Some of the more interesting conversations I’ve had have been—this will not surprise most of you—over meals in Amtrak dining cars. And that’s especially true when I’ve been sitting with someone from another country. Most of them—especially the Europeans—are awed by the size of our country and many of them struggle with all the…
This seems like the appropriate day to consider where we’re at—as a nation, I mean—especially during a presidential election year. So far, the campaign has been a monumental disappointment. We ought to be hearing intelligent discussion of real issues; instead, one candidate gives us political platitudes; the other bombast and bullshit, adhering to to…
This is my hotel here in Lucca. There are only 24 rooms and, while a wonderful breakfast buffet is included, there is no dining room for other meals. There are a dozen restaurants within a few minutes walk, however, and last night I chose a comfortable looking one with just eight or ten tables. By…
Most Americans focus on time when they travel … how long it takes to reach their destination. Here’s a conversation I’ve probably had a hundred times over the years when someone learns that I’ve just traveled halfway across the country by train: Them: Really? By train? From L.A. to Chicago? Me: That’s right. Them: Wow!…