Trains used to be one of the preferred methods of transport around the world. Airplanes seem to have taken over that role, at least internationally, because of the ability to cover long distances in a fairly short amount of time.

    These days, however, air travel has become much more bothersome and time-consuming because of security concerns after September 11, 2001. So, many are returning to trains.

    I am not a great proponent of trains, simply because I like to be in control of my own itinerary and route. I am a road trip guy! But I do see the value of trains and occasionally use them.

    My favorite train ride was our trip on the Bullet (Maglev) Train in Shanghai, China. Imagine traveling two hundred miles per hour! The experience was exhilarating.

Shanghai's Bullet Train

   How sleek it is!

Maglev Train, Shanghai

    Other famous “trains” are geared more for tourists than for transportation. Check out the Conch Train in Key West

Conch Train, Key West

which takes passengers by all the major tourist sights of the town.

    In New Orleans, visitors to the city can ride through the Garden District on the St Charles Avenue Streetcar, a train of sorts.

St Charles Ave Streetcar

   And who would ever travel to San Francisco without taking a ride on a Cable Car, one of the city’s symbols.

Cable Car

   Recently Lee & I had a fabulous train ride on the Denali Express, in Alaska. The glass-domed cars allow passengers to truly see and experience the marvelous scenery and wildlife.

Denali Express, Alaska