We booked our ticket in Acela express (Amtrack) which allows max of 23 kg in one baggage. While coming from India we already had 29 kg in each baggage so it means I need to remove 6 kg from four big bags. Left with no choice, I had to buy an additional big suitcase.
Last day we made a final count and it was 5 big check-in baggage, 2 small stroller baggage, baby stroller, car seat, laptop bag, mothers bag and snack bag. 12 baggage in total and I was sure it won't come in one cab and was also bit worried how I am going to move in to station.
Words are not enough to Thanks Debashis. He helped us on 1st day when we were struggling to get keys of guest house till midnight and on last day when he sensed our problem and agreed to come to station early in the morning.
The train was at 7:15 AM from South Station so we decided to leave early by 05:30 AM (kept some buffer time for unexpected) and booked a mini van. It was chill outside and poor Debashis has to wake up at 05:10 AM for which I really feel sorry. My fear came true when mini van didn't turn up till 6 AM inspite of three calls but got relief after assurance from Malden Taxi company that it will positively come though it has been delayed.
Cab guy did turn up and we headed for Boston South Station. This was my first train journey in US so wasn't sure whether I will get luggage trolley but a guy from Amtrack (not sure whether he was porter) came with a big trolley and carried our luggage inside the train. After reaching the counter, I came to know that check-in luggage (5 baggage) arrives next day so started series of discussion with Nimisha as what will be impact if luggage comes after 1-2 days. But one thing I would appreciate is that Nimisha does extremely good packing and she assured that all necessary items are coming with us and we can survive for 4-5 days without those check-in-luggage.
We boarded the business class compartment of Acela Express and choosed a nice seat (there are no seat booked so seat wherever you like).
Acela Express (name given to Amtrack train in NE corridor) is a high speed train with speed ranging from 120 km/hr and 241 km/hr and operating between Boston and Washington DC. Though speed was bit disappointing or may be expectation was bit higher. Train had everything for the best comfort: Electrical outlets for laptop, nice table to eat and rest your laptop, comfortable seat and cafeteria.
I was playing with bittu and showing him all the colourful leaves on the trees , train, nice building passing by. People were reading newspaper and few were blogging offline on their journey. We had a bag full of snacks: lays, pringles,banana, Haldiram, fried rice, spicy peanuts, pasta so one by one we were munching and ensured that at the end we don't have anything left:-) Luckily train was not so crowded and we had vaccant seat where Bittu had a nice sleep after our early morning rush.
As the train zoomed we crossed one state to another. Starting with Boston at Massachusetts, Providence at Rhode Island, New Haven at Connecticut, New york city,Newark at New Jersey, Philadelphia at Pennsylvania, Wilmington at Delaware we finally reached Baltimore Penn Station in Maryland State. so it was a trip covering almost all North Easterm states in US.
Initial environment didn't left a very good impression of the city. It was raining through out the day so may be city looked very gloomy . Cab guys were very helpful and we reached Radisson Plaza at downtown where we are put up.
Wish me all the best for apartment hunting :-)
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