First time on a train (in Canada anyway)

My trip started early this morning at 6:30 am. I got up had my coffee, packed my lunch, took out the garbage and had my shower. Checked all the windows and left b 8:20 am. I have to use my full size C-PAP machine because the Air Mini and I are not getting along yet. I only mention this because it is an extra 20" X 20" bag that has to be brought and carried.

Off I go in plenty of time to walk to the GO Station at West Harbour in Hamilton. It is only about 6 or 7 blocks from where I live, so this is perfect to get into Toronto. I'm heading into Union Station in Toronto to catch the Via Rail to Montreal. This trip is all about train travel. This is my first time taking the train in Canada. I have done this in Europe but it has been soooo very long ago. ( Thanks COVID!)

The walk only took 20 minutes so I was early. The day is absolutely beautiful, ot too hot but the sun is shining bright! I need to learn to pack lighter! I have my carry-on suitcase full but also my personal bag. I also have the C-PAP bag! I'm going to hve to reconsider my packing strategies.

Anyway, I have made it to the station, figured out which track to take and have made it on board with no issues. Off to Toronto. The GO train makes several stops between Hamilton and Toronto. It takes us about an hour to get to Union Station. I made it to Toronto and am now finding my way to the Via Station. It is not very well signed here when you get off the train so I ask for help from others on the platform.

I have boarded the train to Montreal and am clckity-clacking down the tracks. i am sitting in a window seat so I get to look outside. Curretly loinng at Lake Ontario. I am also writing this blog while traveling, curtesy of the free Wi-Fi from Via Rail. Thank you!
The seats in Economy are comfy and wide enough for my butt. I don't think I will be as lucky when I fly to Greece next month. The speed is not too fast that you can't enjoy looking outside. this is definetly better than driving and cheaper as well Plus I don't have to worry about parking in Montreal!

The train ride is nice. They have a food cart that comes round. the coffee is very stong but acceptable. I packed a picnic lunch; sandwich, grapes and some cheese. Stuff that won’t las in the frig till I get home. Lunch is done and now you can sit back and contemplate life. Taking the train lends itself to a different thought process. You slow down and look at the fields and towns pass by and your mind starts to wander. The fields aren’t planted yet, still too early in the season but you see the first signs of spring. The trees are starting to bud and the snow is gone. As the miles pass by your mind gets a picture of a simpler time. A time when train travel was more popular. When we weren’t in such a hurry to get where we are going and the journey itself becomes part of the travel. You wonder why you didn’t use this mode of travel before now. I’m not stressed about traffic or getting lost. Timetables are out of your control. I think that is one of the nicest things about this trip. I don’t have control. I have no responsibilities. I had to make it to the GO Station on time and that was it.

As I pass by the forests and fields, I look for birds and animals. I see cars stopped at railway crossings and wonder if they are annoyed or are they a little jealous of the people on the train. Do they wonder where we are going? Do they wish they could also take a train ride and escape they’re day to day drudgery of life? Yes, taking the train makes me stop and think. My mind wanders to trips I want to take in the future. Where else can I go on the train? What new adventures can I find? It also makes me think about how lucky I am to be able to travel. I am fortunate to be retired and have the time to travel. I also am fortunate to have the financial and physical ability to travel. I am blessed and won’t be taking this for granted.

Well, I made it to Montreal all rested and ready to go. Laura (aka Kitten) picked my up from the train station and whisked me off to my new home for the next few days. Laura’s friend Kate come over to say ‘Hi’ and then we went to dinner. We went to a wonderful Thai place and had a yummy dinner. I had a white fish soup that was divine followed up with beef done in a black bean sauce with baby bok choy and peppers. The flavors just popped in you mouth. That with a glass of red wine and my welcome to Montreal was complete.

I’m back in my studio apartment now and am ready for be. Tomorrow will bring new adventures, stay tuned!Baca selengkapnya