Into The Shoebox Car

October 1, 2015

Today (although I am technically writing this two days later...) we begin our 5 year anniversary extravaganza! For our honeymoon we went to Salem, MA. While there, we made a pact to return after every 5 years of marriage to celebrate the city that we now love and the relationship that we hold so dear. We kept our word. We planned a return trip beginning on this date. However, we are going by train. The train was scheduled to leave at 8:15 p.m. on October 1st. Jason went ahead and took the entire day off. I, sadly, did not. Although I had to work, it didn't feel like working. Jason said he would drive down and have lunch with me, which made the day so much more exciting. At noon, he met me and we drove to Einstein Bros Bagels, which recently opened near my work. Here are pictures:

Jason with his Nova Lox (salmon, capers, and cream cheese). He also ordered a cup of iced coffee with a sprinkle of Cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa.

Me with my Honey Whole Wheat bagel with added peanut butter spread. Delicious! Not certain why I look so scared there.

After lunch, Jason and I parted ways. He returned home to finish packing and I to work. Fortunately, I had only one hour left. I jumped in my car and fled as quickly as possible. I met Jason at home and we continued to pack. Our cats were very upset and knew something was going on all day. Jason said they were extremely cuddly with him that morning. We had a hard time packing, as the cats refused to let us use our luggage. Below is a picture:

After packing, we dressed for the train. Below is a picture of my train outfit--ignore the yoga pants. Jason said if he saw me on the street like this in New York, he would also expect to be asked for a dollar so I could have a bowl of soup. It might not match, but I was cozy. 

We finished packing just in time to go to Chick Fil A and target for dinner and some last minute items needed. Once back home, we ate very quickly and waited for my parents to pick us up. While waiting, we checked the weather. The night before we had been informed of hurricane Joaquin (no, not the actor). Apparently, Joaquin was a category 4 hurricane currently residing in the Bahamas. It was projected to hit Boston later this weekend. We chose to continue as planned, and leave if it appeared to be heading our way. In no time at all, my parents pulled up in our drive and we loaded the luggage. We said goodbye to the cats before leaving. Some of the many items purchased for our trip were cat toys/cat nip. We always try to give Peanuts and Fred some treat to distract them from the fact that we are leaving for so long. Peanuts hid under the bed and refused to come out. Fred willingly took the catnip and ran around the house. Here is a picture of us in the car, headed toward the train station:

In the picture above, I would like to note the amazing hat I'm wearing! We were shopping at Target for our trip when I stopped to look at Cloche hats--my favorite kind. Jason said I should buy it, but I was broke so I didn't. He very kindly paid for it with his own spending money so I could wear it on our trip! I have the most loving husband ever!!

We made a pit stop at the airport so that Mom could return a rental car that she and Dad had used to drive to California. Here is a picture of the train station from the car:

We parked and walked across a very busy Atlanta street to enter the station. Mom and Dad came in and sat with us for a bit. Below you can see them goofing off:

Below, Jason waiting for the train.

We waited and waited and waited. Not only did we arrive an hour early but the train was an hour and a half late. We were very thankful when the time came to board. Below are pictures of us in our roomette.

(above, the room across the hall--that's what it looks like with the bed made)

Once settled into the roomette, a man came by and asked for our names. We, of course, told him. He then said, "You have the right to remain silent." He let out a hardy laugh and told us his name was Claude, our room attendant. He was amazing. By the end of the trip, people were hugging him. He's a very nice guy. Claude showed us around our room (aka shoebox). He let us know dinner was ready once the train started and escorted us to the dinner car. He seated us with a 32 year old guy who was very friendly. We learned throughout dinner that he was born in New York and then moved to South Carolina to live on a farm with his grandparents. We also learned he has previously lived in Boston and now is in Atlanta. His mother is a reality tv show producer and he is in school at Le Cordon Bleu to become a chef. He took the train to Washing D.C. to meet some friends for a birthday celebration. He wasn't found of flying, so he went by train as well. Apparently this was the first time any of us had purchased a roommette. He said it was well worth it.

A waitress came and took our order. Jason and I forgot that they would be serving dinner, so we had already eaten. We ordered the Vegetarian Pasta (spinach), which was lighter. Our dinner companion ordered the steak, but said he regretted not getting the chicken after he had seen it pass him. We had a great time talking with this guy and were actually the last to leave the dinner car. We not only enjoyed the conversation but were uncertain how payment for dinner occurs. Finally a woman said "Good night..." to indicate they were closing. Apparently the meals are included with roomettes. We all laughed and headed to our rooms.

Our room attendant Claude was very funny. At one point we heard a loud noise coming from a car nearby--it was Claude. He had run into something that another employee said he always runs. He hobbled from around the corner, his leg appearing to be badly hurt. He held one leg and was careful not to step on it. Within seconds, however, he began laughing and returned to walking normal. Apparently he is a goofball. He also walked beside us at dinner while talking to someone on the phone. We heard "I can't hear you--are you going out? I can't hear you! Let me call you back on my phone." We looked up and noticed his hand was shaped like a phone and pressed to his ear. He looked at us and then let out a hearty laugh. He's a funny guy.

While at Dinner Claude set the beds up for us in our room. The two seats rolled down into one bed, as another was lowered from the ceiling. It was very cozy and also very neat. We stayed up for a short time to talk and watch the city lights pass by. Jason took the top bunk and I the bottom. We were gently rocked to sleep by the train. Wonderful first day of vacation!