I got on the SunRail

 This is where it took me.

Photo from sunrail.com 

Lets Back Up 

 I love trains. I love the idea of trains and slowly moving through the country and not having to drive. There is just something so beautiful about public transportation. 

I live in a place where public transportation is trying its best but just isn't there yet. 

However, I learned about the SunRail and was enthralled. I have never been on a train and this would be a dream come true. (don't make fun of the small dreams). 

The Trip

The Start

I started my train journey at the Kissimmee Amtrak station in historic downtown Kissimmee. It was cute, there were little shops and a brick paved road. Easy to say, I was charmed. 

I was afraid of being late because I had no idea what was going on and where to go. So when I parked in the little parking lot I was flying out of the car. (and stressing the rest of the day about whether it was locked or not, it was).

 Anyway, I grabbed my bag with my books, wallet, camera, and journal, all the things. and walked to the signs. I crossed the tracks to the northbound side and I have about five minutes to get my ticket. 

So, I waited in line at the booth and purchased my first train ticket ($3) northbound to Winter Park and waited for the train to arrive.  

The train comes barreling in and I step onto the traveling hallway. I don't have much time to look around but I follow the stairs to the third level. Yes! There are multiple levels, 'this all you right here'. I took a seat  near the window with a small yellow table top in front of me and we start to depart. 

Let me tell you, they do not dilly dally on this thing. We in, we out. 

At first I just take everything in, the safety lady over the intercom, the rough fabric on the seats, the sway of the car. 

Then, I read a little and then in around fifty minutes I am at my destination. 

The Fun

I got to the station a little early around 9AM so nothing was open. But I was getting hungry so I went to a Winter Park staple, Barnie's. 

I got the Santa's White Christmas Latte and the Two Egg Breakfast and it was divine. The eggs were fluffy and the berried were tart. Don't even get my started on the sourdough bread OMG it was crunchy on the outside soft on the inside and covered in an unholy amount of butter. 

Latte and two egg breakfast. 

I sat there for about an hour just enjoying the cafe experience. The buzz morning conversations, the tink sounds of glass from the bar, and laughs with friends. 

Open book and latte sitting in Barnie's

 

I also continued reading a little but of my book, A Torch Against The Night by Sanaa Tahir. Around 9:50 I thought a turn around the street until stores open up would be nice so I walked down Park Avenue. 

At 10AM I went to the Warby Parker to get my glasses adjusted and they were so pleasant and kind. 

I then walked to Writer Block Bookstore. Where I putzed around looking for a book. 

Front of Writer Block Bookstore

I finally landed on Powerless by Lauren Roberts and was sold by the lovely worker there who highly recommended it. I bought like I don't have books at home to read. But buying books and reading books are two separate hobbies, am I right?

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

After all that I decided that I didn't want to be out all day and it was time to head back before traffic got bad for the drive home. I sadly did not have time to go to Rifle Paper Co. My wallet wasn't sad. 

I walked back to the station and got my return ticket and parked it on a bench where I journaled for a bit. And I was about realizing that this should have been shared. I love doing things on my own but sometimes, every now and then , I get the feeling that I missed out on sharing. I think going on a train would be extraordinary with a friend or loved one. So I would recommend that. 

Going Home 

On the way back I watched out the window and read. The sway of the train threatening to lull me to sleep. I made it back around 1 and went home to eat lunch. Finished my book too. 

Girl sitting by a train window reading.

Review

Overall, I would say the word that I thought of for this trip was more. I wish there was more. Closer to my house so I would use it more. More tracks to we could journey farther. But I would go again and I would bring a friend. It was calm and pleasant, the train conductors, station masters, and every other personal I encountered was kind and personable. I wish I could go more, experience more of this, and that it was more accessible to the greater Orlando area. 

I think this is a great start for public transportation in Central Florida and I can't wait to see more. 

Shameless Plug

Hey! I also have a YouTube channel where I document a short vlog for this trip. If you want to watch, here it is! Ride the train with me | Mini Vlog

Thanks so much for reading! 

Jo.