My two traveling buddies and I departed for the 2008 Democratic Convention from Osceola, Iowa. The Osceola train station is very old, not air conditioned, and only open around the time the trains are expected in.
There is no checked baggage service or ticketing and the snack bar is a refrigerator with soft drinks and water. Thankfully there was a convenience store just up the street. Just before we left another buddie showed up which turned out to be lucky for me. We ended up sitting together and had a lot of fun. Oh yeah, and in the middle of the night we got the VP text message. That was pretty cool since the internet on my phone doesn't work in Nebraska and we were missing out on all the news.
I didn't get a lot of sleep on the trip but at least I got some. Because I had a Rules Committee meeting soon after arriving in Denver, I had to change into something a little nicer than jeans. Much to my surprise the train had a dressing room that was excellent for cleaning up and changing my clothes.
The Union Station in Denver is a beautiful old building and getting off the train and finding our way to the free shuttle went very smoothly. I was able to check into my hotel, drop off my bags, and walk to the Convention center in plenty of time for my meeting. For now, I am pretty happy with my decision to take the train. It was a good experience. Stay tuned for part two...the return trip.
The back of the Union Station. If you turn 90 degrees that is the location of the outside stage for MSNBC's Chris Matthews show while he is broadcasting during the convention. I must go heckle.
A view of the Denver skyline from the back of the Union Station.
