I'm going to Chicago, sorry but I can't take you with me baby

[Alisongs]

What a performance to get a drink or food here at Toronto Pearson airport. One must scan to order and pay, turn down offers of water and cheesecake (or accept), add items to a virtual cart then check out by giving an email address and phone number followed by credit card or PayPal details. Not easy when UK mobile number is said to be invalid! Or if one doesn't have a smartphone.

I wasn't desperate for a drink but had to persevere just to see if it could be done. It only took 20 minutes to order a single beer. What happened to just asking the bartender?

To be fair, at Toronto, on 'The Canadian' train and at Vancouver service has been excellent and I have met many interesting people. I missed the Rolling Stones concert but spent a couple of boozy hours with fans.

Sometimes I feel guilty posting about my holidays when others on the Forum are struggling and stressed. But I hope that some at least take pleasure in my ramblings and photos.

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You're doing the right thing for me. ❤️

 

[SeaSwallow]

I enjoy reading your stories and seeing the pictures so don’t feel bad about posting them.
I hope the beer tasted good after all of that nonsense.

 

[Neveradullday!]

Please don’t feel guilty, @northumbrian_k
For telling of all your travels each day
I for one wish you would post a bit more
Pics of dog Inky and bike rides galore

 

[Chizz]

Lovely pics @northumbrian_k - thank you.
Did you get to the shoe museum (yes, shoes) in Toronto? (I found it really interesting, from moccasins of the first nations peoples, to a boot that walked on the moon! etc)

 

[jugglingmum]

Please don’t feel guilty, @northumbrian_k
For telling of all your travels each day
I for one wish you would post a bit more
Pics of dog Inky and bike rides galore

I do enjoy your bike rides and updates on Inky

And the photo across the water of the city and mountains can be looked at for a long time.

 

[northumbrian_k]

An unexpected delight as our train crossed Canada was being kept informed by the crew about the history, geography and ecology of the land. Entering Alberta we gathered in the observation car for a talk that was preceded by an elderly passenger singing a wistful song by the late Ian Tyson that I knew only from Neil Young's version.

 

[Izzy]

That is one of my favourite songs! I have it sung by John Denver. It must have been lovely hearing your fellow passenger sing it.

I’ve enjoyed your photos.

 

[northumbrian_k]

Yes, he and the lady giving the talk are both proud and knowledgeable Albertans. It was quite touching. Other delights included complimentary mimosas and canapés on leaving Toronto and again at Jasper, scenery, wildlife spotting (deer, coyotes, bears, elk, eagles and more), wine tasting, beer tasting, talks on various subjects, games, a comfortable if sometimes rocky bed, and 3 meals a day. Best of all was that, with no WiFi or phone signal for 4 days, there was opportunity to meet and talk to other passengers without them being distracted by their mobiles.

 

[Izzy]

Sounds just wonderful.

 

[GillP]

Love the song and your trip sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing: I’m all in favour of vicarious pleasure!

 

[notsogooddtr]

An unexpected delight as our train crossed Canada was being kept informed by the crew about the history, geography and ecology of the land. Entering Alberta we gathered in the observation car for a talk that was preceded by an elderly passenger singing a wistful song by the late Ian Tyson that I knew only from Neil Young's version.

Beautiful song,I love the Johnny Cash version

 

[northumbrian_k]

I remembered that my wife also liked the song so played the video on my phone when I visited her this afternoon. She smiled or maybe laughed at my attempt to sing along.

 

[Izzy]

💜💜