Trip to Aroggne

It takes two and half hours from UIUC to Argonne by car, but by train I spent eight hours.

Departing 10:14 from terminal Champaign, Amtrak is by far the best choice commuting between Champaign and Chicago. I happened to met Conner with his bike also on his way to Chicago. He is actually leaving States a few days later.

We arrived at Union Station at one O'clock and then we went to MacDonald for lunch. This one on Ohio St. is undoubtedly the most luxurious one on planet. Conner left around two. Hanging out with my magazine until five o'clock, then I walked back to Union Station to take Metra.

When I were standing in front of Union Station staring at the time schedule of trains, a black man approached and said if I need some help. I kind of hesitated and said I just took a look at these schedules. I said that without even turning around to look at him. He said " Just trying to help, I mean you no harm." and left.

I felt bad actually afterward because maybe he really just wanted to help and I acted like I am afraid of him to begging me for money. Although it happened to me several times that they did so, I should not have behaved this way. From now on, I should always presume they are just kind and then we'll see.

Anyway, I took Metra to Argonne. This train is also cozy and kind of old-fashioned.

At six o eight, I arrived at Lemont station 10 min. southern to Argonne.

New York coincidence

I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn’t sleep
And find I’m king of the hill - top of the heap

If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere

It’s up to you - new york, new york

Song of Frank Sinatra, the best one to represent this big apple.

It's New York where anything could happened.

Chia-Wei and I were lucky to have his friend, Lin, providing accommodation in Harlem near Columbia University.

Unbelievably it so happened that the roommate of Lin is found to be the roommate of Chia-Wei in senior high. How unlikely this is.

And in the evening of New Year's Eve I were wandering alone along 8 Ave seeking a crack to sneak into Time Square. It's snow raining, not too cold yet not too comfortable. Chia-Wei and Lin had been in Time Square long since 2 o'clock, which is too crazy for me to follow. I took a break in a square in front of a building where I bumped into a classmate of mine in college. Gladly accompanied, we counted down the year together in the Broadway and 57th where Time Square was sparkling far in the end.

After visiting NYC, I think life there would not be too cozy. It's crowed and dirty in general. On the other hand, one could enjoy himself/herself by the best entertainments there, luxurious or not. What's the catch? Money, undoubtedly.

People come to New York City to go after success but leave after they succeed. Maybe that's why it's so dirty. It's home to nobody and nobody care. A temporally residence only it is. Wealthy dirty of a kind.