Some Knowledge

The Seychelles Islands are in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1000 miles east of Kenya. The islands lie near the equator, and have a tropical climate. The archipeligo is composed of 155 separate islands. The Seychelles have a government composed of a president, elected for a five year term, and a National Assembly, which is a one house parliament. The biggest industry of the islands is tourism, with tuna fishing coming in second. The current government is trying to promote farming, fishing, and manufacturing.

Although the islands may have been known to Arab traders, they were discovered in 1502 by Vasco da Gama, and were at that time uninhabited. The islands were occasionally used by pirates before 1756, when the French took possession of them and gave them their name. The current residents of the islands are mostly immigrants from France, Africa, India, and China. The official languages are French and English.

The Seychelles are known for a species of giant tortoise that lives on Aldabra island, as well as for large colonies of seabirds, 1000 varieties of fish, and the strange coco de mer tree. The odd jellyfish tree is also found in some parts of these islands. As with most island settlements, some of the native species were lost to extinction when the islands were colonized.

The best time to visit the Seychelles is said to be between April and October. The low period for travel is the month of June. January and February is the rainy season. The islands lie outside the hurricane belt, and the weather is usually warm with pleasant breezes. There are many beaches in the Seychelles and plenty of hotels. The water temperature is said to be around 80 F. This is also the average temperature, with a high humidity.

GrandLuxe Rail Journeys is the current operator of the American Orient Express.  Through this company you can book train tours of the national parks of the west, the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Napa Valley, as well as tours of the Antebellum South and Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

These trips generally run 4 to 10 days and can be booked by calling 800-269-6044.

There are a variety of accommodations available, from a standard Pullman car with upper and lower berths to a Presidential Suite.  Attire is casual so you will not need a tuxedo to get into the dining car.  Bring walking shoes for the tours at frequent stops.  There is a gourmet restaurant and a pianist to play background music for your journey.  Meals and hotels are included in the price of your journey.

If you want to see the beauty of America there is nothing like riding a train through the mountains and plains.  You will not have to worry about driving and can spend your time looking out the windows.  Unlike an airliner, you will be part of the landscape, not high above it.  For scenery and enjoyment there is nothing like a train ride.