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Posted by Amanda Kendle Apr 14, 2007 |
I don't know if I'm just a backpacker snob or jealous of people can afford it, but I'm none too impressed with the recent news about the new luxury train service across Russia. The Golden Eagle, as the new train is named, will hurtle tourists across the Trans-Siberian route in absolute luxury. Which takes a lot of the fun out of it, if you ask me.
The new service will include underfloor heating, ensuite bathrooms to every cabin, complete with "power showers", plus plasma TVs and DVD players for all as well. Most of the traveling will be done at night, and passengers will then be taken off the train for day trips to various stopping points along the way.
There's a too-high price tag attached, of course, but there'll be plenty of takers for such a service. But will they really experience Russia? To me, it'll be a diluted version at best. The promotion even makes careful mention that the tours are private. What's the point of traveling across Russia if you don't get to meet any Russians, or share vodka with them after three days and nights of being stuck in a cabin together? Might as well stay home with a few DVDs than watch them as you chug along the Trans-Sib route, I think.