|
Blue
Train with White Glove Service
by
Muguette M. Goufrani
 While
in Johannesburg this spring, we had the opportunity
of visiting the main railway station and Blue
Train's impressive head office facilities. During
this important meeting, our editors were given a
thorough update on the company's newest programs
and facilities. I have always considered the Blue
Train a lifetime experience . . . land cruising
across South Africa. Plans are being made this
summer for a special series of rail tours organized
by our magazine and participating ATA chapters.
Watch for news!
For years I had read that South Africa held many
pleasures for those of an adventurous spirit or
romantic nature. So one summer, taking a month's
vacation from my job as a travel agent in Ivory
Coast, West Africa, I headed south.
Here at last was my chance
to spend some leisurely, laid back weeks getting to
know that fascinating country surrounding the Cape.
While the sights and delights were many and varied,
the epitome was my experience aboard the famous
Blue Train. It was like the finest luxury cruise,
sailing across a sea of ever-changing landscapes .
Yet there was time and space to savor every waking
moment.(photos to come) I managed to read some
pamphlets about the line's history, which spans
over 50 years. Back in 1928, it became the first
luxury train in South Africa.
The trademark was its
attractive bright sapphire-blue fleet of carriages.
Originally known as the 'Union Limited' and 'Union
Express' , a legend began when folks started
calling them 'the Blue Trains'. Prior to this
occasions trains on the famous route were involved
in the discovery of gold and diamonds, and in the
Boer War of the 1890s. Those cold, soot laden
coaches were a far cry from the opulent coaches
operating today.
/hard
drive/www.africa.com/sa_facts.htm
For membership and events, contact: Africa Travel
Association,
ATA Head Office: 347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610, New
York, NY 10016
E-Mail: africatravelasso@aol.com
. Tel:
(212) 447-1926, Fax: (212) 725-8253
|
