The week with our grandchildren went far too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to board the train and continue our journey home. Still a few stops to make before we are in Penticton.
We have over time developed a serious fondness for train travel. Over the past three years, we have flown mega air miles, circling the globe three times and we have come to one single defining conclusion regarding air travel. Flying coach sucks. The seats are small and crowded even for one of average height and weight. The air quality on board the plane should be considered hazardous to your health and on occasion so can the attendants. Don't get me started on carry on luggage. Trains are so much more civilized. Of course, civility can depend on where you happen to be catching the train. The top picture is the train station in Harbin and the adjacent picture is the train station in Ottawa. Who can spot the differences of train travel between the two countries. E-mail us your answers.
The train ride to Toronto was four hours downtown to downtown. Cost was about the same to fly but with out having to be frisked or your luggage pawed through. The attendants were not surly and even helped take one of our bags on to the train. The seats were enormous, comfortable with leg room that Kobie Bryant could relate to. The beverage and munchies lady was by every hour and with reasonable prices. Everyone lined up nice and politely with no pushing or shoving and our reserved seats were not filled by strangers . Ahh, Canada, a more gentler and kinder rail travel. Sadly it is only available in Ontario.
A short overnight stay in Smith Falls to visit an Aunt with another overnight stop in Toronto for another Aunt and cousin then landing in Beamsville with Nonie's sister to complete our obligatory family visits in Ontario. No rest for the wicked as I had agreed to install a simple light fixture during our stay. It turned into an ugly, all day job with nothing simple about it. My Crazy Uncle Brett title was reinforced big time with perhaps a little blue language for effect.
. We did have time to make a whirlwind trip to Windsor, Ontario to visit Mr. Doctor J who was currently working as a Visiting Scholar at the University there. He and his wife Mrs. Doctor J were a significant part of our extended family in Harbin. Spent a lovely sunny day in Windsor, walking along the Detroit River after enjoying a fabulously home cooked Chinese meal. Doctor J rooms with three others, one of who can cook up a storm. Nonie and her sister tried to bring some elephants home but they were not cooperating. 
One more stop before we land in Penticton. Two days in Vancouver to visit with our youngest son and another Aunt then home to Penticton. I am so looking forward to becoming intimate with my LazeeBoy once again. 
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