From Lancaster to Philly: A Spontaneous Sunday Train Ride & Trader Joe’s Run
April 06, 2025 |
| Lovely end to my slow and spontaneous Sunday, flowers from Trader Joes and my current read - Lancaster April 2025 |
Today was one of those easy like Sunday morning kind of days—the kind where you linger in bed longer than usual, with no real plans, and still somehow end up in another city.
Philadelphia had been on my mind all week. It started when my photo app reminded me that around this time in 2021, I visited the Philadelphia Zoo, aka America’s Oldest Zoo. It was my first-ever zoo experience, and it felt bittersweet—watching animals that roam freely back home in Kenya locked behind glass. Still, there was something magical about seeing penguins up close for the first time. Not every part of the zoo was open (everyone was still figuring out how the whole operating safely looked like - COVID was still a thing), but it was a treat nonetheless.
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| Entrance to Philadelphia Zoo aka America's First Zoo...also these photos scream 'I still had my Blackberry' - April 2021 |
As I scrolled through old photos, I realized I hadn’t left Lancaster since my trip to the German Christmas market in Philly last November. The winter had kept me in doors , but now that the sun is beginning to show itself again, I made a mental note to plan a small escape. Even if it was just for Trader Joe’s (Lancaster doesn’t have one).
I did not have a time line but today, as I finally pulled myself out of bed to make lunch, I checked the train schedule—just out of curiosity.
There was a 2:40 PM heading to Philly.
Just enough time to shower and leave.
And that’s exactly what I did...booked the ticket on my phone, showered, called an uber and was at the train station 5 minutes before departure.
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| All aboard - Lancaster Amtrak Train Station, April 2025 |
The train ride gave me a chance to sink back into Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest book. The main character is a travel writer who’s been to so many places, and as I read, I found myself reflecting on how much I miss traveling...also are we in agreement that we are not entertaining Darnell's in this new era (both the male and female versions?) because why? Ok I will not get into the book now.
An hour later, I was in Philadelphia - with no solid plans.
It just felt good to be out again.
With no set agenda, I explored Centre City, not venturing too far from the train station.
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| Google the back story of this place - Bankroll Philadelphia, Around and About Philadelphia - April 2025 |
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| My House Shall be Called The House of Prayer, Around and About Philadelphia - April 2025 |
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| Wish it was open...I would have liked to take a peep of the Wine School, Around and About Philadelphia - April 2025 |
After the walk, I went to Trader Joe's where I ended up spending less time there than I expected, which left me feeling oddly accomplished. I decided to go 'chill' at the train station and while there, decided to get a quick snack at Dunkin’—the only place open at the station (hadn't eaten all day). Let’s just say I regretted it. But those little missteps always make the better choices feel that much sweeter.
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| At the Philadelphia train station with my shopping from Trader Joe's - April 2025 |
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| Love this quote on the Trader Joe's Bag, Around and About Philadelphia - April 2025 |
As I waited for my return train, the overhead announcements echoed through the station, taking me back to the days when I used to travel frequently for work. I miss the buzz of airports and the rhythm of movement.
Every day something tells me I am ready to spread my wings again.
On that note, it’s been a while since I’ve been to New York.
Maybe next time, I’ll stay on the train and head to the city that never sleeps. And who knows—after that, maybe Europe will finally get a visit. Until then, I’ll be here. Savoring the slow pace of life. Making space for spontaneous detours. Staying open to all the ways I can keep moving forward—one small, beautiful moment at a time.
See you on the next adventure?
Sending love and light,
Sitawa
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