Train Trip Day 6 1/2: Destination Washington, D.C.

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Here I am on the Capitol Limited heading into Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. I should arrive at Union Station  in D.C. at 12:40pm. I will be in D.C. for 6 hours before boarding the next train, the Atlantic Coast, at 7:30pm taking me to Florida.

This part of the trip I saw more of the smaller and quaint towns with their old brick buildings and Virginia style homes. I take in every moment of the scenery and am reminded why I am talking this trip. The trip was meant for me to take in America as much as I can. So often we fly because of the quick convenience of things. Do you really know what you flew over in that 1 hour? What about the 7 hour flights? I didn't want quick and convenience. I had 15 days off and wanted to take in America's beautiful landscape (even if it is covered in snow) and get to know the different American traveler each day on the train. So far I have done just that.

In "The Christmas Train" I read that passengers take the train during the holidays because they are lonely. I am far from lonely. I have a very large and warm family, who I love with all my heart. But this year I needed to take a break and not worry about games, food, or tradition. The rebel in me wanted to break tradition and be alone. The book was right when it stated that there are a lot of singles on the train looking for companionship. I was the exception. I chit chat with passengers, but I never gave them personal information like my name, where I lived, or what I did for a living. As far as they know I am just a young women trying to get away from her family and I am okay with that.

Ice on my window

That was a sidetrack, now back to travel. When I was crossing the mountain states I noticed the temperature was below 0 degrees. The lowest I saw on my thermostat was -17 degrees. On the way out of Chicago the snow on the train melted and created streams of water trickling down the side of the cars. I watched them stream down my window, but before they reach the bottom of the window, the water turned to ice. This was due to the speed of the train and the dramatic drop in temperature.

Arrival into Washington, D.C.

Union Station, Washington, D.

My row mate and I talked some more this morning. He was describing home and how much he missed his family gathering and the food. He and I have something in common. I am starting to feel it too, but I must soldier on. Still have half my vacation to go. So far I have finished 3 books: Les Miserables, The Hunger Games, and The Christmas Train. Every book I read I somehow mix up with images on this train ride in my dreams. Let's just say I have great movie ideas! The Christmas Train was an easy read about a journalist who took the same Amtrak train ride as me, except his version was a lot more entertaining. Lots of the plot seemed Hollywood influenced. I laughed and cried.

We reached Washington, D.C. earlier than expected, 12:20pm. I gathered my things and waited for everyone to get off. I thanked the attendant for all her help and wished her a great holiday. Her tired look quickly changed and she was energetic like the first day she greeted us on the train. I hope the gratitude will last. I heard that Amtrak workers on the long distance trains usually work 3-4 straight days (constantly on call) and get 3-4 days off.


I knew that Union Station in Washington, D.C. was going to be big. But when I stepped out of the glass doors an onto the brick lined floors of the Amtrak lounge, I was blown away. This place was so big it even had a mall in it! Though the mall was not that big, it had enough stores to keep me busy for the next 6 hours. I checked my bags in and raced to Barnes and Nobles to pick up a power charger for Cousin Huy's Nook.

Side note: the Friday I left, Cousin Huy found his Nook to let me borrow for the trip. When I arrived, Cousin Huy was still looking for the power adapter. I took the Nook anyways and thought I could aways find a Barnes and Nobles on the way. Lucy was the one who pointed out to me that my cell phone charger would work. As a Thank you to Cousin Huy, I will pick the power charger up anyways to replace the one he lost during his move.

After Barnes and Nobles I finally remembered Cousin Son's advice to call my bank to inform them about my travel. So far I have been paying cash and have avoided calling the bank. But now that I have 6 hours to kill shopping, I decided to call the bank. My goodness what a hassle that was! I should have done it sooner. I was on the phone waiting for representative for 40 minutes. And there was no music playing in the background to inform me that I have not been disconnected. Every so often I would look down at my phone to make sure I was connected.

U.S. Capitol Building

After talking to the bank representative I walked out onto the streets. Unlike Chicago's Union Station, Washington, D.C. had huge windows. All I had to do was walk towards one, reach double glass doors, and push my way onto the street. It was sprinkling outside and I didn't think it was any different from Portland. So I went for a walk. There were plenty of signs around. I found one pointing to the U.S. Capitol Building where a botanical garden was. I wanted to take Nick there and bury him nearby, but as I got to the 2nd block the sky got angry at me and started to dowse me with water. I mean I was dripping wet! I let out a profane word and hastily walked back to the station. After a change of clothes I decided to stay inside. I checked the weather and to my disappointment, it was going to be wet all day. Sorry Nick.

My stomach started to growl so I decided to give my friend Christian a call. He works in D.C. but his family is in California. I had a feeling he was going to be home for the holiday, but decided to call to get a tip on where to eat. Christian suggested Potbelly Sandwich Shop which was one of hundreds of eateries in Union Station. I found it and went right in. I ordered an Original Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich with everything except for my food restrictions. It was delicious! I finished it off with a trip to a ice cream parlor and scooped away my mango sherbet ice cream.

After my fill of food, I continued to shop and explore the surrounding buildings of Union Station. There was so much to see. Finally, I decided to break from walking and hit the blog before boarding the train. It is about 6pm now and I am waiting for instructions to which gate I need to go to. So far I have been able to go by instinct. Rarely do I ask for help. Part is because I want to learn my lesson if I am wrong. But if I really don't want to waste time, I just ask for directions.

I will be in Florida tomorrow! WOOHOO!