Absurdity, Allegory and China

Just when I was wondering what had happened to the world’s most expensive train, this shows up. (h/t to Danwei). And at a great deal, too – 50% off. Twenty-one days as an extravagantly pampered tourist in one of the world’s most fragile environments on a train that is “normally reserved for celebrities and government officials.” See the huddled masses from a five star coach, eat Peking Duck as they look on in awe. What more could anyone desire?

The one disappointment is that the itinerary makes no mention of a stop in Golmud (Gu’ermu). I guess you can’t have everything on the “New Oriental Express.” But one of the rare treats you can have is a trip to Qinghai Lake and the in/famous Bird Island in the center of the lake, also known affectionately in Qinghai as “Bird Flu Island.” I will say no more.

There is, as best I can tell, absolutely no truth to the rumor that ticket holders who care to fly in to Beijing a few days early can also claim 50% off on frontal lobotomies at one of the capital’s premier boutique medical facilities. No truth to these rumors at all. These prices have not been discounted! It’s still full freight if you want any part of your brain removed, including any alterations to your conscience.

“All aboard” and rolling set for March 27, 2009. Any bets that this one, too, won’t leave the station?