Researching the Trip

I have been doing some research online so that I will be better prepared for this train adventure. I found out some interesting things today.

The bathrooms, for instance......I discovered that they can be a bit tricky. Some of them are devoid of handles or buttons for flushing. Some of them flush by lowering the lid instead. I'm glad I found out about this. I would hate to suffer the stress and embarrassment of not knowing how to work the bathroom facilities. I had that once. In Paris. I ended up sneaking out without flushing. Quite embarrassing. I also found out that the lower level bathrooms see less traffic than the one near my roommette (sleeper car).

And speaking of my roommette, I found a layout of the rooms within the sleeper cars and discovered that my room is on the upper floor, which is what I was hoping for. I still don't know if they'll let me have that roommette to myself. I am assuming that I get it all to myself. But I have yet to find out for certain. Everything referring to it, says that it sleeps/seats up to two. I am hoping that "up to two" means that it can be less than two.

As for the train itself, I learned that you can only cross from one car to the next from the upper level. On the lower level, each end of the car is a special room, such as handicapped or family room, and they are large enough that they take up the entire width of the car. So there is no way to pass to the next car. The entrance portals to each car are in the middle of the car. I wonder how those handicapped passengers get to the dining car. One would assume that the handicapped room is on the lower level because they have trouble getting around. So, will the dining car send their food to them in their rooms?

Another note about the meals, I have found recommendations that I should not delay my arrival to meals. Apparently the late arrivals might find themselves with little choices. I am also to expect to be seated with 3 strangers at every meal. However, I read one little hint that there might be a chance to have my meals in my room. Although it would be good for me to get out and socialize, I may not really feel like socializing.

I'm really looking forward to the trip tho. I saw a lot of photos today of the inside of the trains. I am getting a much better idea of what to expect.