I love traveling by rail and do as often as I can. The trek Montreal to Toronto by car can take about 5 to 6 hours and by train if I am lucky and get the express which only stops at 3 places, it takes 4 and a half hours. Some other trains can take up to 7 hours and the bus takes 6 hours and costs anywhere from $18 to $50. Just fuel to get there one way costs me $70. Now if I am really lucky, I try to book a few days before departing and can get on business class for one-third of the price. That means, I get longer leg room, can get a seat alone by the window and am paying the economy class price.
At business class, we get a 3-course meal with all the before dinner drinks, wine, and after dinner drinks you want. Well, I stick to a glass or two of wine but there are some who can sure pack it in. I would be crawling off the train if I tried to keep up. Last winter we were stalled for an extra two hours due to the cold weather, the tracks were iced and they could not switch tracks. So we waited for all the trains to pass on one particular track as a safety measure. I sure was glad I was in the business class…nice and roomy, blogging away on my laptop.
I visit once or twice a year to see my family now. I rarely go see my friends as there is not enough time but to catch a lot of my friends and colleagues, I pick up a shift in Toronto since it’s the national office of where I work. Every time I leave, I feel homesick barely a few miles out of the city. I have two places I call home since 1997 and it is with mixed feelings I leave each time.
train slows down
nearing a crossing by the lake
echoes on the beach
~
picking up speed
whizzing by lakes and farmland
my heart aches
© CLR 2014/7/07
Submitted for: Carpe Diem Haiku Kai #507, Shiki, Smoke Whirls
Tournesol dans un Jardin 
I enjoy train travel as well Cheryl-Lynn. Sounds like the way to go.
LikeLike
It is getting as expensive as air now unless you can get specials.
LikeLike
Ok as a senior citizen I get train bus and ferry travel within NSW for $2.50 all day.
LikeLike
But this is long distance…600 km away…not just city trains.
LikeLike
Right got cha. It’s gets expensive for us as well.
LikeLike
As for city bus and metro, I only get 50% disc when I turn 65.
LikeLike
You’re in the wrong country mate. I don’t know how long they will continue this practice but it’s very generous for us old folk.
LikeLike
We’re not old…well seasoned…watch your mouth!!
LikeLike
You are younger than me then again most people seem to be younger than me.
But I am well seasoned, you’d have to cook me a long time to be able to tenderise me…lol
LikeLike
Haha…that`s cos you are in shape…too funny, Michael.
LikeLike
Yes Cheryl-Lynn I am a shape.
LikeLike
Well that`s tougher meat…:D
LikeLike
Yes very chewy I would think.
LikeLike
How cold is it now where you are?
LikeLike
12C……it was about 3c last Saturday. About as cold as it gets here, we get a frost once or twice a winter, pretty barmy compared to your part of the world.
LikeLike
Oh I must move!!! no wait, I have to work still…but I sure could live in that type of climate indeed!
LikeLike
Yes i know I have nothing to whinge about. Its all relative isn’t it…
LikeLike
You can whine all you want, Michael. You have earned your whining rights:)
LikeLike
Yes but will anyone listen.
LikeLike
Sure, I`ll listen Michael…I whine a lot too…haha
LikeLike
Well I shall spare you tonight as it is time for me to sleep. You have a good day.
LikeLike
Stay warm and sleep well, Michael.
LikeLike
Thank you. Catch you later Cheryl-Lynn.
LikeLike
I am a big fan of travelling by train … so this haiku was very nice to introduce. Your response is really awesome and I like the whole story you have told here.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. You know with the early arrivals at airports and also being more out of the way, I calculated my travelling by train was shorter and cheaper and a LOT more leg room. It’s an issue when you’re tall. I love the hum,clonk, hum, clonk sound too…relaxing.
LikeLike
Travelling by train is very relaxing …
LikeLike