Pencils ready? Good. Compare and contrast traveling across the country by train or plane.
Didn't know there'd be homework, did you? Feeling a tad stumped? Allow me.
If you're not in a hurry and actually want to see the country, perhaps chat with fellow passengers, freely roam through the cars, my vote goes to the train.
I just rode the Amtrak Empire Builder from Portland, Oregon to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Yes, it took about two days but my only worries during those nearly forty-eight hours were what to order in the dining car.
Well, that's not entirely true. The morning of day one, I attempted to shower while the train was zipping across Montana. I've never been in the shower during an earthquake, but I think I get the idea. Hang on to that shampoo bottle -- and the grip rod --- it's one bumpy ride. Passengers wtih balance issues? Slap a little water on your face in the loo and think refreshing thoughts.
Security? No removing of shoes or any other clothing, no body scanners, no pat-downs. You felt like a guest, not a potential criminal. Guess the Empire Building isn't on any watch list -- too slow, too folksy?
When we arrived in Milwaukee -- on time, by the way -- I felt relaxed and a bit sad that my trip was over. When I fly I'm always so extremely relieved by a safe landing that I mentally thank a higher power and any and all saints I can remember from my Catholic school days. In my head I give a round of applause for the pilot, crew, mechanics, air traffic controllers, ground crew, the guy who sold me a bag of chips in the terminal, the womens' room attendant, their families and friends and on and on.
So I made it back home in a mere four hours but there are no stories or memories like I have travelling east.
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