Cape Town, South Africa

Yesterday we caught the Shosholoza Meyl (tourist train) from Park Station at midday. We made our way to our tiny two berth cabin. Fortunately the train was only about a quarter full, so we followed the lead of two traditionally built women and moved ourselves to a bigger compartment. What luxury! It was expected to be a twenty eight hour journey…but the Afrikaans speaking gentlemen we met assured us it would be longer…and it was! He was a very keen rugby fan, of which I know very little! We also managed to chat about cricket, but his passion was obviously rugby! We have a compartment to ourselves, bedding was available for the equivalent of $6 each and we had lasagne for dinner, with beer and that was less than $20. Bargain. We have travelled through some very isolated areas. Many of the train stops don’t even have a platform, just a sign. There will be nothing for miles and then a small settlement or single farm. The mountains either side are spectacular. As we approached the cape area, the landscape changed and there were abundant wineries. But also many very poor housing areas, right next to well established neighbourhoods. What a contrast.