An exhilarating train journey across the Sahara
Stretching 2 km (1.25 mi) in length, Mauritania’s Train du Desert has carried iron ore and brave passengers 704 km (437 mi) across the Sahara Desert since 1963. Zen-like to some – it’s booming and grinding and grit and blazing sun present an unforgiving and ceaseless assault on the body and senses. [bbc.com]
Horrors and joys of third-class train travel in Russia
To fathom the enigmatic Russian soul or at least to come a bit closer to understanding it, you simply must make a journey on a “sleeper” overnight train, best of all in a platzkart seat. And while Russian Railways does plan to stop adding new platzkart in 2025 — the existing fleet should last for several more decades. [rbth.com]
London to Glasgow on the Caledonian Sleeper train
It’s easy to feel a Scottish vibe as soon as the Caledonian Sleeper departs London Euston. Lively chat and fine Scotch complement a Club Car menu ranging from venison and salmon to haggis, tatties, and neeps. A classic night train, its 21st century Club Rooms mix USB ports and power points with bits of tartan and tweed. [stuff.co.nz]
Ride the Rocky Mountaineer and be amazed at the spectacular mountain ranges. And then there’s Sasquatch
Drawn to Canada for two reasons, a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, known for its jaw-dropping alpine rail tours, and an opportunity to taste Canadian beer, the writer also keeping an eye out for Sasquatch, which the train’s website lists among the top five wildlife sightings along its route. [latimes.com]
