Going to plano on the train!

What an adventure we had today! I read about storytime at a railway museum in Plano so I thought it would be a fun trip. I thought it would be fun if my first time on Dart rail, the public transportation train in Dallas, was also the kid's first time! So, I drove 5 minutes to the Forest station where the red line was and got all of our gear out. I had a stroller for Everett and a backpack full of necessities for the kiddos. And Madeleine had her big Dora. I go to purchase my ticket, kids under 5 are free, and the machine only takes cash. No credit or debit cards. I never have cash. I go to the other machine, same machine... Ummm.... well, good thing I borrowed money from Lee this morning. So, I put in my $20 bill and get 17 dollar coins back. 17. My wallet now weighs 5 pounds.
So, if I were to compare the Dallas train system to England so far, England is ahead, their machines took credit cards!

Next, we take the elevator to where the train is, I don't remember England having many elevators, score one for Dallas. We are tied 1-1.

So, we are on the platform and the signage is inadequate, which side of the track goes north? Where is a printed schedule? It takes me a while but I find a schedule, I figure I will get on the train heading north. Kids are happy.




The train arrives, the door opens, and there are 3 huge stairs! How am I going to get up those with a stroller? PANIC! Adrenaline kicks in and I lift the stroller (with Everett in it) up the HUGE stairs and Madeleine walks up the stairs on her own. Those stairs were huge. That was crazy!!! Big advantage England, I don't remember any stairs to get onto the car of the train!


Okay, heart is calming down, I find a map telling me how many stops it is to downtown Plano. Relax. Put break on stroller because train is going as fast as the cars on the freeway!



We finally arrive in Plano, I somehow get off the train with a 1 year old in a stroller and a 4 year old carrying this big Dora doll. I look for signs directing me to well, anything. Nothing. I decide to head east... I run into the city of Plano building, and yes, there are more stairs to get into the building! How do the handicapped do it? I get in and am told that I headed the wrong way from the train. Okay. Head back to the train and go the other way. I see it, the railway museum! It's 10:28, storytime is 10:30, we are going to make it.

It is all worth it, storytime is amazing. The storyteller sang songs with the kids, played instruments, read books, had a puppet, Madeleine and Everett loved it! We walk around the tiny museum, watch the small train, and head outside to the Farmer's Market that is across the street, then to a great park that is next to the trainstop. Now, back to the train. I know about the steps, but I am now pooped! The train comes; I can't do it, all of a sudden an angel appears, she is a 76 year old woman (I learn later) but she helps me carry the stroller up the steps. I thought it would be easier if I had Everett in my arms and hoisted the stroller up the steps but I couldn't do it, the steps were too steep. We had a great time, and I have a greater appreciation for the British rail though I am glad that Dallas has a rail!