It’s 4:45am in New York City, I begin my trek from around Time Square to Penn Station. As I begin my walk I admire the city that never sleeps, seemingly to be asleep. No sirens, an open side walk, a site I had yet to see whilst my time here. As I arrive to the station I enter in with wonderment. A grand station with large stone steps out front, sitting amongst MSG and some of the tallest buildings I have experienced. I head in searching for my train. Assuming this worked like an airport, but I soon came to realize I would feel transported back in time. No intense security and honestly, less order. I explore the station, admiring the architecture. Enjoying the lounge where I assumed I would wait until my train was ready to board.

A woman walks the lounge shouting, “Train 2190 Please Head to Track 7”. No intercom, no technology, a person. I get in a long line waiting to board when I then hear those infamous words that I had only heard in movies like “Polar Express”, “ALL ABOARD”. I excitedly follow my line aboard our Amtrak Acela. We all corral in, no one checking to see if you actually sit in the correct spot before departure. What if you are on the wrong train? Nonetheless, I enjoyed the freedom. Taking my spot, we depart. Traveling at a very comfortable speed, fast enough that it feels efficient but slow enough I can still enjoy the view out my window.