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
leisurel y,
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.
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
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