50 New Things: No. 12 - The Fast Train
New Things No. 12 - The Fast Train
I am not much of a trainspotter, and to be honest, new modes of transport don't particularly thrill me. So I didn't expect to be overly excited when I was in Shanghai recently and caught the fast train not once, but three times. But who would have thought it - I have become an enthusiast! I want fast trains all over Australia, and believe they would revolutionise living and tourism here.
Now, the Maglev train from Pudong Airport in Shanghai will get you into town in 6 minutes, as opposed to an hour-long taxi drive. You've gotta admit, that is pretty impressive.
And when I travelled to Nanjing to attend a conference I caught the fast train from the brand new station at Hongqiao.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfG5DWmS0tH_CHZc7Au5HTbs6uTTvfNr_yhueD3ioJwve2lw7fcpiCHaY41dvFRawu_qNdEvnLsoQfqogFhTrZDYhY9MaxVbMV41mnDqy5tFyuY5r6bxtkf1WR4mFaHtd_LFnkvWzJL0/s400/B_Fast+Train.jpg)
This is an impressive place, smack next to an airport and constructed along similar lines.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGynRi36X4TIVP2SExSMenjYL3iKdUtjLHIXBc8LjNDXJ7ePox1i6byyGX8wNVufoObty-wx_zxMqQXojYlI8lLjhjrqDWxf8yH-UOeVfw4SIbaX3nn9M_1coN9kmQQ4mw3c271wp_-8c/s400/B_Fast+Train+2.jpg)
It is sleek and cavernous and ultra-modern. Just as I was being wowed by the glamour of the new China, the man sitting next to me hacked out a really impressive glob of something from his chest and spat it out on the gleaming floor. Then I felt comfortably back at home in the old China.
As befits a Socialist nation, the Fast Train in China has a handy first class section to avoid all of that nastiness, and it is luxurious indeed. I got to Nanjing in 80 minutes in a quiet, clean carriage that, in terms of comfort, leaves any airplane for dead. This is the way to travel.
Even better, it's a way to meet celebrities. On the way back my First Class carriage was invaded by a half-dozen improbably good looking young men of about 30. They turned out to be an ageing Chinese boy-band, and I spent 80 minutes in their elevated company as they giggled, snoozed and put their feet up on the seats (rock and roll!), constantly attended by the most extravagant entourage. I should have asked for a job.
I am not much of a trainspotter, and to be honest, new modes of transport don't particularly thrill me. So I didn't expect to be overly excited when I was in Shanghai recently and caught the fast train not once, but three times. But who would have thought it - I have become an enthusiast! I want fast trains all over Australia, and believe they would revolutionise living and tourism here.
Now, the Maglev train from Pudong Airport in Shanghai will get you into town in 6 minutes, as opposed to an hour-long taxi drive. You've gotta admit, that is pretty impressive.
And when I travelled to Nanjing to attend a conference I caught the fast train from the brand new station at Hongqiao.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfG5DWmS0tH_CHZc7Au5HTbs6uTTvfNr_yhueD3ioJwve2lw7fcpiCHaY41dvFRawu_qNdEvnLsoQfqogFhTrZDYhY9MaxVbMV41mnDqy5tFyuY5r6bxtkf1WR4mFaHtd_LFnkvWzJL0/s400/B_Fast+Train.jpg)
This is an impressive place, smack next to an airport and constructed along similar lines.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGynRi36X4TIVP2SExSMenjYL3iKdUtjLHIXBc8LjNDXJ7ePox1i6byyGX8wNVufoObty-wx_zxMqQXojYlI8lLjhjrqDWxf8yH-UOeVfw4SIbaX3nn9M_1coN9kmQQ4mw3c271wp_-8c/s400/B_Fast+Train+2.jpg)
It is sleek and cavernous and ultra-modern. Just as I was being wowed by the glamour of the new China, the man sitting next to me hacked out a really impressive glob of something from his chest and spat it out on the gleaming floor. Then I felt comfortably back at home in the old China.
As befits a Socialist nation, the Fast Train in China has a handy first class section to avoid all of that nastiness, and it is luxurious indeed. I got to Nanjing in 80 minutes in a quiet, clean carriage that, in terms of comfort, leaves any airplane for dead. This is the way to travel.
Even better, it's a way to meet celebrities. On the way back my First Class carriage was invaded by a half-dozen improbably good looking young men of about 30. They turned out to be an ageing Chinese boy-band, and I spent 80 minutes in their elevated company as they giggled, snoozed and put their feet up on the seats (rock and roll!), constantly attended by the most extravagant entourage. I should have asked for a job.
Comments