The legendary Orient Express train, which in its golden age linked the cities of Paris and Istanbul and was a symbol of elegance and glamour, is back after several decades of absence, adapting its service to today’s standards of luxury and comfort. This legendary train has witnessed many historic and fascinating events, from World War I to the Cold War. However, perhaps the most peculiar tale of this iconic train took place in the winter of 1929, when it was stranded in the snow in the Balkan Mountains.
The Potatoes of the Orient Express
The train departed Paris for Istanbul, carrying on board a variety of passengers from all over the world, including aristocrats, diplomats and business travellers. However, when the train arrived in the Edirne region of north-eastern Bulgaria, a severe snow blizzard left it stranded on the tracks.
The train was stuck in the snow for several days, with passengers and staff on board struggling to keep warm and stocked with food and supplies. Fortunately, local villagers became aware of the situation and came to the aid of the stranded passengers.
In particular, a group of peasants from the village of Ruse decided to deliver potatoes to the train to help feed the passengers and staff. Unable to board the train, the peasants devised a unique method of delivering the potatoes: they threw them onto the roofs of the coaches, where passengers and staff could pick them up.
This is how the delivery of potatoes through the roofs of the coaches became one of the most peculiar tales in the history of the Orient Express, and is still remembered and told to this day.
