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The 30 hour train ride.

6/9/2014

9 Comments

 

By Caitlin and Jed

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Caitlin excited about the next 30 hours
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Our cozy train beds
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Jed enjoying some much needed coffee
Our first attempt to take the train in South Africa failed miserably. the various websites instructed that you could only make bookings online, no less than 3 days before departure. As we were approaching the day of departure, we repeatedly emailed and called both companies, to no avail. When we turned to our Safari guide Jessie for advice, he laughed saying "this is South Africa, man. nothing happens online." (In the distinctive Afrikaans accent that I find impossible to mimic). Not wanting to risk the debacle of showing up at the station and having the tickets sold out and nowhere to stay, we gave up and instead flew to Cape Town from Johannesburg, for twice the price. 

Determined to take the train at some point though, we went to the train station on our first day in Cape Town. Naturally, the office for ticket sales had closed at 11am that day.  The next morning, however, we finally secured our tickets back to Joburg! Only then did I read that the train had been out of bedding for the last few months, due to a strike of the train-bedding-providers (who knew they had a separate train-bedding provider union?!). Writing this from the cozy blankets of the train, 3 hours into the supposed 26 hour journey, I can say we are very happy that they are no longer on strike and I hope they got everything they were bargaining for. (The train has no heat and is pretty cold). We are cozy, though, entertained by mountains and vineyards out the window. It's definitely better than the Zambia to Tanzania train we will take in a few weeks, which will be almost twice as long and much less comfortable. 

After many times where we stopped and Jed nervously asked "are we broken down" and I let him know this was just standard African train procedure, the train finally did break down.  We were told that they were going to have to get us to Johannesburg on buses, but that we were in too remote of a place to get the buses to us, so they weren't sure what to do. We were told it would be about a 3-4 hour delay, which normally wouldn't be so bad on a 26 hour ride, but we were pretty close to our destination and after 20+ hours we were a little restless.  Fortunately, they miraculously ended up fixing the train instead and we arrived only about 4 hours late in total.  Surprisingly, it was overall a pretty pleasant journey and a nice change of pace from the bumpy airlines.
9 Comments
Doe Doe
6/11/2014 12:00:43 am

I am living through your adventure vicariously. Give thanks for your good health and the blessings of all you see. love you.

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Thanks Doe Doe! Miss you!
6/21/2014 07:53:02 am

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Dan G. link
6/12/2014 07:34:34 am

So... still better service than Spirit Airlines.

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Rob
6/15/2014 01:42:15 pm

I see why you and Jed are such good friends. You both make me laugh!

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Jed
6/20/2014 06:58:51 am

Ha, totally!

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Mamie Johnson
6/14/2014 03:17:46 am

You know, of course, that train rides in the U.S. were once marvelous, comfortable, cozy, luxurious and oh so scenic! The food was exotic and those who served it were gracious and helpful. WHAT HAPPENED? It seems the government officials thought they had to make a choice as to which would be subsidized - airlines were chosen. What a shame! I want to ride a wonderful train again before I leave this world. Glad you are having a great experience. Caleb is here now. I understand he and his Katie are looking forward to a visit from you in Uganda. WOW! Love you, MAMIE

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Mamie Johnson
6/17/2014 10:43:55 pm

Caleb, Luke and Michelle are here now!!!We had a family gathering on Sunday night and another last night NEXT DOOR. We missed you! The morning Luke came for breakfast (before M arrived, Caleb went in for his required blood test before the Uganda departure. He will be here until June 29th - then headed your way.Luke and Michelle are flying to Colo. later today. Melissa's birthday Friday,
Lots of conversation at both events about your travels and WHO will be meeting you WHERE. Your dad wants to be among the WHO, no matter WHERE !
I am leaving on the 27th for a 10-day journey to New Jersey! Since my visits heretofore have been 3-day events, am hoping I don't stink too much before exiting Newark to return. One of Gage's plans is a trip to one of the New Jersey beaches. No gambling adventures so far as I know. We love you and miss you. I look forward, with great anticipation, to every single word you write. Love to both of you. MAMIE

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Mamie Johnson
6/17/2014 10:46:31 pm

Please do an entire blog about the trip to your village in Zambia. Are your best friends still there? Is the lady who lived next door to your hut still living? Where did your stay? Any snakes in the roof? Details!!! Detils!!! Love, MAMIE

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Caitlin
6/21/2014 07:52:27 am

Hi Mamie! Thanks for all the updates and the blog comments! We will definitely write about the village soon. In short, it was awesome. Grace was there and took care of us well. Hope you have a wonderful trip to NJ, give my love to the whole family there! Love you, cj

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