Hello there from the Red Centre!! Lots to catch up on and the computer here runs of dream time (and gold, not free!!) so I will start at the beginning. All pics to follow later....
Up bright and early and off to the station to catch the amazing Ghan to Alice Springs. 25 hours to make new friends, take in the scenery (when its daylight) chill and relax in my chair (no cabin for me, not when there is a few $100's difference in price!) This journey is cheaper than getting to Manchester by train!!!
Checked in and got talking to a couple from Hampshire, Bob and Lucy, they were in a cabin but we said we would surely bump into each other at some point, and so we did!! There are only a few places to go on a train!
And there are only a few things to write about really, but what I will say was that it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience (those that that have done this before may not agree!!) This was the second time I have done it and the train has been improved (it was fine last time as far as I was concerned!), the reclining seats are wider and more comfy (still no foor rest which is a pain, literally but that is the other use for a backpack) and there is the obligatory buffet car and lounge. The train was full so there was a limited number for the lounge but I managed to purchase a wristband for $10 which meant I could lounge in comfort with those that had paid far more than me for a ticket!
The staff were really helpful and a great laugh, keeping me entertained (not like that) and making sure we were all cared for. The wine was good, so was the company (Bob and Lucy were my companions for the majority of the trip).
The scenery trundled by, the wine slipped down and the conversation flowed. I had packed a picnic to save cash(which I then spent on booze) and soon it was time to (try) and retire for the night. Back to the cheap seats and got a few hours among my fellow passengers but in the end it was like trying to sleep among a herd of snoring hippos so I took myself (and Angry Birds) down to the lounge to watch the sunrise........
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