How To Relax and Travel Comfortably

              By Jean Bynoe

Taking the train to Norfolk, Virginia was most enjoyable and relaxing ride.  From the greeting of the conductor to the quiet peace of the boxcar, I was able to relax my mind body and soul.  As the train proceeded down the track, I could feel the gentle vibrations of the box car to the toot of the train horn, all of which brought back sweet memories of a train ride in my youth.

The train ride made me reminisce as well as feel all good and fuzzy inside about my life.  I began to daydream and think about my life, as it was, and where I was trying to bring my like to.  Thoughts fluttered in and out of my mind from gently holding my husband’s hand to hoping that one day we can take a train trip together.  Hoping that perhaps that a simple train ride could be relaxing for us together.      Together, the two of us, content, not speaking a word; yet, enjoying one another’s company as we drift in our own worlds of inner solitude.

It was gentle ride and a ride providing for peace and relation of the mind body and soul.  All my day to day worries just drifted away as the train proceeded further and further away from my home.  As I walked down to the café boxcar, I imagined scenes from old-time black and white flicks.  I was imagining that those flicks were actually occurring on the train.  I mean, really, my mind was at peace and able to drift uninterruptedly and wherever I wish to my mind to think and travel.

When I compare this trip to taking the plane and the time it took, I feel there is no comparison.  The train is roomy enough to stretch out your legs and you don’t have to pay for checking your bag.  You have the opportunity to see the countryside and just relax!   People seem to be more pleasant and less rush, rush.  On this trip, I encountered folks actually helping one and another.  I actually witness male chivalry, graciousness and good manners on this trip.  The atmosphere on the train is totally different then the plane.  It would seem to me that people are more cognizant of their fellow rider’s space.  I would go as far as saying it is a good ride for an artist to take –to draw write or even to meditate and contemplate life’s challenges.  Yes, I will fondly remember this trip.

I took some pictures, but not as many as I should have taken.   Ashland, Virginia, I liked because of the cute houses that reminded me of ginger bread houses and as the train rode through people were waving and smiling as the train passed through.  In Norfolk, Virginia, I took pictures of the Navy base and immediate surroundings. 

Of special interest is the customer service I receive from different places I visited while in Norfolk, Virginia.  First, was my cab driver Charles.  When the bus from Newport News to Norfolk, Virginia pulled in, Charles the cab driver from Andy’s Cab Company at www.andystaxigroup.com  was there waiting to provide cab service to passengers in need of a cab.  He was so nice.  He coordinated rides for three passengers as well as me.   Charles, a well spoken cab driver had the ability to make customers comfortable with him and riding in his cab (not sure of your surroundings can be a bit nerve racking).  He was patient, efficient, and definitely knew what he was doing (routes, cab fare prices, etc.) and took great pride in delivering his cab service to his customers.   I used Charles services both days and primary designer, Monique Jovonnie used him as well, we were very satisfied with his services. 

The hotel, The Marriot, at Waterside was a very pleasant stay.  From what I can tell, many famous people have stayed their as well

 

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Turning Fifty is A Blessing

Are you turning fifty this year and still look and feel great?    Then, yes, you better toot your own horn, because turning a healthy--feel good fifty is a blessing!  So, go on, take a minute or two and celebrate your fortune.

Do you feel comfortable in your own skin-and can honestly say- Wow, I never thought that fifty would look like me?   

I mean really, who cares about political correctness at this point in your life.  Does it really matter what people will think or talk about what when it comes to who you are as an individual—hey-you better celebrate and be grateful for your blessings.

At this stage of your life, it should be “be gone” with the days of apologizing for being who you are and making excuses for not being the perfect “silhouette” that everyone thinks you should be and or the perfect size, weight, etc, or responding to folks questions about such.  Listen, if your physician states you are healthy and strong, but maybe you need to eat a little more or less—then go ahead and be you -- celebrate without question. 

 Truly, my gift to me for being in the fifties club, is to be real and true to myself and those around me.  I definitely want less stress in my life.  So, what am I saying?  I am saying ladies and gents coming of age celebrate who you are no matter what size, weight, color, etc  you are-- embrace your uniqueness, because all people in and of themselves are beautiful