Soul Base Memories - _Ladies of Hive Community Contest #46_

What was the best thing about the place where you grew up?

Childhood years living outside of Johannesburg my fondest memory that I yearn for often is the steam trains we used to go on holidays all over the country.

Some one night sleep over from Johannesburg to Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth took a day longer and highlight was going to Cape Town by train taking a good couple of nights and days.

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We lived close to the railways, at night you would hear the difference between the electric locomotives, diesel and odd steam trains crossing the bridge echoing over the veld, open spaces now mostly lost to development.

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What are your three favorite smells?

Obviously the smell of bellowing smoke and steam flowing gracefully down the rail tracks watching the soot fallout keeping your eyes covered, this smell still evokes strong memories in fondness of bygone era.

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Early morning gong being sounded with coffee trolley rolling down the passage, best coffee served, no frills, not fancy just good.... Treat to an evening meal in the dining car, being taught how to use the many knives, forks and spoons on display before you!

Smell the sea, something about arriving in the seaside towns, smoke hanging in the air with sea spray was smell/taste of freedom of a couple of weeks.

So yes I am glad we lived inland, highlight once a year to travel by train to the seaside. I have photographs of the family on beaches, or at holiday cottages, alas none of the trains the few I do have previously used. All photographs in this post are not my own. with links to where they were originally seen.

Full story well documented on the SAR for anyone interested in the rails down South.

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Invitation to @zo3d to join Ladies on Hive

Thought for Today: "Travel teaches us to see." - African Proverb


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