Paris…Orient Express exposition

It was the unexpected sight of a beautiful old train engine sitting at the edge of a large courtyard in Paris that first caught our attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So naturally we walked over to investigate.

And realized it was part of an exposition…about the Orient Express.

Well, I knew (or thought I did!) all about the Orient Express.

It is a legend!

So let’s go visit the real thing!

The line-up is not too long right now…

but even so it is going to take about 40 minutes to enter the train!

(Hint: click on any photo to enlarge it.)

After purchasing your ticket  join the line paralleling the train.

(Hint: Now would be a good time to click on the photo to see what I mean.) 

While waiting to enter the train, enjoy the excellent displays about the Orient Express.

(Don’t worry. It is in both French and English.)

I had not realized how much territory the train serviced.

Did you know?

I did know about Agatha Christie’s connection to the Orient Express…

(Remember: click on the photo to enlarge it…so you can read it.)

Once inside the cars we find ourselves in a different era…and a world of opulence.

Every detail of the decor just screams “wealth”.

You are led to believe the guests have just left the table and will shortly be returning.

Agatha Christie is on board.

(I know because that is her coat hanging on the wall!)

Shall we invite her to join us for afternoon tea?

(Aside: We did hear some snoring coming from one of the compartments when we walked through the sleeping car. Do you think Agatha Christie snores?)

We are inside the train for almost an hour, enjoying the wonderful decor and letting our imaginations run away with us.

If there had not been guides to gently encourage us to continue on we likely would have spent even longer! Now I understand the wait to get into the train.

But…our tour is not over yet.

Just across the courtyard there is an even more extensive display of artifacts

relating to the Orient Express.

For example, this poster advertising a trip on the Orient Express.

With so much of the train’s route taking it through the Arab world, it is appropriate that this exposition was hosted by L’Institut du Monde Arabe (Institute of the Arab World) in Paris. (April through August, 2014)

Aside: The Institute’s architecture is a thing of beauty. Although the exposition is now over, do visit this unique building and learn about it.

 

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Happy Travels!