The Amtrak rail service works a little differently compared with the rail system in Europe. Although the train travel system in Europe is very efficient, I also find it a little more stressful compared with my trips using Amtrak. With Amtrak, I was forced to be in the station an hour before my scheduled trip. It works similarly like taking the plane. This gives me time to relax while waiting for my trip.
Our first Amtrak trip was supposedly from Toronto to New York. However, my cousin offered to drive us all the way to New York from Toronto, an 11 hours drive. We toured around New York and visited famous landmarks including the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller, Times Square and so on. From New York we visited a friend in Delaware. From Delaware, our friend drove us to Washington D.C. In D.C we took a day tour and visited the white house and the surrounding tourist areas. Stayed over for two days and then headed to Florida.
We left the Union Station in Washington D.C. around 3p.m and headed to Orlando, Florida. We stopped over Philadelphia Union Station for our dinner and continued our trip to Florida. At 8:30 a.m the following day, we arrived at Orlando, Florida. From there we took a taxi going to our hotel near the Universal Studios. We stayed in Florida for 3 days. From there we continued our trip and headed to Flagstaff, Arizona. The trip from Orlando to Flagstaff almost took us two days, if I remember it right. We arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona about 11 p.m. according to my watch set to central time. Check time zones when travelling. Arizona is under mountain time which is an hour earlier than central time.
Prior to travelling, I have already looked for a tour operator going to the Grand Canyon. I was so glad I found the AMERICAN DREAM TOURS. Their service was outstanding. Our guide, Kevin gave us a very personalized tour complete with high powered telescopes, lunch with champagne, and loads of fun along the way.
From Arizona we proceeded to L.A. Unfortunately in L.A. I booked a hotel almost an hour away from the City Center. Spend $100 for taxi alone which was not worth it. Anyway, frustrations are part and parcel of any trip, but you have to go on and not let disappointments ruin your holiday.
From L.A we went to Chicago on board the AMTRAK SOUTHWEST CHIEF. The route coming from L.A to Chicago is very historical, passing along New Mexico, the reservation area, it was such a fun and educational route. There is usually a tour guide on board these routes. It took us almost 3 days in the train but it was fun nevertheless, meeting friends and people along the way. That's the beauty of every trip we make. Meeting people and gaining friends not just visiting places. It is more our interaction with people and seeing life unfold before our eyes as we look out through our train window.
From Chicago, we went to Milwaukee and stayed for a week visiting friends and family, After which we travelled to Denver, Colorado and then Colorado Springs. After three days we went back to Wisconsin and then Toronto.
We enjoyed our trip no matter how long. We could not have done it if not for the North America Rail Pass. We were able to travel miles and miles, saw places and people. We could have spend thousands if we took the plane or spend arduous hours on the road if we drove to those destinations.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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