March 29, 2004

Hello again, xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comSt. Louis, MO! The St. Louis Arch is right outside my window! I remember how much fun it was going up it in 2001. Looking through the train trestle at the churning muddy water of the river below is not a comforting picture. We should be arriving in Chicago around 2:30, someone behind me just said. Let me reiterate the last night for you.

Do not ever, ever decide to travel on Amtrak without bringing a jacket, warm blanket, and a large, comfy pillow. Otherwise, you will inevitably wind up spending the night with cramps in your neck, cramps in your back, etc. while simultaneously shivering under an air conditioning vent.

We made the “mistake” of appearing in the diner car again, this time for breakfast. After investing in the morning’s “three burnt pancakes for $$$” deal, the vote was unanimous to never again to eat food served aboard a train. On the brighter side, the view and the service made up for the bad taste.

11:42 A.M. – Lincoln, Illinois

The bright blue sky sprinkled with puffy clouds looks like anything but rain and snow, which was what I thought we would be getting into when we reached Chicago. Much better forecast! I only hope it will be this nice in Frankfurt!

1:45 P.M. – Joliet, Illinois

Almost there – 30 miles to Chicago, IL. Since we won’t be able to fit in the cab with all of our luggage (5 bags, 3 boxes), my dad, brother, and I will go ahead of the others to the hotel, taking the bags with us. We’ve reserved a room at a hotel off of priceline.com.

3:34 P.M. – Chicago, Illinois

We’ve just pulled into the station – I can see the Sears tower outside my window! Since we’ll be spending the day here, we might even get the chance to meet up with some friends. The Amtrak ride has been exciting, but I’m eager to get off the train and dig into some (good!) chow.

3:40 P.M.  – Chicago, Illinois

Change of plans. We’re at the Chicago Amtrak station (wow, this place is huge!), and we’ve just gotten our luggage. The bad news is we’ve discovered we left the name and address of our hotel reservation back in San Antonio. Can’t remember if it’s the Sheraton or the Hilton! Daddy made a few phone calls; confirmed it’s at the Sheraton. Good news: we won’t have to pay $80 for a cabbie to get us there; we’ll take the subway. $10 will transport the six of us to the O’Hare Airport, where we’ll catch the shuttle to our lodging.

5:40 P.M. – Chicago, Illinois

I know I had quite a few people offer to carry our bags for a chance to visit Europe – I should have taken them up on their offer! Five bags each weighing in excess of 50 lbs., three awkward 15 lb. boxes, and two backpacks which weigh between 25 and 30 lbs. are not easy burdens to tote around a city. Please keep in mind there are only six of us, two of which weigh less than the weight they are toting.

It would have been hard enough, had we been dragging these things across smooth, flat areas. Instead, we’re stuck bumping them across potholes in busy intersections, down multiple flights of stairs, up and down escalators, and into subway cars whose doors only remain open for eight scant seconds. I’m not really complaining, because my family likes challenges, even if they are exhausting! :-z

9:30 P.M. – Chicago, Illinois

Well, it’s great to snuggle up in a cozy bed after a long and exhausting day of traveling! The rooms are very nice, with lots of space. We had Chicago style deep dish pizza for dinner . . . mmmm . . . very tasty.

My siblings and I are under strict instructions not to remove anything from the suitcases without supervision. Back at O’Hare, we’d redistributed the articles from the cardboard boxes into the suitcases, and then weighed each of them to make sure they all passed under the airline regulations (70 lbs. each max). This made the luggage much easier to handle! We don’t want to unbalance them again, so we’re making very sure everything gets put back exactly where it came from!