It was 6 a.m., and the world seemed to be still half-asleep. I stood at the train station, expecting an experience straight out of The Polar Express. Unfortunately, no conductor bellowed an enthusiastic “ALL ABOARD” as I’d secretly hoped. But little did I know, my first Amtrak ride would still be an adventure to remember.

Deciding to embrace my spontaneous side, I upgraded my ticket to business class. The interior felt more like a plane cabin than a train — spacious, comfortable, minus the safety demonstration and strict airplane mode rules. As someone who values personal space, I was delighted to find out I didn’t have to lend my shoulder to the stranger seated next to me.

As the train started its journey, the views were precisely what I anticipated – quaint small towns and an endless expanse of trees, a typical North Carolinian landscape. My allergies might detest the pollen, but the scenery lover in me enjoyed every moment.

Despite my expectations of a bumpy ride, the journey was surprisingly smooth and quiet. It even lulled me into a brief four-minute nap. But, courtesy of my ADHD, sitting idle wasn’t an option for long. My restless spirit made me explore.

The numerous announcements about the food car piqued my curiosity, so I decided to pay it a visit. Getting there proved to be a mini-adventure in itself — it took a solid minute to figure out how to open the connecting door between the carriages.

My destination was just a rail car away, overseen by Judy, the personification of morning cheer at 6:45 a.m. While nothing on the menu tempted me, Judy’s infectious enthusiasm made me feel obliged to buy something. So, I ordered a Jake & Ginger, hoping to gain Judy’s early morning happiness.

After a pleasant journey of over three hours, we arrived in the capital city. Disembarking was refreshingly uneventful, with no mad rush to the door or concerns about misplaced luggage.

The return trip was just as charming, accompanied by clear blue skies and warm sunshine. I savored my Bojangles soda pop while getting some work done. I even managed to squeeze in some reading before sunset – “How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self” by Dr. Nicole LePera. Yes, the inner nerd in me was content!

Overall, my first Amtrak ride was an enjoyable experience, one I would definitely repeat, perhaps on the West Coast next time.

Remember, dear readers, life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Alright, let’s pretend that wasn’t awkward.

Stay tuned for my upcoming adventure: Surviving Vegas in a medical boot. Now that’s a story you won’t want to miss!

bth