While I was searching for a fun image for today’s puzzle, I came across this photo of a passenger train. I realized that I haven’t ridden a train since I was last in Europe in 1992. I rode them regularly, especially toward the end of my tour in Germany when my unit moved 80 miles away and my family didn’t want to leave the small town we were living in, where the kids attended a really nice German school. So, I either drove the 80 miles, often sleeping on a friend’s couch that night if work ended too late for me to head home safely, or I rode the train between those two towns, which was a total blast. On the way to work, it was quiet and I napped. On the way back, I hung out in the dining car, drank beer with the other commuters, and arrived back home still feeling fresh. It made for long days, but my family was happy, and I got a daily chance to work on German language skills.

Anyway, back to trains. I think I’d like to take a ride on an Amtrak train. Not any long journey—maybe just to New Orleans or Memphis, just for the train ride and a quick visit to two cities I really enjoy. Or, and this is a bucket list trip, I’d love to take the train to Salem, Massachusetts.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle then let me know whether you’ve ever ridden a train. What was your experience? Any recommendations for train trips?