It's not a train smash...

Toronto
see all photos »

Canada is a vast country, with a severe winter, and having been here for nearly a fortnight now I am getting used to the way that 'stuff happens'. OUr train was due to leave Toronto at nine this morning, but a 50-wagon freight train derailment at Sioux Lookout 1500km (800miles) west of here meant we had to be flown out to Winnipeg this evening and be put up in a hotel so that we can join our train tomorrow morning. What strikes me is the stoical way Canadians digest this information - even those who are taking the train because they are afraid of flying. They politely enquire what the alternative arrangements are before sitting back to read the paper. 'Shucks,' says one guy, 'the Ontario bit along the lakes is really neat. I think I'll just come back and catch the next train out on Thursday.'