Departure

Outer journey Departure

I knew from the start of yesterday it was going to be a long day. I managed to get myself out of bed around 5:45 am so I could finish gathering all of my belongings before I headed to Peoria. In class we discussed the city of New Orleans and each individual group presented their e travel guides. Not only I I learn a lot of new information, but I also enjoyed listening to them. Towards the end I got extremely irritable because I was sitting down for what felt like forever. After class I took some time to make sure I had everything I needed and then it was off to the train station. After arriving to Champaign I had trouble finding the parking and I think I went around the block at least 12 times so I was already frustrated. Aside from that I did manage to make it in plenty of time of what I thought was going to be a 10:30 departure. Traveling by train is so in the air because you never know if it is going to be on time or how far you are going to get delayed, but as for the class we were lucky enough to get delayed not only one time but also three more times. At this point in time I am annoyed, tired, feeling sick, and just wanting to be on our way. At the rate we were going I felt like we were never going to arrive to Louisiana… I was hungry but just needed sleep. When we finally got onto the train I sat down but was totally uncomfortable. I tried watching my show on Netflix I downloaded but just could not find a way to situate myself in a comfortable manner. I finally shut my show off around 3 am and tried getting some rest. I woke up at least every hour if not more and I was not happy about that. I feel disgusting because I’ve been in the same clothes since yesterday, but luckily I packed a brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, a fresh change of clothes and my make-up. I actually woke up not hungry and did not have anything for breakfast. I was going to get a water from the café place but found out that I had an entire bottle water in my backpack. One good thing about the train is that I can get up and walk around as much as I want. When we stopped in Memphis, Tennessee, I stood up to get my stretch on and enjoyed a non-moving train for about 10 minute. I was actually excited to look out the window in Memphis too. Now our next stop is Greenwood, Mississippi and I am very eager to get up and moving again and who knows, maybe I’ll end up going outside just to enjoy some fresh open air without being in an enclosed area. I can’t wait to get off of this packed train!

Luggage

Greenwood, Mississippi

Inner Journey Departure

So today I headed to Champaign and my anxiety was through the rough! I DO NOT like driving at night because the semis make me a nervous wreck. I tried slowing down to make myself feel better but I was also nervous I wasn’t going to make it to the train station on time! I left plenty of time beforehand but I always like to make sure I’m early enough to wherever I have to go! Upon my arrival to the train station I was then excited and relieved to see everyone gathered because I got a little lost finding the parking spot. Luckily Casie and Char were there so I could talk to them about my excitement for the trip! Our train was supposed to depart around 10:30 but didn’t get delayed only one time, but three more times. The lady in the train station told us there were some dysfunctions with the train so that made me nervous. I was beginning to question if I was going to arrive in NOLA in one piece or even arrive there safely. After being in the train station for an extra 3 and a half hours we finally got to board the train. I was exhausted at that point and wanted/ needed sleep. I knew once I stopped watching my phone I would be able to fall asleep instantly, but boy was I wrong. I was uncomfortable the entire way. I felt so crammed and it was making me so uncomfortable and made me feel like I just wanted to be back at home cuddling with my puppy in my comfy bed. I knew the entire time I was going to have sleeping issues because I HAVE to sleep with a fan and I know that there wasn’t going to be on on the train or in the hotel. I wanted to pack one but I know I always tend to over pack and knew there was no hope of fitting my small one in my luggage. After a couple of hours go by I just keep waking up and I was getting upset. I know how tired I was and how much I needed sleep, but knew I wasn’t going to get much by the looks of it. The train smelled awful, almost like rotten eggs at some point and I felt extremely sick to my stomach. I was also having cramps in my legs and I needed to get up in walk but I was so exhausted. I just felt torn between the decision because I didn’t want to have to wake up the person next to me just to let me out so I could walk around, and plus was so tired I don’t even think I could’ve walked far I felt that weak.

View from the train