Train Trip to JHB

Wednesday 14^th March

Our main experience on trains, especially lately, has been on Indian sleeper class (3^rd class, non-air-conditioned) trains.  So our first impression of the South African sleeper class (tourist class) train was pretty good. 

We left at 11am sharp, and boarded a train that seems to have been cleaned before we arrived! We had a small compartment with bunk beds for each of us, a table that turns into a sink, and a small window that could be opened.  For only R430 each one-way, we knew we had forfeited A/C. The beds were softer than in India, and a bit longer (for my long legs).

Food was served in the cafeteria cart. Menus, waiters, comfortable cushioned chairs, A/C, and nicely laid out silverware. The food was very well priced, at roughly R30 for a big plate of Beef stew (served with pap), fish and chips, or eggs and bacon breakfast in the morning.

The train journey was extended by 5 hours, turning an expected 26 hours into a pretty long 31 hours. Reason? The train was initially pulled by 2 locomotives, but one had engine problems, so we fell behind schedule, a delay which kept getting longer and longer.

Karin, my sister picked us up in JHB.