Hosting the Olympics has given the UK time to shine and show off its beautiful heritage spots and share its vast history with athletes, spectators, and press around the world. I sometimes forget what our country has to offer, so today when we boarded the Orient Express – British Pullman to experience ‘The Golden Age of Travel’, it was an absolute treat in comparison to the mayhem experienced by commuters in London during rush hour.
There was excitement and great anticipation as varied groups of press attendees covering the Olympics marveled at performers dressed in Robin Hood attire. Their curiosity and the sudden click of cameras signified a familiarity with what they know about British culture from legendary tales. It was a comical and entertaining sight for us Brits seeing the characters and stories we grew up watching come to life.
We boarded at London, Victoria and nestled comfortable into the majesty of the Zena carriage, which in her earlier years carried film stars and the president and Madame Vincent Auriol of France. Each of the eloquently decorated carriages lined with mahogany and velvet and adorned with exotic art deco marquetry, were built by the most dedicated craftspeople at a time when royalty and heads of state travelled in style.
As we travelled through the countryside of Kent, it was pure bliss to be transcended back to a time when travelling was glamorous. We were even encouraged to dress elegantly as trainers and jeans are not permitted onboard these luxurious carriages. Peering through the window at the clear blue skies of the County of Kent, often referred to as ‘the garden of England’, was extremely refreshing compared to the industrial landscape of Brixton.
Nibbling on a selection of Sharpham Brie and Cornish blue cheese I enjoyed a light chit-chat with Complexd Women Adrienne Henry who is a Milliner from Berkshire, as you do when you’re not in a hostile environment like the London Underground.
We were entertained at each stop by dancers and brass band players and amused by the appearance of detective Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie murder mystery novels, who bared an uncanny resemblance to English actor David Suchet.
But the icing on the cake was the delicious four course meal served on board. The lunch menu was quintessentially British with a selection of English cheeses and homemade chutney, Kentish guinea fowl and clotted cream with seasonal mixed berries.
And, with that said I will continue to wear my grumpy frown while commuting on the tube because I know how good us Brits used to have it. At least some solitude is sought in the fact that this great British experience has been brilliantly preserved so that us 21st century folk could get an idea of how charming travelling used to be.
For more info on this trip click here