My first memory of a train ride was one filled with excitement when I made the rhythmic dance team at high school, which meant a 3-day train ride from Durban to Cape Town for a big festival.
The excitement soon turned to misery for those who got motion sickness as this was just a regular old train, nothing like the luxury ride I'm going to share with you today!
I remember the trip back was even worse as everyone ate too much of the Cape dried fruit which of course led to flatulence, so many of the compartments were filled with the most awful aromas which caused more train sickness!
Fast-forward to 2022
Going on a luxury train ride to Victoria Falls is just one of the things on my bucket list.
Rovos Rail offers a two-night, three-day luxury steam train ride to Victoria Falls.
Of course one can fly, but how awesome to ride through the countryside and take in the changing landscapes while enjoying five-star meals, accommodation, and service on this luxurious steam train.
Source
Once in Zimbabwe, the elegant and nostalgic Royal Livingstone Express will be next on the itinerary.
The journey would start in Livingstone, winding through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Zambezi River Valley, which gives one the opportunity of spotting wildlife.
The lounge compartment with decor in lavish leather, teak, and brass and offers one the opportunity to enjoy an ice-cold drink while sinking into comfy couches.
Dining on this train in the elegant dining cart is a sumptuous affair with the finest china, crystal, and silverware with an authentic feast awaiting one.
The highlight of course would be as the train crosses the Victoria Falls Bridge and the massive Victoria Falls come into view.
These falls were named after Queen Victoria by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, but the local Kalolo-Lozi people called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.”
Postscript
I started this blog in between nursing Mom Lily, but her condition worsened to the point where we had to get Home Angels caregivers to help during the day so I've been absent from Hive for a while
.
Sadly things spiraled out of control as the brain tumour became aggressive and took Mom on Sunday 30 January.
Reminiscing and having to dig up old but good memories in preparation for her memorial, has been healing, and I know my tiny little Mom is now at peace and would want me to get on with my life.
Who knows, perhaps I do get to take this dream trip by train one day!
The photos I've shared was taken by my friend Pat who flew to Zimbabwe with her son and his wife, as a special birthday gift from them.
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Dreams come true my friend you deserve that train trip. Your mom was such an amazing person just like her daughter who is my best friend. Mom is in her forever home and is at peace now. I have fond memories of her over the 40 + years I've known her, she was awesome. Be strong Lizelle, lots of hugs and love sent.
Thank you my friend and also for spending some time with her and praying with her. Mom is where she was longing to go and I believe is walking again with her loved ones that passed over xxx
It was such a pleasure Lizelle, she is much happier where she is, got lots of fond memories, she'll always be in our heart. Love you lots.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is such a struggle to care for an elderly loved one, and I am amazed at how much time and effort you have been able to put in. Now, comes the sad time of mourning, but also a new chapter. I think you are right -- your mother would want you to continue with your life and find new adventures.
Among other things, I hope you will now have time to return to a regular meditation practice if you wish to do so. I am still working at getting regular about mine. We previously discussed how healing this can often be.
Much love! Loss is always difficult. The loss of our mother is doubly so for most people. ❤
Thank you so very much @harlowjourney! And for the reminder about getting back to regular meditation practice, something that became impossible with Mom needing constant attention.
Even though my heart is broken and little things get me sobbing again, I am thankful that her suffering finally ended!
Dear Lizelle, I send you a big hug, you are in my thoughts. You have lived through some very hard weeks and I hope that now the good memories will comfort you.
And about the trip, that would be a fantastic one. I love to travel by train, I found it so relaxing, and if it's a 5 star like that one, nothing to argue. I wish you could do it someday.
Thank you so much @coquicoin, and for being such a huge help with sprucing up the Silver Bloggers!
I certainly hope to travel on a train like this to Victoria Falls🤗
That would be the most amazing trip, Lizelle!
I am so sorry about the last few weeks. What a way to begin a new year.
This
Is really important.
You are much in our thoughts xxx
Thank you so much Fiona, it was just awful to see Mom suffering like that, she really did not deserve to go through this, but I know she's at peace now and I believe is young and free in another world ❤
Lizelle, I know I speak for the entire community in saying our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Take all the time you need to heal and get things back on track.
Fiona
Thank you Fiona, and also for steering the #silverbloggers with the awesome help from @mondoshawan and @coquicoin, you are all amazing!
Dear Lizelle, take the time you need, you have been going through too much. My thoughts are with you and your family 🤗
Mom is at rest away from pain and confusion, making the grand age she did your memories will remain forever, sorry to hear, most times in life we never understand now to accept she is gone.
Many quality years you have shared with Mom, hope the train ride comes to fruition giving you a break to sit back and quietly reflect in nature, Vic Falls will blow you away a very spiritual destination.
@tipu curate
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 56/96) Liquid rewards.
Thank you Joan, Mom lost her independence 5 years ago, but ever since 2 Jan the tumour started causing havoc. It was awful seeing her suffering but thankfully she's at peace now and free of the bondage the tumour caused.
I would love to fulfill this dream one day!
No matter how young or old, we feel this loss forever.
Once quality of life is gone, we know but never anticipate the hurt and emotions that follow, my thoughts are with you, and the whole family as Mom Lily will be missed.
As they say, loss of an elder is like losing a library, I'm sure you have all learned valuable lessons from Mom that will be passed down.
How very true Joan, that's why it's so good to talk and store all those memories here on Hive where it will be available for the generations that follow!
Will be thinking of you tomorrow, loss is something we carry for the rest of our days.
Sharing what we have learned hopefully helps future generation avoid some of our mistakes.
So sorry re the loss of your mum Lizelle. Good to know that she is in a better place now where the streets are made of gold and where she'll never grow old !!
That's so beautifully said, thank you so much @edenmichelle
Thanks Lizelle - keep strong.
My heartfelt condolences dear friend on the passing of your mum. I wanted to send you a private message but my computer and phone were changed at Christmas time and I seem to have lost your number. Please reach out to me again on WhatsApp. I pray for an abundance of blessings for you for this year dear friend.
Thank you so very much dear @pandamama, my little Mom really suffered towards the end, it was just awful, but your sweet child @edenmichelle described the place she's in now so beautifully!
Thank you for your response dear Lizelle - and the music and lyrics from Eden would describe it beautifully. Perhaps our mum's are having tea together in heaven ♥️🎵
Oh no!! I'm so so sorry to hear about your mum Lizzie. I'm sure she is at a better place now and free from pain, and that she'd want to you carry on with life to the fullest.
Thank you for posting in the Train Spotting community, and hopefully you will go on the well deserved luxury train journey very soon
Thank you @livinguktaiwan, Mom really suffered terribly in the end, no pain but the swallowing, speech, immobility and eventually her breathing was affected, so at least the end was quiet and peaceful. I am thankful and believe she's in a place where she can walk again, something she really missed.
I would love to go on this train journey one day!
I wish that luxurious train trip will come true for you Lizzie... and I am sorry to hear about your mom... I believe too that she is in great hands now and no longer in pain. Hugs and prayers on your way... take care
Thank you @ifarmgirl, that's the one comfort that I have as Mom really suffered especially in the end!
Who knows, that train journey may just happen one day!
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I am sorry about your mum, but as you say she is at peace now. That would be an incredible train journey to take, and the falls how awesome would that be!
Thank you @tengolotodo and yes Mom is out of her suffering and at peace again!
I'll have to work on that train journey ;)
Sounds like a dream meant to come true @lizelle - I wish it for you.