Zitat von Pat

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Can I address the train issue? Train travel in the states doesn't compare to train travel in the UK......unless on the East Coast of the US. Cities are so much closer to each other there so train travel works. But as you travel west, the distances between larger cities is too vast to make it work well. And as it so often is less expensive to travel by air than by train, air travel is much more popular........and in some instances more practical time wise. The last time I was in the UK I traveled some by train and absolutely loved it. So easy. Like MaryAnn, most of us
travel by car to work. Does any of that makes sense?

If I could, I would move to the UK in a heartbeat! Who among you will sponsor MaryAnn and me so we can move to the UK?

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Hi Pat - Yes that makes a lot of sense - I had a look at Amtrak's site and like you say many of the routes were connecting the cities on the Eastern side.
Next time you plan to be in the UK let me know if there's any help you need re train travel as I'm directly connected to it! USA based visitors often purchase a BritRail Pass before leaving home. It gives you a certain number of consecutive or flexi days to use within a timeframe.
As regards sponsorship - if it means more crazy nights out like last Saturday's - bring it on

Pat is crazier then me, lol

Zitat von John Freeman

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Zitat von MaryAnn

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Zitat von John Freeman

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Zitat von MaryAnn

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Lovely comment Mike. Thanks and we all love to hear a beautiful British accent in the states. Yes we do have a lot in common and I feel very much at home here. I will be back and actually Pat and I are stating to make some plans as Pat has a friend in the UK as well. So double Yank trouble for all of you hopefully soon.

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Maybe next time you might like to visit Liverpool - home of The Beatles, and Manchester - where the Hollies group was formed?
http://www.beatlesstory.com/
http://www.prideofmanchester.com/music/AllanClarke.htm

I'm sure me and Chris could show you and Pat the sights

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As I would love to show you and your family Chicago. Please let me know if you decide to come over.

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It would be during the Summer, I'm sure they'll be loads of questions for you nearer the time

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Well if I am not back in the UK I would love to help you with Chicago info. What is making you visit Chicago?

Do you really want to know?
The kids have had plenty of holidays in the UK, but haven't been abroad.
I've never been to the States, so it would be great to have someone I know give us a helping hand.
That is why Chicago is a good starting point - the kids also have said they'd like to visit Universal Studios in Florida if poss.
How many hours is that from you by train or plane? Or would we hire a car to get there?
We'd have to sort the dates to fit in with you and Pat - otherwise we'll end up in Chicago as you're in Liverpool
Just had a quick look and found direct flights Manchester to Chicago so that's a start (Manchester Airport is a short drive for me)

Zitat von John Freeman

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Do you really want to know?
The kids have had plenty of holidays in the UK, but haven't been abroad.
I've never been to the States, so it would be great to have someone I know give us a helping hand.
That is why Chicago is a good starting point - the kids also have said they'd like to visit Universal Studios in Florida if poss.
How many hours is that from you by train or plane? Or would we hire a car to get there?
We'd have to sort the dates to fit in with you and Pat - otherwise we'll end up in Chicago as you're in Liverpool
Just had a quick look and found direct flights Manchester to Chicago so that's a start (Manchester Airport is a short drive for me)

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About 14-16 hours to drive from Chicago. You do not want to go to Florida in the summer unless you love excessive humidity and heat. Spring is always a great time for Florida. I have only been to Florida once on my honeymoon and it was August and horrible heat.

That's 4x the distance I drove last week to meet you and the crew
I like your new avatar