All images are from the Vessel at Hudson Yards in NYC (March 2020).
Wordless Wednesday 2020 #20
Y: NYC, New York
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| NYC (October 2017) |
Focusing has been difficult the past few months, so I'm taking an alternative approach to A-Z this year: looking back at past travel, editing or re-editing images from travels before, and responding to travel-related questions. Hope you are able to join me on this journey to my past!
For Day Y, I just picked a random image I felt like editing because Y not? 😛
Other places I considered for this post: ?
Onward –
74. What is something you've taken while traveling that you've regretted taking?
BOOKS! They are heavy! Unless you have any intention of leaving the books at your destination, it may not be worth the extra weight in your luggage.
Speaking of weight, GIFTS. Yes, it saves in postage, but once again is it worth carrying the extra weight? (Of course, I'm saying this as someone who has carried heavy bottles to someone as a gift. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hand them off to the receiver! lol.)
Umbrellas. It never rains when you bring them. Plus, there is probably an umbrella available at your hotel for you to borrow.
BOOKS! They are heavy! Unless you have any intention of leaving the books at your destination, it may not be worth the extra weight in your luggage.
Speaking of weight, GIFTS. Yes, it saves in postage, but once again is it worth carrying the extra weight? (Of course, I'm saying this as someone who has carried heavy bottles to someone as a gift. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hand them off to the receiver! lol.)
Umbrellas. It never rains when you bring them. Plus, there is probably an umbrella available at your hotel for you to borrow.
75. Strict schedule or go with the flow?
A mix? I like having a plan so that there isn’t any downtime, but things come up. Sometimes you just need to go with the flow and be flexible. Like, what if you stumble across a really awesome farmer’s market on your way to do something on the list? If you have to stick to your schedule, you miss out on the farmer’s market. And maybe the farmer’s market is better? So, I always like to keep my options open.
76. What is your dream traveling experience?
I want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan with my friend Tony. (He speaks Japanese, so he’s really the ideal person to explore Japan with.)
Greece and Spain are calling my name. I want to try the foods and see the Mediterranean from there.
One day I want to explore New Zealand and check out where Lord of the Rings was filmed.
And I want to see Sydney, Australia. But in winter when it’s cooler there. Or in the summer. But if I go in the summer, I want to be there for New Year’s eve so that I can see the fireworks.
Can you think of any places that start with the letter Y? Do you like doing things on the fly or do you prefer to have a plan?
See other posts in this year's A-Z.
N: New York City, NY
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| Top of the Rock Observation Deck: NYC, NY (August 2015) |
Focusing has been difficult the past few months, so I'm taking an alternative approach to A-Z this year: looking back at past travel, editing or re-editing images from travels before, and responding to travel-related questions. Hope you are able to join me on this journey to my past!
For Day N, I opted for a view of New York City. Makes sense, right? It was an overcast day, the day we went to the Top of the Rock, but the view was fantastic anyway.
Other places I considered for this post: Napa (CA), Naples (Italy and FL), Nashville (TN), New Orleans (LA)
On to today's questions –
On to today's questions –
40. What's been your weirdest moment while traveling?
At a German wedding, everyone was like "Do you want to borrow some hose?" 😳
Why would I want to borrow someone else's undergarment? 😳Ew.
But I guess hose is a thing in Germany. Too bad I hate it. But I guess that taught me to always wear hose to German weddings. Or a long dress.
41. Books + traveling?
2016 was my year of reading.
First, I read Anthony Doerr's All the Light You Cannot See. So we made plans with friends to go visit northern France. (That's where much of the book takes place.)
Justin and I also had plans to go to NYC that year, so I bought the kindle edition of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It was slow-going at first, but then it seemed like a completely appropriate read. The book starts off in NYC, which is where I was when I started reading it. Then, the book moves over to Europe as the main character searches for something from his past.
Both of these books were truly amazing and definitely inspired and improved my travel that year.
I definitely think books should influence travel and be enjoyed while traveling. Just do yourself a favor and get the Kindle edition; nobody needs the extra weight.
42. What has surprised you the most about traveling?
How kind and generous people are.
There was a guy in Egypt that made a joke in Arabic as the lens cap for my camera fell off the Cairo Tower. He was trying to make me feel better. :)
When Justin and I were traveling from Stuttgart to Paris, Justin mistook one of the stops as ours. Our luggage was heavy, so it was a big deal for me to get it off the train. Then, he realized it wasn't our stop right as the train doors were about to close. An Italian, who also misunderstood which stop we were at, saw me struggling and, at the last minute, grabbed the suitcase just as the door was closing. He complained "Das ist schwer!" as he sat it down. (That is difficult/heavy.) We thanked him profusely. :)
And then the Airbnb and VRBO hosts have been tremendously kind to us. Some offering us food/drink in their home with others providing us tips and giving us an itinerary.
While I may not have stayed in touch with too many of these travel friends, it's definitely been nice to see how the American perception of other cultures isn't always on target.
So I think that's what my biggest travel take away has been: try not to judge a book by it's cover. Try not to judge a person unless you've spent time getting to know them. Try to assume the best in people. Most people are kind.
Have you ever run into an unexpectedly kind stranger while out and about? Have you ever read any books that had you wanting to visit the places the author was talking about?
At a German wedding, everyone was like "Do you want to borrow some hose?" 😳
Why would I want to borrow someone else's undergarment? 😳Ew.
But I guess hose is a thing in Germany. Too bad I hate it. But I guess that taught me to always wear hose to German weddings. Or a long dress.
41. Books + traveling?
2016 was my year of reading.
First, I read Anthony Doerr's All the Light You Cannot See. So we made plans with friends to go visit northern France. (That's where much of the book takes place.)
Justin and I also had plans to go to NYC that year, so I bought the kindle edition of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It was slow-going at first, but then it seemed like a completely appropriate read. The book starts off in NYC, which is where I was when I started reading it. Then, the book moves over to Europe as the main character searches for something from his past.
Both of these books were truly amazing and definitely inspired and improved my travel that year.
I definitely think books should influence travel and be enjoyed while traveling. Just do yourself a favor and get the Kindle edition; nobody needs the extra weight.
42. What has surprised you the most about traveling?
How kind and generous people are.
There was a guy in Egypt that made a joke in Arabic as the lens cap for my camera fell off the Cairo Tower. He was trying to make me feel better. :)
When Justin and I were traveling from Stuttgart to Paris, Justin mistook one of the stops as ours. Our luggage was heavy, so it was a big deal for me to get it off the train. Then, he realized it wasn't our stop right as the train doors were about to close. An Italian, who also misunderstood which stop we were at, saw me struggling and, at the last minute, grabbed the suitcase just as the door was closing. He complained "Das ist schwer!" as he sat it down. (That is difficult/heavy.) We thanked him profusely. :)
And then the Airbnb and VRBO hosts have been tremendously kind to us. Some offering us food/drink in their home with others providing us tips and giving us an itinerary.
While I may not have stayed in touch with too many of these travel friends, it's definitely been nice to see how the American perception of other cultures isn't always on target.
So I think that's what my biggest travel take away has been: try not to judge a book by it's cover. Try not to judge a person unless you've spent time getting to know them. Try to assume the best in people. Most people are kind.
Have you ever run into an unexpectedly kind stranger while out and about? Have you ever read any books that had you wanting to visit the places the author was talking about?
Wordless Wednesday #19
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| New York City, New York (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #18
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| NYC, New York (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #4
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| NYC, NY (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #3
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| NYC, NY (July 2016) |
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| NYC, NY (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #2
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| NYC, NY (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #29
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| NYC (July 2016) |
Wordless Wednesday #19
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| NYC (July 2016) |
Forgive my silence. I'm making a difficult decision today. Life changes are always hard. And complicated.
What are you doing on this beautiful, summer day?
What to Eat, Where
Over the last three years, I've had the privilege and joy of traveling to a number of different places and trying food combinations that were beyond my imagination. I've learned that just because you've had a certain food or tried a certain activity in one place doesn't mean you will dislike it another. In fact, food, for me, has been a way of breaking out of the mold and learning to try things that I otherwise might pass up. Luckily, my husband is a foodie and has very little that he won't try … which inevitably spurs me on.
Below, I have listed for you the foods and food combinations I have learned about through my travels. Maybe some foods you were already aware of? Maybe there are some new ones for you? Perhaps, you are currently planning to travel to one of these locations?
Whatever the case may be, let me take you away to food paradise … one city (and in some cases, country) at a time…
1. In Hawai'i…
Get fresh fruit. Maui pineapples, passion fruit, guava, coconut, mango, apple bananas. (Yes, apple bananas are a thing.) The fruit I had in Hawai'i was some of the best I've ever had. :)
Kona coffee. Every island has a different flavor, and, according to my husband, it's all delicious.
The Mauimosa is a fun take on the more traditional mimosa. It's made with pineapple wine.
Macadamia nuts grow on multiple islands in Hawai'i. You can get them without all of the additional preservatives, so that's nice. I'm kind of in love with the Hawaiian Host chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Add a bit of caramel and … mmm mm good! :)
Banana bread. Aunty Sandy's banana bread on the Road to Hana in Maui is pretty amazing especially right out of the oven.
The "plated lunch" in Hawai'i is pretty unique. You get a meat of your choosing + macaroni salad + rice. It sounds weird and makes you wonder where the vegetables are, but it's actually really good.
And for dessert be sure to grab some shaved ice. To do it right, you need it layered with vanilla ice cream on the bottom, sweetened condensed milk on top, and a handful of mochi. With the right syrup flavors covering the ice, on a hot, sunny day at the beach, this treat is delicious!
2. In NYC, New York…
Grab an egg cream soda. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, though not all flavors are always available at the same place. And no, you won't get sick and die from drinking raw egg, because there isn't any in the drink!
Pizza is next. Just any street vendor will do.
And some people claim the bagels are the best. Something about the New York City water?
3. In Boston, Massachusetts…
A Boston cream pie/cake is a MUST. My preference? Mike's Pastry in Little Italy. Trust me: this treat served anywhere else in the world will never be the same.
4. In Charleston, South Carolina…
Shrimp and grits are a staple. I don't eat fish, but that's what they say, anyway.
5. In Atlanta, Georgia…
Try the fried chicken. Ideally with a lot of sides. Think mac and cheese, cornbread or drop biscuits, fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, fried okra, baked beans, and collard greens. A new thing I've only recently been introduced to is red pepper jelly which goes great on a biscuit! The jelly is sweet and tastes nothing like you (or at least I) would expect.
For dessert, be sure to get a peach cobbler (also can be made with a variety of other fruits including blueberries, apples, and strawberries) or fried peach pie. Peaches are the Georgia state fruit.
A popular drink, one that would be served with your fried chicken at grandma's house is sweet tea. If you've never had sweet tea before, take it slow. Southerners tend to like their iced sweet tea made with ALL of the sugar. Another option is lemonade, which is almost completely different from the European style. In the US, we use still water, sugar, and (yellow) lemons. Obviously, you can substitute with (green) limes, if you want, for a completely different flavor.
6. In southern Germany…
Käsespätzle is my thing. Minus the onions.
Currywurst is also a thing; it's one I didn't come to like until my husband made it at home… It's almost sweet tasting and doesn't remind me at all of the curry flavor found in Indian food.
Maß beer is also a standout. I don't drink it, but how can you not associate those large glasses of beer (especially during Oktoberfest) with Germany?
7. In France…
You have crêpes and galettes. As much as I have tried to like savory galettes, I just don't. I prefer sweet crêpes instead.
The French omelet (not served as breakfast) is absolutely amazing and unlike any American omelette that I've ever had. It's more light and airy. And they serve it with fries!
My husband is a fan of the mussels served in a cream broth and served with fries like you find in the Brittany region of France. I dislike seafood, so … there's that. :)
Hot chocolate is a must, though. I cannot leave without having a cup of Angelina's, even in the heat of summer!
Another delicious sweet is the salted caramel found in the Brittany region of France which is also pretty amazing. I wouldn't go out of my way to get it, but if you happen to be there anyway, why not?
8. In northern Italy…
My favorite meal would be salami, a delicious baguette (I know – French!), cheese (even Parmigian Reggiano is acceptable!), and a glass of wine looking out over the ocean with friends as the sun goes down. #win! I'm also a huge fan of their balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Nothing I can buy in the states tastes anything like it!
Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in most other foods I tried while there – gelato, pizza, spaghetti. Could it be my American taste buds interfering? … Or did we just choose all of the wrong restaurants?
9. In the Québec region of Canada…
How can you not have poutine?
I'm also a HUGE fan of Michel Jodin's iced cider in the Québec region.
Then there is the Canadian syrup which is found in almost everything … from hot drinks to candy to breakfast "sauces". While the syrup itself is very good, I have to say you haven't really tried "Canadian syrup" until you are eating it served in a mug or spread out on snow as a sticky candy to be wrapped around a stick.
10. In Prague, Czech Republic…
Trdelník, a delicious street food pastry made with cinnamon and filled with Nutella. I hear in the summer you can add ice cream to it too! How fun would that be?!
11. In Key West, Florida…
To be determined.
In a few weeks, my husband and I will be making the drive to learn more about what foods are served there. They will be hosting a key lime festival (wherein they drop key lime pies from lighthouses and the person who keeps it most intact wins?), and you can bet I will be drinking a tropical drink and soaking up the sun. Am I crazy? Well, that too is to be determined. It's possible.
What are some foods and drinks you associate with different locations? Have you ever tried a food in one place only to discover that it tastes completely different elsewhere? Are there specific foods you have to get every time you visit a specific location or place?
Share! And link-up with Top Ten Thursday!
Below, I have listed for you the foods and food combinations I have learned about through my travels. Maybe some foods you were already aware of? Maybe there are some new ones for you? Perhaps, you are currently planning to travel to one of these locations?
Whatever the case may be, let me take you away to food paradise … one city (and in some cases, country) at a time…
1. In Hawai'i…
Get fresh fruit. Maui pineapples, passion fruit, guava, coconut, mango, apple bananas. (Yes, apple bananas are a thing.) The fruit I had in Hawai'i was some of the best I've ever had. :)
Kona coffee. Every island has a different flavor, and, according to my husband, it's all delicious.
The Mauimosa is a fun take on the more traditional mimosa. It's made with pineapple wine.
Macadamia nuts grow on multiple islands in Hawai'i. You can get them without all of the additional preservatives, so that's nice. I'm kind of in love with the Hawaiian Host chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Add a bit of caramel and … mmm mm good! :)
Banana bread. Aunty Sandy's banana bread on the Road to Hana in Maui is pretty amazing especially right out of the oven.
The "plated lunch" in Hawai'i is pretty unique. You get a meat of your choosing + macaroni salad + rice. It sounds weird and makes you wonder where the vegetables are, but it's actually really good.
And for dessert be sure to grab some shaved ice. To do it right, you need it layered with vanilla ice cream on the bottom, sweetened condensed milk on top, and a handful of mochi. With the right syrup flavors covering the ice, on a hot, sunny day at the beach, this treat is delicious!
2. In NYC, New York…
Grab an egg cream soda. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, though not all flavors are always available at the same place. And no, you won't get sick and die from drinking raw egg, because there isn't any in the drink!
Pizza is next. Just any street vendor will do.
And some people claim the bagels are the best. Something about the New York City water?
 |
| Photo credit: edwardkimuk via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-ND |
3. In Boston, Massachusetts…
A Boston cream pie/cake is a MUST. My preference? Mike's Pastry in Little Italy. Trust me: this treat served anywhere else in the world will never be the same.
 |
| Photo credit: greg.turner via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA |
4. In Charleston, South Carolina…
Shrimp and grits are a staple. I don't eat fish, but that's what they say, anyway.
5. In Atlanta, Georgia…
Try the fried chicken. Ideally with a lot of sides. Think mac and cheese, cornbread or drop biscuits, fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, fried okra, baked beans, and collard greens. A new thing I've only recently been introduced to is red pepper jelly which goes great on a biscuit! The jelly is sweet and tastes nothing like you (or at least I) would expect.
For dessert, be sure to get a peach cobbler (also can be made with a variety of other fruits including blueberries, apples, and strawberries) or fried peach pie. Peaches are the Georgia state fruit.
A popular drink, one that would be served with your fried chicken at grandma's house is sweet tea. If you've never had sweet tea before, take it slow. Southerners tend to like their iced sweet tea made with ALL of the sugar. Another option is lemonade, which is almost completely different from the European style. In the US, we use still water, sugar, and (yellow) lemons. Obviously, you can substitute with (green) limes, if you want, for a completely different flavor.
6. In southern Germany…
Käsespätzle is my thing. Minus the onions.
Currywurst is also a thing; it's one I didn't come to like until my husband made it at home… It's almost sweet tasting and doesn't remind me at all of the curry flavor found in Indian food.
Maß beer is also a standout. I don't drink it, but how can you not associate those large glasses of beer (especially during Oktoberfest) with Germany?
7. In France…
You have crêpes and galettes. As much as I have tried to like savory galettes, I just don't. I prefer sweet crêpes instead.
The French omelet (not served as breakfast) is absolutely amazing and unlike any American omelette that I've ever had. It's more light and airy. And they serve it with fries!
My husband is a fan of the mussels served in a cream broth and served with fries like you find in the Brittany region of France. I dislike seafood, so … there's that. :)
Hot chocolate is a must, though. I cannot leave without having a cup of Angelina's, even in the heat of summer!
Another delicious sweet is the salted caramel found in the Brittany region of France which is also pretty amazing. I wouldn't go out of my way to get it, but if you happen to be there anyway, why not?
8. In northern Italy…
My favorite meal would be salami, a delicious baguette (I know – French!), cheese (even Parmigian Reggiano is acceptable!), and a glass of wine looking out over the ocean with friends as the sun goes down. #win! I'm also a huge fan of their balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Nothing I can buy in the states tastes anything like it!
Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in most other foods I tried while there – gelato, pizza, spaghetti. Could it be my American taste buds interfering? … Or did we just choose all of the wrong restaurants?
9. In the Québec region of Canada…
How can you not have poutine?
I'm also a HUGE fan of Michel Jodin's iced cider in the Québec region.
Then there is the Canadian syrup which is found in almost everything … from hot drinks to candy to breakfast "sauces". While the syrup itself is very good, I have to say you haven't really tried "Canadian syrup" until you are eating it served in a mug or spread out on snow as a sticky candy to be wrapped around a stick.
 |
| Photo credit: akimapilot via VisualHunt / CC BY-ND |
10. In Prague, Czech Republic…
Trdelník, a delicious street food pastry made with cinnamon and filled with Nutella. I hear in the summer you can add ice cream to it too! How fun would that be?!
11. In Key West, Florida…
To be determined.
In a few weeks, my husband and I will be making the drive to learn more about what foods are served there. They will be hosting a key lime festival (wherein they drop key lime pies from lighthouses and the person who keeps it most intact wins?), and you can bet I will be drinking a tropical drink and soaking up the sun. Am I crazy? Well, that too is to be determined. It's possible.
What are some foods and drinks you associate with different locations? Have you ever tried a food in one place only to discover that it tastes completely different elsewhere? Are there specific foods you have to get every time you visit a specific location or place?
Share! And link-up with Top Ten Thursday!
Wordless Wednesday #11
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| NYC (July 2016) |
Taking a Ride on the Adirondack to Canada: What You Need to Know
It's day six (for me) in the A-Z blog challenge! This month I'll be sharing all about my Christmas/New Year travels to Canada – providing insight into the places I went, reviewing the hotels I stayed at, and telling my story. Today's letter is F for FUDGE! getting into trouble with the Canadian Border Patrol and our long Amtrak ride between New York City and Montréal.
--------------------------
Early Tuesday morning, Justin and I got in line one hour before our departure time (8:15 AM) at Penn Station. The funny thing is, despite being an hour early, we still found that the line was already incredibly long.
We were traveling from NYC to Montréal and I had read online that most people find train travel between the two cities both beautiful and relaxing. We were about to find out just how beautiful and relaxing this trip could be…
Now, before you get in line to board the Adirondack to Canada, here are a few things you should know:
+ Right in the middle of the station, there is a desk where you will get tags for your luggage. This is not checking your luggage, but rather just a way for Amtrak to confirm you aren't bringing more luggage on the train than they allow you to.
+ There is NO checked baggage. Whatever you carry on, you will have to handle yourself.
+ I believe the limit is two regular bags no more than 50 pounds plus a carry-on item. (Check with Amtrak to confirm.)
+ Even if you don't have luggage, you will still need to check-in before getting in line. They confirm you have your passport and are allowed to travel across the border. (However, they are NOT the Canadian Border Patrol! You will need your passport and confirmation of both your to and from tickets when you get to the Canadian border.)
One more tip before we get to the actual train ride: You are boarding the train in NYC at Penn Station. People in NYC do very NYC things like offer you roses and try to scam you. Then, when you refuse the rose, they just lay it across you as your hands are preoccupied with coats and tickets, etc, then try to make a scene and embarrass you for dropping said rose that you didn't want in the first place. Thanks NYC scammers. :(
Nevertheless, I persisted. :) Hot tea in my hand and a cup of coffee in Justin's, the beginning of our trip would surely be more relaxing than the long line we were waiting in was…
When you board, they will direct you to a one-way escalator that will take you down to the tracks. People taking the onward trip to Canada will be placed in the rear-est two train cars with everyone else toward the front.
It was recommended that we sit on the left side (facing forward) for the best views. In my opinion, while there were certainly good views on the left side (especially as you depart NYC), both sides are about equal as far as views go. You will see beautiful lakes, streams, rivers, towns, and meadows no matter which side you sit on.
The car we were in was incredibly quiet with hardly anyone talking and no small (non entertained) children in the car. Supposedly some train cars have internet. Ours did up until we reached the Canadian border although it was very slow internet. Either way, I was grateful to have an opportunity to more fully research the places we were going.
We had a tray table, the option to recline a tiny bit (think airplane recline), and a foot rest both on the seat in front of us as well as on our seat (like you have on your recliner at home). Despite feeling tight and confining after a while (it's no bed!), the seats on the Amtrak Adirondack are far more comfortable and provide a lot more space than what you would get on either a plane or bus. I'd even dare to assume that tall people (I'm 5'2") will have enough room to spread out.
Not too long after we left NYC, about two hours into our trip, I started to get hungry. Hotel breakfasts never seem to satisfy. Luckily, on our way to Penn station we had grabbed up a bottle of Polar sparkling water, two croissants, and a mustard chicken and swiss wrap from Pret A Manger. Mmm… :)
The Adirondack does have a food car, but food is very expensive and not that good. If you are taking this journey (or any journey, really!), I recommend bringing snacks. If you can avoid going to the food car for any reason other than working at a table, you should.
Now, with that being said, enjoy all of the fruit and nuts you want during the 7-ish hours before you get to the Canadian Border Patrol office. At that point, you will have to fill out a survey and sign confirming that neither you nor anyone you are traveling with has any of these items. Consider tossing those items in Adirondack bathroom if you can't finish them before the Border Patrol boards. I don't know what would happen if you lied and they randomly decided to search you and your bags, nor do I want any of my readers to find out!
Other things you may want to have on hand for your travels include a good pair of headphones, a back-up battery in case the plugs at your seat don't work, and enough to do to keep you occupied for 8+ hours!
Approximately halfway through the journey, the Amtrak Adirondack stops at the north end of New York allowing all passengers to get some fresh air. Amtrak warns that you are not allowed to leave the platform, though! And there are no places to grab food or shops on the platform.
Approximately eight hours into our journey, we arrived at the Canadian Border Patrol. The Amtrak officials went over the intercom warning us that the train had been turned over to CBP. The train was turned off and the uniformed officers boarded the train to start questioning people. We sat there for three hours while people were being questioned. Granted, I did read someone's blog post about only being held for just over an hour, but that was not the case for us.
Finally, the CBP got to Justin and I. As expected we were asked for our passports and tickets. She confirmed we had no fruit or nuts in our bag, asked where exactly we were going, and then, the clincher, when and how were we leaving Canada?
Our tickets were in our bag over us and Justin was afraid to get them, so we were left searching our email on spotty internet. I pulled up one thing, Justin showed the lady, and she said "where is the date?" *sigh* (It was on the paper, but neither of them saw it, and by then I was getting anxious.) So, finally, I get the actual ticket pulled up and Justin casually hands it to the officer who then moves on after a good fifteen minutes of waiting on us. (Or maybe it just felt that long?)
Now, this is important: DO NOT do like us.
1. Have your documentation ready including both your tickets to and from Canada, your first hotel confirmation, and your passport. It's probably not a bad idea to have a second form of ID on you as well.
2. Answer all questions simply. Yes, no. Elaborate as little as possible. People who lie have long drawn out stories; don't give CPB a reason to doubt you.
3. DO NOT hand them your phone. Your phone can be confiscated and data on it downloaded or used against you. It's better to have printed paper copies of your information with you at all times.
And one more thing: Justin and I were traveling to Canada pre-Trump; things could have changed since then.
After one go-through, CPB began pulling people inside their building for further questioning. The individuals in trouble would gather all of their things and exit the train. Obviously, we couldn't see what was going on inside, but if you look above inside the window you can see the silhouette of either an officer doing questioning or a person being questioned. (And no, I was not trying to break any laws regarding the expectation of privacy. I was just trying to get a shot of the building!)
After our fifteen minutes of stress, I got back to my research.
I marked all of the places my husband and I wanted to travel to on my Frommer's map using the spotty internet as best I could before promptly marking each spot with a gummy bear…
instagramming…
And then eating my way through Montréal. :)
We did not arrive in Montréal until close to 8PM that night.
While I'm glad we took the Adirondack (and I loved the price point!), I think that next time I visit Canada, I will skip the train and go straight to the airport. Somehow sitting for two hours waiting on my plan to board is far better than any sights I could see in north NYC or waiting on CPB to go through an entire Amtrak train of visitors/residents.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever taken a long distance Amtrak somewhere? If so, were you a fan? If not, would you consider it? … What do you think about marking all of the places you intend on visiting with gummy bears and "eating your way" through a city? ;)
Here's someone else's blog post on this topic, for further research.
