I just returned from an absolutely wonderful trip aboard The American Orient Express, a train in the tradition of the legendary Orient Express. The itinerary was just as remarkable, from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The time was August, and the weather was just perfect, sunny and comfortably warm during the day, and pleasant cooler evenings. A well needed break from the heat and humidity of Houston in August.

My trip began with a flight on Air Canada to Halifax the day before the train was scheduled to depart. Halifax is a beautiful city, very young at heart, with seven universities, a culture of British (pubs) and Canadian friendliness. Halifax is one of the oldest cities in Canada, as well as the largest in the Atlantic Provinces. After a day of touring, one finds themselves at the "Historic Properties", consisting of twelve waterfront buildings, redeveloped into shops and restaurants. For evening entertainment and cheap eats, pick any one of many "British or Irish" style pubs, for great home-cooked inexpensive meals and pints of beer. Expect "Irish" folk music, too. It’s an easy city to walk around in, or choose one of many interesting tours with Atlantic Tours. There’s a "pub crawl" tour and even a "chocolate lovers tour". And for sailors, plan to visit in the summer of 2000 for the Tall Ships Regatta.

Down at the Via Rail train station, the signature royal blue and gold colors of the deluxe trains of Europe, tells you this is going to be an experience of a life time. Inside this train, you are pampered with gracious service, gourmet meals and a congenial, club-like atmosphere. There are two dining carriages, open seating, tables of 2 or 4 set with china, silver, crystal and linen. There are 2 club cars with baby grand pianos and a historic observation car at the end of the train.

Our first ride on the train, takes us from Halifax to Moncton, New Brunswick, a short 3-hours in the morning to enjoy breakfast, full or continental, and watch the beautiful countryside go by. It was a little drizzly arriving in Moncton, but we boarded a bus, a were taken to Prince Edward Island, where we were going to spend the night. P.E.I. Is a touch of Ireland, soft rolling hills, uncountable shades of green, little towns, and friendly people. If you ever plan to visit P.E.I. for a vacation, plan for June and July, for the island is big for LOBSTER FISHING !! And fresh indeed. They also farm mussels for us mollusk lovers!! The island is sports oriented....choose from a number of golf courses (20), bicycling, canoeing, fresh or salt water fishing, tennis, swimming, boating and horseback riding.

After returning to the train the following day, we find the evening brings a delicious regional dinner, entertainment around the baby grand, and talking with fellow train lovers. Sleeping is like rocking in a waterbed and I slept long and hard. We were on our way to romantic Quebec City, but it is a long way, so not only do we travel all night, we also have the morning on the train. This is a rare chance to relax in comfort and view the country from the unique perspective that only comes with travel by rail. Each trip is accompanied by expert lecturers to enhance you understanding of the region you are in. Our time was spend discussing the always heated debate in Canada on Separatism of Quebec.

If ever you fall in love with a city, this is the one. Quebec City is burgeoning with architectural jewels, quaint streets, shops, and outdoor cafes. In 1985, UNESCO declared the city an official World Heritage Treasure, ranking it with Egypt’s pyramids and India’s Taj Mahal. A city tour is well worth taking to become familiar with the history of the city and the birthplace of French-colonial North America. But leave yourself time to wander the streets to enjoy the street entertainers, and take in people watching at any outdoor café. Old Quebec is not hard to find, with its’ landmark, Chateau Frontenac, sitting high on the hill and surrounded by its’ fortress walls. Don’t worry about a language barrier, the French people of Quebec City are very generous with their English. Plan a return trip in early September, to take in the fall foliage, for the area is covered in Maple trees.

This wonderful trips ended for me in Montreal, but there were a lot of lucky passengers that were taking the "big" ride across Canada and finishing in Vancouver, British Columbia. This was 9 more days yet. I reflect back on that first 3-hour part of this train trip, I thought I would get bored and antsy, but now I wish I had just a few more days to enjoy this train. You don’t have to be a train afficionado to enjoy this trip, you don’t have to be old, married or without children. The American Orient Express can be easily enjoyed by everyone, except those that need non- top gambling. (Although you get a change at Lady Luck in Halifax and Montreal). There were 4 children on board as well, and they were having the time of their lives as well.

If you are interesting in more information, please give me a call. The trip to the Atlantic Provinces is not being offered in 2000, but there are many other scenic, historic and romantic itineraries offered by AOE.; the Antebellum South, Jazz & Blues Express, National Parks of the West, the Rockies & Yellowstone, the Great Northwest, the American Heritage and the Great Transcontinental Journey.