Coach vs Roomette, different in how you socialise?

[Bradenmeridian]

I find the sleeper experience to be more social than coach, but you're right, VV, coach is colder when it's full. With a packed car, people seem so concerned about trying to get some quiet, me time and, if they are considerate passengers, won't want to deprive anyone else of same. But a quick walk to the lounge car from either end and people can be very social. Taking a sleeper, when your meals are scheduled and you're seated with others makes quick friends. Also, late at night, the lounge car will be busy and friendly while coach is like a tomb with the lights low, and people trying somehow to sleep sitting up.

Having said all that, since I take sleepers on longer trips and longer trips tend to be more social, I may have it all wrong.

b

t

 

[JayMadison]

I agree that the observation car / lounge is the best place to socialize, and you'll meet lots of interesting folks. I've also met some really interesting folks at dinner.

 

[JayMadison]

The conversations tend to be a bit more reserved while dining, 'cause no matter how awkward your dining mates may be, they usually don't want to get too controversial when you're stuck with a 4-some at a dinner table.

Oh, I've been at table with a man from suburban Chicago who wanted to argue gun control with Kansans. A guy who kept going off about his ex-wife, the fairytale witch (who I never knew was Filipino!) And, then, there was the poor Brit who made the mistake of asking the nice alcoholic lady who bought me dinner to explain why she was separated from her son. When he stated, "I should ask you why," I just wanted to put my head down and shake no. It proved every bit as disastrous as I expected. And when she got nervous about missing the smoke stop, nearly was removed from the train.

Indeed, I find most dinners to be fairly engaging. That said, I'd prefer to sit with some new and different people at each meal as it does tend to create opportunity for fresh discussions.

I agree, I've had some great dinner conversations but the lounge is better for some really quirky folks

 

[Everydaymatters]

Maybe this should be on another thread, but here it goes. I have had too many diner conversations that start with: where are you from, where are you going, are you on vacation, what kind of work do you do, or if you're retired, what kind of work did you do..

Seems there should be a better way to get to know people.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Maybe this should be on another thread, but here it goes. I have had too many diner conversations that start with: where are you from, where are you going, are you on vacation, what kind of work do you do, or if you're retired, what kind of work did you do..

Seems there should be a better way to get to know people.

But those seem to be the best types of ice breaker questions.

 

[SarahZ]

Maybe this should be on another thread, but here it goes. I have had too many diner conversations that start with: where are you from, where are you going, are you on vacation, what kind of work do you do, or if you're retired, what kind of work did you do..

Seems there should be a better way to get to know people.

But those seem to be the best types of ice breaker questions.

Exactly. I appreciate those questions far better than the usual, "Are you two married? How long have you been together? Why aren't you married yet? Do you have kids yet? Why not?"

I'll take icebreakers over personal questions any day.

 

[AG1]

Maybe this should be on another thread, but here it goes. I have had too many diner conversations that start with: where are you from, where are you going, are you on vacation, what kind of work do you do, or if you're retired, what kind of work did you do..

Seems there should be a better way to get to know people.

Works for me, also. Just leave politics, religion, and radical views out of the conversation. I am not a conversationalist , but have enjoyed good company in both roomettes and coach.

 

[user 6862]

NorthShore

That was written a little tongue in cheek but there may be a grain of truth in there. May be a Brit but do have a sense of humour too, just think Monty Python.

Everydaymatters

Can see where you're coming from, when I retired in my 40's it always felt as though each and every person asked "what do you do?" First I tried 'enjoy myself' and after a while I said 'retired' . Always after a pause, then an incredulous look the come back was, "so what do you do?" By the way early retirement is expensive, I had to un-retire.

Everydaymatters may I ask the obvious question, how do you start an onboard conversation?

Personally when face to face I do often ask direct questions as per the NorthShore example, and have been know to make the odd blunder. I'm not really good at chit chat around the edges, but I'll try to restrain myself a little when on Amtrak as American society does appear more polite than Essex, UK people are known for.

Thanks everyone so far, love the diverse views and nuggets of great information.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Great thread! Especially interesting to get the perspective of those from other countries such as the UK! I don't ever recall such discussions from those that frequent airline and bus forums, but cruise folks seem to have similar experiences!

Personal to vv: When I retired I used to tell folks that asked what I did for a living: ( a very American trait)" As little as possible!" It's not just early retirement that's expensive, it' s all retirement!

 

[andersone]

in respect to my sainted father, god rest his soul and never knew a stranger and began many a conversation by asking where they tended bar,,,,,,,

 

[NorthShore]

Perhaps we could start dinner with parlour games?

What if the server offered each patron a fortune cookie as a conversation starter?

I wouldn't mind if someone sat down and offered to buy all seated together a round of drinks!

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

I wouldn't mind if someone sat down and offered to buy all seated together a round of drinks!

I have had that happen more than once on Amtrak!

 

[northnorthwest]

That being said, on one trip between WAS and CHI on the CL, I sat across from an extremely beautiful young woman who kept her door and curtains open.

I believe that was Eva Marie Saint!

But...seriously...I really like this topic. In the last few years I've done long distance on the CZ twice, CL, LSL, EB, and many times back and forth between PHL and ATL on the Crescent in various combinations of coach and sleeper. Plus the regionals. Except for one, I made all these trips alone.

I have met so many interesting people on these journeys, often in the diner at meals (for example, 4 unrelated single male travels, including myself, having dinner together on the EB--2 Americans, 1 Indian from NYC, 1 French). I have met people from all over the world with so many interesting stories. Military folks, writers, architects, cab drivers, a minister, lots of train lovers...Last time I met the guy sitting next to me in coach, we started talking. Then we ran into each other in the lounge car, we both sat down and chatted for a couple hours while I ate my instant noodles. Well--it didn't take that long to eat them, but we just kept talking, learning everything I could about his cell phone store in New York and his family in India and all the food.

I would like to add that I'm not an especially talkative person, but I've been good at conversations on Amtrak. Maybe great minds think alike?

I really want to take a trip now.....

 

[VentureForth]

Maybe this should be on another thread, but here it goes. I have had too many diner conversations that start with: where are you from, where are you going, are you on vacation, what kind of work do you do, or if you're retired, what kind of work did you do..

Seems there should be a better way to get to know people.

When you find out, let us know. I have found that ice breakers like "How old are you?" and "You're married to HIM?" and "What's your favorite deodorant?" make for a lousy dining experience.

 

[Everydaymatters]

I wish I could have met Andersone's father. Starting a conversation with a bit of humor would be nice. Any other suggestions?

 

[VentureForth]

A rabbi, priest and a minister walked into a bar... wait that's religious.

You should have heard what Jimmy Fallon said last night... wait, that's political.

Really, a simple "Howdy do? I'm me. Nice to meet you." seems to be ok for just about anyone.

 

[neroden]

I always say "Do you ride Amtrak often?"

 

[guest]

"Hi, I'm (name), from (state)" seems to work just fine for me in most circumstances .

 

[Bob Dylan]

I've found that a smile, introducing yourself and asking the other party where they are headed for is a good way to break the ice!

You can tell pretty quick just from their response if they are interested in talking or want to be left alone!

I'll talk with anyone about anything except if the other person wants to convert me to their religion or political beliefs,,sell me something, or is a racist,sexist or an Amtrak basher, then I'm out of there!