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trains here almost always run on time...if they're running that is. you never can tell when there will be a strike. but even so, i don't believe i've ever had a train be late, actually, in all the travelling i've done in europe.

but i've been on amtrak several times, and don't ever remember being on time.

i wonder why that is? it's like some bizarro part of an alternate universe. because, think about it. america is like, the world headquarters of customer service (at least compared to europe). also americans work harder (trust me on this one), and expect more from companies they pay money to for a service. and not only are trains never on time there, but they're frightfully expensive, especially considering what a pain in the ass they are.

now, here in europe, they never bother going to work before ten a.m. (only to take a paid coffee break at 10.30), and they sneer at you when you walk in the door to pay them money for something they have that you want as if you have completely ruined their day because now they're going to have to talk to someone, maybe offer a few words of advice, and (GASP!) punch things into a computer or cash register in order to take money from you. but the trains are on time. always. and they're cheap. i can get to paris and back for roughly sixty bucks. and tristan only pays 16.

it's just so confusing. how can a PLANE be cheaper than a train??? i have found this to be the case on at least a few occasions, especially when headed in the chicago direction.