I thought it'd be fun to spend one night on the train. My memories of night trains are mixed. I liked that I could fall asleep in one end of the country and wake up on the opposite side. I hated the awful sleep I got on them. My railpasses would cover a night in a chair that reclined slightly more than an airplane seat. But sleep was always elusive. Plus you arrive at your destination at around 7 A.M.--way too early to check in anywhere for the next night or start touring anything of significance.
With the kids, I had to book sleeper berths for a supplement. No problem--we're not so broke that I'm going to make them sleep in chairs. Sleeper berths come in pairs, so I had to book four spots for the three of us. I didn't want to run the risk of having some stranger in our adjoining berths.
When you're booked into a berth, you get access to the First Class Lounge. The kids appreciated being inside and in the comfier chairs. I appreciated the chance to charge up the laptop.
The lounge attendant was nice about making sure our berths were adjoining. He offered us snacks and water bottles. He gave me three free shower coupons that are only supposed to be given to first class customers. He let the kids "take a piss" (his phrasing, not mine) in the staff-only restroom.
Then the unfortunately-makeuped (literal smears of orange blush on her cheeks--so weird) train attendant duplicated his efforts by making sure our cabins were adjoining.
The kids sure have a way of bringing out the protective instincts in people. And not just me.
After boarding at 10:50, the kids piled into their bunks and were snoring within 15 minutes. Helena had a harder time staying asleep--which made me nervous (of course) because she gets motion sickness. But everything went well and we woke up in London the next morning--if not refreshed, well at least slightly less tired than we could have been!
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