chi-cago (1)

Last weekend I had a conference in chicago, and I decided to take the train there. Although it takes 17+ hours, I don't like to fly, so my compromise was to train there and fly back. Plus, it was going to give me a chance to see a part of the country I haven't seen before. So I left work a bit early and headed to Union Station.

I wanted to see the station a bit, but was running late (surprise!), so I basically got there and boarded the train. We traveled through DC, Maryland, West Virginia... I really enjoyed watching the scenery - it was incredibly green. My roommate has often told me how brown California is compared to the east coast, and I would always argue that California is green! It is, but because of the constant moisture (hello, humidity) the trees and fields were vibrantly green. We passed through a few small communities, nestled at the base of foothills, enveloped in trees - the picture of quiet east coast towns.

I mostly lounged in my seat and looked out the window, but I did do some reading and even a bit of work. After dark we rode through Pittsburgh. It didn’t look as bad as I’ve heard it is, but then again, I was only there for 3 minutes. I really wish it had been light a bit longer, I would have enjoyed seeing more of Pennsylvania.

Since the train ride went overnight, I knew I would be sleeping in my seat (the sleeper cars were an extra $300). I can usually sleep just about anywhere, so I wasn't worried - and other than being cold and a bit uncomfortable, it was fine. I woke up fairly early, as the sun rose over a small lake beside us. I drifted in and out of sleep and each time I opened my eyes I was greeted by another beautiful scene - a layer of fog over corn fields, a small town coming to life, it was great.

we ended up being almost 2 hours late, but overall, I really enjoyed it and would do it again - if I had 17 hours to kill.