Now I wouldn't call myself much of a traveler because I've never been out of the country before, but within the last few days I have been across about six or seven states ending in one I've never been to before. My mode of transportation was most interesting and I have become very grateful for the comfort and privacy of the Hogwarts Express. It was not all bad though, mainly the loading. This particular train did not check bags apparently, and not knowing that until we got there, my traveling partner brought the amount of baggage she would have if there had been check bags we didn't have to carry. So there was me with my two backpacks and viola, and then her with four backpacks, two big boxes full of books, a sleeping bag, a picnic basket, and a tricycle. As well as anything I've forgotten. To her credit, most of the stuff was not for her, but even so. It was a nightmare getting it all on board and involved frantic trips inching bags down the halls and finally onto the train. By the time I got in my seat, I was already sick. Thankfully it didn't last long, I think it was probably more stress than anything else. That mixed with embarrassment.
So now we come to the actual ride. The first day I was too tired to do much except visit the viewing car. Not having much else to do I decided I was tired enough to sleep. That was a mistake. Perhaps anywhere else I would have been, but the seats have the misleading look of being somewhat comfortable. Let me tell you, they're not. At first, maybe. There's plenty leg room and the seats tilt back at three different angles, but after hours of sitting, ouch! And when it comes to sleeping, well, let's just say that even spending the previous night awake and exhausting yourself getting on is not enough to allow you to sleep. No matter how many positions I tried, I simply could not get comfortable. I was cold and cramped all night with three broken hours of sleep at most.
The Second day I spent mainly in the viewing car reading. A few times I was allowed off at stops to breath fresh air and use real bathrooms. I guess I should explain what train bathrooms are like. It's similar to walking into a locker, except it's slightly bigger on the inside. The foot room is equivalent though. There is approximately one foot of floor space and then the toilet, and a sink. Very efficient. There are also various slots and holes for garbage, tissues, toilet paper, etc. Don't think too hard about it and you're fine. I do have a preference though. The other thing was the delays. There were a ton! I guess freights have the right of way on these tracks, so it was not irregular to be at a standstill for an hour until it passed. One time we had to wait for three freights before moving again.
The scenery didn't improve until the third day. After a better sleep, I woke to the orange of sunrise all around long, outstretching miles of flat plain. It really was beautiful. And later when I had really woken, I saw a type of land I've never seen before. It was a rough terrain covered in little bushes, cacti, rocks, and later on, hills. Everything was much the same from then on, but having never seen it before, it was fascinating to look at. No place that I've ever lived has there been miles and miles of empty land, untouched by farmers or villages or smog factories. To be sure, the land isn't good for those things anyway, but I still find it rare.
Thanksgiving itself was nice. I like a change of pace when I can get it. Also I haven't had such real food in a long while. It was all my favourite things from rolls to desserts. I didn't feel like I had to stuff myself sick. Oh and I must have set some kind of record. I have been connected to the internet for four whole days! Now I've probably got everyone thinking I'm a typical screen addicted teenager, but whatever. I watched the whole season of sytycd that I missed and, more importantly, wrote this blog post. I hope it's not too long before the next one. Don't forget to give thanks this week. Thankfulness isn't simply a state of mind to aim for once a year, but every minute of every day.
