On the train from Kansas City (free writing)

I arrived at Union station in Kansas City at 7am this morning. The line for Chicago was already long, with more people adding up as the minutes went by. 

We only boarded the train at 8am, almost 20 minutes behind schedule.

I fell asleep for the first hour or so after becoming comfortable in my seat. How could you not, they were basically reclining chairs. 

Missouri came by fast, along with the first stop for a quick cigarette break. Not for me though, I needed a coffee.

I regret not grabbing a Parisi coffee at Union station, and also not grabbing breakfast in the dining car on the train, so the hell am I going to miss out on lunch!

I got up off my seat, picked up my bag and headed for the dining cart. Disappointed, I saw no patrons. 

Asked the lovely gentleman, clearly from Chicago by the way he spoke, he directed me down stairs to this lonely little dark corner canteen with an impressive menu printed on an A3 sheet of paper - I had no idea you could reheat so many items.

I ordered a Hebrew National hotdog, 100% kosher, with sweet relish and mayonnaise. A cup of coffee with half and half, and a bottle of water. 

She packed up my order neatly in a cardboard box, I gave her my money then walked up to the lounge car to enjoy the scenery. The sides and ceiling of this car were all glass, allowing a vast amount of natural light to beam through, the perfect dining experience especially with the seats facing out wards.

A country man [from Fort Maddison, Iowa] and his son is sitting behind me, talking to an amish couple about gaming [hunting], the labour market and how someone should come up with a country song about a red barn, because everyone likes a red barn. 

However, his knowledge about this land is impressive. He's a well travelled man. He loves pointing out the scenery to us, explaining the geography and the history behind the towns, plains and ridges as we passed them.

There's a few Amish people on this train. Some with young families and some traveling with relatives and partners. Most would do a double take on me. 
Wait till start talking, yep, I'm the funny looking man that also sounds funny, trying to get home to Chicago.

P.s. I highly recommend traveling via rail in America. It's cheap, convenient and you get a chance to relax and take in the lovely scenery. It's a great way to meet people too.