A 49-Hour Train Ride is Worth the Journey for Deep Human Connection

In Memory of  Alysa Solomon 

This blog post is dedicated to Alysa Solomon, my mom’s childhood friend who became a close confidant of mine. Alysa passed away 8 years ago. Her tireless work for homeless families in transition and her efforts to heal the devastation in greater Los Angeles are deeply remembered. Alysa was a renowned psychologist who worked hands-on in morgues, with teen suicide cases, and in aid of the homeless in Skid Row.

Reflections from the Rails

Surrounded by rhinestones and art, my life may seem glamorous as a fine art model and author, but it's truly a mosaic of events that unfold unpredictably. I believe we're tethered to memories and moments, with lessons repeating until learned. Despite my frequent travels, sometimes months pass without a journey.

I embarked on a 49-hour train ride in coach on Amtrak, far from glamorous, with no expectations except to go with the flow.

Arriving at Union Station in Los Angeles, a stark reality greeted me: numerous barefoot homeless individuals, a woman tending her wounds with toilet paper, and wealthy families looking down on them with designer luggage in tow.

Amidst this scene, a man played the piano in a room where strangers met, emotions ranging from tears to laughter, from begging to hurried departures. People sought guidance, and I directed them based solely on my brief arrival advantage. I gave a woman toiletries and a bottle of water. A simple act of patience during travel resonated deeply, connecting me to humanity when I often feel like a mere vessel in the rush of daily life or social media.

I firmly believe that at the core of humanity lies our innate need for connection.

The train ride itself was decent enough, though far from luxurious. Amtrak's marketing talent was evident, yet the toilets malfunctioned two hours before our final stop, and the cafe ran out of most items, especially lacking in vegetarian options. Seated next to me were a family from Albuquerque and a retired cop assisting her elderly, flight-averse mother returning from a visit to her aunt in Portland, having discovered enjoyable hikes in California. They kindly offered me a pillow upon their departure.

At the next stop, a 21-year-old sorority girl joined me, and we exchanged Instagram follows.

I conversed with a group of Boy Scouts on their way to a camping trip, playing Uno and discussing their Eagle Scout projects, even seeking my advice. I recalled an invasive species clearing project from years past.

I also spoke with Karen from Alaska.

Throughout the journey, I witnessed diverse landscapes, from the Arizona sky aglow at 5 a.m. to sightings of elk, horses, and cows. The greens faded into desert expanses, only to revive as we crossed through Kansas.

I believe one of the first fundamental aspects of humanity is simply is connection.

While I don't recommend 49-hour train rides for the impatient, I learned valuable lessons, arrived safely in Chicago, connected with strangers, and saw some amazing sights.

I believe if you paint mental pictures of unique memories and the things around you, you can ground yourself as more than a person just moving through life, scrolling, eating and working. 

I believe if you take apart events and pay attention to detail you can find meaning in life.

Union Station, Los Angeles