I love riding the trains. Took a cross country trip years ago on Amtrak. So, a trip was planned to go to Chicago for the day. That's right, for the day. The train leaves the Pittsburgh station at 11:59 PM and arrives in Chicago at 8:40 PM. We went sightseeing for the day on a hop on-hop off trolley.
We got to the train station and watched the Yanks beat Philly. Everyone in the train station moaned a collective sigh for the loss. We then went to the loading platform, where we had to wait for a few minutes before boarding. There was a family there with a small child who kept saying "Boo very tired, boo very tired". Her name was Brook and she was 2 years old.
We boarded the train and promptly got into our very small cabin and fell asleep.
We got up at 7 AM the next morning and had breakfast before arriving in Chicago. A very annoying young man was in the room next to ours and ate breakfast with us. That can be a problem on the train, since it is community seating in the dining car. The breakfast was very good, although we had to watch him literally stuffing food in his mouth.
Figuring out the lockers in Union Station was a challenge. Have to put your finger up against a screen, the against an infrared button, then put in money, find the locker and quickly jam things in. Getting things out was the same process, and you had to use the same finger, which, since it took me four times to figure out, I wasn't quite sure which finger to use.
The weather did not look good when I checked it on the net. Thunderstorms and windy (windy in Chicago????). It was only drizzling when we got on the trolley. The tour was a great way to see the city. We went to Navy Pier, to the Aquarium, to different museums. By the time we got back to our stop, it was pouring. We got soaked as we ran to the train station. Umbrellas were turning inside out, rain coming from all directions, and I swear I heard thunder. I was laughing so hard I though I would be institutionalized for being out of my mind.
It's fun watching people in the station. Union station is large and a great place to explore. Our train was a few minutes late, but we sat with a couple from Australia for dinner. They were wonderful company and had lots of interesting stories. They were in the states for a month and doing all their travel by train.
Arrived home, went to pick up the paper on the drive and again, my back spasmed. So, I sit here with a heating pad typing this. That's what one gets for carrying a puter tower down two flights of steps, sleeping on the top bunk on the train and not being able to do stretches for two days!!!
Mippy came downstairs last week to find this absolutely wonderful message from Monkeyboy. I thought it said it all. She took a picture of it...I am sure to remind him of this when he goes mumbling up to his room as a punishment.
Bean's play is this weekend. I am told it is long and difficult to follow in places. Fortunately, Bird gave me a condensed version of the storyline.
An amazing sight to come down the street this morning and see all the leaves. I like the sight, I'll try to get a picture of it. I think it looks lovely.
Happy Halloween and have a great weekend.
Iowa
19 comments:
What a wonderful thing to discover that your child is that happy and content! His parents must be doing a very good job of parenting. Of course, he will mumble horrible thoughts when the punishment occurs, but to be able to write such a charming message meeans a very unique child.
I've been to Chicago, and yes, it is extremely windy, especially along the lake. It's too bad the weather was so bad, but it sounds like you had fun anyway. The train sounds interesting. Bunk beds? I gave that up as a child, fortunately. But it does sound like fun to travel by train. It's too bad we have such an antiquated train service here. I hear Europe has a great train system.
Mia, you brought the wind and the rain back with you! Thanks a bunch. It did get rid of all the leaves on our trees, and yes, they all are on the ground. Not a good night for the kids to go trick or treating. But they will trek around the neighborhood with the thought of all the goodies they collect. We had one man in the neighborhood I grew up in giving 50 cent pieces. He asked our names so we could only collect one. He said it was easier than buying candy for him. We liked him. It was a lot of money for us.
How cute is that sign? It is funny to watch people when it is windy and rainy. Umbrellas just don't make the grade. Raincoats are best. Never been to Chicago. Not sure there is anything there that would be worth the trip, although the train ride sounds great. Nice idea.
Halloween is here!! Monkeyboy is going to be a hockey player, Grace is being a hippy, and I'm being a fairy. I love trick-or-treating.
Oh, and go Pens!!!
I go to Chicago regularly for business, and it is very windy, and no, umbrellas are not for Chicago. It's a great city, Elizabeth. We love the restaurants and my wife likes the shopping. Monkeyboy's chalkboard note is priceless!
I love when I log on and see that Mia has posted! I never know what to expect. Chicago on a whim, how wonderful and fun. And it's good that you could laugh about it, life is taken much too seriously. Sounds like a night of fun, Bean. And Monkeyboy, it's nice that you can tell your family how much you love them.
The same thing happens here when we get a bad rainstorm. People put up their umbrellas and instantly, they go inside out. They also throw them away, although I'm not sure why. They can be turned back inward to work again. I think it's just the frustration of trying to stay dry. My favorite costume, Bean, was a robot made out of boxes with a recording that went off with lights "demanding" treats. Have fun.
Sounds like a great costume, Tigger
Our son made himself a big dinosaur costume once with sound effects. It was great, very inventive.
Glad you had a great trip to Chicago, Mia. It sounds like fun even with the rain and wind. It's just great to get away and doing something out of the box,
Our neighbors are having a Halloween party for kids so I'm wondering if they are coming here later. We get about 90 kids and it might be more now.
Nice pictures again, Mia. I finally took some of my neighbors trees and it's a good thing cause they are all gone now.
Some say Halloween is when we can step out of our comfort zone. Me, it's when I can step into it. Costumes, pumpkins, candy, haunted houses and black cats. I skip the treats and go right for the tricks. Better for the diet. Booo!
We cats love Halloween. Chi Town sounds like a hoot, mia. Glad you had fun. Nice chalkboard, Monkeyboy, it is good you can see the wonderful family you have.
I never skip the treats, Kitty. Treats are our friends. Oh, wait, that's Trix that are our friends. Oh, well. I had 60 kids banging on the door yelling for candy. Nice guy that I am, they all got their treats. I laugh when I see all the costumes. Kids have such fun running from house to house. Sounds like a fun trip, mia, rain and all. I have never been on a train trip.
If we want the Phillies to win, we need to call upon our head cheerleader...TIM. Come on Tim, we need you to cheer.
I don't know, I think we need to save Tim for the Steeler games. We don't want to wear out his legs. I don't know why I am saying this, I don't live in Pittsburgh and I don't watch football. Nor do I watch baseball. I jusst don't want to tire poor Tim out.
We had lots of kids here last night. Ours dressed up and came home loaded with candy, which they had better share.
The neighbor brought over her kids. She made their costumes. One was a butterfly and one was a dragon. They were extremely excited, not so much for the candy, but for showing their costumes to everyone. Not many kids this year, weather wasn't so good. Go Phillies, let's get this series over with.
My contract doesn't call for the World Series.
Maybe we can all chip in and buy out your contract, Tim. I'll give my share as long as it isn't over $1. After all, this is my home town team.
The train is such a peaceful place to be, especially if you have your own room. The movement and passing sights make for a wonderful escape. Thanks for sharing, Mia.
Nice message that Monkeyboy left for his family. I think they should revive train travel. Cheap it is not, but certainly better than flying these days. Nice post, Mia.
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