Happy Birthday, Amtrak! I absolutely LOVE riding the train!

It is so much better than flying! Here is what a typical coach class seat looks like:

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Compare that to your typical coach seat on an airplane. But you aren't belted into your seat for the trip, so you can get up and walk around. You can visit the Sightseer lounge if you like:

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There is a snack concession stand downstairs where you can purchase sandwiches and drinks. With the large wrap-around windows, it is the perfect place to take in the sights outside the window. Like the California coast:

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Or the Pecos River in West Texas:

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Or a blizzard in Arizona:

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Or Dealy Plaza in Dallas:

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But you don't have to buy you food in the Snack bar or the Dining Car if you don't want to. The food they sell is very expensive, so I bring all my own food aboard. This is a typical lunch:

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Cost is about $3. A typical dinner costs about $4, except for the booze:

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Coach passengers cannot partake of their own supply of alcohol, but sleeper passengers may bring their own. You can also get off the train at the longer stops, if you smoke:

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And you get to visit some historic old stations, like Union Station in Los Angeles:

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In two weeks, I get my next trip from Texas to Seattle to visit my son. I can't wait! Thanks, Amtrak!