LONG amtrak train ride. what to do?

Question

Okay, so im leaving on valentines day to go on an 18 hour amtrak train ride from Boston to south carolina. Even though i'm stopping 9 hours in, and we're changing trains in Washington, DC. Im completely stumped for what I should do on this ride. I've gotten a few Harry Potters on CD, but thats definately not going to keep me busy. On amtrak apparently there arent very many power outlets so my dvd player will only go for about 3 hours, and i have my ipod but i need backups!!!! Does anyone have any ideas of something i can do to keep me sane on this miserable trip? or has anyone had to do this themselves? THANKS!

Answer 1

Play cards.  Flirt with boys?  Homework??  Write your gramma?  grampa?  uncle - aunt?  Sleep!  Look at scenery?  Knit :|

Answer 2

I just flew from Greensboro NC to Portsmouth NH and back. It took two hours each way, and I payed them $55.00 total. In the air you see mainly clouds, not so on a train! Take your MP3, take a book you like also, get some refreshment on the ride, and when you are up -- look out the window! Take a camera! You can make a journal!

I've had long train rides before, though on a different continent, it's as boring, and as great,  as you make it.

Good luck, Andy

Answer 3

Every seat on Amtrak has a power outlet!

Answer 4

I have taken long train journeys, and it will only be miserable of you predetermine it to be so.

It is a marvelous way to travel, you can get up and move about, it is a great way to see the country you are travelilng through.

You can visit with other passengers or be totally to yourself, whichever you choose.

If you like to read, no better time for it. music as you stated is a great way to make the time pass.

Pack a picnic lunch, it is a great way to kill an hour, especially if you are traveling with someone else.

You can get a great nap, the gentle motion works well, (for most people anyway) and you can arrive at your destination much more refreshed than you would travlingin a car or plane.

Enjoy the ride :-)

Answer 5

1. Take a few books to read on the way.  I love to read anything by Michael Crichton or John Grisham. It doesn't matter who you read, just make sure the books are thick.  If you are on a budget - buy a classic novel by the likes of Charles Dickens.   I loved the Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas.  These are dirt cheap and quite a read.

2. Get a newer iPod.   The batteries should last up to 20 hours on the music only players and about 10 hours on the video pods.

3.  Do a crossword puzzle book - one with huge puzzles in it.  Alternatively do a word seach puzzlebook.

4. Take a notepad to doodle on.  Keep a tally of unusual sights along the way.   Scarecrows,  Red Barns,  Rednecked Hicks.

Answer 6

Every seat does have an outlet. I used to take Amtrak a lot. I always had books, movies, my ipod, and other forms of entertainment. The best thing though is to go to sleep. Set your alarm on your phone to wake you up before it is time to switch trains and take a nap.

Have a safe trip!

Answer 7

get a good book;

either one or two new from a major bookstore, or 4 or 5 from a used bookstore;

I personally love sci-fi, so I'd recommend:

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Redliners by David Drake

Rolling Hot by David Drake

+ anything from the Ecolitan series by L.E. Modessit, Jr.

I occasionally read outside of the genre though:

Piers Anthony's "Xanth" series = really funny, lots of puns, sometimes rude, fantasy series.

Elizabeth Peters: 1930's Egyptian adventures, pyramids, Arabians, oasises, horseback riding, mystery and adventure.

Lee Child:  Hard-edged private detective, ex-military, coolest character ever working on really cool cases.

I'd recommend any and all of the above.

Answer 8

You should bring a favorite book of yours.