We took the train to visit the folks in Idaho last week. Taking the train is Elv's choice of ways to travel. I would rather fly, personally. So train, it was, again. It was better than when we went to Brad's wedding, partly because we knew what to expect, making plans and expectations easier to manage. And because our trains were cleaner this time.
There are certain things one must be prepared for about trains. Number one is that they run late. We were given notice after we left the house, so we had supper at Culver's and played Scrabble there for two hours. Then we waited for two more hours at the depot.
Ah yes, the depot/wedding venue/bus station. It was our lot that all three were in full swing when we arrived. It's a huge beautiful building, plenty of room for everything. They filled the area with music, too. Elv finally handed me his ear plugs and I gladly used them. We outlasted the music though and the train finally arrived.
Be prepared to lose your control of time and space as well. Once you are on the train and seated, it is what it is. Do your best to quietly mind your best manners. We did and so did most other folks. But there's always one or two who don't realize that there are other people within earshot of them. Figure out how to tune them out or ask them to turn the volume down as Elv finally did at one point. Mr. Loud dude did immediately turn it down. We only had to ask. I do hope his hours of trying to work things out on the phone with his family bears good fruit.
If you know how to cocoon and enjoy it, you'll be fine on the train. It's up to you: you can feel trapped or safe. Elv does far better at going inside himself for days if need be than I do. This is also why we can lose each other even on the train sitting side by side. I have scenery to see, pictures to try for, books to read, ear buds for music, my writing, snacks... It's a good thing too. Because he's worried someone will hear us if we're talking barely above a whisper. While I don't mind if they do, which they can't possibly, but anyway. This time we talked ahead of time about how lonely and insecure I felt on the train last time and we did so much better. I guess if we plan to travel this way, we should make it work for both of us if possible.
The fancy ceiling and wall of the MSP train depot. The huge room where weddings and waiting on trains and buses happens all at once.
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