I was looking out of my kitchen window today, admiring the architectural beauty of the Imberhorne Viaduct, and looking forward to seeing the steam trains engines trundling over the bridge. I think it will be fantastic to have steam trains arriving at the station again. The Bluebell Railway will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year (50th Anniversary Appeal) and pushing towards its goal of bringing trains to East Grinstead by 2012.
By chance I received a request from a potential customer about the possibility of booking a train trip from London to Hamburg, Germany. Now I'm not saying that Bluebell Railway should pull their finger out and build a railway line into Europe, although it would be an interesting idea! Travelling by train is a quick, efficient and fun way to see Europe.
Train travel to Europe conjures up images of gap year students travelling to Amsterdam and then on to who knows where. However, times have changed. Train travel is great fun! The trains are quick and run efficiently, it can be cheap, you have more space and comfort, you have fabulous views of the European countryside and you arrive in the heart of the city you want to visit. Not some 40 miles outside of town.
There's so much choice in terms of where you can go. How about travelling to Florence & Venice? You travel through France, southern Switzerland and through northern Italy. There's always the Glacier Express that takes you through Germany and into Switzerland, with typical Swiss precision you'll see the Albula Pass, ride the Glacier Express to Zermatt and pass the Matterhorn enroute. Quite breathtaking scenery all the way!
So next time you're thinking, where shall we go. Spare a thought for a train journey through Europe or maybe the Wizard Express on the Bluebell Railway.
Until next time.
Steve