My name is Clara and I am a train nerd. I've taken the train around Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka and, most recently, England and Scotland.
Most people I know don't "get" train travel. Why would anyone choose to take the train for three days to get from Singapore to Bangkok, when the Thai capital is less than three hours away by plane? And who wants to spend their holidays trying to line up complicated train schedules rather than sit back and relax?
Train rides seem romantic in books and movies. But in reality, they're a whole lot of nothing. The train is slow. It's boring. There is no Internet. Sometimes, there's no food.
In the age of the one-click check-out, train travel is anathema to most, but the inefficiency of train travel is exactly why I love it. It forces you to pay attention to the most mundane things.
Food is always a highlight of any long train journey. On a 20-hour train from Bangkok to Padang Besar, I was fed a hearty Thai spread for dinner: At 6pm, an attendant smartly folded down my seat table and laid out a nine-dish banquet complete with tom yam soup, green and red curry with a choice of protein, salad, fresh fruit, and cake. After a food-induced night's sleep, I woke up to a similar breakfast as the train chugged towards the Thai-Malaysian border. It was 20 hours of pampering for just under 1,000 baht ($38).
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The Rise Of Tradwives
Is this just another fancy name for a stay-at-home mum?
Independent Woman
Tap on floral prints, flowy skirts, sharp tailoring and sporty details for a new take on power dressing.
Buying An Independent Watch? Here's How To Find A Good One.
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
Would You Swipe Right On Feminism?
In the debut instalment of this new opinion column, a single Singaporean declares that in her search for a long-term partner, there's nothing more attractive than a man who embraces gender equality.
The Orange Peel Theory
Would you break up with your partner over peeled fruit? This latest social media trend might just be the unlikely dealbreaker.
You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Taking A Vacation
Even though you've booked that much-needed vacation, you might find yourself hesitant to take the time off. How do you address the guilt that may be weighing you down, and actually enjoy your holiday?
Let Your Emotions Go
Have a flaky friend who always bails on plans? Here's how you can share how you feel while addressing the situation effectively.
How Much Is Family Planning Actually Costing You?
It's always prudent to be financially sound and savvy - especially if you're planning to start a family. Find out how you and your partner can map out a financial plan that is realistic, based on advice from parents and experts.
Do You Feel Guilty About Taking Leave?
We ask the Her World team, as well as readers, if they can truly unplug from work during a vacation.
Air-Dry Or Blow-Dry - Which Is Worse For Your Mane?
Haircare experts share their advice.
