Wednesday, July 17, 2019

ORIENT EXPRESS

What a trip this was. Seems like ages since I was back at the Casa du Borghese. We arrived in Londontown, just in time for London's Gay Pride festivities, but alas, since our train was heading out the next afternoon, we didn't have time to partake of the festivities, but the Lait Hotel for overnight was excellent, and before our departure we got to experience Sketches for tea. I was in love with the place, but the train awaited.
Taking the Orient Express was definitely one of the very best parts of  this trip, perhaps of any trip I've taken. I heard a saying once...the greatest defeat in life is to miss a train. And this is one I'm glad we didn't miss. THIS is what train travel should be. Everywhere you looked were beautiful details. The train was gorgeous, the staff was extremely attentive and impeccable, all very knowledgeable about details and history of the train and décor,  the food and cocktails were fantastic...

 Oh, and the fashion opportunities!!!! This lady was fabulous!!!!!!
This woman was our neighbor in the next suite. She was ever swank and was from France. We were going to the bar here.
Warbucks at dinner one night.

The train is made up of sleeping cabins and suite cars, and restaurant cars, mostly from the 1920's and 30's. Almost every detail in the cars is the way it was. And the guests have to take part, too. Be prepared to dress. No blue jeans, sweatpants, exercise wear or tees shirts.... no cell phones or talking on them (except for photos), no bottles - glasses only, thank you very much. It's lovely! And, of course, the train is quite famous for being the backdrop of Agatha Christie's mystery, Murder on the Orient Express. Luckily I'm happy to report there were no murders. We boarded the Belmond British Pullman in London at Victoria Station, which then took us into France to board the Orient Express, and were shown to our cabin suite. It was a lovely and cozy room. Warbucks treated me right. I was relieve to see there was actually a full size bed, room for you know, huh, room to play!!!

lovely little cabinet  door opens to reveal a wash basin. Each cabin has one, but the WC is down the hall.
The bar car was, by far, the best part of the train! I know, your all clutching your pearls in shock. So rich and decadent.

 Our bar tender was from Lake Como, Walter, so we were already sent with an introduction. We spent most of the days at the bar, which was a real treat. Walter has a passion for historical cocktails and some very special gin cock-a-tails. Each drink had a story and was made in the same way as it was originally. Even the ice has to be picked up along the way, as the kitchen situation is the same on the train now as it was almost a century ago .At one of the longer stops, I had a special drink made for me. The Pousse-café. It was special because, being a layered drink, it can only be made with success when the train is stopped. Woo, so sweet, though! But the various sweetness of the liqueurs are what makes them dense enough to stay separate from the next layer. There is also a baby grand on board! It comes off at the end of each season. Quite a feat, as they have to take the legs off I was told.
Ah, and then the best part: dressing for dinner! Warbucks caught this snap of me.
As the dinner hour approached, the bar car became packed! Absolute sardines! Of course, excess space is nowhere to be found on board. When passing in the corridors, it's a very "cozy" affair. I could have sworn, a steward from another car adjusted my junk for me in passing one time. Also each of the dinning cars have a different feel and style.

yes...the dance floor!

Being the first night of the journey, the energy on board was fantastic. You could tell everyone was excited to be there. It was like a big party! On the second night, there was a huge party that went right on till 5:30am!!!!!! Another afternoon a group called the Gyspy Queens performed and did they ever having me swooning. Other times it was nice to just sit and relax and take in the passing views.


We had to wake up punctually, as the train was arriving late morning the last day, and we wanted to be able to experience breakfast before disembarking off the train. Your steward brings continental breakfast to your cabin on a tray. Our steward Dennis was extremely friendly with us...and was always there for any need we had, The cars concierge, Patric, was also very good with services too, and granted all our needs. They were both handsome.

After dressing on our last day, we went to the bar car for some tea, while Dennis made our room back up, and arranged our luggage for arrival in Vienna. 

Hello, Vienna! Bye, train. At the end of the trip, the whole train staff was present at disembarkment. I almost took Dennis with me, I believe he enjoyed Warbucks and myself. But tis life. Well, until next time  train! It really was unforgettabe.
Next up.....some sights in Vienna. And yes...I did make it up to Warbucks for those wondering. I'm still sitting on a donut. 

56 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! Thanks for letting us come along vicariously on your trip...a European tour might never be in my cards but I always love seeing people's accounts of it. I've borrowed all the "Rick Steve's" dvd tour series from the library but it's more fun to get your personal angle and pictures. The Orient Express looks every bit as fun and elegant as I imagined! And you know I LOVE TO DRESS!!!!

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    1. Agnes...jaws would drop with your entrances.

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  2. What fun! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. And nice to see you and Warbucks didn't know the train off the tracks. It really is a stunning mode of travel you lucky bitch. And just how much did Dennis do for you guys?

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  3. Loved the video clip!!!! I am utterly jealous!! :) Going on the Orient Express is on the top of my dream holiday list!! Thank you for posting the photos. It is such a beautiful train

    *dreamy sigh*.

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  4. Wow... just simply beautiful photos, I'm so happy for you and envious at the same time lol! That's not just a trip, that's a life experience. Seriously though dear... who are you trying to fool, we all know that's you in the white dress, you had too much to drink and put a lampshade on your head again didn't you! Honestly turn my back for five minutes and... ;)

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    1. This made me giggle, Steven. I can't look at the picture anymore :)

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    2. Oh honey...The hat maybe, but I would wear something much more form fitting in a gown, or a fitted suit with fur lapel and cuffs ....or a huge colorful caftan with turban. Of course.

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    3. Well.. you know the old saying, "I aim to tease"! :D

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  5. Enchanting experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I too am in love with that bar car. I would hate to see Warbucks bill for this, or your rear marks. But I would totally do this trip too....in my next life.

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  6. WOW! Does we want to adopt me too? I said it once, I'll say it again. "Marry him mum, the minute he asks you.

    Never seen anything like it.

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  7. This is fascinating! I love the old feel of this train. I can see myself, wedged in a corridor while hunky guys slather me up with oil, better yet, butter to push me through. Thanks for the travelogue, Maddie, not to mention the fantasies. Glad you had a good time. I'm trying not to think of the donut (donut being another nickname of mine). You do look snazzy, though headless, in a suit!

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    1. I like to keep the mystery somewhere. Excuse now whilst I re-fluff said donut.

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  8. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about pure elegance. I would have to get new clothes just to travel on there. All the cocktails looks great too, they must have know your reputation.

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  9. Anonymous7/17/2019

    Thank you for the great photos! It was like taking us on the journey with you. That looks like an incredible experience.

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    1. Certainly was interesting too, to sleep nude in a moving train. But Im one to not sleep in clothing...can't get to sleep otherwise. I highly recommend this trip. It's the only time I will probably ever get to experience that old world glamour travel. I can now die happy.

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  10. Hello, stop in from "She who seeks" how to me it all would seem like a dream.
    If you have time stop by for a cup of coffee.

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  11. Wow, wow, wow! Now that you're home again, does it feel like you're "slumming"after experiencing how "the other half" live? What a fabulous trip!

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  12. Oh man....this was definitely a trip of a lifetime. I wondered what one might do on the train for so long, or if you would get bored, but I can imagine the scenery alone and the pitstops would be enough to hold interest. And you your self looked sexy and dapper. I bet daddy had fun undressing you.

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  13. I too have been to Sketches for tea and loved it!!!!

    I would love to take this trip, but my wallet has not given into it yet, and starts gasping for air when I even try to consider it. I loved these pictures....Im am melting.

    Luxurious experience - everything I hoped it would be and more. Thank you for taking us with you!!!

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  14. I'm blown away. Such elegance. It's surely your natural habitat, mistress!
    It's like another world. I bet you were sad when it ended.
    Glad you're back. I've missed you!

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    1. My advice dear Christina is GO!!!! I hope I'll never forget this trip.

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  15. You must have felt like a queen, dear. Oh, wait... Jx

    PS all this and the LaLIT hotel, too?! It must have cost a mortgage...

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    1. Hence why my ass still hurts dear. But for my little time there I enjoyed what I saw of your fair hamlet, as no I got to keep my little stuffed elephant at the LaLit, so there was thst.

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  16. I have travelled from Paris to London on the Orient Express, so I was on it for a day - it was fabulous!! Lucky you to stay on it for a proper journey, a wonderful experience!
    Sx

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    1. How nice Ms Scarlet. I think any trip on here is such fun. I imagine that would be a nice day trip.

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  17. Riding the Oriental Express isn't merely a journey - it's a monumental adventure. Your photos are SPECTACULAR! Tangible proof that old-fashioned elegance still exists.

    I almost expected to see Poirot on the train....

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    1. It did me good to know that some old-fashioned elegance still exists. Now if we could just get old Hollywood back.

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  18. Holy shit.
    This is absolutely fantastic. What an experience!
    They say money can’t buy everything, but what it can buy, certainly IS great.
    Love the photos, love the commentary, love that you got to do this.
    Glad you’re back, but I bet I would have loved to extend it just one more day.
    XoXo

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    1. As Mae West once said "Money is of value for what it buys, and in love it buys time, place, intimacy, comfort, and a private corner alone.

      I think you'd enjoy this trip too.

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  19. Excellent post! All that and The Gypsy Kings, unbelievable. What an experience and what a great job sharing it! Thanks.

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  20. Wow ! I am so jealous .

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  21. Such utter grandeur. You are very fortunate to have had this trip and your loyal followers are so happy (read jealous) for you. The little quintet in the clip is adorable. And the staff on the train were quite yummy too. Are you sure you didn't pack a little something extra as a souvenir?

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    1. What can I do for you to lose that jealous lambchop? Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  22. I'm floored. I knew of the train, but had no idea it was actually still around....and no idea it was actually that grand! My big ass would get wedged passing Deedles in those corridors. But I'd risk it for this!!! Damn, I'll bet you had some major putting out to do horizontally.

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  23. What a great trip. And to be treated the way you deserve to be treated is even better.

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    1. Thanks for stopping in Richard!!! It was quite the time.

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  24. You did this?!!! OMG I'm so jealous! This is one of those trips I've always wanted to do.

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    1. I had heard of it, but it was a complete surprise for me. And it went all to quick. Now don't eat any soggy Cheeto's...lets get to work of that warmer.

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  25. Oh, Maddie, what a wonderful experience that must have been! Your photos really show off the opulence and detail of the train. I particularly like the one of you in your suit sauntering down the corridor...

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    1. I didn't expect that to be taken. I'm also not used to being so covered in the summer like that. It was a wonderful trip...I could live on there.

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  26. Wow, quite the adventure

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  27. Oh .my.god. this is absolutely fabulous. I had no idea it was that decadent. I wouldnt have wanted to leave either. And your downright hot looking in the evening suit. I would love to try this sometime.

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  28. My In Three Words....
    Spectacular, charming, enchanting!!!!

    I'm am just soaking in all the beauty...what a great post.

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  29. Wonderful report! What an experience :-) Loves all the pictures!
    I traveled by train a lot as a kid between Canada and the US. Wasn't this glamorous... xoxoxoxox

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  30. I got buzzed just looking at those drinks! And I'm guessing you looked smashing on Warbucks arm.....or something else?!?!?!

    That trip might be my favorite yet.

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  31. That looks simply fabulous. Did the staff speak only English... or were they Bi... lingual?

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    1. They were all bi, ha ha ha ha!!! But most did speak English, French and Italian. Thank you for your query.

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  32. oh maddie, if ever there was a summit of elegance, the orient express would be it! you are one lucky bitch! amtrak looks like a slum shack compared to this fabu train!

    can't wait to see the vienna pix; my maternal great grandparents were austrian. they came here in the 1880s and settled in chicago first before moving to philadelphia. my grandmom was born in chicago in 1902.

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    1. "amtrak looks like a slum shack " gurl you crazy...but alas...so true.

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    2. That got me chuckling too.

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  33. Mistress, everything.... Absolutely heavenly!! That would be just what that would be like too. Like others, I had no idea the Orient Express was really that elegant. Like you, I'd never want to get off the train. I'd ask to live on there and just travel Erope constantly. Beautiful post Mistress.

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  34. I think the James Bond movie From Russia with Love also took place on the Orient Express. If I'm ever on that train, I'll make a point of going to that bar and ordering a martini "shaken, not stirred."

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    1. I still think I was stirred... and not shaken.

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  35. Cap Chasen7/19/2019

    I'm am truly speechless! So handsome you look too. Is it safe to say you had sex on a train now?

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  36. WOW WEE! I am actually at a lost for words. I had no idea just how fancy a train could get. You just assume it is all a set in the movie, not real. You are one lucky bitch.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!