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Everybody has their own favorite mode of transport. Some like cars. Others prefer the bus, plane or even bicycle. For me, it’s always the train. I love traveling to places by rail. It’s relaxing and gets you from point A to point B without the stress of driving or the hassle of airports. You also get to see the landscape while traveling and you can get on or off wherever you want to.

The trains I like traveling on the most are the overnight sleepers. There is something romantic about this kind of journey. Think for example of the Orient Express. Most people, I’m sure would be thrilled to travel on that train with it’s luxury and connections to mystery and adventure. I know I certainly would, though sadly, I don’t have the money.

However I have been on sleeper trains in some of the countries I’ve visited. England, France and Japan to name a few. Most of these trips were fun and were made with friends or family. The journey that sticks most in my mind though was a sleeper I took in Thailand from Bangkok to Surat Thani and back. Actually, I hadn’t really intended to get on the train, but when I asked for a train going south that one was leaving in two minutes so I grabbed my ticket and ran to the platform. I just made it and jumped on as the train was pulling out.

The journey was really interesting, mainly because the train was full of colorful characters and backpackers from all over the world. I sat back and watched the action while eating the meal the steward brought me.

Anyway, I was really enjoying the journey when I noticed a uniformed guard with a gun walking up the carriage. He ignored everybody until he got to my table and then he just stopped and stared straight at me. I didn’t know what I’d done, but I was a bit scared. After what seemed like hours, he moved on and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Then with a shock, I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder. It was the guard! He looked down at me and said, “Where are you from?”
With a very dry mouth I replied. “England.”
Suddenly smiling he sat down opposite me and said, “I have a brother in England. I’m going to visit him next month. Can I practice my English with you for a while?”
“Sure.” I replied and let him talk for a while so my heart could stop thudding! It was a memorable train journey.

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