Amtrak in a Sleeper Car from Oakland to Seattle

Travel by train is old-world, slow-living stuff and evokes all the Golden Age of Travel vibes that I'm always drawn to. I haven't the travel budget to take my family on the Orient Express but Joel researched this simple Amtrak trip as part of our route home for Christmas. Booking early was key, there are not very many sleeper cars but with very little fuss we were locked in. The boys were beyond excited for this trip. Here's how it went. 

Our train was delayed an hour so we really should have just watched the app and left later from our house. With trains, unlike planes, you can do that. They don't care, you don't check-in. The Oakland Station is not very big, has pretty spartan amenities and is low on any type of staff. Unlike European stations, the trains don't come into a grand covered platform. You take your first-class ticket and wander down the side of a building stepping over heaps of garbage on your way to your car. There is a porter at each carriage helping passengers aboard. Ours took us to our room where she'd set up the beds because it was past 10pm by the time we were in there. It was time for bed. 

The sleeper room was tiny, like being in an airplane bathroom. You can reach everything from your bed! Everything could use a coat of paint and a refresh but it was passable. Like a motel 6 levels of elegance. I wasn't expecting the Venice Simpleton but finding a syringe and garbage under a seat was definitely below expectation. 

The kids were REALLY excited about the first few hours but 24 was too long. These trains are not set up for children, once they have explored the train cars and read a book... that's it. Amtrak does absolutely nothing for kids, no welcome packs like the national parks or staff who engage them in any way. You're spending most of your time telling them to shhhhhh because everyone else is older and asleep. 

Was it a bucket list thing? Sure. Am I a fan of Amtrak? Not really. I might consider a shorter trip if it really makes sense but honestly I'd prefer the adventure van bunk experience with more outdoor stops and ability to choose routes with look-outs to see views. Trains of course, take the flat route, so you mostly see fields and the backs of industrial areas. 

The boys have positive memories despite the hours they complained after that 12 hour mark so I'm glad we tried this and now this bucket list item is crossed off. Time to plan the next adventure. 

is it dead?

My goodness, it's been a few years. A few things have happened that have taken this away from being an expat blog. It's been 10 years since we last country-hopped - how settled have we become? We also became US citizens. Just in time to vote... but let's not talk about that. So, what is this blog now? Is it dead? [pokes it with a stick]

I think it's time to give it a few palpitations and see if there's life in her still. This year was BIG. We're revved up, we're making travel plans, and given the mass exodus off social media, I think we just might get back to updating this when we travel. Next up: our train trip from SF to Seattle in a sleeper car. 

Toronto Tales

We decided to spend the weekend in Toronto to catch up with my cousin, aunt and the 2nd cousins who are the same age as our boys. Taking the train was EASY compared to a long drive with kids stuck in carseats (not to mention the traffic and parking). And we do love a good walk. So Saturday morning bright and early we set out for an 8:55 train from Montreal to Toronto.

The Montreal station is a bit crazy at the moment because only some platforms are stroller and wheelchair accessible but the staff were great and we managed to haul the kids down to the train platform while a porter carried all our gear. Once on board the conductor was great with the kids and very helpful. We bought lunch and snacks and Austen played happily and explored the train cars. This is the way to travel with toddlers and preschoolers!

Union Station in Toronto is right downtown and about 20 minute walk at our pace to our hotel. The station is under renovations right now and was also a bit confusing with stroller access. When it's finished the whole experience for parents will be pretty easy I hope.

Our double stroller held the kids and our weekend bag (yes, we got it down to one) and served us well on the wide smooth sidewalks of Toronto. Our hotel was one of the cool renovated old houses run by Urban North Inns. We had a whole floor to ourselves and a warm welcome from a host there and use of kitchen and livingroom/patio. Highly recommend them for very reasonably priced Toronto accommodations.

On Sunday we met up with my cousins and aunt and headed to Toronto Island for the day. I've never actually taken the Centre Island ferry. As a kid we were always headed to visit our friends who live in a magical cottage on Algonquin Island and would take the Ward Island ferry. I also had no idea about the petting zoo and cute old timey amusement park for the little ones. I highly recommend it for families with kids toddler and up. The boys loved meeting their 2nd cousins and were fast friends.

We were the first ones at the petting zoo/farm in the morning

The Centreville Amusement Park - very cute old timey family fun

Austen got very brave and decided to hit both the log ride and the rollercoaster on our way out. I'm still shocked over that one.

After the visit with my family we headed across the island to our family friend's home on Algonquin Island. Total childhood nostalgia for me at every turn. We dropped in for a visit and then were off to catch a ferry back to the city to put the kids to bed. It was a great day. 

Imagine growing up in a neighbourhood with no cars... this is a dreamy street on Algonquin Island

Monday we headed to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) with the littles and actually had to stop and play in a park because we got there before it opened. We're those people now. Austen loved the museum and I got to catch up with a dear friend who I have known for 25 years who met us there and was willing to join our rowdy group.

We headed back to Montreal that afternoon - quite a whirlwind trip. I definitely packed it too close together. Having a travel day followed by a big sightseeing day followed by another travel day was too much for the kids. They were tired and squirly on the train back to Montreal. Live and learn. Luckily they were fast asleep by the time we were arriving and with the help of the staff on the platform we got them tucked into "bed" in the stroller and rolled off into the sunset.