Contura – Autumn/Winter 2013/14

could decide the hotness of the meal for themselves", Rahul suggests. The
rice meets with approval: "A few candied fruits, roasted cashew nuts and
mustard seeds or a couple of deep-fried curry leaves would make it that bit
more Indian." And she adds: "I would maybe replace the beef with lamb,
because cows are sacred in India." They are both clear about dessert: Swiss
chocolate, of course! "It’s perfect for this train, which represents the best
of Switzerland in concentrated form."
Coach 44, seats 45 and 46, 2 nd class:
Celebrating with Renate and Friedrich Schliephake
"We wanted to treat ourselves to something out of the ordinary for our
silver wedding anniversary. St. Moritz, Zermatt plus the Glacier Express in
four days seemed just the thing, especially when you get a good package
deal by booking well in advance", say Renate and Friedrich Schliephake
from near Goslar in Germany, where they normally travel on the Brocken
railway – sometimes even by steam train.
The train winds its way through the autumnal Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s
very own 'Grand Canyon'. The Schliephakes admire the view in silence.
"Fantastic. I never imagined it would be so impressive", she says.
He agrees: "It looked really spectacular on TV – you know, the show on
which the singer Leonard travels around.
He’s Swiss, isn’t he? But … wow!" They
watched the travelogue twice before finally
embarking on their own trip. One that is
now exceeding all their expectations. They
display not a trace of boredom. "Everyone
is so nice and friendly, eager to help." The
dish of the day is served: goulash, rice and
vegetables. They reserved their seats in advance,
but not the meal. They wanted that
to be a surprise. They appear to be enjoying
it, eating in silence as they listen to the information
through their earphones. If only
the little earbuds didn’t keep falling out.
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