Hi Doydie,

I went to Chicago a few years ago, and took Amtrak from there, through Indiana, to Kalamazoo, Michigan. I don't remember how long the trip took (maybe somewhere about 5 hrs ), but I loved it. The cost was only something like $80 round trip too, which is probably cheaper then gas (especially now-a-days).

I don't know that I would enjoy a trip where I stayed on there for days on end, but I think it's a great way to get around. The scenery is great. I won't forget that never-ending (goes on for 5 miles, I'm sure) set of old buildings just over the Illinois border, in Indiana. The business was Matel (or something like that), and I couldn't wait to research it when I got to a computer. Amazing & creepy!

The major difficulty I had was when I arrived at my destination, especially if I needed to transfer to the metro trains. That happened in Chicago, where I had to walk about 4 blocks to get to the suburb train, with way too much luggage. Then, when I got off that train, I had to get to my destination still . . . and there were no phones to be found (to call a cab). I eventually found a sleezy bar that let me use their phone.

I loved the trip though, in small doses. I took a book, and when I wasn't reading, I was people-watching. I didn't like having to drag my bags everywhere (i.e. coffee lounge) as I wasn't about to leave them unattended. Overall, it was a great and relaxing experience, and I'd do it again.

Cherie