All Aboard

We began our journey this morning from London’s Victoria Station to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The train boasts 17 unique 1920s carriages, offering a truly luxurious experience. However, since we were unable to travel on the actual train, we decided to bring the experience to our TV Lounge, where residents were greeted by the sounds and scents of Victoria station during the heyday of steam travel.

As we settled in, we could hear birds singing, horse-drawn carriages, carriage doors slamming, and the call of porters moving and loading heavy trunks filled with everything one needs for such an elegant journey. The scent of coal, oil, and railway tracks transported us to the platform and allowed us to join fellow travellers in spirit.

Throughout the documentary, we were introduced to fellow passengers who were celebrating various occasions, as well as the hardworking staff who went above and beyond to offer guests the most luxurious experience possible. We were also able to marvel at the stunning scenery along the way.

As we enjoyed our pre-lunch drinks, we learned about the train’s fascinating history, including its use by the Germans during WWII, and the meticulous process of restoring the carriages, which included the discovery of one in a backyard! Although such luxury is not usually available to us, it was a pleasure to catch a glimpse into another world.

Overall, our morning journey to Venice via the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express was a delightful and unforgettable experience.