New Orleans day 2

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2012
April 24, 2012

I boarded the "City Of New Orleans" approximately 7:30PM and was assigned the last available car on the train. I quickly made friends with some friendly people around my age that were traveling to New Orleans for personal reasons. I was, however, distracted by two young, energetic, ladies that boarded rather last minute. My first thought was to approach them immediately, but I was busy trying to maintain my seat to my self, so I could have a good night\'s sleep.

Our train departed on time and we slowly began to creep out of Chicago. About thirty minutes in to our trip, I ventured to the lounge to purchase a bottle of wine, and after receiving 2 cups for my self, I made my way back to my seat. As I returned to my seat, I saw and over heard the two young ladies talking to an older gentleman about New Orleans and Jazz Fest. I wandered my way back and introduced my self to the ladies and said "Are you headed to Jazz Fest?" Both girls responded politely and with a smile saying "We are!" I proceeded to talk to them about jazz fest explaining my journey and purpose for my trip and with that we were rolling. With an offer of a glass of wine, we were talking about their plans for jazz fest.

As we rolled along there were two young men sitting in the seats to the rear of the ladies. They took a keen eye to them and started talking with them as well. They too were headed to jazz fest and I quickly learned neither party really had a plan for there travels and were essentially wandering in to the mess that is Jazz Fest. With that in mind I started to fill them in on some of the tricks and tips of Jazz Fest. One of the guys had a guitar with him and was eager to share his talents with the us, but in-particular, the girls. After finding out that I played trombone I was invited to jam in the lounge car. Hesitant, I accepted their invitation.

Our quintet ventured forward to the lounge car where a guitar was broken out and immediately the folk tunes started flying. Another seemingly wandering young man joined us and had a scratchy voice that was pleasant and full. Our night was made as the conductor of the train also played guitar and joined in. This continued long in to the night, to which I learned more about the young ladies, whose names were: Karina and April. April, quickly caught my eye as a beautiful young lady, who earned the nick name "Mother". Karina was the fun, also beautiful, energetic leader of the group. Both were quickly surrounded by young men from the train.

Alas our night continued and the young men on the train were fascinated the beautiful duo, so I took my self out of the picture, by heading back to my seat. Thus ended my night, essentially. It was a restless night, but I was able to get a few hours in.