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Sweet Escape: The Orient Express

by | Oct 18, 2007 | Sweet Escape

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Sweet Escape: The Orient Express

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stopped the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train was surprisingly full for this time of the year. But by the morning there was one passenger fewer. An American lay dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside…

From Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Nothing like a blustery fall night of high winds to make you want to curl up by the fire with a good murder mystery! But last fall, I got to go one step better than a book by a fire, I had the incredible privilege of actually taking the famed and luxurious train, The Orient Express, from Venice to Paris! Yes! Can you believe it? Little ‘ol me on such a once in a lifetime adventure?!

Being one who positively shudders with glee over simple things like the ambience of low lights and candles in my own living room, the opportunity to ride the Orient Express was pure indulgence, beyond my wildest imagination!

Sweet Escape: The Orient Express

Sweet Escape: The Orient Express

My sister and I shared a cabin on this famed train, and absolutely reveled in the whole experience. We imagined the murder mystery played out around us, we summoned our personal cabin attendant, Ian, over and over again (just in fun between ourselves, he had no idea we were calling him, we aren’t that cruel!) for a fresh cocktail, tiny sandwiches, slippers, you name it we imagined him at our beck and call.

We watched the Swiss alps fly by with snow flurries in the air and castles in the hills, and dined on delicacies in the dining car. And, we even got a little motion sickness as we tried to change into our formal attire riding backwards in a cabin so small only one of us could stand at a time. It was the best of times!

Sweet Escape: The Orient Express

I know it seems a little outrageous, but I like to imagine life as charming and full of ambience as that railroad car! I try to recreate those feelings for everyday, at least in my mind. Now, granted, most of my days don’t end up as fanciful as that, but in my deepest imagination, I am dressed up in my finery tonight riding the Orient Express once again.

“Oh, Ian, fetch me my slippers! And my book! Ian, could you please light my heater! Ian, could you fluff my pillow? Oh, and Ian, I could use a hot toddy!”

31 Comments

  1. hollyannwoods.blogspot.com

    Hello,
    I was just over at sohpie’s honeysuckle and thought I would drop by.
    And Delighted I did!!
    LOVE your post and style!
    I am to open soon at Holly Woods Vintage Clothing.
    hollyannwoods.blogspot.com
    Holly

    Reply
  2. Kathleen Grace

    What a great experience and it all looks so beautiful! Thank you for sharing the trip withus:>)

    Reply
  3. anindiansummer

    Ah, personal attendant in a luxury train – blissful! I love the first and the last image :-)

    Reply
  4. kari&kijsa

    What an experience (and a fabulous memory!)
    thanks for sharing! Ian, will you sign off for us…

    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

    Reply
  5. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    Hi Melissa~~ What a wonderful trip to have been on with your sister! OMG! Sounds like you both had the time of your lives. Look how pretty you look sitting there! You match the chair, too!! :) Thank you for sharing your wonderful time with us!

    xo,
    Becky

    Reply
  6. Becky

    That was a very fun post!
    Becky K.

    Reply
  7. Cottage Contessa

    Oh you lucky lady! What a wonderful experience that would have been! I was an Agatha Christie fan when I was a young teen, and still have a copy of every book, in hard back, sitting with pride on a bookcase in the study. Such an awesome writer!
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  8. Neutral Dwelling

    The dining car looks exquisite. Thanks for sharing your trip.

    Reply
  9. Neutral Dwelling

    P.S.
    Congrats! I see you on the 10 ten new blog design contest winner listing!!!!!!!!I’m so proud for you!

    Reply
  10. Julie

    Melissa,
    I will never forget the first time I read The Murder on the Orient Express. I wanted so badly (still do) to be a passenger on that train. Train travel reminds of me of days long gone and you know I love anything old. But just as you I love the romance and mystery of it. I’ve watched several documentaries on traveling on the Express. Don’t think I will ever be able to afford it but it sure is nice to dream.

    Great post – as always!

    Love,
    Julie

    Reply
  11. Marilyn

    What a great post! I would love to ride the Orient Express. I’ve always been an Agatha Christie fan and especially any of the Hercule Peroit mysteries.
    What a great experience and I appreciate you sharing with all of us. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. Lynda

    oh how fabulous!! Travelling by the Orient Express has always been a dream of mine … thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience! ~ Lynda ♥

    Reply
  13. Erin

    Too fun! Only sisters can understand each other, and enjoy each other like that.

    Reply
  14. AJsMom

    Thank you for sharing your trip and your memories. Some of my fondes memories are trips with my sister and my Mom. Your post makes me look forward to the next time we have an adventure together. I enjoyed your post very much.

    Reply
  15. A Fanciful Twist

    How totally incredible!!! My mom was obsessed with Agatha Christie when I was a girl.. I wonder if she still is??? She adores the Orient Express. Alas, I myself, never been on… And, seeing as how I don’t like transportation… Well, we’ll see… But living it vicariously through you is just as good for little ole moi. xoxo

    Reply
  16. brilliant asylum

    Train travel is the best. I wish there were more opportunities to travel by rail in the U.S.!

    Reply
  17. Mélanie

    I have to try it one day …as the famous french poem says :
    “luxe , calme et volupté “

    Reply
  18. Amanda Jones

    That looks like it was so much fun. It would be wonderful to get on an amazing train and have someone at your beckon call! I should look into this because it is really something that I would enjoy as well.

    Reply
  19. Sophiehoneysuckle

    Wow!!!! What a fab post! I read it twice! What an amazing trip to go on-it looks better than I imagined and what a gorgeous photo of you! xx

    Reply
  20. Carrie

    I imagined myself right there! Thank You!

    Reply
  21. Michelle

    What an amazing adventure that must have been! I so want to ride on the Orient Express (especially being a big fan of Agatha Christie!). How wonderful!

    Reply
  22. Kelly

    That must have such an incredible experience! Thanks for sharing it with us. So fantastic!

    Reply
  23. perfect bound

    My mom and I have been thinking of taking the trip together. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  24. Joni Webb

    Hi = this is just such a wonderful post! Congrats, btw!! Well deserved. I want to go on that train SO badly, but now I feel like I was almost, just almost there myself, thanks for the opportunity.

    Keep up the good work!!!

    Joni
    cote de Texas

    Reply
  25. lizzie

    I am so delighted to have found your blog today! I am a great fan of the mysteries and romances associated with train travel and have been dreaming of a trip on one for years!

    Thank you for taking us with you on your magical trip, and for your lovely way of writing about it.

    Reply
  26. Pat

    I can’t count the number of times I’ve read Agatha Christie’s book and I’ve seen the movie so many times, also. Thank you for taking us along on this magical journey!

    Pat

    Reply
  27. Girl About Town

    LOLROF!!! Oh, I love it!!

    Reply
  28. Ruth Welter

    Lucky you melissa, that is a wonderful experience.

    Reply
  29. Jean

    So do they actually use real silver and crystal at their table settings?

    Reply

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