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I took the train dozens of times!
I'm French, and travelling on the TGV (high speed train) is the best way to get from one place to the other there.
I've also been on "regular" trains in France, England, Ireland, I enjoy that a lot! It leaves you plenty of time to read, or just enjoy the scenery!
I've taken one long-distance train trip, but it was clear back in 1984. I can tell you, though, that I had a great time.
I went with my Mom, on Amtrack, from L.A. to Chicago and back. The whole trip was her idea. We splurged and went lst class with a room of our own with a private bath. We figured this was our one and only shot at doing this so why not do it "right"?
I have no idea how it is now, but the Amtrack employees were all great. They got a big kick out of two novices taking their first train trip and went out of their way to help us. We weren't even sure on how to use the dining car so they were pretty much holding our hands. I have memories of going to the snack bar and coming back with Hagen Daz, and little bottles of wine which we enjoyed while watching the Rocky Mountains go by.
There was an upper berth and a lower berth and I just could not sleep "upstairs", so my 57 year old mother climbed the ladder at night. The porter thought that was hilarious. Everyone was so great we gave them generous tips at the end of the trip.
One of the best times we ever had together and a very happy memory.
I took one from Tampa to New Orleans in Summer 2005. Well, technically from Orlando to New Orleans, as we had to take an Amtrak bus out of Tampa. I loved it. You have access to views that are sometimes impossible to replicate when traveling by car. Amtrak staff was great...they always were very friendly and helpful. Don't expect to get anywhere on time, though. Amtrak shares the tracks with freight trains, which have the right-of-way.
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