Visit to Stanford University and Travel by Old Steam Engine train

It is now becoming impossible to put into words what unfolds each day in this wondrous city. I sit down at my desk and ruminate where and how one should start. I make mental notes throughout the day and each hour I feel the need to start again because the events that follow have overtaken those that went by. Last month was fun, esp because it was not meant only for my son but also for his parents! We had been to Stanford University visit and also to Roaring Camp in the 1880 Steam Engine Trip for one hour in the Redwood forest. It was an amazing experience sitting in the train and wondering “Was this the speed at which it traveled back then?”. Very funny.. I come from Mumbai and train is my second home so I was there smiling all by myself mentally comparing the “Trains”. The journey started by first filling up gallons of water in the engine and lots of hooting and whistling and ringing of a big bell. Kids were little scared if not surprised to see all this, but, we truly loved and enjoyed it. The conductor alias ticket checker was dressed up in 1880s style. The travel just made us feel so 1880s , the look , the actual train, the gears they used, the woods , the forest ..amazing !

Next day we went to Stanford University! We visited the Cantor Arts Centre wherein the sculptures made by Auguste Rodin were put up. What an exemplary art indeed! Bronze statues by Auguste Rodin are scattered throughout the campus, including the “Burghers of Calais.” Located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Leland Stanford Junior University commonly referred to as Stanford University is one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. Leland and Jane Stanford founded the University to "promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization." Stanford opened its doors in 1891, and more than a century later, it remains dedicated to finding solutions to the great challenges of the day and to preparing students for leadership in this complex world. Leland had founded this university in honor of his son Leland Stanford Jr. who died of typhoid 2 months before his 16^th birthday! In 1906 earthquake many parts of its library and other historical artifacts got damaged, but since then it has been well preserved and cherished in the campus of 8, 180 acre land! A massive expansion of the campus containing various houses of math, language,physics, science, research etc.. It also has a Memorial Church founded by Jane Stanford and its so beautiful. Large landscapes adorned with palm trees and flowers and lovely kids playing all around. It was splendid.  Students were seen largely using bikes to get around the large campus. Felt as if I should have studied here :D Out and out a wonderful campus..would like to revisit some day !

Below I have put up few pictures for you guys have a look:
1. Train Front side  2. Train's body (estd 1880)  3. Bret Harte Hall (Meeting hall estd 1880)  4. Train over the 1880 bridge !!  5. The famous "three men" of Auguste Rodin  6. An original picture of Stanford's family in spring   7. A small portion of 8,180 acres campus
8. The Memorial church