When I think about train travel in South Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is President Ramaphosa dangling out of the window of a packed Metrorail carriage.

Good times on the election campaign trail.

If you take Metrorail and put it at one end of the spectrum, and then travel all the way over to the other side of the spectrum, you get the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

It’s the anti-Metrorail in every conceivable way, and it’s about to become even more impressive.

Here’s CNN:

As of 2020, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will boast three swanky new “Grand Suites” that are the epitome of timeless glamour.

The new additions, which cost around $7,800 per person a night, are named after three cities the train serves, Vienna, Prague and Budapest.

The Vienna suite has a classical feel, with rich hues of gold and emerald green, silk fabric panels and elements of dark wood, while the Prague suite is decorated in maroon and gold colors and features hand-embroidered cushions and mosaic patterns.

Finally, the Budapest suite is reminiscent of both Gothic and Ottoman architecture, with intricately carved woodwork throughout.

Vienna, Prague and Budapest, which join the Venice, Istanbul and Paris suites, also have private bathrooms complete with showers alongside double beds, a living area, free-flowing champagne, and a personal 24-hour cabin steward.

“As with everything on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the design and careful restoration that goes into each suite, whilst respecting the original 1920s Art Deco design, is extraordinary,” says Gary Franklin, vice president of trains & cruises at Belmond, the company that operates the train.

“Each meticulous suite will draw inspiration from the romance, adventure and style of each great European city we travel to.

If you can afford it, it looks like the only way to travel.

If you can’t afford it, make sure you get a window seat on that public transport.

The president will back me up on this one.

[source:cnn]