My First Train Ride example essay topic

Riding the Train (Description Essay ENC 1101) Anytime a person experiences something for the first time, that experience can reside in their mind forever. Their first kiss, first love, and first look at the sunrise may permanently float among their cherished memories. My mind contains many of these memories. Although my first train ride occurred over 15 years ago, I still recall every wonderful detail from preparing for the trip to discovering the inside of the train and the beautiful five hour ride. It was a breezy day in the summer of 1985 and after spending a week visiting my grandparent's home in Sebring, Florida, I prepared for my first train ride home.

Recalling many old movies I've watched with tearful lovers embracing on rain-soaked platforms, I carefully chose my train-riding outfit: a simple, tailored white dress, a pair of lace gloves reaching only to my wrists and a braided straw hat complete with a thick red sash tied neatly around the crown with an exploding bow draping down behind me. I settled into the back of my grandfathers Cadillac and my mind filled with visions of how my first train ride would be. Arriving at the station, I tearfully kissed my grandparents goodbye a bit more dramatically than necessary. As I strolled confidently towards the train platform, I felt like Audrey Hepburn or Ingrid Bergman and was quite certain many eyes rested upon my grace and followed me through the crowded terminal.

Pushing open the heavy glass doors, I stepped outside and faced the smell of rolling steam and cigar smoke. There were crowds of anxious men and women waiting for the train. I could hear only faint voices discussing the arrival time of the train and the rustling of newspapers held by men in nearly identical business suits. I stood elegantly on the ancient, wooden platform, and adjusted my weight from one foot to the other, which caused the wood to creak eerily under my heels. In the distance, I saw smoke puffing shapes up into the bluish sky and the people around me began gathering their briefcases, umbrellas and other belongings. It was time to board the train, find a seat and be on my way.

My heartbeat quickened as the monstrous steel cabins slowed to a crawl in front of me. "All Aboard", yelled a gentleman in a handsome black suit with brass buttons as large as quarters and seams ironed so crisp I would swear the suit could stand on it's own without anyone in it. I approached the doorway, which contained three steps that were easily 18 inches high each. It was necessary for me to lift the tight hem of my dress to allow my feet to reach each step.

Inside the train, I was surprised to see a diner-type seating area. There were large tables with long booth-like seats covered in a thick, velvet material. I ran my hand over the Victorian-patterned fabric, and oddly felt a sense of nostalgia for that train. The window at each table began one foot off the floor and didn't end until they reached the top of the train.

There would be no "fighting for the window seat" on this trip. I chose my seat and was surprised at the comfort. The designer obviously knew of the long sitting times the people in these seats would endure. I heard a shrieking whistle that lasted at least 5 seconds and the train lurched forward three times with the force of a rear-end collision and then smoothly rolled out into the world.

With my apprehension behind me, I looked forward to the actual ride, lunch on the train and eventual reunion with my fianc'e, Zach. The images outside filled the tremendous picture window with scenery straight from a Van Gogh painting. If I tried to look at landmarks that were close to the train tracks, it all became blurry from rushing by at 60 mile per hour, so I focused my attention on the far-away view. Beautiful pastures full of lively green grass and flowers that danced in the breeze. Instead of visiting the dining car for lunch, I opted for the shoebox filled with scrumptious homemade foods my grandmother prepared for my trip. With envious glances from nearby passenger upon me, I feasted on buttermilk fried chicken, German-mustard potato salad flavored with the extra dill I so love, two warm oatmeal cookies that literally melted on my tongue and a thermos full of ice-cold lemonade.

All too soon, I felt the train slow, and a deep voice announced our arrival at the Jacksonville station. I quickly took a breath mint from my purse to chase the dill from my taste buds. Taking in a deep breath, I felt the sweet stinging sensation of mint fill my mouth and lungs. As I lowered myself carefully down the huge steps, Zach approached the doorway and allowed me to gracefully leap into his arms. I melted into the warmth of his body and slowly drew in the aroma of the musk lightly brushed against his neck. He playfully spun me around twice, placed me gently on the platform, and drew a slow kiss from my lips.

As if he knew my earlier visions, he said, "You look just like Audrey Hepburn". To this day, when I see a train or hear those long shrieking whistles, I don't recall the many train rides I've had in my years, but only that first ride where every sight, sound and smell was new.