Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 11317270)

Honestly, it wasn't horrible. I needed a few days of sitting back, reading, watching DVDs, listening to music, and watching the world go by, and it provided that. I met a few really interesting people along the way as well. I would not do it in coach; first class sleeper accommodations are a must, even though they're not cheap. It's the only way to get a shower on board, and have a sense of quiet and privacy. I found that I slept quite well, and it really wasn't until the second morning of the journey that I was really ready to get off the train.

Food wise, Amtrak leaves a lot to be desired. It wasn't horrible, and I've had far worse on domestic airlines in the US, even in F. But it just got old after having it seven meals in a row. Service from the Amtrak employees ranged from outstanding to rather surly, and I quickly learned which crew members to avoid.

If you do it, it's not horrible, if you have your expectations in order. Expect to be late, don't expect any sense of luxury (but you will be pretty comfortable), don't expect gourmet meals (but they probably won't be horrible either). Do bring along some basics, like a pillow from home, as the Amtrak ones are rather bad, bottled water or soft drinks, some snacks, and things to entertain yourself with. Also bring your sense of adventure and desire to disconnect from the world for a while, as you won't have Internet or cellular phone access on much of the journey, particularly if traveling through the Western states. Also, a small package of disinfecting wipes isn't a bad idea, and they can be used to do a quick wipe-down of your compartment after boarding, as Amtrak doesn't do a deep cleaning all that often.

I'm not sure I'd do it again, but I have no regrets about that trip, and overall, I really enjoyed it.

Originally Posted by fozz (Post 11317218)

But how would they have access to them? Furthermore, it's hard to prove if a purchased item was a) brought into NJ and not gifted. I buy plenty of things in other states that never get home. Plus, if your credit card statement goes to another state, how would they know?

Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 11317270)

Honestly, it wasn't horrible. I needed a few days of sitting back, reading, watching DVDs, listening to music, and watching the world go by, and it provided that. I met a few really interesting people along the way as well. I would not do it in coach; first class sleeper accommodations are a must, even though they're not cheap. It's the only way to get a shower on board, and have a sense of quiet and privacy. I found that I slept quite well, and it really wasn't until the second morning of the journey that I was really ready to get off the train.

Food wise, Amtrak leaves a lot to be desired. It wasn't horrible, and I've had far worse on domestic airlines in the US, even in F. But it just got old after having it seven meals in a row. Service from the Amtrak employees ranged from outstanding to rather surly, and I quickly learned which crew members to avoid.

If you do it, it's not horrible, if you have your expectations in order. Expect to be late, don't expect any sense of luxury (but you will be pretty comfortable), don't expect gourmet meals (but they probably won't be horrible either). Do bring along some basics, like a pillow from home, as the Amtrak ones are rather bad, bottled water or soft drinks, some snacks, and things to entertain yourself with. Also bring your sense of adventure and desire to disconnect from the world for a while, as you won't have Internet or cellular phone access on much of the journey, particularly if traveling through the Western states. Also, a small package of disinfecting wipes isn't a bad idea, and they can be used to do a quick wipe-down of your compartment after boarding, as Amtrak doesn't do a deep cleaning all that often.

I'm not sure I'd do it again, but I have no regrets about that trip, and overall, I really enjoyed it.

Originally Posted by ConciergeMike (Post 11317215)

+1

The train from MAD to BCN should be interesting. My longest train ride to date is Hamilton Station to NYP.

Originally Posted by baglady (Post 11317216)

Is it on your calendar? Make it happen!

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 11317254)

CDG-BRU is 1:20.

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 11317266)

That, of course, isn't stopping me from flying EWR-BWI next weekend instead of taking the train. :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 11317245)

My favorites would be Mexican and Thai.

Originally Posted by fozz (Post 11317218)

Every state does, it's kind of silly. It amazes me that in a state with such high property tax that the sales tax is 7%. I'm still surprised this one stuck given how badly it failed the last time they bumped it to 7%.

Originally Posted by belynch (Post 11317308)

FT is sucking wind tonight.

Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 11317305)

It's after midnight here! The only massage places I could probably call and make an appointment with right now are probably not the kinds of places we'd want to go!

Originally Posted by Olton Hall (Post 11317287)

They now have an understanding with NJ after the court orders required them to turn over the records. When you cc is swiped, the merchant gets you address and stuff from the authorization. Now if your cc address is some other state then NJ won't come after you. Now for gift I'm sure they'll expect you to prove that you gift it out of state.

NJ started go go after on-line / phone retailers back in the 90's to collect tax . I think Gateway 2000 was their first victim followed by Dell.

Originally Posted by icurhere2 (Post 11317314)

The server or the posters? ;)

Originally Posted by baglady (Post 11317260)

I did the Eurostar between London and Paris and it was great - I slept most of the way, but it was great.