Chicago to Denver

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Am typing this in the Business Centre at the Hilton Garden Hotel, Denver- it's a bit over our budget but as there are quite a few dodgy areas in Denver according to our travel guide we thought it best to be downtown! So the internet is free and there's a gym and pool! Anyway back to the story - we got to Chicago Grand Union Station about 2 hours before our train was due to leave as we didn't want to pay to leave our bags at the hotel, as it turned out because we were in a sleeper car we could wait in the first class lounge which had free drinks and tv. Our sleeping compartment was not really a room but it coverted to two bunk beds quite ingeniously! The staff really lokkk after you like royalty I think we're a bit spoilt at the moment! We didn't realise but our meals were included and the customer services manager came round and booked everyone a time for dinner . On advice from our new friends in the next sleeper (spending 2 and a half days going to Sacramento) we went for an early sitting - we finished eating at about 8.15 - then you get the guard to convert your room whne you want ton go to bed. Think I slept ok but the train rocked around quite a lot and blew its whistle constantly. We were about 1 hr 45 late which was actually good as we had time for breakfast. We walked up main street in Denver to our hoetl - Denver looks really nice, clean and has quite a relaxed european feel to it. We coudln't check in till 12 so we went to an outdoor shop we had been recommended and Mike bought a North Face waterproof- bargain only $138 think they are about 200 quid normally. It's raining here at the mo and about 60 degrees, supposed to be about the same tomorrow but good sunday. But heh who needs to leave the hotel when you've got pool, gym and internet! Am also doing laundry for $1- it's washing as I type! Have noticed how out of breath you get here just walking up a flight of stairs- think it's nearly a mile above sea level. More about Denver when I've prised myself away from the hotel!😊

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