Chugga, Chugga, Choo-Choo

The kids and I had a wonderful time on the ViaRail and would do it again in a heart beat. The attendants on the train were really wonderful and indulged the kids all the way (Morgaine is such a charmer *lol*. Who could resist?). The kids were totally exhausted when we got on the train and were fast asleep within 30 minutes of leaving the station. Our attendant was shocked. He'd put down the beds at the kids request right away (he said "the kids love to crawl around on them and look out the window"). He checked back in after 30 minutes to find them asleep and was so surprised! I crawled up in the top bunk and read for a while but was soon lulled into a deep sleep by the trains movements.

After 12 hours of sleep, the kids awoke bright-eyed and bushy tailed ready to explore.We made our way to the observation car, Morgaine saying "Hello! Good-bye!" to each passenger we passed, where we spent a better part of the rest of the trip.

A favorite of ours was eating in the dining car, where the kids proceeded to eat their, and most of my, breakfast. Again the attendants were shocked (they'd recommended the kids share a plate to save me some money...they were ALL about me saving money...I hope we didn't look too poor or something *lol*). My kids, however, are huge breakfast eaters and ate their French toast, then shared my eggs and stole all my toast. Hey, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say!

The food was excellent (I had lunch, while the kids did not as they were stuffed from breakfast), the staff was courteous and helpful, the ride was all around pleasant. It certainly is a great way to travel and I can see myself doing it again to visit the family. I have no idea why we didn't think to travel this way before.

Thank you ViaRail!!