We finally made it to Cape Town. Due to the removal of copper rail lines the Blue Train was delayed multiple times and we ended up arriving in Cape Town a full 24 hours behind schedule… I have been reminded that being a control freak with a meticulously planned itinerary doesn’t necessarily make for frustration free travel in Africa. Have I mentioned that the train also ran out of water (no flushing toilets or showers) – fortunately it didn’t run out of booze as we spent hours gazing out at the dry scrub and rocky landscape as it failed to rush past our double glazed windows.
We did wake on Thursday morning to some quite amazing scenery as we got closer to Cape Town and we were informed we should be pulling in to the station at about midday, all going well. 5 minutes later we learnt that things hadn’t gone that well as we ground to another halt for several hours. As a few guests had planes to catch, arrangements were made for them to be evacuated from the train but as we weren’t near a station this was quite challenging.
While starting to feel like a hostage situation (albeit with open bar, luxury fittings and butler service) we eventually started moving again and arrived in Cape Town by around 6pm much to the relief of all (especially the amazing staff who had to turn around and on board a whole new group to head back to Pretoria, without the days rest that they were due).
I heard an interview once with Keith Urban who said that he and Nicole had a saying “No moaning on the yacht” which for them was probably literal, but the same definitely applies to us on the Blue Train and for the rest of our trip – we are very lucky and privileged to be able to travel and I need to remember that when things don’t go as planned!
Will update on our stay in Cape Town and Franschhoek soon. Please leave us a comment!
Oh god! Hard going. Hope everything runs smoothly here on in. But, an adventure nonetheless! X
“No moaning on the Yacht ” I love that 😆
Oh so Africa! You will love Cape Town if you get time go to Addis in Cape, an Ethiopian restaurant. I went to Addis in Dar (Tanzania) which was amazing as well. watch out at ATMs though, nearly had my card stolen 🙈
Are you going to Stellenbosch as well? Loved that area
Look forward to the next instalment 😊
Open bar solves most things!
Copper thieves are everywhere; the price is so good!
Love the commentary and photos – very funny. Enjoy the adventure and all its moments ( bet you never thought you’d be talking life lessons from Nicole and Keith). Akuna matata!
OMG….. what an adventure, not the one you planned but an adventure none the less!! Loving your commentary and the photos!!!