flyover country

As Seen at the Flying J, Lake Station, IN

Composed by

Things move quickly at the Lake Station Flying J. If there’s a line at the front register the Cinnabon Lady can cash you out too. She can do everything the regular cashiers can, she shouts in a way that sends a message to regular cashiers everywhere. Can you work the scale too, a trucker asks. Sure can, honey, what’s yer number?

The action is hot outside too. A lady of an age to know better seeks assistance. Well God Bless You anyways, she tells me. She moves over to two road hogs and they aren’t as friendly. The trucker in the Pink Floyd shirt shakes the other’s hand when the announcement comes over the P.A. that number 29, your shower is ready, I repeat your shower is ready.

There’s another world here that you hold your nose at if you’re not a part of it. If you don’t have to be a part of it, pardon me. But something tells me that their world is the real world in a way our world will never understand.

route 66 museum dwight il on a steamy summer day. lake station

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For more short stories from Charlie’s trips across the Heartland, check out our Enjoy the Journey archives. To never miss a new journey, follow Cult of Americana via email.

As Seen at Union Station, Chicago, IL

Composed by
From the Jackson Boulevard mezzanine overlooking the Great Hall at Chicago Union Station. 12:34-12:56 PM, 23 February 2016
Da' Bears, reflected in the freshly-polished marble of iconic Great Hall at Chicago Union Station

Da’ Bears, reflected in the freshly-polished marble. Click to follow COA on Instagram

Two Mennonites spring from the mezzanine overlooking the Great Hall, then mount a marble railing, slide down it out of sight. Seeing this is one of the highlights of my life to date. Four Indian men power walk around the rectangular Great Hall and discuss business on a level most people can only imagine. Around the rectangular Great Hall.

Two good ol’ boys wait to board train 21, the Texas Eagle. South-bound. Maybe they head to Texarkana, where the station is split in two by a state border. They have matching styrofoam cups, and giggle a little more with every sip. Might not be just Pepsi. The Indian men pass underneath me again. This is a working lunch in action. The Mennonite women sit and discuss matters humbly. They have no idea the heathen mischief their men just perpetrated on that railing.

The ancient bucket seat benches under the Great Hall skylight have to be one of the best places to catch a few winks in all Chicagoland. And when you awaken, there are the heavens above you. Namaste. People leave their eyes on me awhile, I suppose returning the favor. I wonder how they’d write about the nattily-dressed man staring back at them. They’re right to be suspicious. The commuters put their head down and go. They only look up to grimace at the long distance passengers, they wandering in wonderment and getting in the way. Is all Chicago so grand?

One last pass by the walking working lunch. Teach me your work ethic, man! I go out for lunch, but I stop and write!

 

The reflective marble floor of the iconic Chicago Union Station Great Hall

Old Glory reflected in the marble floor of Union Station. Click to follow COA on Instagram.

For more short stories from Charlie’s trips across the Heartland, check out our Enjoy the Journey archives. To never miss a new journey, follow Cult of Americana via email.