Quick trip to Boston. Fly one way on United and 449 back to Chicago.

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This trip was booked on second day of staff development for the school year. I was already stressed. So booking a trips was the logical response. So while the Principal was walking around and touching each teacher on the shoulder and saying good morning, the roomette on 449 was booked. Then while a colleague was lamenting that her name had been called but the principal hadn’t actually touched her, I was on the United app booking my flight to Boston. The next few days I researched hotels in Boston. Rates were high, so my intent was to get the most for my money. I settled on the Hilton downtown Boston Faneuil Hall.

The following 12 days rapidly passed. I have gotten off to a decent start for the school year. I’m still learning the elementary way. This is my 3rd actual year in elementary. Covid caused numerous changes so last year was not a year of progress for me. The administration would have liked more progress. Hence my stresses the first few days.
I’m now at Ohare. Through security and ready to go. I’m at gate B7 which was right at the exit of security.

The photos show my arrival at Ohare. And my view of gate B7 as I sat on a bench organizing myself.
 

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This trip was booked on second day of staff development for the school year. I was already stressed. So booking a trips was the logical response. So while the Principal was walking around and touching each teacher on the shoulder and saying good morning, the roomette on 449 was booked. Then while a colleague was lamenting that her name had been called but the principal hadn’t actually touched her, I was on the United app booking my flight to Boston. The next few days I researched hotels in Boston. Rates were high, so my intent was to get the most for my money. I settled on the Hilton downtown Boston Faneuil Hall.

The following 12 days rapidly passed. I have gotten off to a decent start for the school year. I’m still learning the elementary way. This is my 3rd actual year in elementary. Covid caused numerous changes so last year was not a year of progress for me. The administration would have liked more progress. Hence my stresses the first few days.
I’m now at Ohare. Through security and ready to go. I’m at gate B7 which was right at the exit of security.

The photos show my arrival at Ohare. And my view of gate B7 as I sat on a bench organizing myself.

What grade are you teaching? Have a pleasant and relaxing week-end trip!
 
The flight to Boston was uneventful and on time. The walk to to the ride share place at Logan is long because the rideshare pick up is in the garage. It probably would have been easier to take the silver line and walk. And cheaper.

The Hilton downtown fanuiel hall is expensive and underwhelming. The biggest issue is that the hotel does not even have a full service breakfast restaurant. The “restaurant” serves egg sandwiches and pastries. I scolded the manager at length that this didn’t cut it. I’m stated I wasn’t trying to get a reduced rate, and that I didn’t want one. I just want to register my opinion.
They upgraded me to a room with a nicer shower. I appreciate that but the water pressure was not the greatest which is not their fault because they are probably mandated to have flow restrictions on the showers.
 

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I have been through O'Hare many times, but never seen the outside of it. It's never my origin or destination, just a connection point.

On the other hand, I've walked all around Union Station, been picked up in a car there, and been on the Loop (and other local trains). It's also a connection point, but it's convenient for in-town friends and relatives whether I'm there overnight or just for a few hours. Can't wait to hear your report on 449 -- I'm hoping to be on that train in January or February, both directions. Please let us know the current status of services and equipment. I especially wonder if all the sleeper cars are the new version with toilet down the hall.
 
While the walk to ride share at Logan is super long and it has created a pretty noticeable amount of complaints at the airport, traffic is visibly less at terminal pickup and drop off points. Luckily, taxis can still be hailed closer to terminals and are honestly the best and fastest way to get downtown.

I would say the silver line is a solid 25 minutes without traffic to South Station. Can easily be longer, so an Uber would probably have been faster still.

interesting to read your Hilton experience. I stayed in the St. Petersburg FL Hilton waterfront when I took the Silver Meteor, and it was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. Had to switch rooms because it was so dirty. They claimed they didn’t have any other availability, but when I complained hard enough, they found us a new room.
 
I had dinner at Joe’s waterfront restaurant. It was good. Clam chowder in a bowl. A lobster roll and bread pudding for dessert. Then I attempted a ride to riverside on the street car system. This was disrupted by downed wires. So I headed back to the hotel.
After complaining bitterly about the breakfast situation I decided to try it out. It was worse than Starbucks. The egg and sausage sandwich had some spicy sauce on it which ruined it. I absolutely hate it when they do that. The croissant was fine. I wished I had stayed at the HGI at Logan.
 

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Pepto bismol to the rescue. My stomach is still complaining bitterly about breakfast. Thankfully aunt Annie’s pretzels was open because my stomach was not interested in McDonald’s. Plus I figured I would eat a cheeseburger on the train for lunch.
The lounge as usual is pleasant. Agent who checked me in was great. There are red caps sitting at the entrance. I tipped and left my luggage with them.

I’ve discovered through severalsources that 48/49 is not running due to mudslides. I’m hearing this continues through Tuesday. Glad I’m on 449.
 
Onboard. I'm lucky. Couch in A is facing forward. No baggage car so right behind engine. I actually will enjoy the whistle.

The Lsl is parked so the two Diesel engines are not underneath the train shed. So a long walk from the station. Red cap assistance still involves walking to the train. This did not bother me. But others who are use to LA and Chicago might want to know.

the new bedding is on the lake shore limited.
 
After complaining bitterly about the breakfast situation I decided to try it out. It was worse than Starbucks. The egg and sausage sandwich had some spicy sauce on it which ruined it. I absolutely hate it when they do that. The croissant was fine. I wished I had stayed at the HGI at Logan.
This reminds me of a meal I had at a Hilton in Albuquerque a number of years back. I couldn't find anything on the menu that wasn't spicy. Even the CHEESECAKE had some kind of spicy sauce on it, but the menu didn't indicate anything like that for the cheesecake; it was supposed to be strawberry drizzle. The whole situation was totally ridiculous, but especially the cheesecake.
 
This reminds me of a meal I had at a Hilton in Albuquerque a number of years back. I couldn't find anything on the menu that wasn't spicy. Even the CHEESECAKE had some kind of spicy sauce on it, but the menu didn't indicate anything like that for the cheesecake; it was supposed to be strawberry drizzle. The whole situation was totally ridiculous, but especially the cheesecake.

If I’m not eating in an ethnic restaurant I’m not interested in that type of food. Mixing and combining foods is not my thing.
 
This reminds me of a meal I had at a Hilton in Albuquerque a number of years back. I couldn't find anything on the menu that wasn't spicy. Even the CHEESECAKE had some kind of spicy sauce on it, but the menu didn't indicate anything like that for the cheesecake; it was supposed to be strawberry drizzle. The whole situation was totally ridiculous, but especially the cheesecake.
You realize, of course, that for every complaint about food somewhere being too spicy, there will be an equal number of ppposite complaints somewhere else that the food is too bland. ;)
 
If it was New Mexico it was probably Hatch Chilis!😆

For some reason, here in Southwest Ohio, my upscale grocer has been advertising a variety of their kitchens preparations with Hatch Chilis. Hatch Chilies Cornbread? Not buying any of such an item! That's among other "odd" items as I consider them.
 
449 arrived Albany about 20 minutes late. Sat for about an hour. Then they started the process of combining the two sections after 7:05 the departure time. We left 45 minutes late.
The conductor announced that some passengers were busses and some took a taxi to Albany to board the New York section.
 
449 arrived Albany about 20 minutes late. Sat for about an hour. Then they started the process of combining the two sections after 7:05 the departure time. We left 45 minutes late.
The conductor announced that some passengers were busses and some took a taxi to Albany to board the New York section.
Are you enjoying the bedroom?
 
Are you enjoying the bedroom?

I am. The big advantage is the couch. I can stretch out on it. Don’t have to slide the seats together. The toilet is a bit tight. But it’s mine. Lol. I’m almost to fat to shower in there.
The flex dining was made tolerable by good service.

There are no passengers in the New York coaches. A few in the 4912 sleeper. The diner crew called passengers by sleeper at number. 4920 first then 4912.
 
I am. The big advantage is the couch. I can stretch out on it. Don’t have to slide the seats together. The toilet is a bit tight. But it’s mine. Lol. I’m almost to fat to shower in there.
The flex dining was made tolerable by good service.

There are no passengers in the New York coaches. A few in the 4912 sleeper. The diner crew called passengers by sleeper at number. 4920 first then 4912.
the shower is tight even for small people
 
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