Radvlad
Train Attendant
Took a cab from ORD to Union Station and had plenty of time to kill so I had my bags stored and I went exploring outside the station. It was the annual Chicago St. Patrick's day celebration and boy was it crazy. Very entertaining!
The EB left right on time. I was in a sleeper and our attendant, Mary, was SEA based. She was truly awesome. Always asking if you needed ice or anything else. She was just as friendly and upbeat on day three as day one. She was a friend by the end of the trip. Great lady! She is a Grand Mother and I don't know where she gets her energy. She gave everyone a big hug when we left the train. Simply can't say enough good things about this lady.
Found it crazy that after all the announcements that were made about not smoking, 2 people were thrown off the train for smoking. Dumb, just dumb.
Through no fault of Amtrak, we had to get off the train in Everett because there had been a mud slide and BNSF wouldn't allow passengers for 48 hours. It was a quick 45 minute bus ride to Seattle. No big deal.
Food on the train was ok. Not great but not bad. The angus burger from the cafe was really good however. I mean really good
Scenery was really good once we got through most of Montana. Here is a special message to those people in MT that live next to the tracks - clean up your back yards! Good grief. If I knew hundreds of people were going to see my back yard every day, I would make an effort. You know?
As far as Amtrak, I couldn't think of one thing to complain about on the west bound trip. It was exciting and fun and even forced me out of my shell a bit. I was really dreading the seating in the diner car but I ended up making friends with total strangers.
Once we arrived in Seattle, I spent most of the day today at Pike's Place and now I'm back at the station waiting for the return trip to Chicago. I don't mind the 45 minute bus ride but Amtrak credited my cc for not having a sleeper from Seattle to Everett. That was nice but not necessary. Anyway, I will finish this trip when I get back home in Tulsa.
Ok, I've been in the hospital for a couple of weeks so that's the reason for the delay in finishing the report.
Eastbound EB left from Everett do to the previously mentioned mudslide. Crew was a complete 180 on this run. Not rude but definitely did not go out of their way for anyone. On this segment I realized that where you are seated plays a big part in how comfortable the ride is going to be. Going to SEA I was in roomette 3 which was very stable and comfortable. On this return segment I was in roomette 10 and the ride was rough! It felt like we were hitting pot holes! Plus the crew were constantly going to the next car all night long. Two guys were actually arguing and using the f bomb. I woke up feeling really ill on the 2nd day and was vomiting and freezing all the way to Chicago. Special shout out to the rude heifer across the hall who kept yelling "stop it," every time I threw up.
I have come to realize that there is nothing worse than being stuck on a train or plane when you are sick. Of course none of this was Amtrak's fault. I went to the E.R. As soon as I was back in Tulsa and it turns out my appendix had exploded and took out part of my small intestine with it. I was in septic shock and renal failure by the time they operated. Thanks to God for getting me through it. I have a month of rehabilitation to look forward to, but that's a small price to pay.
Would I ever travel Amtrak again? Heck yes I will. Just have to decide which route. Think I will try coach next time though. Those seats are huge and look really comfy. Some of the people did seem a little spotty though, lol. Coach is also where the smokers were caught. Does Amtrak just put them on the next train?
I am a complete believer in Amtrak now and will even get involved in anyway I can to keep passenger rail service going in this country. I have also changed my view regarding tipping onboard. Those men and women have a tough job. Only complaints in the dining car were that one man brought his dog with him so only three people could sit at our table. The other complaint was that it took a 20 tip to get the waitress to "allow" me to pay for a young kids dinner. I was just trying to be nice but what the heck.
The EB left right on time. I was in a sleeper and our attendant, Mary, was SEA based. She was truly awesome. Always asking if you needed ice or anything else. She was just as friendly and upbeat on day three as day one. She was a friend by the end of the trip. Great lady! She is a Grand Mother and I don't know where she gets her energy. She gave everyone a big hug when we left the train. Simply can't say enough good things about this lady.
Found it crazy that after all the announcements that were made about not smoking, 2 people were thrown off the train for smoking. Dumb, just dumb.
Through no fault of Amtrak, we had to get off the train in Everett because there had been a mud slide and BNSF wouldn't allow passengers for 48 hours. It was a quick 45 minute bus ride to Seattle. No big deal.
Food on the train was ok. Not great but not bad. The angus burger from the cafe was really good however. I mean really good
Scenery was really good once we got through most of Montana. Here is a special message to those people in MT that live next to the tracks - clean up your back yards! Good grief. If I knew hundreds of people were going to see my back yard every day, I would make an effort. You know?
As far as Amtrak, I couldn't think of one thing to complain about on the west bound trip. It was exciting and fun and even forced me out of my shell a bit. I was really dreading the seating in the diner car but I ended up making friends with total strangers.
Once we arrived in Seattle, I spent most of the day today at Pike's Place and now I'm back at the station waiting for the return trip to Chicago. I don't mind the 45 minute bus ride but Amtrak credited my cc for not having a sleeper from Seattle to Everett. That was nice but not necessary. Anyway, I will finish this trip when I get back home in Tulsa.
Ok, I've been in the hospital for a couple of weeks so that's the reason for the delay in finishing the report.
Eastbound EB left from Everett do to the previously mentioned mudslide. Crew was a complete 180 on this run. Not rude but definitely did not go out of their way for anyone. On this segment I realized that where you are seated plays a big part in how comfortable the ride is going to be. Going to SEA I was in roomette 3 which was very stable and comfortable. On this return segment I was in roomette 10 and the ride was rough! It felt like we were hitting pot holes! Plus the crew were constantly going to the next car all night long. Two guys were actually arguing and using the f bomb. I woke up feeling really ill on the 2nd day and was vomiting and freezing all the way to Chicago. Special shout out to the rude heifer across the hall who kept yelling "stop it," every time I threw up.
I have come to realize that there is nothing worse than being stuck on a train or plane when you are sick. Of course none of this was Amtrak's fault. I went to the E.R. As soon as I was back in Tulsa and it turns out my appendix had exploded and took out part of my small intestine with it. I was in septic shock and renal failure by the time they operated. Thanks to God for getting me through it. I have a month of rehabilitation to look forward to, but that's a small price to pay.
Would I ever travel Amtrak again? Heck yes I will. Just have to decide which route. Think I will try coach next time though. Those seats are huge and look really comfy. Some of the people did seem a little spotty though, lol. Coach is also where the smokers were caught. Does Amtrak just put them on the next train?
I am a complete believer in Amtrak now and will even get involved in anyway I can to keep passenger rail service going in this country. I have also changed my view regarding tipping onboard. Those men and women have a tough job. Only complaints in the dining car were that one man brought his dog with him so only three people could sit at our table. The other complaint was that it took a 20 tip to get the waitress to "allow" me to pay for a young kids dinner. I was just trying to be nice but what the heck.
