I deboarded in Chicago, the final stop on that line, and prepared to board the train to Seattle, my ultimate destination. Originally, I had a five-hour layover and grand plans to eat a proper meal and explore Union Station, which everyone had raved about. Thanks to the delay back in Depew, my layover was trimmed to just about an hour. Man plans, god laughs, right?
Because I’d booked a roomette (considered first class), I had access to the Metropolitan Lounge. I reluctantly checked my bags. There’s no attendant, so it’s basically the honor system with a camera. I then went in search of food. Most of the places between the platform and the lounge were for shopping, so I wandered into the food court. The options were typical mall fare: Auntie Anne’s, Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s... I wasn’t feeling inspired, so I grabbed a pretzel and hoped for better food on my return trip.
Back at the lounge, I arrived just in time for the boarding call at 2:45 p.m. I requested Red Cap service, and the gentleman whisked both me and my bags right to the train.
I loved my roomette. One whole side was windows, and I couldn’t tear myself away from the view. The space was cozy but comfortable, with adjustable lighting, curtains for privacy, and a fold-down bed. I downloaded an audiobook from Chirp, and settled in.
