinks were brought to our suite during the journey upon request of both tea , coffee and any alcoholic drink you could imagine and all inclusive . As we looked out of the window I could hardly believe that we were sat in this sheer luxury of a suite on a train travelling at times over
The Cocktail Lounge of The Blue Train
100 miles per hour . Having completed brunch we were advised that around 5pm the train would arrive at Kimberley Station for an “ off train ” tour to include a short bus ride to the Kimberley Diamond Mine where guests were invited to enjoy a glass of sherry in a engraved Blue Train logo glass which could be kept as a memento of the trip . The Victorian buildings were 19th Century with London lamp posts imparting to the travellers and whilst there were very few English on the train there was a sense of a colonial feel about the experience . The site of the Kimberley Mine was very interesting to observe , but clearly millions of pounds had been spent to attract the tourist industry with the most stunning modern architecture museum and exhibits . Clearly Kimberley had been and still is a most important part of South African history . At 6.30 pm we made our return to the train for our departure south bound to Cape Town and were advised that dinner would be served for us , having opted for a second sitting , at 9.15pm . This was to be an elegant affair with men requested to wear formal jackets and ties or bowties and ladies elegant evening wear . After enjoying this very special evening service and dinner we finally retired to bed
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