As a
rail enthusiast who´s ridden trains in Russia, Mongolia, China and in many other countries, I´d say the worst ever is the Bolivian line,
Empresa Ferroviaria Andina,
Oruro to the Salar de Uyuni. Why? All throughout the journey electric fans mounted at either end of the car would spritz air freshener and blow it onto the heads of the passengers. And whenever anyone went to the toilette and marred the floor, the attendant would spray chemical cleaner. A Euro couple with child asked that the fans be turned off. "No," came the answer indignantly. "Cleanliness is policy." Others made complaint to no avail. Some put a handkerchief to their noses. Many of us looked at each other in disbelief, while the few Bolivian passengers took it all silently in stride.
So much for a ticket in executive class. If ever to travel to the
Salar de Uyuni again I´ll take the bus (as a
rail buff that is hard to say), it´s cheaper and they, thankfully, do not spray chemicals. Most disappointing is the response from staff. On this train, the customer is never right... or so it seems once you acknowledge that actions do speak louder than words.
Copyright © Mick Huerta 2013. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
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