To update the comments we posted via our wireless, we'd just returned from breakfast (a terrific buffet on the top floor of the Hilton) and were finalizing our packing up when one of those horrible whooping sirens in the hallway caught our attention.
Eventually there were announcements about a situation on the 9th floor. Since we were all on the 20th floor, we finally decided we should start walking down the stairs. Fortunately, we found out just in time that the problem had been resolved and elevators were reset.
Walking down 20 flights of stairs - or whatever the total actually is with the numbering - would not have been a good way to start the day.
At this point, after all the excitement, we caught two cabs to the Amtrak station rather than the bus we'd planned. As a consequence, we had nearly two hours to sit around and admire the architecture of the building, much of which probably looks the same as it did on Brian's first visit in 1954.
It was great fun finally to board the train without a problem, to meet our friendly SCA (Sleeping-Car Attendant) and to graciously accept the mini-bottles of California "champagne."
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.
