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Ride
a Blue Train with White Glove Service. Only in
South Africa 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, |
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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.