So I boarded my first double decker train out of Chicago. I seem to have accumulated more luggage along the way, which is tricky to get on and off the trains which have very steep steps. With the double decker train, the seating is upstairs, so dragging my bags up the narrow stairs took some effort.

The train rolled past some great scenery, with sunset hitting just east of Milwaukee. This is the first train I've travelled on with a viewing carriage, which has wall to ceiling windows. It seems to really heighten the experience. (Take a look at my flickr account for the pictures https://www.flickr.com/photos/108785538@N08 ).

The journey was an eight hour ride with the first three hours in day light. We encountered our first delay just after Milwaukee. I'd heard about the freight trains taking priority over Amtrak trains, and sure enough this turned out to be true. As a result my train arrived an hour late into Minneapolis, so I caught a taxi to Carolyn, Maya and Evan's house in South Minneapollis.

Carolyn and I stayed up talking and catching-up over a glass of vino into the small hours. I met Carolyn at Rachael and John's wedding in West Palm Beach four years ago. It's amasing when you just hit it off with people. They've made me so welcome here and I'm looking forward to the weekend!