Recent content by alan_s

Thank you, the pdf download is exactly what I was after.

I am booked on the ViaRail from Vancouver to Edmonton next year. I can't find a timetable for stops on their site and would appreciate the link if you know it. By experimenting I found the ETA at Jasper is 16:00 with ETD 17:30. If we arrive late, which is apparently not unusual, is it likely...

Sometimes no words are necessary; taken while waiting for the bus to Guilin in Yangshuo:

I've flown on several of those Asian airlines (AirAsia, Malaysian, Bagan Air, Bangkok Air, China Southern, China Eastern). It is always interesting, often amusing, to read their web-pages and signs in the airport. I was surprised to find English (or Engrish) on many signs in China. I first...

https://www.facebook.com/kingcityrustler/

First engine damaged, All on the train appear OK.

I loved Myanmar but did not take that train; thanks for the excellent report. I flew Yangon > Mandalay, then took the riverboat down to Nyaung U (Bagan). I see from your blog we followed almost exacty the same route Yangon > Mandalay > Bagan > Inle Lake but we used different transport between...

Thank you all for the swift responses. I have booked roomette 3 in the car next to the Parlourcar, so it won't matter much which side it is on. The card was debited immediately and the operator said to ring back if discounts appear. I will chance the walk to the Metro Plaza. So far the hotel's...

Thanks for the rapid response. Yes, a rank is a taxi stand; I didn't realise you had a different term for it. I drove cabs for 17 years and tend to automatically use the Australian term :) . I know it's a short walk but am worried about the locality in the dark. I stand corrected; should I...

Thanks for all the great info here. I've asked a few questions already and have been browsing many old topics. I will be booking a roomette on the Coastal Starlight from Seattle to LA for next July. I would appreciate advice on the following: Timing of Purchase. Next July is eight months away...

Sorry I'll be late, mate. I'll be riding from Tiruchirappalli to Chennai via Tanjore and Villuparam Junction (Pondicherry) next June :) Heading off now to bring myself up to date with your latest blog posts.

Excellent! I'm flying in next July and leaving by AMTRAK after a day or two. I hope it's in service by then. Does anyone have tips for economical hotels within a reasonable distance? The one in the new terminal is far too expensive for this budget traveller. If this line is operating by then...

The dead horse became leather and glue some time ago but the subject will survive until all the glue is sniffed.

The Chinese use an elegant solution. The Shanghai-Beijing line is an example. There are many 300km/hr+ trains on the line each day, but each only stops at less than ten stations on a route 820 miles long which takes about 5 1/2 hours. Each train has slightly different stops, with some minor...

That sounds like the Sydney/Melbourne Express, which combined and replaced the Spirit of Progress, Intercapital Daylight and Southern Aurora which had all slowly declined in passenger numbers through the '70s and '80s as flights increased and their prices dropped. Yes, it can get a bit chilly...