Shortline
Conductor
Haven't even boarded yet, in fact my train is still somewhere in IL showing about 30 min behind schedule, but thought I'd start a travelogue anyway, kind of make it hard to not get around to finishing it if I already have it started.
Was in KC for some quick business, and need to be in LA for another meeting on Thursday evening, so the train worked out in my schedule for a change. I have never taken the Chief, and with the potential reroute coming, I had to take this opportunity.
Arrived KC last night, and took a shuttle on the Westin Crown center hotel directly across from the station. Hotel is nice, I love the waterfall and natural rock and foliage inside, very serene. Station was all lit up, gorgeous last night. After work today, dropped bags at the Amtrak station baggage area, then my rental car back off at the Westin, and walked back to the station. Was hoping to kill time in the museums here, but apparently they all close at 5. Still, wandered around the beautifully restored station, charged my phone a bit and then wandered into Pierponts for dinner and some libations to help sleep through what is, I understand, some rough riding through KS.
I have to tell you, as impressive as Chicago Union Station is, I have to believe KC is the prettier of the two. Especially after remembering it as a kid, when then grand hall was empty except for an inflated bubble in the middle where Amtrak was housed in the pressurized inflated monstrosity. I also remember when they moved out of the bubble into the Amshack under the bridge. Compared to those days, this is like stepping back in time-It is hard not to imagine it's 1939 and waiting to board the Super Chief. Between the grand hall, and this beautiful resteraunt (thanks DA for the tip!) it's a refreshing change to be surrounded in period elegance, professional dress, impeccable service, and outstanding food and beverage. Microbrew IPA, steamed mussels for an appetizer, and some great company. Doesn't get any better than this.
Was in KC for some quick business, and need to be in LA for another meeting on Thursday evening, so the train worked out in my schedule for a change. I have never taken the Chief, and with the potential reroute coming, I had to take this opportunity.
Arrived KC last night, and took a shuttle on the Westin Crown center hotel directly across from the station. Hotel is nice, I love the waterfall and natural rock and foliage inside, very serene. Station was all lit up, gorgeous last night. After work today, dropped bags at the Amtrak station baggage area, then my rental car back off at the Westin, and walked back to the station. Was hoping to kill time in the museums here, but apparently they all close at 5. Still, wandered around the beautifully restored station, charged my phone a bit and then wandered into Pierponts for dinner and some libations to help sleep through what is, I understand, some rough riding through KS.
I have to tell you, as impressive as Chicago Union Station is, I have to believe KC is the prettier of the two. Especially after remembering it as a kid, when then grand hall was empty except for an inflated bubble in the middle where Amtrak was housed in the pressurized inflated monstrosity. I also remember when they moved out of the bubble into the Amshack under the bridge. Compared to those days, this is like stepping back in time-It is hard not to imagine it's 1939 and waiting to board the Super Chief. Between the grand hall, and this beautiful resteraunt (thanks DA for the tip!) it's a refreshing change to be surrounded in period elegance, professional dress, impeccable service, and outstanding food and beverage. Microbrew IPA, steamed mussels for an appetizer, and some great company. Doesn't get any better than this.
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