The Orient Express.
Unfortunately, the original, running from Paris to Istanbul is long gone. Just imagine the possibilities of such a trip. And with the Channel Tunnel open, one could begin in London, train across to Paris. Eat, shop, see, converse. Then to points east -- Istanbul. Explore, discover. Return. There is a current Orient, but it runs overnight from Strasbourg to Vienna. Only. The original Orient was certainly replaced by more efficient commercial air. That said, the current European rail system is an excellent way to go from one destination to another. Anywhere.
For me, traveling by rail in the former Warsaw Pact had a special appeal. I had ridden the underground rail system in West Berlin which went unencumbered into the Eastern Sector. Miss your stop and you're now in a James Bond movie. Focus. My papers were in order. I got off at my appointed stop, survived. All told, it worked nicely.
Bulgaria was no exception.
These two engines or tanks, from different generations, are sitting in the rail yard at the Plovdiv Depot.
This is the routine Sofia-Plovdiv service, arriving in Plovdiv.
This is the Sofia-Slanchev Bryag (Sunny Beach Resort) Express which transits Plovdiv and Bourgas, preparing to depart the main Sophia Rail Station.It is a shame that rail service in the United States is not as common or reliable. Or as cheap. Or that our lifestyle does not accommodate such a transportation system.
At what price?
