Train Trip Day 5 1/2: Destination Washington, D.C.

Thank you for all your Christmas greetings today! It was a bit surreal waking up without family around. And even more when I called my parents to say Merry Christmas. Let's never be apart like this again. I miss you all. (Not really cause this experience has been fun!)

Train arriving at Union Station, Chicago

The train arrived in Chicago 18 mins early. Since I had 3 hours until my next train I decided to do a bit of touring. I threw my bags in a locker and tried to find my way out of the station. It was not easy. The station was like a labyrinth. There were signs, but I had no idea why they can't just have a sign that says "surface street"? After wasting 30 mins I found my way out. I felt like a mole person coming up from underground for the first time.

Empty Chicago streets at 4pm

Grand Hall of Union Station, Chicago

I instantly found a CVS and thought I should grab water and snacks for the next couple of days on the train. There is a cafe on the train where they sell these things, but what a rip off! As I approached the well lit CVS, I noticed a couple of standard size printer paper on the doors: "Christmas Eve Open Til 8pm. Christmas Day Closed." For a second there my smile fell upside down. But my Christmas spirit was still on a high. 

Red bridge above a freeway.

Walgreens on Monroe Street

My independent spirit told myself that I am the most resourceful person; there must be something opened on Christmas day. I pulled out my handy dandy Android phone and looked for a Walgreens. I remembered back in the day Cousin Jimmy had to work on Christmas at Walgreens. I walked 2 blocks north, 4 blocks west, and over a red rail bridge where lo and behold, an opened Walgreens. The streets were completely bare as I walked to my destination. Everything was still and quiet. I even thought the end of the world happened while I was on the train. When I got to Walgreens, I grabbed a large bottle of water, 2 bowls of cereal, a bag of nuts, and a bag of Starburst. Embrace technology and it will embrace you back.

By the time I got back to the train station it was 4pm. I walked the block some more, but there wasn't much to experience since everything was closed for Christmas. All was well because I was proud of myself. On my way to the train station I found a street vendor selling sandwiches. I walked over and ordered a pulled chicken sandwich with fries to feed me on the train tonight.

Outside entrance to Union Station, Chicago

I boarded the train to Washington D.C. at 5:45pm. I met my row mate, an older gentleman from Panama City. He moved to North Dakota 5 years ago to work on oil lines. He is going on the same train with me up until Orlando Florida. He has family he is visiting in Tampa. He also gave me his window seat. See what you get for being nice and friendly!

We rode off in a packed train at 6:10pm. After getting my ticket scanned I walk over to the Observation room to eat my dinner. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!