What the hell?

[Rail Travel]
Composed in the wee hours of Tuesday A.M.
Hurray! I am Amtrak checked. And raring to go. Fooey I didn't bring my headphones as I figured mp3s would drain the battery. Turns out there's a plug right next to the window seat. Weird experiences all around this morning.

To start off with, I didn't go to sleep until 12:50. At least that's what the clock read when I turned off the light. Then the phone rang at 1.30. She was calling to remind him to pick her up at 2 a.m.(as if he could possibly forget).

Then his alarm went off.
THen he snoozed.
Then he left.
Then I slept for what felt like a nanosecond.
Then the clock read 3:30. (I had set my alarm for 4:00).

After ten minutes laying there I heard Charlie and a tipsy She come home. Her ire was raised when She realized I was awake. (My light was on.) Even though Charlie had explained he needed to drive me downtown, she was pissed 'I would be awake while they were having sex.' It's in the blog as it was literally shouted through the house. If you had been there you would have heard it yourself.

Anyhoo, showered and packed I headed towards the living room. My brother made me a delicous grilled egg/cheese/ham sandwich. Heart attack on a Barbie plate, but man did I whoof it down. In this household they also have milk (!) which was a nice way to finish off my breakfast.

Couple of things...
My brother came back from dropping Her off somewhere around 10. (Remember, she can't drive anywhere now.) He didn't sleep at all. I'm kicking his ass if he doesn't take a nap asap this afternoon. There are absolutely no errands or chores that have to be done, regardless of Her wishes. Sorry. My brother works too hard.

[Now serving alchoholic beverages.]
Coming back to my original thoughts, Amtrak has their act together on the western seaboard. The station is a throwback to the 50's; arched ceilings, tile floors, polite conductors. Having purchased my ticket online, it was a zip picking it up. The ticket dude said Good Morning (!??) and was sincere in explaining where the track was. No sarcasm.

My little double decker is clean and very comfy. Not to continue boring you with the details, it's such a departure from the LIRR line I'm still in shock. From San Diego to Burbank (which is 2 stops past LA) I'm only paying $21.60 OW. Deal. Steal. And the pulldown tray kicks ass! It slides out and literally oozes itself over my lap. I could have a cup of coffee on it and it wouldnt' spill.

Last tidbit: Per the announcement, the cafe is now serving alcoholic beverages, hot sandwiches, and cold drinks.

Amtrak rocks.

posted by irene @ 10/05/2002 05:01:00 AM