Experience the magic of the Orient Express and take an unforgettable journey on one of it's iconic trains. What's included:-
Outward journey to RHS Wisley by coach. Admission to RHS Wisley.
Four-course dinner with Champagne and half a bottle of wine per person on return.
When you hear the name Orient Express you know luxury is coming your way.
On Thursday, 25th October, 2012 we set off on our glamourous adventure. At 9.15 a.m. driving on the M3 by junction 2 we saw the Orient Express pass just over our heads. So many times we have driven along this motorway and never before seen the Orient Express. Felt quite excited.
We checked in to the VSOE (Venice Simplon Orient-Express) Lounge opposite Platform 2 at Victoria Railway Station.
It was hard deciding what to wear but in the end put on comfortable shoes, trousers and a cashmere jumper. Some ladies wore high heels, which were not appropriate for walking around Wisley. In the end I think I got it right.
We then departed by coach to Wisley. An interesting journey through Chelsea. A guide accompanied us and it was fun to learn all about the celebratory homes, posh shops, etc.
Wisley is one of the great gardens of the world and we had three hours to explore the 172 acres including the stunning Glasshouse.
What large lemons
Aristolchia Littoralis
Does anyone know. Do bananas peel themselves?
The gardens never fail to impress, there is so much to see and enjoy, which I hope you can see from the photographs.
Autumn is a magical time of year.
Every autumn diminishing daylight hours and falling temperatures induce trees to prepare for winter. In these preparations they shed billions of tons of leaves and the shedding of leaves is preceded by a spectacular colour show.
Get out and kick a few leaves about
Formally green leaves turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.
A natural firework display of colour.
Maroon and gold were my school colours.
I hated them but nature wears them well.
The ground under some trees are littered with gorgeous colourful cyclamen.
Bonsai joined in too.
What a gay garden (Pansies)
Getting ready for winter. Shower caps on!!!
At 4.15 p.m. we then rejoined the coach and drove through the beautiful Hampshire countryside (not M3 but pretty villages like Alresford) to Eastleigh to board the British Pullman for the return journey to London.
The gleaming umber and cream carriages pulled into Eastleigh station at 18.40 hours.
We were allocated to Pullman Carriage Vera. Seats 1 and 2
Although I was wearing my ugg boots I felt I had stepped into the shoes of a 1930s celeb
surrounded by a world of pure indulgence.
British Pullman is glorious in every respect. Originally conceived as "Palaces on Wheels" by George Pullman, each lavishly appointed carriage is an original 1920s and 30s masterpiece from the golden age of travel.
The carriages are called Audrey, Cygnus, Gwen, Ibis, Ione, Lucille, Minerva, Perseus, Phoenix, Zena and our very own VERA. Looking as beautiful as when she was part of the Brighton Belle.
On boarding we were seated in a coupe ( a small compartment all to ourselves).
Passengers are seated in either coupes or in the open car at tables for 2.
We sipped champagne and admired the lovingly restored carriage with it's breathtaking attention to detail. It's car is a symphony of intricate marquetry, inlaid mosaic floors, sparkling crysal and Art Deco design.
Our carriage Vera has diamond-patterned panels of sandalwood with a mahogany border. Arching over the top of each panel is a graceful, stylised gazelle leaping between two curvaceous palm trees.
Wine flows and gourmet cruisine is served.
The Dinner Menu was
Garden Pea Soup with Minted Creme Fraiche
Rondelle of Scottish Salmon with Shiitake Mushrooms,
Green Beans, Cocotte Potatoes, Port Wine Sauce.
Selection of Cheeses from the British Isles with
Homemade Chutney
Caramelized Braeburn Apple and Toffee Cheesecake
Rainforest Alliance Coffee
(Robbie Gleeson Executive Head Chef)
The journey route was 87 1/2 miles passing thro' Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Woking, Virginia Water, Staines, Brentford, Kensington Olympia, then over the Thames, passed Battersea Power Station to London Victoria. Steeped in history, our British Pullman carriages were once the Bournemouth Belle, the Brighton Belle and the legendary Golden Arrow, whisking passengers to the majestic ocean going liners of the 1920s and 30s. Our locomotive was built for EWS and designed by General Motors of America, built by Alstom in Spain. It has a V12 2 stroke 3200 HP engine and weighs 90 tonnes. (Unfortunately, not a Puffa train).
When the Brighton Belle was bombed in London Victoria station in the 1940 blitz, Vera received a direct hit. Her roof was so badly damaged that it had to be substantially rebuilt after the war. Luckily a sample of her original upholstery was found and the fabric manufacturer has recreated the 1930 design specifically to cover her chairs. It is a subtle pattern of brown and gold with a faint suggestion of leaves and feathers.
Vera rejoined the Brighton Belle in 1947 and was used regularly by members of the Royal Family.
After dinner the Steward invited us to wander thro all the carriages.
Art Deco strip lighting in Audrey.
Audrey also has 12 different marquetry panels of landscape scenes. Beautiful.
The exquisite mosaic tiles in Perseus' toilet.
Actually called the lavatory.
Thanks children. We've been lucky enough to enjoy a trip on the Orient Express.
A wonderful gift. xxx
After such an evening of glamour we decided it couldn't end.
It's a long tradition for Harrods to dedicate their display windows to celebrate the release of the latest James Bond film. This year is no exception, as evidenced by these photos snapped on our way home. They tie in to the release of Skyfall.
The LandRover 110 Defender makes it's debut.
This was the one actually used on screen in the opening sequence.
How did they get it in the window.
Watch it on You Tube.
Bolly, darling. Don't mind if I do.
