diff --git a/content/blog/2023/10-28-your-first-train-trip/index.md b/content/blog/2023/10-28-your-first-train-trip/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7e00796 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2023/10-28-your-first-train-trip/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,103 @@ +--- +title: Your First Train Trip +date: 2023-10-28 +tags: + - trains +--- + +People at work are more interested than I thought in my taking the train. +One of them might eventually decide to try it. +Here's my advice to you! + +Start Small +----------- + +You don't need to immediately try a 3-leg trip. +The first trip I took by train was Lamy to Kansas City: +you get on the train around 13:00, have dinner, +go to sleep, +then at about 07:00 you've arrived. +I recommend starting with a short trip like this, +so you can acclimate to everything. +Sleeping on a train, for instance, +is probably not something most people can do right away. + +If you're in Richland, you might try a trip to Portland for the weekend. +That starts at about 06:45, +and arrives around lunchtime. + + +Plan For Delays +------------- + +Delays happen with any type of travel. +On trains, delays tend to be hours long. +On my multi-leg trips, they're frequently 24 hours. + +Mentally prepare yourself for delays. +Pack "buffer days" into your trip: +whole days where you don't absolutely need to be anywhere. +Put these on the tail end of each travel day: +when you arrive at the destination, +and when you get home. +That way, if you have a big delay, +you're just using your buffer. + + +Pack Food +-------- + +You can buy food on the train, +but it's not cheap. +It's meant to be an upscale dining experience, +and the prices reflect it: +$25 breakfast, $35 lunch, $45 dinner in October 2023. +And that's before you pay the tip. + +There is a café car, +but the food there is mostly things that can go in a microwave. +It does have beer and wine, which is nice: +you're not allowed to bring your own on the train. +But you can bring your own food. +Plan it like a picnic for your first short trip! + + +Pack Light +--------- + +Once you've accepted that delays are going to happen, +new opportunities open up for unplanned exploration. +I particularly relish getting stuck in Portland or Chicago: +both have big ol' downtown areas full of interesting things. + +If you're delayed overnight, +Amtrak will put you up in a hotel. +But you're not required to rush to the hotel immediately and watch TV! +You can get there whenever you like, +and do some touring. + +If you have a big suitcase to drag around, +exploration before you get to the hotel is not a viable option. +And you may find the hotel isn't anywhere interesting. + +I love my REI Ruckpack 28 for travel. +It's got enough room for 3 changes of clothes (I do laundry every night), +my laptop, and all my other stuff. +I've got another blog entry that goes in more depth on +[what to take](/blog/2023/09-25-business-travel-on-amtrak/). + + +Chill Out +------- + +Trains in the US are slow. +You're going to have to just chill out and accept this. +Worrying about whether you'll make it somewhere on time is a good indication that you should be on an airplane. + +I mean, airplanes get delayed a lot, too. +But at least you won't be upset that they move too slowly? +I'm not sure. I'm a pretty chill traveler when I go by air, too. + +But the train is going to force you to chill out. +If you can accept this, +you'll have a nice time! diff --git a/publish.sh b/publish.sh deleted file mode 100755 index 58e424b..0000000 --- a/publish.sh +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10 +0,0 @@ -#! /bin/sh - -rm -rf $(dirname $0)/public -docker run \ - --rm -i \ - -v $(realpath $(dirname $0)):/src \ - -u $(id -u):$(id -g) \ - klakegg/hugo:ext build - -rsync --delete -vax $(dirname $0)/public/ melville.woozle.org:/srv/www/woozle.org/