Eugene holds a special place in my heart as the first out of state destination I traveled to on my own. I traveled here two times, both times with the Amtrak Coast Starlight on an over night journey out of Diridon Stations in San Jose. This is one of those trips I can remember every moment of, having over planned the trip due to anxiety and money constraints. I distinctly recall reaching my hotel room, the first time I had ever paid for one on my own, and just getting this overwhelming feeling of excitement. It was the first trip I’d gone on where I could choose where and when I ate, what time I wanted to go to bed, what stupid little shops I could stop at. Those times I’d gone amounted to what I would consider to being perfect trips. Good food, good weather, great people. One of the few cities I would move to should I leave California.