If distant  choo choo of a train gives you the urge to travel, then consider a ride on the Rovos Rail in South Africa.  This beautifully restored  world class train is a delightful way to see the beautiful landscape of  an amazing continent.

I knew when I arrived at the elegant station in Pretoria and was greeted with big smiles and a glass of champagne that this was going to be a grand adventure.  The train, restored to duplicate the grand era of train travel around a hundred years ago, was both a visual delight and replete with creature comforts.  From the elegant dining cars with white linen and fine crystal to the lounge cars where we relaxed and enjoyed the changing panorama out the window, we were transported not only from one end o f South Africa to the other but back in time to a slower pace of life.

I normally wrinkle up my nose at  dark paneling, floral printed fabrics and fussy formal details but the design of the train was appropriate and fitting for the era and to be appreciated.  By the end of the week, I found myself losing the urge to check email or get updates on my Facebook.    Instead I found myself slowing down, enjoying the simple and leisurely pleasures of riding the Rovos Rail.