Slow travel allows for sightseeing

Monisha Rajesh in conversation with Daniel Hahn
The Relais Henley
Saturday, October 11

AFTER Daniel Hahn’s introduction, Monisha Rajesh began discussing Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train.

Monisha had noticed sleeper trains enjoying a post-covid resurgence because of climate change and the desire for slow travel. But, with only five or six journeys planned for the book, Monisha banked on other night trains emerging.

They did and one chapter features a train that started running only in February this year. Her book is about the passengers and train managers she meets along the way.

Monisha notices things, such as the houses in Finland all having a gold star hanging in their porch. In Norway, she was fascinated by people getting the most out of the light. At 1am, she saw a lone female jogger and at 3am, families were walking their dogs.

Usually booking a mixed couchette, Monisha finds that everyone wants an enjoyable journey. On a sleeper train, there’s no sense of urgency. She feels it is like coming home and time to sit and relax.

Laura Basden