Planes and Trains ***

The two most popular methods of travel between DC and Manhattan are by plane (i.e., "the shuttle") or by train, which means The Acela. Most people fall into one category or the other. Those who chose plane, I find, are more likely to be afflicted with ADD. As you can probably tell, I'm a train girl. But specifically, a fan of The Acela, which is the faster, nicer (all business class) train. And on the Acela, I find myself at home in the "quiet car", where loud-talkers, cell phones, and children are banned. Well, technically, I suppose that children can't be banned, but you never see them there. It's a small piece of utopia, especially en route to the bustling city of Gotham. While it's true, the plane may get you there faster, the train takes you from one downtown to the other without any standing in line. On the train, you have more leg room, larger seats, and that nice, gentle, rocking motion that always lulls me to sleep. Granted, the security is lacking, and this day in age that's a little scary. But I still love the train and give it three out of four stars. ***