June 1st, 2023
(Final Days and Wrap-Up)
I returned to Chicago at 9:30 AM on May 29th, successfully completing my Amtrak trip around the country. As mentioned in the previous post, I had a very brief time in Philadelphia. As soon as I got to the hostel, I immediately met my friend who lives in the city. Taking the SEPTA subway was a mess to navigate, and it was clear that the city needed to invest more in its transit lines. The trains and stations were dirty and empty, and the headways were far apart. It was obvious that SEPTA was not a popular method of transportation in Philadelphia. Once at my friend's apartment, we decided to dine at a nearby vegan restaurant. The vegan chicken wings were perfect, but the vegan cheesesteak was more cheese than plant-based protein. After dinner, we went to a nearby park and walked around before going to her bar and conversing over drinks. I had an enjoyable but short stay.
I returned to Chicago at 9:30 AM on May 29th, successfully completing my Amtrak trip around the country. As mentioned in the previous post, I had a very brief time in Philadelphia. As soon as I got to the hostel, I immediately met my friend who lives in the city. Taking the SEPTA subway was a mess to navigate, and it was clear that the city needed to invest more in its transit lines. The trains and stations were dirty and empty, and the headways were far apart. It was obvious that SEPTA was not a popular method of transportation in Philadelphia. Once at my friend's apartment, we decided to dine at a nearby vegan restaurant. The vegan chicken wings were perfect, but the vegan cheesesteak was more cheese than plant-based protein. After dinner, we went to a nearby park and walked around before going to her bar and conversing over drinks. I had an enjoyable but short stay.
My Philadelphia Friend and I
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station
After hanging out with my friend, I went back to the hostel to sleep, only to wake up early to catch my train. This was my last long-distance train which traveled overnight for about 26 hours. The views were also spectacular on this train, especially when moving through the mountainous areas of West Virginia. When I arrived in Chicago, I headed straight for my apartment, where my cat awaited me.
After hanging out with my friend, I went back to the hostel to sleep, only to wake up early to catch my train. This was my last long-distance train which traveled overnight for about 26 hours. The views were also spectacular on this train, especially when moving through the mountainous areas of West Virginia. When I arrived in Chicago, I headed straight for my apartment, where my cat awaited me.
While it was exhausting to travel by train for 20 days constantly, I am satisfied with how the trip went. It was a cheap and easy way to explore the country without worrying about a car. Even for the states I didn't get to explore, I still got to take in the unique landscapes of each corner of the country. Throughout this trip, I traveled through thirty states, which is impressive for only 20 days. I had many great experiences on this trip and met some amazing people. Now I must patiently await my next adventure.
While it was exhausting to travel by train for 20 days constantly, I am satisfied with how the trip went. It was a cheap and easy way to explore the country without worrying about a car. Even for the states I didn't get to explore, I still got to take in the unique landscapes of each corner of the country. Throughout this trip, I traveled through thirty states, which is impressive for only 20 days. I had many great experiences on this trip and met some amazing people. Now I must patiently await my next adventure.