Trains

(Second of three parts on Australia, jump to part 1,

We spent a great 2½-week vacation in Haarlem (Netherlands), Paris and London in May ’05.

When I travel, I collect pyramids, train trips, ancient wonders, Art Deco cities and more by visiting them and writing down the where and when. One of my favorite collection categories is “bridges,” and I came across one of the most unique purely by accident in February ’06.

by Jay Brunhouse

We traveled by train and Norwegian coastal steamer throughout Northern Europe in August ’05. Here are some of our “finds.”

by Jay Brunhouse

My wife and I find that the train system in Japan is really efficient. Their departures and arrivals are timed with precision; the cars are very clean, and the system gives wheelchair users very good service. Also, when you tell them your destination, the ticketing agent takes into account various station changes. That’s much easier than looking up the timetables.

An article in the June ’05 issue of ITN, “Inca Ruins and Amazing Animals on a Private Tour of Peru and Ecuador” by Fred DeVinney, prompted us to contact Elizabeth Sanders of Tropical Nature Travel (Gainesville, FL; phone 877/827-8350 or visit www.tropicalnaturetravel.com).

Here are our comments about our transatlantic voyage, Aug. 27-Sept. 12, ’04, aboard the Grand Princess of Princess Cruises (Santa Clarita, CA; phone 800/774-6237 or visit www.princesscruises.com).