The Night the Orient Express Stopped in the Alps
In the winter of 1929, the Orient Express found itself immobilized by a snowdrift in the Alps. Passengers, including diplomats and aristocrats, were stranded for days. The crew, led by conductor Pierre Cottin, worked tirelessly to keep spirits high. Cottin, known for his resourcefulness, organized impromptu concerts and storytelling sessions in the dining car, turning a potential disaster into a memorable event.
A Royal Encounter in the Dining Car
One evening in 1934, the dining car buzzed with excitement as King Carol II of Romania joined the passengers. The king, traveling incognito, was recognized by the head chef, Jacques Dupont, who had previously served in the royal kitchens. Dupont prepared a special dish, "Poulet Reine," in honor of the king, who later praised the meal as one of the finest he had ever tasted.
The Mysterious Disappearance of a Diplomat
In 1935, a British diplomat vanished from the train during a journey from Paris to Istanbul. The disappearance sparked international intrigue. Conductor Henri Leclerc recalled the diplomat's last known whereabouts—a conversation in the smoking lounge with a mysterious woman. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved, adding to the train's mystique.
The Ingenious Porter and the Stolen Jewels
Porter Ahmed El-Sayed became a hero in 1938 when he thwarted a jewel theft. A notorious thief, posing as a wealthy passenger, attempted to steal a diamond necklace from a Russian countess. El-Sayed, noticing the thief's suspicious behavior, alerted the conductor. His quick thinking led to the thief's arrest at the next station, and the countess rewarded him with a generous tip and a letter of commendation.
A Wartime Journey with a Secret Cargo
During World War II, the Orient Express was used to transport sensitive documents. In 1942, a young courier named Marie Dubois was tasked with delivering crucial intelligence to the Allied forces. Disguised as a civilian, she navigated the train's corridors with a hidden compartment in her suitcase. Her successful mission contributed to a significant strategic advantage for the Allies.
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