Afrigator on Rails
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Yesterday was training day. On a whim, Justin and I decided that it would be kinda cool in an urban adventure sort of way to take a train to get around for a bit, instead of the usual bleep-bleep vroom driving experience. So, off we trundled to Cape Town station to grab a train before our meeting with the guys from YuppieChef.co.za.(post to follow)
Now I’d taken many a train in my student days, but Justin was having his carriage-cherry popped for the first time, so it was interesting to see what he thought.
The first thing I noticed at Cape Town station was the distinct lack of lighter skinned faces. By lighter skinned I don’t mean only mean “white”, the multi-coloured community didn’t have many numbers on the platforms either. This post isn’t meant to be a racial commentary, but i thought it was a interesting observation. Anyway, I digress…
So, off to the ticket counter we went and paid the R5.50 for our one way first class ticket to Harfield Road. Thinking about it now, I’m not sure there’s anything you can get for R5.50 anymore. Hell, even the cokes we bought for the trip cost R6.

On the whole, the trip wasn’t bad, not bad at all in fact. Train drivers clearly haven’t had their cries for ABS answered just yet - rather than lurching to a halt, the train just kind of bounced until its momentum dissipated. My advice - remain seated for the entire performance.
I think that I’ll give the northern line a try out next week some time to see how it stacks up against the south. Oh, and if you haven’t already seen them, you can see the pics from all our latest wanderings here.












Wogan May said,
Wrote on October 17, 2008 @ 13:47
Yesterday? You probably walked right past me…
Yep, the trains are great, and very cost-effective. Use ‘em often.
Lester Hein said,
Wrote on October 17, 2008 @ 14:10
Funny, I didn’t see your avatar anywhere on the station, lol.
I’ve promised the environment and my fuel budget that I’ll try the train for a bit, just so that I can honestly weigh up my options. Only problem I have with the trains is that there are so many places that you can’t get to on a train.
other than that - all good by me
Stii Pretorius said,
Wrote on October 17, 2008 @ 14:25
Okay, you had me very, very puzzled there for a moment… When I read the title I thought: “HUH???? I go away for 3 days and I’m replaced AND Gator gets done in Ruby on Rails?! WTF…”
Nic said,
Wrote on October 17, 2008 @ 15:46
I am well impressed guys. Justin, good work on embedding yourself in your surroundings… where’s the video though? Would’ve been great to see the trip unfolding!
Chris M said,
Wrote on October 17, 2008 @ 16:15
Haha, sounds like a good solid mission gents!