Travelling

[fitzw]

In late October, I will be attending a mandatory employee conference in Kissimmee, FL. I live in western Massachusetts.

People who know me well know that I dislike flying, intensely. I have a very sensitive inner ear, balance-wise, and an overactive imagination, which don't go well together on an airplane. I will fly, if I feel that I have a good enough reason, especially when there isn't an good alternative (such as our trip to China in 2002).

But in this case, I have enough patience to be able to take alternative transportation.

I will be taking Amtrak from Massachusetts to Florida and back again.

This will be an interesting adventure. ;-)

Comments

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

The advice about the pillow and blanket was actually given to me by the travel agent, as well (she laughed out loud when I said that I hated flying in an airplane). I don't own an MP3 player. I seem to recall something about electrical outlets on some of the trains (my laptop only has a 2 hour power pack). Did you have access to an outlet?

I actually do better in small planes than in large ones.

[the1butterfly.livejournal.com]

Every pair of seats has an outlet on the window side, so if you're at the window, you'll have an outlet. You'll probably be switching trains a couple of times, so whether you're at a window might change. Mostly I just bring a lot to distract myself. I love staring out the window on trains, but the line to Florida passes mostly through boring scenery, especially in the south (the part that goes from Noroton Heights -Southwestern CT- to New York City is a part I'm very familiar with from taking trains into the city so many times, and there are a few good bridges in that area, but I think I'm biased). Oh- another response reminded me of something- you'll probably be on the Silver Meteor in the South. It is misnamed because its current name implies speed- freight trains do take precedence once you get below Washington DC area stuff. Bring snacks because train food leaves a lot to be desired. If you change trains in Washington DC's Union Station take a look around- I still have pics on my phone because it is such a cool station.