I have made it my life’s mission to take the scenic route.
I love trains. I mean that in the stereotypical luxury travel girl way as well as the geeky train enthusiast way. When I was a kid, I would spend my summers watching Discovery Channel documentaries on the mechanics of roller coasters and hoarded books on the history of railroad engineering. So believe that when I say “I love trains”, I say it with my whole chest.
I’m getting nostalgic for my 47hr spin on the Empire Builder around this time last year. I rode straight from Chicago to Seattle locked in my own little roomlette. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had traveling. Ever. Across the board. I was thrown into conversations with people I would have otherwise never met and have kept in contact. Each meal was prepared for me special. The turndown service made sure I was seamlessly tucked into bed every night. I loved the views of Montana and Washington State, of course, but most of all, I loved the quiet and the ease of disconnecting. The food wasn’t bad either.
While I’m hitting the road again, (a plane this time, sadly), my next extended train travel adventure has been on my mind. I have been furiously researching for the when’s and the where’s. I’m a little overwhelmed by all of the options, but thrilled by the opportunities. All signs are pointed to Europse, but South America has plenty of gorgeous temptations as well…
I figured in the meantime, we can revisit that story. This has been the most cited issue of LoveNote to me, people seemed to have really connected to this one. Here’s a little catch up for anyone who missed it: My ride on the Empire Builder
Talk to you soon! And if you’re in Chicago…this weekend ♥️