I have only flown for 12 years. I missed my brothers wedding when I was in my 30’s because I was afraid to fly and had never flown. (I am ashamed to say it, but it’s true). I took a job in 2000 that I had no idea involved any kind of travel outside the state and as it turned out after I accepted the job I was told I needed to go to D.C . on my first day. With 3 kids still at home and a need to get out there and get back in as short a time as possible, I booked a flight. I was terrified and the tale of that trip is a story all its own. Had I know there was air travel involved when I applied for the job, I probably would not have applied but as it has turned out, I have travelled by air a couple of times a year over the last 12 years to fulfill my job responsibilities. I have also travelled to Italy and Chile to see 2 daughters whose choices have stretched mine. And so I have proven that I can fly but though I have flown when necessary, I have never really come to like it.
That is why this morning at 7:30 a.m. when the snow began to fall in Minneapolis, I was watching the beauty of it from my coach seat aboard the Empire Builder. That is why today I have crossed and followed the Mississippi River for miles looking out the window of the lounge car at small towns like Columbus MN and Red Wing WI. And large cities like Milwaukee WI and Chicago IL. And all this while knitting on a wool vest for my husband and talking to dining car seat mates about the eagles we have been seeing. And comparing our train travel stories. That is why this trip to DC finds me on the Capitol Limited in my sleeper car gazing out my private window into a dark sky with a huge orange moon waiting for my dinner reservation at 8:00 after which I will return to my room where my bed has been made ready for my sleep. And where I will either knit, or read a book or watch a movie on my laptop until I am sleepy.
So far my travel by train has been alone. Do I like travelling alone? Yes, I do. Would I prefer travelling with my husband? Yes, I would and I await the time when it is his choice to travel by train with me. I would love to be sitting opposite him in the lounge car sipping wine and playing cribbage. I would love to nap with my head on his shoulder when I get drowsy after my bowl of corn/shrimp chowder for lunch. I would love watching him read a book or listening to him chat with a stranger. He probably expected that I would confirm train travel as my preferred mode of travel. But he may not have expected that I would be passionately in love with it. He knows now. And he has been finding out all day as I text him exclaiming over everything from the falling snow to all the cute little features in my private room. And he will see this picture of my first class lounge in DC while I waited at my gate on my return trip with free coffee, baggage storage, and internet access.
Someday I am certain he will take a train trip with me. But meantime, I will continue my journey through the night and into mid-day tomorrow and then next week I will board the train again for my return home, happy to be there and happy to plan my next trip by train!
