Stratford by Train

My last train experience was long and somewhat uncomfortable, so I was looking forward to revising my impression of train travel. I had been in Union Station once or twice before, back in the 1970s. The station is undergoing extensive renovations, but the passenger areas we saw have that depressing look of poverty in the nineteen sixties: cheap, uncomfortable furniture; ugly colors; not even an electrical outlet for use by passengers. Add that unmistakable “railway” smell of train track, rubber, creosote, and various body odors and you’ve got a traveler a little reluctant to get on the train.

My fears were unfounded. L didn’t break my neck getting on or off the train (always a good thing) and the trip was quite scenic, in super comfortable seats. Spring burst out all over as the sun warmed the trees and gardens along the way. The only sour note was downed wireless connectivity which persisted throughout the two and a half hour trip to Stratford, despite the conductor’s best efforts to “reset” the wireless. I was dying to have a look at the router but wisely said nothing.

My stomach lurches very easily and I was both relieved and happy with the cleanliness of the lavatory.