The centre of Australia is much like the countryside in Afghanistan, being hot and comprised generally of sand. In the late 1800's, Afghani camaleers and camels were brought to Australia to facilitate shipments of supplies to the central Australian outback, mostly Alice Springs. Fast forward to today and camel travel has been replaced by B-trains and rail. For approximately the same price as the rail line was built for, you can purchase a one-way ticket from Adelaide to Alice Springs on the Ghan, a luxury passenger train very much like the Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada. Fortunately we still had our life savings and were able to exchange it for two tickets on the Ghan.
Side of The Ghan with reflection of the sunrise in the windows.
This was a great experience. And we met some nice people, let's call them Dasandra and Cave, a British couple who had moved to the Australia 20 years ago. Drinks were included with the fare, so Dasandra proceeded to obtain her money's worth, to the point where she was able to eat soup with her bare hands and proceeded to win her own gurning competition as she morphed into unconsciousness. We were so fortunate to be tablemates at lunch and have ringside seats to this free entertainment.
But I digress again!
The train ride was actually amazing and ended too soon. We disembarked at Alice Springs, which is the jumping off point for Uluru and the community of Yulara. That's for another post.
This is what the front of the train looked like at the beginning of the journey. Never saw it again, since the rest of the track is, well, pretty much straight.
Sounds like the train ride was quite an adventure! Such an amazing trip you two are having. I'm loving reading all about it and remembering my time in Australia. A magical place. Keep those blogs coming!
Our former neighbour Jim took this journey and took some wonderful photos but don't think he sat with a human drinking machine. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! G&G