Journey to Chicago, IL.

hiii! Oh yes. Current location: On the train (Amtrak) to Chicago!

The train's suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. Okay scenery. But a few houses scattered around. And the best part is, these houses have WIRELESS! Technology. Wow. I just managed to get on MSN to say hi to amma but I couldn't get her reply coz the signal is weak. But I'm still so surprised that there's a signal in the first place!

Anyway, we got to the station early, with lots of help from Yui Ern and Wei Yi. This photo was taken while waiting for the train.

Waiting for the train at Lafayette's Amtrak station.

Me inside the train.

It's really comfortable here. Much better than Greyhound. If only it wasn't so expensive! Luckily it's only about US$17 from Lafayette to Chicago. Otherwise the prices are at least 30 bucks! The other two got a $3 discount coz they've got ISIC cards, but I didn't get one coz I don't think we'll need it for any other journeys.

K, anyway, I'm gonna continue looking out at the lovely scenery. Hailin's sleeping behind me. And Suan Tin's also on the computer now. She just managed a voice chat too! Cool.

Looking forward to meeting Archu and her family in Chicago soon! I've gotten Chinni Aunty's number so I'll call her after reaching to find out plans. They live about 45 minutes away from Downtown Chicago. So we'll be looking around downtown till evening, say 7, and then leaving for their house. Can't wait! As soon as we reach Union Station, we'll be heading to the Greyhound terminal to pick up Hailin's ISE pal, Janny. She'll be with us in Chicago, after which she'll return to Canada I think. It'll be nice to meet her too! Lots of new friends :)

Right now the trees outside are wonderfully green. I think we might get our first taste of proper spring here. Oh, and also change our watches to ET-1 again! IN follows ET (Eastern Time) too. So it's a little confusing. Ok then, byee!

Lafayette, IN and Indianapolis, IN

Current location: Yui Ern's apartment, Lafayette, IN.

I should probably mention why we're in Indiana, when there's nothing much to see here but corn fields. That's basically what we saw on our way here. It's mainly for Hailin to keep all her luggage at her (and now our) friend Yui Ern's apartment which is where we are now. She's got quite a few friends who are undergrads at Purdue University.

So we arrived this morning (23rd), and met one of them, Xinhui. She took us around the campus for a quick tour in her really cool sports car, and then we headed off for lunch at Fazoli's. Yeah, Italian food of course!

That's Xinhui's very cool car, and me just showing off.

Anyway, after lunch, we went back to their apartment to freshen up a little. Xinhui had to leave, but Yui Ern and her boyfriend Wei Yi joined us, to drive us down to Indianapolis (roughly 2 hour long ride). Nothing much there too. We went to the mall, and most importantly, I've gotten myself a Cingular prepaid card with Yui Ern's help.

Oh I must talk about this, coz I'm quite happy with the purchase. Cingular (AT&T) didn't charge for the SIM card at all! I just paid a $15 credit which will get deducted whenever I use the phone. And best part is that the rates are the same all over the US! A great deal I think. Only thing is, it's 25c per minute, so I hope I don't run out of credit really fast.

Ok, so after buying the pay-as-you-go card, and a fridge magnet to start the collection, we went to one of the more important sights in Indiana, the Central Canal and the Indiana State Museum (which was closed). All 5 of us just spent some time strolling by the canal and enjoying the light cool breeze.

Hailin, Yui Ern, Suan Tin and I sitting by the canal

After about 2 hours there, we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. The personalized service was very impressive! And the free bread which they served before the meal was simply Deeelicious! Good thing, for once, I wisely bought just cheesecake. A brownie cheesecake which was heavenly and filled up my stomach more than any average dinner usually would.

Ooh I just realised I have a photo of it!

A Brownie Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory

REALLY YUM. So after filling up our stomachs, we left Indianapolis to return to Lafayette. I must really thank Yui Ern again for all the help, and giving us a place to stay tonight! Thanks a lot :) There's gonna be 3 of us sleeping in the living room, and pretty much occupying all the place in this apartment. Anyway, next (earlyyyy) morning, we have to leave for Chicago, so gotta go sleep now! Train leaves at 8am. Goodnight!