I left home about 8, earlier than planned, but was all packed and there was no need to delay. I do try to use transit when I travel and the stop is a short walk from my house. After a short ride to our mall (and a breakfast break) an hour on a second bus got me to the BWI rail station about 10. It's a busy station on the New York to Washington line as well as a busy commuter station but does not serve long distance trains. I was ticketed for 12:27 but they cheerfully exchanged the ticket for the next train (11AM) and I was in Washington at 11:30. Even in this short trip I was reminded that over the next day I will be working on my "rail legs". I'll be well prepared when I get to sea.
I normally travel with a large backpack and a smaller daypack which I wear backwards over my chest, leaving my hands free. Once at Washington Union Station I proceeded immediately to check the big bag to Ft. Lauderdale, and then to the First Class lounge where the small bag can stay until we board the Silver Star around 2:30. About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I went on a diet and lost 70 pounds and about 6 months later was able to discontinue my medication. The bags I am carrying are quite heavy but it's sobering to remember that 10 years ago I weighed less than I do now with all that stuff.
Union Station is pretty much in the center of Washington directly in sight of the Capitol. I took a walk around the area for about an hour. A few weeks ago the cherry blossoms were in full bloom; there are only faded remnants left now but they are still nice looking. In my travels I passed the Capitol, Supreme Court and some very nice white blossoms outside the Canadian Embassy.
I returned to Union station about 1 and got lunch and then wifi at Club Acela.
As today's parting shot, they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It was actually about 180 steps to the bus stop, but Barcelona is well over a thousand miles. The journey has begun.
Roy
I normally travel with a large backpack and a smaller daypack which I wear backwards over my chest, leaving my hands free. Once at Washington Union Station I proceeded immediately to check the big bag to Ft. Lauderdale, and then to the First Class lounge where the small bag can stay until we board the Silver Star around 2:30. About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I went on a diet and lost 70 pounds and about 6 months later was able to discontinue my medication. The bags I am carrying are quite heavy but it's sobering to remember that 10 years ago I weighed less than I do now with all that stuff.
Union Station is pretty much in the center of Washington directly in sight of the Capitol. I took a walk around the area for about an hour. A few weeks ago the cherry blossoms were in full bloom; there are only faded remnants left now but they are still nice looking. In my travels I passed the Capitol, Supreme Court and some very nice white blossoms outside the Canadian Embassy.
I returned to Union station about 1 and got lunch and then wifi at Club Acela.
As today's parting shot, they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It was actually about 180 steps to the bus stop, but Barcelona is well over a thousand miles. The journey has begun.
Roy
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