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I have pondered posting this message for ages so here goes. I'm an Aussie & I was in the US several months ago, June actually & travelled from Los Angeles to Emeryville simply because I had a day to fill in my very short holiday & I wasn't going to be in the USA without going on at least one Amtrak journey. But I digress. Anyways my SF friend & I booked an Economy Bedroom for day use so we could use the facilities of the Parlour Car. We were in that car for most of the journey & we were treated like royalty by the lady attendant called Nanette who made the best bloody Marys. Anyways I'm coming over again in March '05 for my friends wedding in SF & I'm hoping to repeat the experience. My friend who had never travelled Amtrak agreed it was the most civilised way of travelling between the two cities. Here's hoping for a repeat journey around mid March. Michael.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Michael--
On my last Starlight trip they substituted a Sightseer Lounge for the Parlour Car which was OK. They did the winetastings downstairs.
I leave PDX this afternoon (10/10/04) for Santa Barbara on the Starlight and am hoping for the "real" thing.
I'll report when I return.
BTW, I had a wonderful trip three years ago on The Ghan from Sydney to Alice Springs!
Frank in SBA
City of Miami Member # 2922
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I was on the Starlight last May and had Nannette in the Parlour Car - she was a most engaging hostess. I really enjoyed her and the whole experience. Just yesterday I booked the trip you mention (LA to Oakland) for next week and February but it never occurred to me to go first class to get the use of the Parlour Car. I'd be crushed if I got the substitution Frank mentions in the previous post. Not worth it at this point......
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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I've had Nanette a couple of times. She really takes pride in her Parlour car operation. So much so that she places a sign on the door "Welcome to Nanette's Pacific Parlour Car." !!!
Tom is another excellent host. He really likes to share his knowledge of the route, and the history of the Parlour Car. He also played classical music on a small stereo during breakfast.
Other attendants I've encountered are quite competent, but not as stylish as these two.
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I just got back from riding the Starlight PDX/SBA. (12/10/04--12/11/04). We had a "real" Parlour Car with Harry as the attendant. There was a very light load in the sleepers and nine was the most people I ever saw at one time using it. That, of course, was for the wine tasting which is now down to three wines instead of the former five.
The toilets in my car (1130) went inop in the morning. Shower and sinks were fine. The car attendant (Cruz) moved several of us into Deluxe Bedrooms. Still couldn't use the toilet but the sink, shower, and extra room were nice.
The food was very good. I had Filet Mignon (not on the menu) the first night and Rack of Lamb last night. We got to SBA about 45 minutes late.
Sadly, this time of year, you miss the mountain scenery and the coast. We were going past the Guadalupe Dunes just as the sun set.
All in all, a very good trip. I'll post a trip report on this and my Cascades ride SEA/PDX later.
Frank in cloudy SBA
vline Member # 1132
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Hi Frank, glad you enjoyed your journey on "The Ghan". I guess you realise the journey has now been extended to double its previous length due to the track being extended all the way to Darwin. But as the train is run by the Great Southern Railway, http://www.gsr.com.au/ghan/
a private company, the fares are very expensive and the train meets its operating expenses then some. Since the journey has been extended to Darwin, the consist of the train is rarely less than 35 cars & there are plans to make it a twice weekly service. Michael. PS looking forward to your report.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Michael--
Yes, I got an e-mail early on from the folks at GSR telling me of the plan to extend the route to Darwin. I would have dearly loved to have been on the first train north.
My trip on the Ghan was a pre-retirement present to myself so I went all out and booked the deluxe bedroom. One per trainset at that time. It was more than worth it. We made some friends on board with whom we are still in touch. They're "Poms" so I have to watch my English.
What impressed me the most was the wide cross section of passengers. There were the "rich Yanks" with money to burn like us but also lots of Aussie pensioners making the trip of their lifetime.
I've heard from acquaintences in Darwin that the economy has already benefited from the through line both from the traffic on the Ghan and the freight.
35 carriages? On one train? Where are they all coming from?
And I remember the V-line from my first train ride in Oz. Melbourne to Sydney on the Aurora?
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