I’m on my way to Toronto from NYC by train. It is ultimately longer than flying from NYC, but once I get to and from the airport, and wait for 2 hours on either end, it pencils out pretty close. If at all possible I will travel by train over plane or automobile. I’m done being a driver of an automobile, and while I will fly wherever I need to go, I will opt for train travel over plane or car, even if it is more expensive or takes longer.
It would have only taken 2 hours to fly from NYC to Toronto, and it will take me 12 hours on the train. But after 1 hour to the airport and 2 hours sitting waiting on either end, it would have been about 8 to 9 hours to fly. Even with the extra three hours I am still happy to take the train. Primarily because I can spend more time deeply thinking about work, stories I want to tell, and anything else that matters to me right now. I just can’t do this driving, and there are too many disruptions when flying. The train allows for getting lost in my thoughts as I look out the window.
After leaving the car world behind, getting lost in my thoughts has been one of the biggest joys. I tend to not put my headphones on while out and about because I simply love being alone with my thoughts. I always have something to think about. I always have work or some story I want to evolve in my head. You just can’t do this while driving in a car. I also find airports too busy and there are so many things to navigate coming and going. You aren’t left alone. The train is perfect. The windows are great to look out, and I love the different view of the countryside you get while on a train. It’s the backside of reality. It is an older and more forgotten version. While I wish we had high speed trains I also enjoy the pace of the trains.
I’m almost to Toronto, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being lost in my thoughts today. I’ve come up with a few really good ideas for my business. Written a few good stories for my blogs. And I’ve read another big chunk of the book I am reading. I also just did a lot of nothing. Just looked out the window, took pictures, and watched the world go by. I want more of this. I am perfectly happy just staying in New York City these days, but when I do travel I am more than happy to just go by train. I wish there was a train to Europe. I think one of the next times I travel to the west coast I want to go by train across Canada. I wish Poppy could come. I would do a lot more of it. Anyhooo, this trip has been good. I am looking forward to the return trip.
