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It's been a long journey, but I'm finally here. Well then again, the train ride was only 2.5 hours, but looking back to when the adventure began in October, it's been a heck of a journey. (The 3 prequels can be found on my general blog).
I woke up this morning nauseous and nervous for the trip. With Dad at the wheel, we arrived to the New London train station in record time. After waiting for half an hour, my train finally pulled into the station and I said goodbye to my parents and boarded. That's when the fun began.
I had my laptop in its case and a single suitcase filled with roughly 50 pounds of luggage for my 3 month stay. Although one of the Amtrak staff was nice enough to carry it up the stairs for me onto the train, wheeling through the aisles as I looked for an empty seat was a pain. I must have bumped into seats and people at least 6 times and gave myself 2 flat tires with the suitcase but just kept on walking as not to hold up the other boarding passengers. The people on board were either sleeping or had an agitated look on their face for some reason.
After walking through what felt like almost all the cars, I finally found an empty seat and tried to cram my luggage into the clearance between the rows and finally gave up, placing it on top of the seat near the window. I was a bit disappointed I couldn't find an empty seat in the quiet car but I was thankful it wasn't so packed that I had to sit right next to a stranger.
My crappy photo of NYC while on the train
The train ride itself went by quickly although I was kind of hungry. I did find the cafe on the train but didn't really see anything interesting and figured I'd look for food after arriving at Penn Station. I followed the flock of people up the escalator after getting off the train. It was busy and confusing as hundreds of travelers and families were coming and going. Looking around lost for a minute, I finally spotted an escalator to the surface near 8th Avenue.
Once outside, figuring out my bearings was a pain but I was off in the right direction after pulling up Google Maps. It was pretty hot out so I was thankful I traveled in shorts. Putting on my best New Yorker face and speed walk, I made my way to the apartment as I weaved my way down the sidewalks with my heavy luggage.
Finally arriving at the apartment, I was confused by the buzzer and when to talk into it so I hit the buzzer and sent a text to let my host's friend know I had arrived. After finally getting in the building and sweating like crazy, I remembered that she lived on the 3rd floor -- of a walkup. Dragging my suitcase behind me, I carefully scaled the stairs and was greeted when I finally climbed up to the third floor.
After getting a tour of the apartment, unpacking, (and drying off all the sweat), I finally have the chance to go out and explore a little and get something to eat. If only I knew someone in the area to grab a bite with. Hopefully tomorrow at work I'll make some friends with the other Nooglers.