With Easter break on its way, I decided I can’t stay at school for four days without having anything to do. Campus when it’s empty is too depressing. My parents were against the idea of me traveling by train to Colorado because it’s “unsafe,” which I understand. A 19-year-old with no survival skills honestly shouldn’t be traveling alone at night. I can admit that. But I’m 99% sure it’s safe and it’s worth it.
So here’s my journey:
Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. – I made the horrible mistake of booking my ticket on the wrong day. It’s too late to cancel, so I’ll be missing classes Wednesday. Amtrak should kinda clarify better, maybe they did and I wasn’t paying attention, off to a good start! Anyway, I need to pack. I feel like a hot mess… I’ve ordered an Uber to pick me up at 11:00 p.m. and drop me off at 11:35. An hour before my train. I’m assuming it’s inside, though I’ve never been there.
11:09 p.m. – Being in my Uber and traveling late at night isn’t fun: 3/10. But I think I’ll feel more comfy when I reach my train. I’m texting a friend and sharing my location. It’s still not super fun, though. The Uber driver is asking too many questions and is a bit of a yapper, and I don’t wanna share too much information about myself, so I’m lying.
11:35 p.m. – I made it to the train station! My eyes are droopy already, Shout out to the security guard, Respect to him, working graveyard shifts is not fun. I appreciate the train station being indoors and warm.
Wednesday, 12:29 a.m. – Wow The conductor wore the hat when he scanned my ticket! It’s a tradition I appreciate. I’m on the train, it’s dark, the chairs feel cozy (no armrest though so I can lay down and rest). I feel like a big foodie because I’m thinking about where the dining hall is. Do they have hot tea, possibly? Perhaps a scone?
Anyway, there are already people on the train. One guy is using his CPAP machine, it’s kind of relaxing hearing it. Like 10/10 for breathing!
5:00 a.m. – We’re more than halfway in. I’ve been able to sleep. One lady tried sitting next to me. I’m glad she didn’t, so I can keep laying down. Still in Nebraska though.
7:32 a.m. – I got a good amount of sleep, I was “asleep” but still aware of everything around me if that makes sense. I woke up in Colorado!
My sister picked me up from union station, and I surprised my parents as soon as I arrived home. They were pretty shocked to see me, especially my dad. He said he should have known I was coming, He explained he is my emergency contact, and therefore should be aware of when I’m traveling in case something happens. They were happy to see me, and I’m glad I was able to be home for Easter … though they had me book a flight back for Sunday.
The train was a solid experience. It’s nice hearing the train tracks and feeling the bumps, I wish it was during the day, so I could read, and watch outside. I’d do it again, and I recommend it to anyone who needs to travel to Colorado. 8.5/10
