We pulled out of HK station at 15:15 for our 18 hour overnight train to Shanghai. Skipping the comforts of a private cabin, we booked in the "hard sleeper" car which is comprised of 20 rows of beds stacked 3 high. Since we booked a little late, we all had top bunks which have a little extra space for luggage but still about the same size as the bunk I had for 2 nights on the USS Florida several years ago. As we had top bunks we also had access to some flip down seats that were in the narrow aisle where we spent most of our time. We were one of only two Western families on the train but the local folks seemed to take us in stride. We had dinner an outstanding dinner of local specialties in the dining car before we called it a night. With 60 "roommates" we woke up early between the sun rising at 530 am through the windows and the breakfast cart rumbling down the aisle serving rice, noodles and congee. We were mildly rested when we pulled into Shanghai Station at 10:20 am and met by Shanghai Marriott staff member and taken to the hotel where we were greeted with flowers and room with a sweeping view of Shanghai.