Train journeys are becoming the only way to travel; fast(ish), environmentally friendly, relaxed, sociable.

The Calgary Herald reports on a new virtual trip that has been made available on the web site of the Russian railways. The user can take a virtual trip on the train from Moscow to Vladivostok in about 30 minutes. Just hit Ctapt (Start in Russian) and away you go. Very interactive; you even get to surprise a few unassuming passengers!

Closer to home, the journey between Greystones and Wicklow Town has got to be one of the most beautiful railway stretches in Ireland. It is like being in two places ar one time; on one side you have stones, sea and sky, usually varying shades of silver and grey. On the other side, there are lush green fields, mountains, lakes, the odd cow asleep in the grass or running away if they are too close to the train. It is ripe for a virtual filming...better to concentrate on the scenary rather than the train though!