I’m back in town. While I have not been able to blog normally, I have been Twittering my journey across the United States of America via The Twitter (aka @njudah) when I can. I have to say it’s been interesting to say the least. First, that AT&T makes tethering a laptop so *&$%! difficult and overly pricey, second that you can get a 3g or an EDGE signal in places you would never think possible!
I have hella photos from the trip that I’ll be posting, and a number of stories I’ll be posting soon too. For now, all I can say is that it’s not Nirvana, but it doesn’t suck. In many ways, it’s an example of lost potential, and for many people who rely on Amtrak in places where airlines will never serve, it’s a lifeline.
And now folks in DC want to kill it for ideological reasons.
People, it doesn’t have to be this way. Everyone can win. We can do better. If we want to.
More later!
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I’ve made the cross-country trip (SF to NYC and back) twice. The first time, way back in 1983, I traveled coach. Loved the experience in spite of the discomforts — but I was young and it was a romantic adventure.
The second trip was in 1999; that time I could afford a first class sleeper cabinette, which was a whole different experience. Had a blast.
In ’83 Amtrak was still a pretty iffy concern; the train stock was old and dowdy, windows too filthy to really enjoy the scenery. The contrast (improvement) by 1999 was striking. I don’t doubt that Amtrak still has issues today, but I’d do the trip again in a heartbeat.
The best part, both times, was getting to know my fellow passengers; I met some fascinating people on the train (everyone had a story about why they were traveling by rail instead of just flying to wherever). Anyway, I look forward to reading about your experience (and enjoying the pics).
-Scott (a fan in the inner Sunset)
I did this recently. Less than $200, and I got to take a walk around interesting parts of both Chicago and DC, where I’d never been. If you have the time, I recommend it.