I just returned from my first long distance train ride from Orlando to DC, 17 hours. I went to visit Baby Boy who moved to DC in August and won't be able to make it home for Christmas. I went with my Mom.
You will be happy to know that I didn't have to "Throw Momma from the train". Since I had never been on a train, I thought it would be a fun adventure. We upgrade to a "Roomette".
When we were escorted to our seats I asked when we were going to the Roomette? The attendant said "This is the roomette"! Yes folks, this is it! It measured 3 X 6, with 2 seats facing each other, but hold onto your hats! There is a sink, toilet, and top bunk in here also.
To the left of the seat is the toilet and sink closed
Here they are open
So much for privacy!
Now you have to close the sink and toilet because those are the steps you use to get to the top bunk when it is pulled down to sleep.
When the top bunk is pulled down to sleep there is no longer enough head room to sit in the seats, which fold together to make the bottom bunk.
Actually it did not seem as small on the way home since the initial shock had worn off as to the size of the "Roomette".
Included in the price of the "Roomette" was free meals, coffee, juices, and water.
Here's the dining car
The menu
My Dinner Choice
The food was really good and was included in the price. This was a NY strip steak with all of the accompaniments.
All in all riding the train was really enjoyable. Now I know why babies liked to be rocked. It was really relaxing!
Would I do it again? Not over night, probably just a day trip.
It was wonderful seeing Baby Boy and I loved DC. We took in all of the sights and tours. Since Baby Boys girlfriend works for a Senator, we had a private tour of the capital, saw the Senators office, and watched the senate in session.
One little problem!!
My luggage did not show up!! I saw it go on the train, but it didn't come off. Now, there is a lot worse things that could happen in life, but I sure would like:
The new warm weather clothes I bought for the trip
Christmas ornaments I bought for friends, and family at the Smithsonian
4 pairs of Mom's shoes (4 pairs!)
Christmas presents from my son
2 yards of the most gorgeous rose print fabric I purchased at a little fabric boutique
The fabulous sweater outfit I bought the cat sitter (My brother)
Etc., etc.
I will let you know if it shows up. It has only been one day,
Where in the world could it be??
Update: My bag showed up and everything was there but, YEWW, someone had went through everything, even my dirty underwear bag. The ornaments were out of there boxes along with the gifts, but everything else was there. I guess they were looking for better things like electronics and jewelry...Sorry!
Happy Travels
Carol
Joining Decor To Adore Wayfaring Wednesday
22 comments:
Welcome home! WE traveled via rail frequently when I was a kid. Good luck getting your luggage. La
Welcome HOME! I have been waiting to hear about this trip. Well you were on a pretty nice train, even the roomette was not too bad LOL! Sorry to hear about your luggage, it will turn up, it has to!
I loved reading this! I recently took my kids to DC(I am in Jersey)to check out schools for my college bound son. Instead of driving we took the Amtrak. No, we didn't need a roomette since it was only 4 hours. I have to tell you it was such a fun experience, from the train to the dining car to DC and the awesome metro system. An experience I will never forget nor will you I'm sure! Hope your luggage turns up soon!
Last year we took Amtrak from Savannah to Richmond and back. There were no roomettes, no first class and no dining car on our train. What was suppose to be a ten hour trip ended up being 19 hours! Not the best trip ever. I really hope they find your luggage soon.
xo, Sherry
Sounds like fun--I love trains. Hoping your fabric, ornaments and gifts show up SOON!
Glad you didn't throw momma off of the train, lol. It sounds like an adventure. I have never made a train trip. I hope you get your luggage back. I know you cherish the gifts from your son.
Oh Carol - your "roomette" was priceless...what an adventure! I do love trains though...they have a sort of romance about them (although the roomette begs to differ :o) The dining car and free meals seem like a great deal though...
I absolutely LOVE the vintage coat you upcycled - wow, how absolutely beautiful! So glad you had a good trip - I'm certain your luggage will show...I've lost mine at least twice on planes and I've always gotten them back. Sounds like you found lots of treasures in DC...I look forward to seeing photos of them when they turn up!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs & Blessings,
Becky
wow!!! I can't believe how small,,, how funny the toilet and sink are stairs...and yes, how can they loose your luggage?
wow, I am still in shock at how small!!!
I'm so glad to have this post and update because I had wondered how it went. For some oddball reason, your post made me a little nostalgic or something, and now I want to take a train ride. I have no clue as to why, but I think it's all about that dining car. I get nostalgic about the goofiest things sometimes.
I hope the luggage is found. Now that would upset me!
What that looks more than COZY ;) good luck with the luggage...Theresa xoxo
You had a great adventure! a good visit with your son AND mama got off the train herself, life is good.
Hope your luggage shows up soon because it looks like we are gonna need some warm clothes!
( My dd won"t be home for Christmas either and if I were "in charge" I would pass a law making it mandatory...)
Oh, boy this brought back memories although I loved my train ride from Chicago to Oakland, California but I was 11 years old and had a room all to myself! The toilet and sink were a shocker though, weren't they, LOL
I hope you get your luggage back soon!
xxoo
Marsha
Interesting post! Glad your luggage turned up!
Even though the roomette was tiny- YIKES I can't get over the fold down toilet and sink, I would take that just to have some privacy.
Very glad your luggage made it's way back to you. My brother lost his luggage 2 or 3 times when he used to live far enough to fly to see us. He wears contacts and used to keep his glasses and contact supplies in his suitcase. Poor guy would have to put his contacts in drinking glasses at night and go without anything to see with the next day. Did I mention without vision correction he's legally blind?
Yep, those were interesting times. At least now he has learned to keep his glasses in his carry on bag.
Sounds like a fun adventure for you and your mom.
Good Morning Carol! I just wanted to stop back over and give you a hearty CONGRATULATIONS! on being published AGAIN!!! I was at work yesterday and my husband brought me lunch and my mail and that was my copy of Vintage Charm, and as I was going through it I thought hey there's my good friend Carol! WooHOO! I saw that Jane was in there too, and I kinda sat up straighter all proud that I am friends with celebrities! You so deserve it, I just love your creativity and you are so inspiring, Theresa xoxo
Hi Carol,
Some memories you made :) Glad your suite case arrived home!
You should see all 18+ inches of fresh snow that we have! It's just crazy!!! At least I can catch up on my blog friends!
Warmly,
deb :)
Hi Carol,
I can't imagine being inside that small closet with my Mom, let alone anyone! Whew, girl you must have some serious patience.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the train ride though.
Sorry about your luggage but I'm glad nothing was missing.
hugs
Sissie
Wow your train trip sounded so wonderful,,, except for loosing your luggage,,,, but happy that if found its way back home to you,,,, with every thing in it..... just knowing someone was digging around in it would creep me out...
Hugs;
Alaura
Carol it sounds like a fun trip despite the "roomette." I am glad to hear you had a great time with your baby boy and his gf! EEEEWWWWW is right!!!!! How awful to know someone has been through your bag! Did you report it? Not that it would do any good!
Hugs,
Jacalyn
Carol, your roomette looks like the Ritz compared to the one I had when I was in Europe. I think that was the worse night's sleep I have ever had. My seat that was supposed to lay flat for a bed didn't and so I slept in the crack or at least tried to sleep. And the fumes from the train were awful and the gestapo gave me a hard time too....what a night that was!
P.s. I talk about you and your mosaic trees in my post on Wednesday. Hope you can visit. xoxo
Interesting post...my husband and I have always wanted to take a trip on a train. I think I would've been shocked by the size of the roomette too! Glad you got your luggage back alright too.
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