Cynthia, over at MuseSwings , is inviting everyone today on a trip on the Orient Express!The original route of this luxury train began its first run on October 4, 1883, from Paris to Giurgiu in Romania via Munich and Vienna, then passengers were ferried across the Danube to continue their trip to Istanbul.
In 1885, another route began operations, this time reaching Istanbul via rail from Vienna to Belgrade and Niš, carriage to Plovdiv, and rail again to Istanbul. By 1962, the Orient Express had stopped running, and was replaced by a slower service called the Direct Orient Express, which ran daily cars from Paris to Belgrade, and twice weekly services from Paris to Istanbul and Athens.
The locomotive above didn't belong to the Orient Express, but to a retired steam engine train that now serves as a cafe in the town of Pančevo, 15 kilometers northeast of Belgrade. The windmill behind is a restaurant, where I photographed this soup last November 23rd.
21 comments:
Interesting, I did not know they still run it like a regular service, I sure like to take the Direct Orient Express one day.
Nicely composed, Bibi. And I appreciate the information. So now the retired steam engine is a cafe and the windmill is a restaurant; that's amazing and gives one a choice in culinary delights!
Awesome combination of the train and the windmill
An Arkies Musings
I would love to take a big train ride like the Orient Express or may be across the USA...
It's so nice to stop in Belgrade! We can all meet for lunch in the windmill and then continue on our journey to Istanbul!
Thanks for the interesting post, Bibi, of that great old train service. Would loved to have taken it back when.
I remember that delicious looking fish soup from your earlier post....and the bread. :)
I just boarded the Orient in Paris. I over packed a tad... Will you help me carry my ten trunks to the ferry station?
Finally, I am in my father's birth place and will stay awhile! I've brought sarma u vinovom lischu (stuffed grape leaves) for the occasion. I appreciate your warmth and hospitality, Bibi. Thank you!
C'mon over later and watch a film with us on petra michelle, and enjoy the rest of your day on the Orient Express!
Petra :))
Fascinating write up Would loved to have travelled on it in it's hey day.
Great story, will stop by the station for lunch to learn more....
What a terrible shame that it stopped running its original route. It really is the most highly reputed train there ever was, don't you think?
Wonderful photo and I appreciate the history. It will certainly help when I'm watching, "Jeopardy" too.
Kat
Bibi Dahling... I must have that soup on our journey. The snow on the mountains is making my private car a bit nippy. I'm also hosting afternoon tea, won't you join me? By the way, have you seen my sister Melody, I left her a note to meet us at the train?
(Great post my friend! Looking forward to seeing you today!)
Thank you for the info..I'm on the express now, as I read this, sipping some pink champagne...
How quaint! I'd love to see inside a windmill one day.
is a beautiful photograph ...
I do not know if I like best the mill or train
or trees in the background ...
:-)
thanks for all ...
I woke from my little nap, looked out the window at the scenery and saw your lovely windmill....for a minute I thought we were still in Paris and I was seeing the Moulin Rouge. Then I noticed the hunky Romanian farmer nearby and realized that I'm not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!!!! Beautiful countryside! Next stop Belgrade!
Thank you for the picture postcard view and the background history. What fun this train ride is!
The Orient Express would be one train trip I would mortgage my house for.
Very cool. Some of the ladies I work with are dreaming of going on this train, though its a bit out of their price range!
Bibi! We've just pulled into the Belgrade station! We've all come to help you with your baggage and welcome you aboard! You're just in time for drinks before dinner. Just how many hat boxes do you have there anyway?
Bibi, I'm heading for Bedforshire, but before I do, I wanted to thank you making the Orient Express Adventure just that much more fun!
Good night!
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