first train overnight.

This train trip has been pretty interesting thus far. Train culture really is a "thing." Before I got on the train, I'd done a bit of research about what to expect and the article I read was pretty dead on. I did lunch in the dining car alone. I'm not really good at meals alone, so I went super late. Then, they told us that dinner would be by reservation only. I decided that sounded a little too awkward for me (as I'm sure all of the singles get put together), so I opted instead for a cheese pizza and some wine in the bar car. People are really friendly. The guy next to me continues to chat me up and when I was sitting alone in the bar car, everyone who passed by wished me a friendly hello.

The crowd is definitely a motley crew. There are a few Amish (as expected), a ton of old men who sit together and gab about random shit, and then there is this black mother/daughter pair with the most ridiculous wigs known to man on their heads. Seriously, I don't know why this 7 year old girl is rocking a wig. I was in the ladies lounge freshening up and changing when they came in and took them off to brush them. Homegirl has hair underneath, but instead is rocking something that looks like it should be used to mop the floor. OK, I'm done with all my shade. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Internet is terrible, but probably because we're in the heartland amongst rocks and hills. It was going really well for a bit earlier when we were stopped, but I'm currently writing this blog in offline mode and praying it posts when I get service again. Sleeping has not been an issue for me at all. I was exhausted last night and went to bed at 8pm. I mean, there really is no incentive to stay up once it gets dark. You can't see anything outside since it's pitch black and I only brought two movies (I watched O Brother Where Art Thou yesterday). I slept until 9am this morning. It was truly glorious. I tossed and turned a bunch and was rudely awakened at 2am by people boarding the train, but I soldiered through. The one major complaint - it is COLD. They run the air here a lot.

Lastly, "train throat" is a thing. I bought lozenges and water because that's what the article said, but my throat is still a little sore. Hoping that it clears up by the time we get to Chicago. I'm excited to get off the train and eat a real meal!