Jan 7. Empire Builder. Minneapolis to Chicago.

Good morning. Woke up at St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN. I was not able to get some good sleep last night. I stayed in bed until we started moving again, so I missed whatever view from a glass window the city of Minneapolis had to offer. By 8AM, forced myself to get up for breakfast.

I enjoyed my breakfast with an elderly couple coming home to Chicago from a visit to family in Seattle. It was, again, a very engaging conversation. Headed to the lounge car after breakfast to have a view of the frozen Mississippi River, and continued writing. Went back to the cabin after sometime, took a quick shower, and waited for lunch.

Lunch would be the last meal aboard the Empire Builder. From the on-board announcement, the train would be in Chicago earlier than it’s scheduled arrival time. Before 1PM, I made my way to lunch, just in time for the lunch-service-is-closed announcement. Just ordered the side salad and a grilled cheese, plus ginger ale. Didn’t even finish the grilled cheese this time. Took the remaining half back to the cabin, plus the chocolate mousse and coffee for snack later when we get to Chicago area.

The Empire Builder has such a wonderful staff. I’ve met Erica, our cabin attendant, and the dining crew – Mary, Michelle, and Liz. It’s a pleasure having known these people even if it’s just for a few days. I may not see them again, but like the phrase goes – it’s a small world, who knows.

Stayed in the cabin for the rest of the trip. Big, beautiful houses past Columbus, WI, coming into Milwaukee, WI.  Glenview, IL, would be the last stop before the final destination, Chicago.

There’s about 5hr layover in Chicago before the next train to New York – the Shoreline Limited.  This is the same train my daughter and I took when we started the journey.

I spent all the time inside the waiting lounge, taking advantage of the internet connection available to finish some important matters.  WiFi was slow, but manageable.  Dinner was a quick bite of energy bar.  The train would not be providing dinner tonight.

At 9:30PM CST, once again, all aboard Shoreline Limited.