So with the rest of the crowd I waited to see what 'Track' the train was on. They board 10-15 mins before departure, which doesn't seem enough time to get everyone on, but of course it was and we left on time at 3.40pm. I had booked a 'roomette' and was welcomed and had all explained to me, by James an attendant for the sleeping carriage. There's a bed which he'll put in place apparently, 2 seats, a toilet, a pull-down sink, and lots of switches for lights and ...

Walked the dozen or so blocks to Penn Station taking in the buildings & scraps of conversation. The station is not as grand as it was, or as the US Postal Service opposite is, or Grand Central. But it's the start of a big railroad and my route west. Listening to announcements of routes - Adironback, Carolinian, Amtrak Downeaster, Palmetto, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, Vermonter, Northeast Regional, New Haven Springfield,...

Had a great w'end in New York, saw friends & family. But time to begin my journey, Amtrak Across America, coast to coast, New York to San Francisco.

Good to meet colleagues from across Asia, and experience that global connectedness.

Day 1&2 The journey started with an overnight flight from London Heathrow. Wallet taken just before boarding so a bit of stress and hassle to send me on my way. Landed and greeted by country office colleagues with that welcome VSO sign, and a fresh flower garland and 'Namaste'. Early the next day I went to the office to meet colleagues and be briefed on our health, education and livelihoods work. Learnt about the political uncertainty which affects economi...