A very nice trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express for lunch. A bit silly, who takes a train that goes back to its original destination (don’t answer, all those who, like me, have got half way to the North West on a Virgin train only to return to London)…?

This was a ride on a steam train out of London Victoria followed by a journey through the Surrey countryside with a 5 course lunch. It does sound odd, but no more so than a trip to a amazing old restaurant or hotel.

Once inside, the surrounding of the carriages are simply amazing works of art (and opulent luxury) in their own right.

All too soon (after much lovely food and wine) we were heading back to victoria station, to fight past the “ordinary” commuters on their way home from work.

There was still time for a quick glass of Champagne though… There were several pictures to remember with the Nikon 50mm F1.2 AIS which is beyond good. Dreamy wide open and incredibly sharp and getting sharper from F2 onwards. I like the Nikon 50mm F1.8G, but it doesn’t have anything like the soul of the F1.2, which is staggeringly good for the price.

Taken with (i) my Nikon D600 and Nikon 28mm F1.8, Sigma 35mm F1.4 and Nikon 50mm F1.2 AIS lenses; and (ii) my X100S