Friday, 29 March 2013

Orient Express British Pullman, Good Friday 2013

Bit of an adventure today for us,  for years we have dreamt of going on the fabulous Orient Express, from London to Venice,  however, it was never to be.  BUT, at x-mas our beloved son and his beloved Go Jo bought us a trip on the British Pullman which is part of the Orient Express, with the same carriages, lovingly restored, and sent out and about in GB.  So today we arrived at London Victoria Station to join about one hundred others all booked in for which may well have been the journey of a lifetime.
All checked in, and then the train arrived with several carriages, all beautifully restored, and we boarded to receive a glass of bubbly as we settled in at our respective tables - then off we set, heading off for a five hour trip out round Kent, down to the coast and back to London.
This was to be a memorable day, a beautiful five course meal, served in silver service by extremely caring and competent members of staff, all who have been with the Company for several if not many years.  Beautiful food, excellent wines, Port, and sufficient bubbly - an excellent wine cellar for extra dinkies, etc.
For the smokers on board the train stopped at the coast and we were able to get off and stretch our legs, glass of bubbly presented along with fresh oysters, and a jazz band playing on the platform,  just a real treat for one and all.
Not quite sure how the Mercat Bar pen managed to sneak into the photos  !!   But we have to thank the staff, and the chefs (who were out of sight) for a totally marvellous experience.   I will not say that it was 100%, because nothing ever is, but at 99%  we will not complain.  
Had this trip been through the Scottish Highlands with the associated scenery it really would have been a dream come true.
Thanks to everyone, staff, fellow travellers, and of course RGB and Go Jo who gave us the gift. 

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