"US Notes an ..." a United States of America Travel Page by johngayton

OK I got stuck for 2 hours in Buffalo waiting for the train to Toronto, but with a total of five journeys, covering some 1,000+ miles, 6 states and 2 countries, an odd couple of hours is niether here nor there. Train travel is not a big thing in America these days despite the fact that it was the railroads that really opened the country up, which is a shame as I found the trains clean, comfortable (with plenty of leg room), not overcrowded and the train crews were all, without exception, both friendly and helpful.

This makes it kinda difficult to decide what to say in this intro chapter, what to prioritise - do I start with the first train announcement as we were leaving Boston heading for New York?

BTW That announcement was, and I quote pretty much literally: "Will the lady with the iguana on the train please get off at 128.....no iguana's allowed on the train!"

Or do I start with the conductors advice, on the same train, about using a cardboard box from the restaurant car as a flash shield for my camera when taking pictures out of the window?

Or pulling up for a refuelling stop at New Haven where the announcement was: "The train will stop here for about 10 minutes, if anyone wants a smoke this would be a good time to alight and do so - no pot please!" ?

With so many decisions I'll stick to my stated travel interests - "Rail Trip, Culinary Trip and Beer Tasting" and hence the above pic.