answer:My favorite train rides (and there haven’t been many) happened when I made the attempt to shed the stressful environment of the military lifestyle and escape from Waukegan to big city Chicago. I would get up very early (which is why I almost always went alone.. I couldn’t convince anyone else to get up on a weekend and go do something) and go wander the streets. I would marvel at the street performers, admire the different art (or attempts at art) displayed around the city, and purchase things which I didn’t need. But I’m getting off topic. The train trip itself was relaxing and took about an hour if I remember right. The scenery wasn’t great, but it was the idea of the trip that was most pleasant. I was escaping! For one day I was going to be a civilian… one of a number instead of being a number. I’ll never forget an interaction (if it can be called that) with a girl on the train. I was on the uppderdeck of the train and she on the bottom. She was beautiful and I couldn’t help staring. Now, I was a quiet fellow back then so this next part really meant something (at least to me): I decided I would talk to her when we arrived in Chicago. I would find out what was going on in her life, maybe spend the day in Chicago with her if we hit it off. Upon arrival in Chicago I noticed her exit the train station and the door closed behind her. I hurried my step a bit to catch up.. I had to meet her. When I got to the door and opened it she was gone. I’ve no idea what corner she went around but… in retrospect she probably thought I was stalking her or something.. It was, after all, the big city.. not the quiet, friendly town where I grew up. Being young and impressionable as I was it put a bit of a damper on the whole day. I roamed the city feeling melancholy.. feeling as if I’d missed a connection that would never again present itself. I’ve never once been back to Chicago.. and that train ride home was dark and dull. Call it what you will. I was a different person back then.