Rail tales and the Zen of train travel

Finding Peace, Patience, and Creative Inspiration Aboard the Amtrak California Zephyr

Greetings from the last car and the final guest room aboard the Amtrak California Zephyr! As I travel today from Truckee, California, winding down the hill through spectacular scenery, I’m heading toward Emeryville, California. There, I hope to meet my Valentine and share a warm, passionate kiss on this February 14th—Valentine's Day!

I began my journey with train travel a few years ago after being diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s known as Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA). Following my diagnosis, I visited Stanford, hoping to gain insight into this condition. After an MRI, the neurologist, who was the head of the neurology department at Stanford, scheduled a follow-up appointment to discuss the results. Naturally, this was an extremely nerve-racking experience for me.

When I returned to Stanford, I was shown the MRI images, which I still keep framed in my studio at home. It was fascinating to see a picture of my brain—something I’d never expected to experience. The following day, I returned for a full summary of my diagnosis. To my surprise, I was met by the neurologist and a woman who was nearing the end of her training to become a practicing neurologist.

Since the day was nice, they invited my friend and me to join them on the patio, overlooking the Stanford campus. This was a familiar place to me, as I had spent many years here growing up—my high school was across the street, and my father was a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

But what happened next shattered my sense of comfort. As we sat on the patio, the director of neurology asked the young neurologist to deliver my diagnosis. What followed was one of the most awkward moments of my life. She broke down in tears as she explained that I had PCA, a form of Alzheimer’s, and that it was terminal with no cure. As I listened to her, my heart pounded, and my eyes welled with tears. It was a surreal and emotional moment.

Shortly after, I was informed that, due to my condition, my driver's license would be confiscated, as my cognitive decline made it unsafe for me to operate a vehicle. Although the situation was difficult, I’ve kept my sense of humor intact, which has helped me remain upbeat as I’ve navigated the challenges of living with PCA.

A quick footnote: A few days later, when I returned to see the neurologist, I was told they would no longer be treating me and suggested I find another doctor for future care. So, with that, you can understand why I’ve become a frequent Amtrak passenger!

The California Zephyr: A Journey of Solitude, Inspiration, and Creativity

And now, back to the purpose of this post—welcoming you to my blog and the first episode of Rail Tales! Today, I’m sitting in my private guest room on the California Zephyr, traveling from Truckee to Emeryville on Valentine's Day, 2025. My room, called a "Roomette," offers a cozy space with a sleeping area, a private toilet, and panoramic views of the beautiful landscape from both sides of the train. I’ve come to cherish this journey, as it provides me with a sense of adventure and a much-needed escape from the rigors of daily life.

For me, train travel offers a chance for "alone time"—an opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and open my heart and mind to whatever might come. There’s no real agenda while traveling on the train, which allows for moments of introspection. It’s a time to take a break, to explore ideas and dreams, or simply to think deeply without distractions.

The sense of freedom and creativity that comes with this "free time" has allowed me to tap into my imagination in ways I never expected. As my dad would say, it’s the perfect opportunity for those “A-ha moments”—when a fleeting thought sparks a new idea or solves a problem that’s been weighing on my mind. For me, there’s a kind of Zen in this mix of time, space, and opportunity for reflection. It opens doors, sparks new ideas, and inspires creativity.

Despite the challenges that led me to this path, I consider it a blessing. It has reshaped my approach to life and helped me embrace patience, love, and kindness. In many ways, it has heightened my creativity and allowed me to grow both as a person and an artist. I’ve learned to cherish the small moments and appreciate the opportunity for personal growth.

On the Train, in the Moment

As the train moves along, I’m constantly in awe of the ever-changing landscape outside my window. Watching the world go by offers a unique perspective on both the world around me and my own life. Even as I approach Emeryville, where I’ll reunite with my Valentine, I can feel the excitement and anticipation building. It’s a reminder to cherish the people and moments that matter most.

I plan to share some videos and photographs from this trip with you, so feel free to take a look if you're interested. Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcome, and I’d love to hear from you.

Before I go, I encourage you to join my mailing list to stay updated on my ongoing projects, posts, and the progress of my upcoming music release.

All the best, and Imua!