We were up early to pack as today we were going to St Louis for the weekend. We left our luggage at the hotel and just took overnight stuff in a rucksack. We were travelling by Amtrak, a first for me. The journey was a 5.5hr trip and we hoped St Louis would be worth the time spent on the train. The train was very comfortable with plenty of leg room. Before boarding we picked up a roast veggie pasta salad and a fresh fruit salad from one of the food stalls at the station and I have to say they were both delicious.
We stopped at a number of small towns on the way which looked like interesting places to stop for a short visit. But no time for that as we sped on through the countryside.
We did reach St Louis on time although there were a few stops on the way waiting for other trains to move out of stations etc. As we left the train the heat hit us like a blanket. So much warmer here than Chicago. The hotel was walking distance from the station so it didn't take long to check in and unpack and then we went out to find our bearings and hopefully find somewhere to eat. It seemed a long walk but that was probably because we didn't really know where we were going. We were making for the Arch, probably the most famous land mark in St Louis now.
Not too far away was the Busch stadium which had the ballpark village next door. Looked like we might end up with hot dogs! However, one of the restaurants that looked closed invited us to come inside and eat for free. They weren't opening until next week and were doing a trial run by inviting passers by to be their customers for the evening. We were delighted to take them up on the offer. We were given mocktails, dips and tacos. All delicious and fresh. We couldn't believe our luck. The service was terrific and everyone was very friendly. Maybe the 11 hour round trip to St Louis wouldn't be wasted after all.
How interesting ! Now I regret that in the 80th I never took photos but had a video camera. I remember we always rented a car where we landed and I don't remember that I have seen what you have seen except the Mississippi river and the steam boats. Dario was 15 and today 49 so it's quite a long time ago !
ReplyDeleteVery long train trips (eg 12 hours from Melbourne to Sydney) can be excellent fun, as long as the following requirements are met:
ReplyDelete1. huge windows to watch the landscape rush past,
2. comfortable seats, whether upright or flat back,
3. excellent coffee and sandwiches sold during the whole trip,
4.clean toilets and showers,
5. soft blankets and pillows, and
6. printed notes that describe the places en route.
There are a lot of big and wide open spaces by the look of it. I am not sure I would like a city like this. Thomas Jefferson may be a little disappointed with the outcome of his vision. What a pity the boats serving meals were booked out. You never know what might be popular and what may not be. It would have been nice to sail along the Mississippi.
ReplyDeleteThat was a stroke of luck. It seems funny not to have restaurants by the river.
ReplyDeleteA shame you couldn't get on a river boat but what a stroke of luck with the new restaurant. We used Amtrak when we were in the US. Definitely a good way to travel.
ReplyDelete