Hi everyone! Our California adventure has begun! We left Chicago via the train on Saturday, and arrived into Union Station in Los Angeles today (Monday). Along the way I saw sights I have never, ever witnessed before! I thought I’d share a picture of New Mexico that I took from the train window yesterday just as sunset was approaching. My goodness, I was overwhelmed by the ‘wild west’ topography, and the orange soil was absolutely surreal.
I will post much more, but for now I wanted to show you a tiny bit of what we saw along the way!!
The Chicago Files 
Enjoy the journey!! Embrace the differences! Live each moment as it happens.
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Thank you, Val! It’s really wonderful to see the differences across the country! I love it! Cher xo
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Apologies for calling you Deb, Cher!! I was speaking to a colleague Deb just now. She is pretty cool … as are you!
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I don’t think you called me Deb, Val; but I shall take the lovely compliment all the same! Thank you!! 🙂 🙂 Cher xo
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🙂
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Gorgeous! Enjoy your journey. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Steven! I look forward to posting more (and of course writing about Long Beach, and LA!) Cher xo
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Looking forward to them. 🙂
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Ah, thanks Steven!! Muchly appreciated! Cher xo
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I’m not a big fan of desert landscapes, but New Mexico really has some amazing views.
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Hi Josh! I had never seen this type of landscape before, but yes, it sure does have some amazing views, doesn’t it? I’m used to flat, flat, and more flat! Oh, and the city, but it’s flat too! 🙂 Cher xo
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That desert is much more beautiful than my desert. The coloring and the rocks are so cool.
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I found the coloring and the rocks cool too, Josh! I’m a ocean/lake kinda person, so it was a huge contrast to what I like. And yet, there was something really interesting about this area of the world! Cher xo
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Welcome to the West Coast! Enjoy your holiday Cher. 🙂
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Hey John! Thank you, kind sir! It’s a completely different world for me! Cher xo
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The desert is awesomeness! If you ever come to vegas, we must meet up!
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Consider it done, John! We went through Las Vegas, New Mexico! I thought, um, there is something wrong with this picture. After all, there is really only ONE Vegas, right John? *LOL* Cher xo
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My sister and her husband left the big city of Long Beach and retired to Albuquerque. One drive along I40 is all you need to know the reason why.
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Ah, yes! We stopped in Albuquerque! But I am sure the I40 will tell all as to why they moved from LB to Albuquerque. Mind you, John, I love LB!! Cher xo
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What a view Cher 🙂 Enjoy your trip.
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Thank you so much, Irene! It is an amazing series of changing landscapes! Cher xo
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“What a wonderful World”…
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It surely is, dearie!!! Cher xo
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Have a good time Cher – nothing like travel.
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Why thank you so much, Don! I quite agree! Cher xo
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Yes it’s pretty. I love Taos up in the mountains and Carlsbad down in the caverns. Great state to play in.
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I would love to see the Carlsbad Caverns, Jane! I have only heard of them! Cher xo
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You are!
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Indeed it is, isn’t it, David? Cher xo
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Wow – amazing photo, Cher – looks like the trip is going well so far 🙂 xx
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Thank you, Helen! I was overwhelmed when I first started to see the ‘orange’ soil! How strange to me and how lovely at the same time! Ah, it sure is! Thanks, Helen! We are settled nicely in California for our vacation but oh my is it hot! Extremely hot for this area. When the locals complain about the heat, you know it’s hot! *LOL* Cher xo
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Yes, it is strange to see, I remember seeing the red soil in Australia for the first time, and how different it seemed! And it’s good to hear California is hot – we are heading that way in a few weeks time and it will be nice to escape the UK cold for a little while 🙂 Enjoy your trip xx
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Oh yes, I’ll be it was strange, Helen! Something from another planet! Oh are you? That’s wonderful to hear! In Southern California, they normally have very consistent temps all year. However, there is somewhat of a heat wave so you won’t be cold, that is guaranteed!! And I can’t wait to hear about your trip in a few weeks time! Thank you, Helen! Cher xo
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Knockout photo!
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Thank you, Hilary! I had only seen photos of this particular area until our train trip! What a diverse topography! Cher xo
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Looks like you’re going to have a fantastic time in California Cher, if your train journey is anything to go by! Enjoy your holiday 🙂
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Thank you so kindly, my dear! I think we are too! The train journey was almost like a ‘starter item’ on a menu; now onto the main course!! Equally as delightful I’m sure!! Cher xo
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It looks so much like the Southwest in the US. Stunning.
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Yes, this photo is actually from the Southwest US! It’s the state of New Mexico. I wasn’t sure what city we were near at the time (since I couldn’t see virtually any civilization from the train)! *LOL* But yes, truly stunning, isn’t it? Cher xo
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How wonderful! Have a fantastic time there!
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Thank you so much, dear Indah! We are now in California and absolutely love it!! Lots more to post!! Cher xo
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Wow, this is like a dream trip! I once took the train from San Francisco over the mountains and on to Chicago. That was beautiful. I’d love to do the southern route you’ve take, Cher.
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Hi Mike! Oh did you? That must have been an incredible journey! Yes, this route is surreal, Mike! I think you’d love it! Cher xo
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🙂 more more
put the pot on the fire and get out the cake 🙂
X Nx
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Biggest grin! That’s right, Niki! Cher xo
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Congratulations. I hope you’re having fun!
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Hi Joseph! Thank you! We just got back to Chicago tonight, actually! I will be posting soon with lots of photos! Cher xo
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Stunning photo!!
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Why thank you! Cher xo
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