ari’s posterous

In an area without signal. Will this go through? If it does, the test works. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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I returned home from my 20,000-mile Great American Roadtrip on September 4, 2001, two days before my drivers license was to expire.

 A week later, Mom awoke me to say a plane crashed into the World Trade Center and the news channels were abuzz. I turned on the TV. I watched. ...and watched ...and watched ...and watched some more. I eventually changed rooms. I don't remember if I left the house that day, transfixed to CNN and NBC and NECN and CSPAN and whatnot.

 Today's ~1000-mile rail trip between DC and Chicago couldn't be more ironic, given my road trip eight years ago. When the FBI investigated terrorist reports in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, Halifax..I'd been to those cities, rode those buses and ferries, ate at those restaurants.

 And now, right here as I write this aboard the train at Culpepper, Virginia's station, I wonder if the terrorists and FBI were here. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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1. It has 4 cars, each with seats for 60 people. Or 58. Can't tell without walking, which I'll do soon. 2. Everyone going to Chicago is in one car. But so are people going to Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

 3. It was suggested in advance to get a window seat to look outside without craning past people, and for easier photographoc shots. Someone beat me to all of them so I will keep an aisle until a window becomes free, likely in Ind or Cin. 4. The seats recline and have food rests like the Acela, but there are also thigh extenders. Pic coming later. 5. Nobody is talking. 6. I didn't bring headphones or an ipod. Something to remember next time. 7. I just ate breakfast in DC before boarding, but looking forward to schmoozing with strangers in the dining car. Do they have wine/beer I wonder. 8. I have pears, bananas, granola bars, and bottled water with me to save dining car costs. 9. There is no wifi on any Amtrak train other than the Boston to DC Acelas. I am sending this via my blackberry's verizon connection. There are outlets next to the window seats. 10. I'm bored. I have faith this is momentary, as it's only an hour in. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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"Do you do this trip a lot?" I asked. His third eye blinked at me. "What?"

 Seems he doesn't speak English as he's reading a Chinese (Japanese?) book. Fun fun. Maybe I'll change seats next to someone who speaks English. Would you?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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"I am going to Gate H23," I told the Union Station employee as I apparently entered a vestibule not yet ready for passengers.

 I wonder what the other to-be passengers thought as I walked past them into the vestibule, then back out. Heh. I'll be on the damned train for 24 hours and can't wait to get on it! What's wrong with me? LOL Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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