That's right, Gui and I are taking a train to Austin. No, it's not the Polar Express, but we booked tickets on the Amtrak Texas Eagle to get to Austin after spending a weekend in San Antonio. It's a real, live, breathing passenger train that serves the central Texas area! We thought we'd save ourselves the hassle of renting a car one-way and spare our friends or family a boring drive from Austin to pick us up, as well as be conscious of our ecological footprint by sticking to public transportation. Plus, it's so much nicer to have someone else in charge of the driving.
When Gui first asked me if we could take a train to Austin from San Antonio, my cynical American response was, "yeah right." But, lo and behold, there actually is a train in Texas that transports more than cattle and horses! With the rising cost of gas (I heard it's something like $3.78/gallon on average today), it's worth taking a look to see if Amtrak serves the places you're traveling to around the States - our tickets were only 15 bucks a piece (less than gas would have been). The only downside to our ride is that we'll have to leave super early in the morning (luckily, the best tacos in San Antonio are available 24-hours, so we'll be stopping by at 5 a.m to scoop some up), and there's only one departure per day. Maybe with all the demand for public transport in the States, they'll finally put into place the so-called Texas T-Bone Corridor that would connect some Texas cities by rail and make taking the train more convenient for travelers. Or, maybe I've just become a silly, optimistic European already.
When Gui first asked me if we could take a train to Austin from San Antonio, my cynical American response was, "yeah right." But, lo and behold, there actually is a train in Texas that transports more than cattle and horses! With the rising cost of gas (I heard it's something like $3.78/gallon on average today), it's worth taking a look to see if Amtrak serves the places you're traveling to around the States - our tickets were only 15 bucks a piece (less than gas would have been). The only downside to our ride is that we'll have to leave super early in the morning (luckily, the best tacos in San Antonio are available 24-hours, so we'll be stopping by at 5 a.m to scoop some up), and there's only one departure per day. Maybe with all the demand for public transport in the States, they'll finally put into place the so-called Texas T-Bone Corridor that would connect some Texas cities by rail and make taking the train more convenient for travelers. Or, maybe I've just become a silly, optimistic European already.
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Sarah & Gui: I am STILL laughing. How long is the ride? Hey! Sarah don't forget to say hello to all the people of Kyle as you pass by our former town! AMTRAK goes right through downtown Kyle.
ReplyDeleteI've got another great idea! Joe and I should try to catch the AMTRAK from Dallas to Austin! :) Naaaahhh! Maybe I'll have a new car by then.
Love you,
Mum
so you are going to stuff your bandana with your personal belongings and carry it with a stick huh? Don't forget to jump out at the right time.
ReplyDeleteOh- I am so anxious to read the review on your Amtrak experience!
Seriously? I thought you were just in Texas? You are back again? I need some kind of pow wow so I can get good paris tips. The go date is coming sooner than I think I think it is!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm coming back to Texas - with Guillaume this time! We're spending some time in San Antonio first, then heading to Austin to meet up with my family and our friends. So, we'll see you soon!
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