Caught the 6:38 train

Life is sweet from a train; my early morning stream of consciousness post

I have always loved and appreciated the luxury of being able to take a train rather than driving, being driven, or taking a bus. Of course biking is always my first choice! A train would be my second. Watching the world roll by, the people stroll by, imagining what their lives may be like outside of this mobile metal capsule. The man across the aisle from me is wearing socks with pictures of his dog’s head - confirmed.

Being on a train makes me want to journal, read a book, look out the window and daydream. It's impossible to be bored on a train. These days it's impossible to be bored anywhere because of our phones, and being on the train is a step back to a simpler time. A time when we were less connected through these electronic devices, and more connected to people in real life.

This morning when I arrived to the train station I didn't have a plan, and I wasn't on a schedule. My generous hosts dropped me off on the way to their destination several states away. I knew I needed to buy my ticket and get on the next train that was available to me. It just so happened that I seamlessly went to the ticket kiosk, purchased my ticket, and walked right onto the train as it was waiting for me. Without pause. I could not have planned my timing any better. I am reminded of the many hours and days I spent on trains in Europe back in the 90’s with my 10 day Eurorail pass. I was able to squeak out three additional days by simply and strategically changing a 1 to a 7, a 6 to an 8, a 9 to an 8, back in my grittier days & when everything was more malleable. When I went to college outside of Boston I took the train into the city regularly and became friends with the conductor, Bart. It felt important to know Bart on a first name basis, and I have a selfie of me and Bart somewhere before selfies were even a thing.

I'm very grateful that I get to share this moments & savor these views from the six seats I get to occupy solo. I got on the train early enough for the luxury of space. Dunkin' Donuts coffee in my left hand, recording device in my right, taking in all the leaves and trees, the graffiti, the automated voice on the intercom reminding us to “mind the gaps between the train and the platform”. Stop after stop, everything running on time. So much easier than having to catch a plane. Am appreciating my good fortune and ease. 🤍🚂🤍