Ah, the train, what a wonderful way of traveling. Since the 19th century, this form of transportation has had the power to take us across states -- and countries, in the case of Europe -- in shorter amounts of time.
I never really took the train before I went to college, which is strange because I live less than an hour away from one of the biggest cities in the United States: New York! Yet once I started college at Villanova, which is only 20 minutes from Philly, I learned how to navigate the train on my own. And now, I'm constantly utilizing this mode of transportation to get from place to place.
For example, last weekend I went down to D.C. for an ADS event by taking Amtrak. Of course, this was a three-hour long ride, filled with bumps, stops, starts and many other quirks that come with train travel. Thus, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of all of the things that go through your head when riding a train.
So without further ado, here are 35 thoughts you have while taking the train.
1. OK, first things first, let me find my platform. Now, where is it...
2. Oh! It's barding already! (Sprints.)
3. Well, that was close. Almost missed it.
4. Full seat, full seat, full seat -- ah, empty seat! (Sits down.)
5. (Shoves bag into overhead carrier.)
6. OK, I'm finally situated and the train's about to leave. So far, so good.
7. And we're off. Let me just grab my ticket.
8. (Checks watch.) Three hours to go.
9. Maybe, I'll read for a bit (pulls out book.)
10. This is getting boring already.
11. Actually, I'm a little hungry, maybe I should go check out the food cart.
12. Whoa, so many options! Who would have guessed a train would be this well-stocked.
13. Hm, I wonder if its smart to get coffee, because then I'm going to have to go and pee later.
14. Whatever, I'll hold it, I'm getting the coffee.
15. (Checks watch.)
16. Maybe, I should text my ride and let them know how far I am.
17. And there's no signal on this train. Great.
18. I don't feel like reading anymore, maybe I can watch "The Walking Dead" on Netflix instead.
19. And no signal, again. Wow.
20. I wonder where I am. (Checks Snapchat stickers.)
21. What is the woman next to me playing on her phone? Is that Candy Crush?
22. (Watches intensely.) Man, she's killing it.
23. (Checks watch.)
24. Uh-oh, I have to pee. I knew this would happen.
25. Can I hold it?
26. Nope, can't hold it.
27. Ew, this bathroom is nasty.
28. OMG, the entire train is shaking -- this is ridiculous -- how do people use the bathroom on this thing??
29. Man, I'm glad that's over.
30. So bored, and there's still an hour left.
31. Maybe I can check Instagram for a bit.
32. Oh, wow, look at the view -- we're going over a river!
33. Hm, I wonder where I am now (checks Snapchat stickers.)
34. Oh, last call coming up soon! Better start packing up my stuff.
35. DC! That's me! Get me off this thing!
