A Glimpse of L.A.'s Union Station
For those that aren’t familiar with my work — which would be most — in the summer of 2022, my little sister and I used Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass to travel the perimeter of the United States. I hate calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip, but with heightened food, hotel, and general transportation rates, it’s starting to feel like it was.
It was always my intention to document the trip through platforms such as Medium, Tumblr, and my website, but two weeks after we returned from our trip, my lung collapsed and I was later diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and hospitalized. After eight months of aggressive chemotherapy treatment, and two agonizing months of assessing the situation, I reached remission.
Making a long, traumatic story short, there unfortunately hasn’t been much room for travel or lifestyle writing in my life. I’m determined to change the narrative as I find my “new normal” seven months later.
Without further adieu, allow me to recount three instances in the Los Angeles’ Union Station that left an impression on me.
1. The “Don’t Make Me Bully You Like I Did in High School” Guy
The train ride from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA takes 46 hours and 35 minutes without factoring in delays. Our two days on the train were both entertaining, and draining. All accommodations are coach for the USA Rail Pass, which is fine because the seats do recline and there are footrests, but you are in a car with dozens of other passengers.
Throughout our journey, we had a range of experiences, but this route almost took it out of me due to multiple rambunctious children having the time of their live’s behind us.
The first thing we did after going to the restroom, and straightening ourselves up was head to Starbucks for some decent coffee, and extra caffeine. As we slowly made our way there, we encountered a man having a heated argument with someone on the phone.
I’m not sure if this a common cultural experience for Los Angeles residents, or frequent travelers. For two women from South Carolina without any experience under our belt, it was a bit of a head-turner to say the least. Plus, I’m naturally nosy.
Vacuum a gravel driveway while the neighbors break-up nosy.
“Yeah, and that’s why you’re fat,” He said and at first, I thought he was talking to me because I’m a bit on the heavy side. He continued, “Yeah, keep talking. That’s why you’re the way you are, Right,” and my favorite, “Don’t make me bully you like I did in high school.”
The whole occurrence was absurd.
2. The Piano Man
After we settled in Amtrak’s waiting area, eagerly anticipating Portland despite our brief stay being a little over a day’s ride away, something truly cinematic happened.
[Read “How to Travel the United States for $499” for more insight on Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass]
A man dressed in everyday clothes walked toward the piano, took his rightful seat, and started playing Beethoven. I never thought this was something I’d witness in person, so it was neat to see.
Minor due to the commonality, yes, but impactful all the same just to know that people really do that.
3. The Red Head
By far, what I’m about to describe was my favorite experience at Union Station. Our layover was a bit prolonged, so we headed to the restroom for a second time (never daring to do anything by ourselves).
A line that wasn’t there at 6 am was starting to form, so we waited and waited with an attendant directing us to maintain effiency. As we entered the restroom, we saw a young woman with her head in the sink, blood red hair coloring splattered everywhere as she scrubbed.
While I was in the stall, the attendant came in, “Hey, you can’t do that here! Come on, let’s go…”
I never did see the finished product, but I do wonder what Brad Mondo would say.
Bonus Round: Acapella
While we were in the practically empty restroom the first time, a song came on the overhead radio that sounded a bit Darth Vader Entry in tune. I made a comment, and the woman next to us laughed.
Cool, enough.
I’m a comedian by nature so I love to make people laugh.
The song switched to something more modern. I can’t for the life remember what song it was though I do remember it was some hit from 2012 or so.
Next thing you know, the woman in the stall over started singing along. Not well, but in a way that set the tone for the strange, deranged, and overall absurd layover in Los Angeles.
Everyone’s a main character there, truly.
Travel Advisory Note: We were warned by a woman that lived in Los Angeles for 20 years not to leave the train station during our layover due to the crime rates, and drug problems in the area. Being from the southeast, and completely new to traveling outside of the rare family trip, we heeded her advice and had the most entertaining two hours in Los Angeles from the safety of Union Station.
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