the various members of staff who explained their roles, told us about the facilities on the train and made us feel very welcome indeed.  We had books and magazines to read en route but only looked at them when we were tucked up comfortably in crisp white sheets and duvets for the night.  There was no time to read, we were too busy gazing at the scenery, without having to worry about bad drivers, huge trucks or anything at all to do with road travel -- sheer bliss!!  Dinner was a 5 course meal of excellent standard, and there's a good wine list to choose from too.  We were asked whether we would like tea or coffee delivered to our compartment in the morning.  We chose tea for a 6.30am 'wake-up' up call, opened the curtains and blinds in our compartment and watched the sun come up across the Karoo -- truly awesome!!  A hearty breakfast at 7.00am followed by a head-shoulders-and back massage in the spa compartment [the spa is now discontinued, not enough business to support it].  A hot shower in an exceptionally clean bathroom then back to the compartment for more sightseeing.....through a 12.km tunnel which brings you to the beginning of the Hex River Valley.  Some snow on the mountain peaks completed the perfect picture!!  A three course lunch, again delightfully prepared and presented, some more excellent South African wine before arriving in Cape Town at 4.00pm.  I was almost sorry to have arrived.  Train travel