First post from a moving train!
New York—Newark—Philadelphia-–Wilmington-–Baltimore and on to Washington–passing big water on our left.
“Philly’s next stop….” says the ticket collector as he passes down the aisle putting the stubs of checked passengers’ tickets in the rack over their heads. This is how he knows not to keep asking passengers for their tickets after each stop.
He’s tall and has a beard like the young Abe Lincoln.
He’s engaged and clearly likes his job.
We’re his babies for the trip to Washington–he’s taking care of us.
I grew up taking the train; my father worked for British Railways and got concessionary travel for the family.
Privilege Tickets they were called–a limited issue each year–but we could travel First class which made us feel special.
Dad had a silver pass, like a medal, which he showed at the gate and was waved through. I was proud of him for that.
In 1954 he took the family–four of us then–to Lloret del Mar on the Costa Brava for a two week holiday.
“Do you ‘ave a couchette?” Ma had shouted at the conductor in Calais, in a heavy French accent.
We were lucky to get one after that I reckon!
“Baltimore–now arriving at Baltimore–watch your step!” —his babies for the trip.
Robin Ellis 
I have taken that trip from Baltimore to New York so it’s wonderful to read about your experience of it. Last time my daughter and I had to listen to an Indian man hum and sing Indian songs all the way home and nearly drove us batty. He wasn’t a very good singer, BUT it was so obvious he was so happy singing that it made us happy in an odd way.
Happy travels 🙂
Lovely!
Your essay reminds me of my youth, too, when my family traveled by Pullman train to Cleveland to see cousins and Chicago to get blown away by the Windy City. Lots of fun and good times. I remember it well and fondly. Dolores Kostelni
Now you’re talking!–Pullmans were the business.
I hope you get to enjoy DC — I once lived only a block or two from Eastern Market. It’s been gentrified since then, but I hear they have a wonderful organic market there now. If you’ve never had a half-smoke, you could grab one off a street vendor. Health food it is not, but you can’t get one anywhere else in the world. And of course, you will see Georgetown — maybe the cupcake ladies make a whole-grain version? Hope you and Meredith have a super time! I’m taking the train to Chicago this weekend to see you in Evanston. I do love a train ride . . .
See you there Nancy!
What did you think of our American trains?
I like them, Katherine.
High speed across the Great Divide would be nice!
Ahhhhh, trains…. reminds me one of my favorite quotes: “My heart is warm with the friends I make, and better friends I’ll not be knowing. Yet there isn’t a train I wouldn’t take, no matter where it’s going.” Edna St. Vincent Millay
Meredith just quoted to me another poem by her:
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light
Dear Robin and Meredith, trains… I know and remember them well too having crossed and recrossed Europe twice before a very ripe old age of ten years. The train journeys never to be forgotten… Robin, your blogs always make me smile except the “21st Century”. A mind sobering blog. Once the reason is known and understood why this Diabetes monster is universally on the rise it will be contained and beaten. In the meantime: “Unforgettable taste of an egg fried in deep green oil…” Perhaps in a cold pressed olive oil? Indeed. Have a wonderful time among friends. I wish you both well…
Yes, Edna had quite a few fitting lines. I know that one as well. And by the time you two finish the book tour in LA, your candle will be much shorter, but aglow in wonderful, new, shared memories!
I grew up with train travelling too and I still remember our train trip to Switserland.
NY is on my wishlist.I would like to visit Ellis Island because my ancestors emigrates to U.S. I wish I could find my family over there that would be so great!
Souds very interesting your traintrip… how long does it take by train from NY to Washington?
Three and a half hours, Caroline.
It was a breeze–on such a lovely day.
Hi Robin and Meredith again!
What fun to train travel! Are you taking it across country too? My husband used to work for both the Canadian Nationial Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, at separate times of course. Our little family experienced the lovely trip three times across our country, all gratis too! Oh, the memories are flooding back! He playing his guitar up in the dome car to the delight of everyone, and falling asleep to the clickity clack of the lullaby motion! The porters so kind and generous, especially to the wee ones with their wide and wondrous eyes, taking in all the fantastic scenary flashing so enticingly by. Makes one want to come join you! Do have a memorable journey you two, for that is exactly what life is all about!
Namaste!
Patti
HI Robin,
I thought you would be interested in this article on the BBC health site:
“Diabetes amputation rates show huge regional variation”
http://www.BBC.co.uk/news/health-17270379
Apparently, people with diabetes in England may have unneeded amputations because the medical teams are not trained to deal with diabetic foot problems.
Ann
Thanks Ann–apologies for not replying sooner.
I believe I read somewhere that you and you wife were here in DC for President Obama’s inauguration.
The weather this time around should be much more to your liking.
Amazing story. I thought this song would be fitting with your travels.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=nC56Plwfm38
A nice memory story, I love it!!So nice told, you are a spledid writer Robin, please make a book of it!