I had business in Washington yesterday (and met many delightful people at the event), and then had to get to New York. Rather than go via my typical travel mode (flying), I decided to take Amtrak. It was delightful! I took the "Acela" train (very few stops), and it took only 2:40 from Union Station in Washington to Penn Station in NYC. I felt like I was traveling in another era: the grandeur of Union Station, no TSA (no shoe removal, etc.), no landing in Queens, nice views along the way. All in all, a relaxing trip.
Here is a shot I took out the window when the train stopped in Baltimore. The caption says: "Why study the stars? They all look the same to me." Which is ascribed to an apprentice of Galileo. The point of the ad: you need to listen to people with different points of view.
I'm glad you had a relaxing trip. And it's sooo much better for the environment too :)
Joanna
Posted by: Joanna Young | 18 April 2007 at 11:34 AM
Roger: I've spent many an hour on the Metroliner between DC and NYC (or Philly's beautiful 30th St Station). It sure beats air travel.
If you want to complete the anthropological mobile trifecta, why not take the Greyhound Bus next time? Port Authority is beautiful in its own post-apocalyptic way, too.
Posted by: Stephen Denny | 19 April 2007 at 09:21 AM
Joanna: I wish I could go as easily from Palo Alto to LA as this trip was.
Stephen: Maybe next time I'll hitchhike. That would both take me back to my youth (over 30,000 miles hitchhiked then) and be a "networking opportunity" as well.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 19 April 2007 at 07:53 PM
Roger- I took a train from Harrisburg, PA up to NYC last summer and I completely echo your thoughts on the matter. Looking back on the experience it was great. The seats were spacious, the train had power for my laptop, and it was pretty quiet as well. A few hours of work and I was in Penn Station connecting to my next subway stop.
I'd gladly do it again.
Thanks for helping me remember!
Posted by: Gavin Baker | 20 April 2007 at 12:28 PM