There has NEVER been a time in life when I thought about going to Vermont. Like, not for nothing. I really saw no purpose other than to say I did it. That and syrup.

When I moved back to the North East Corridor, my thoughts on certain places began to change. I had to take a job to St. Albans, VT (about 15 miles south of Canada) and it was a little interesting. Cold, but definitely interesting. This included all of the little towns we'd pass through. I wondered if I could ever really live in towns like that. The people were pretty nice and the negative whatever degree weather wasn't so bad since I'd run from the platform to my cab who was always waiting upon arrival. They only bad part was the that the layover was so short. You really didn't have time to do much other than eat and get ready to leave in the morning.

Fast forward a few months, I now have to go to Rutland, VT instead of St. Albans. Rutland was different. Still a small town, it seemed to have a lot more around. On a long layover, I decided to take advantage and walked around since there was a few strip malls at the main road. I found an Applebee's type of establishment to have lunch at before I got ready to get back on the road. It was extremely obvious that I wasn't from the area. I sat at the bar and the waitress promptly came over to introduce herself and to let me know of the specials.

The group of 6 or so men sitting across from me kind of just looked at me and continued watching the game. One lady was sitting next to me and soon after, another joined on the other side of me. Both were pleasant and we exchanged small talk.

Being the only Black person felt slightly weird yet powerful. I went into several stores afterwards and it was the same case. People just looked. Of course, I had my headphones in and didn't pay it much mind but I still felt the stares.

Although I didn't get to really enjoy the scenery and explore much, what I did see was beautiful. I was actually pretty upset that I couldn't get more pictures. Part of traveling is being open-minded and willing to do things you wouldn't normally do. Luckily for me, I was paid to do it so I definitely took advantage.

Experience things.