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THE TALE OF THE MAN WHO TRAVELS ONLY BY RAIL

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In conversation with Mark Smith, The Man in Seat 61, about savouring every moment of a journey

Words by Fathima Abdul Kader    Photographs from Various Sources

Meeting Mark Smith, or The Man in Seat 61 was a chance encounter. What started off as research on the various means of travelling, took us to the story of this ex-railway man from Britain who has travelled the world only by railway and ships and helps others to do the same. In the era of “staycations” and exotic destinations that are more exciting than the journey getting there, Smith is a tad different. He is a man who enjoys the journey to a destination much more than the place itself. In Mark’s own words he “ran away from Oxford to join the circus (as British Rail was referred in those days) as soon as he could”.

From working as a station manager in various railways in the UK and ending up with the Department of Transport, he has had a long career. After his many years of travels around the world in trains and on ships, he started his website in early 2000 to share his experiences and knowledge on the use of the railway system and offers support to people who wish to do the  same. Smith has received numerous accolades for his website and almost got signed to start a TV series called The Man in Seat 61. He has also written two books, one of which is an essential handbook for train travel from the UK into Europe and a second one about train travel opportunities around the world. Smith lives with his wife, two children and two cats in Buckinghamshire and manages his website full time.

With so many means of travel, what made you choose rail?

Travel isn’t just about getting there; it’s also about the journey. The world seems to have forgotten that. I enjoy being treated like a human being: sleeping in a bed, eating in a restaurant, not being tied down, having room to move. And above all, seeing and experiencing where I’m going.

When was the first time you travelled on a train?

I travelled to school by train every day from my home town to the next big town – all of 7 minutes. When I was 13 I saved up the mighty sum of £2.73 for a child-rate cheap day return to the Isle of Wight, and disappeared for the day without my parents’ knowledge. Why the Isle of Wight? I don’t remember, perhaps I thought it would be my first solo overseas trip!

“The Man In Seat 61 “- What is the story behind the name?

I left London by Eurostar, the highspeed train from London to Paris. At the start I did a trip from London to Tokyo via the Trans-Siberian Railway, to Marrakech via Madrid and Tangier, to Istanbul and Aleppo and Damascus. It became a sort of tradition to ask for seat 61, one of a pair of seats at a spacious table for two which lined up perfectly with the window; the best seat in the house.

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You still love to travel by train and ferry while people opt for flights. What do you enjoy most about travelling by these means?

I could think of so many little moments I enjoy, but if I have to pick just a few, they would be a glass of wine or two and getting to relax with a good book, meeting new people and getting an insight into other countries and cultures.

Which is the most luxurious railway experience you have ever had?

The Venice Simplon Orient Express is probably the most luxurious train I’ve taken; it uses vintage 1920s carriages and links London with Paris and Venice. I wondered if any 24 hour ride could be worth £2,000, but on that occasion back in 2003, I got far more than I bargained for. Taking my (then) girlfriend of 6 months to Italy on this train, affordable thanks to an end-of-season discount, we accidentally got engaged somewhere in a snow-swept Brenner Pass. And here I am now with a wife, two kids, two cats and a large mortgage. Powerful magic, these trains!

And, which has been your worst train travel experience?

Commuting to work by train – or by any other mode of transport – is never fun. But that’s about it. Even journeys on the most elderly and run-down trains in countries such as Egypt or Burma can be fun, and a real experience which you don’t get when you hide inside the tourist ‘bubble’. A trip from Aswan to Luxor on a truly decrepit train in 1990 remains one of my most treasured memories, for both the scenery along the Nile Valley and the Egyptian schoolchildren who had me read to them out of their English textbooks.

How would you convince someone to give train travel a try?

So often people think that air is the only option, indeed the whole travel industry seems geared up to promote flights, flights, car hire and more flights. It’s often just a case of explaining that an overland rail option exists, telling people what it’s like and how to go about it. Once they try it, they usually want to do more travel by train!

Which are the places that you are yet to visit and would like to?

I’d like to visit Peru, Kenya, Indonesia, Queensland, Ooty, Goa and Kerala, of course.

Who has inspired you to be a traveller?

Everyone has their heroes; mine are TE Lawrence (of Arabia) and Wilfred Thesiger.

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Which are your favorite routes while travelling in India?

I’ve travelled some 6,000 miles around India by train, but sadly I haven’t yet been to Kerala.Two hill station routes are favourites of mine from India: Kalka to Shimla and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Both are amazing experiences, with a fabulous place to stay at the end of the ride, up in the Himalayas. The Delhi-Jaisalmer Express warrants a mention, just for the fairytale walled city at the far end, out in the Thar Desert. After touring so much of the north, I’d love to see some more of the south.

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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

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When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.

1. Luxurious Velvet

Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.

2. Airy Sheer

Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.

3. Classic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.

Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.

4. Elegant Silk

For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.

Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.

5. Versatile Linen

Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.

6. Durable Polyester

If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.

Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

7. Chic Satin

Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.

Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars

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Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.

Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

 

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