Oh The Adventure

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, y'all. Today we are going to talk about
all things trains, a journey through time, innovation, and adventure.
And this is a particularly exciting topic for me because
at one point in my life, when I was twenty,
I traveled through Europe and the primary mode of transportation

(00:21):
for me was on trains and that was just the
coolest experience. I got to see some absolutely spectacular landscape
as we were traveling and met some really cool people.
So after that experience, I want to do it again.

(00:42):
So this is going to be fun for me. So
we're going to talk about the history of trains and
train travel, unique train systems around the world, modern trains,
innovations and technology, and the iconic train journeys everyone should
experience at least once in their lifetime. So whether you're

(01:02):
a rail enthusiast or just curious about these iron giants,
there's something for you in this episode. So let's get started.
Let's talk about the history of trains. Let's start at
the beginning. The story of trains begins in the early
nineteenth century, during the Industrial Revolution. The first types of

(01:25):
trains were powered by steam. They were big steam engines.
The first steam powered locomotives were developed in the early
eighteen hundreds by George Stephenson's locomotion Number one and his
famous rocket locomotive revolutionized rail transport in the United Kingdom,

(01:46):
the first public railway in eighteen twenty five, the Stockton
and Darlington Railway in England became the world's first public
railway to use steam locomotives, primarily to transport. We all
know from the movies those big loud training engines and

(02:06):
they started real slow and they had the wheels going.
I mean, that's so iconic. As trains grew, they expanded
into the United States. By the mid eighteen hundreds, railroads
like the trans Continental Railroad helped link the coasts of
the America, transforming commerce and settlement. We really in the

(02:30):
United States haven't come nearly as far as Europe has
with trains, but again we have such a farther distance
to travel, but we're making some advances. Let's talk about
the electrification of the trains. In the late nineteenth century,
electric trains began to emerge, paving the way for more

(02:50):
efficient urban rail systems. Trains didn't just move people and goods,
they symbolized progress and connection. Bridging towns, cities, and even continents.
The history of train travel is very interesting. Train travel
became a cultural phenomenon when it was very luxurious. People

(03:16):
planned ahead, they packed beautiful suitcases. Women wore dresses and
hats and gloves, and men wore suits, and they were
waited on in their carriages, and they were served five
star meals, and it was just part of the culture.

(03:37):
By the late eighteen hundreds, luxury train service like the
Orient Express offered opulence for wealthy travelers, complete with fine
dining and plush sleeping cars. Commuter trains in cities, commuter
rail systems like the London Underground opened in eighteen sixty

(03:57):
Threeluciani urban transportation. People were no longer traveling above ground.
They were traveling in tubes underground. I mean, think about that.
The first underground tube must have just blown the minds
of the people at that time. I wish I could
go back and speak to my grandparents and ask them

(04:19):
what they thought about that cultural influence. Trains have inspired
countless songs, books, and movies, from Agatha's Christie's Murder on
the Orient Express to Johnny Cash's Fulsome Prison Blues, The
Golden age of train travel was between the nineteen twenties

(04:42):
and the nineteen fifties, when railroads were the most glamorous
way to travel. Let's talk about trains around the world.
Trains have evolved in fascinating ways across the globe. Europe,
I would say, have the most innovative trains. High speed
rail dominates, with trains like France's TGV and Germany's Ice

(05:07):
or Ice, making cross country travel efficient and eco friendly.
In Asia, Japan's I'm going to butcher this word Shinkansen
bullet trains are world renowned for their speed, safety, and punctuality.
China boasts the largest high speed rail network in the world. Africa,

(05:31):
trains like the Blue Train in South Africa combine luxury
and scenic roots South Africa, The trend Coursero in Ecuador
offers breathtaking journeys through the Andes. North America, Amtrak connects
major US cities, while Canada's Rocky Mountaineer provides unparalleled views

(05:55):
of the Rockies. Australia, the con traverses the outback, offering
a unique look at the country's rugged interior. Each country's
train system reflects its culture, geography, and history, making train
travel a great way to immerse yourself in a place.

(06:20):
Modern trains and innovation. Today, trains are at the forefront
of technological innovation. High speed rail. Japan's Shikan Send Again
I Butchered that I Apologize reach its speeds of over
two hundred miles per hour. China Maglev magnetic levitation train

(06:43):
between Shanghai and Pudong Airport is one of the fastest
in the world. Sustainability trains are among the most eco
friendly mode of transportation, with new electric and hydrogen powered
trains reducing carbon emissions further. Urban transit cities like Hong Kong, Paris,

(07:06):
and New York rely heavily on metro systems to move
millions daily. Advances in AI are improving train safety, scheduling
and energy efficiency. Trains are no longer just about getting
from point A to point B. They're shaping the future
of sustainable travel. Let's talk about iconic train rides that

(07:31):
every train enthusiast should take one time in their life.
Looking for a bucket lest travel experience, Let's talk about
the Orient Express Europe. This legendary luxury train takes you
through some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes, Switzerland, Italy, Austria,

(07:54):
you name it. You get to go The Rocky Mountaineer Canada.
Why through the Canadian rockies with glass domed cars for
panoramic views. I would love to do this one someday.
Three The Blue Train South Africa, a luxurious journey between
Pretoria and Cape Town. Four The Glacier Express Switzerland. I

(08:20):
got to do this one and it is amazing. A
stunning ride through the Alps from zermat to Saint Maritz.
The Trans Siberian Railway Russia, one of the longest train
journeys in the world, spanning from Moscow to Vladvoksak. Again,
I butchered that, but that's a long train trip. The

(08:44):
Gone Australia cross Australia's at back on this epic route.
Maharjas Express India explore India's royal history and unparalleled luxury trend.
Ala Nubiz in Argentina. Travel through the clouds in the

(09:04):
Andes on one of the highest altitude trains in the world.
I bet that is spectacular riding through the clouds. These
trains don't just take you to a destination, their experiences
in themselves, Combining luxury, adventure and culture From their origins

(09:25):
of steam powered workhourses to today's high speed marvels, trains
continue to captivate us with their blend of practicality and romance.
Whether you're exploring your local rail system or planning a
luxury train vacation, there's something magical about traveling by train.

(09:46):
Thank you for listening, and have a great day.