New Orleans to Chicago by train - 19hrs across America
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
-MichaelLaFrance1
I took this trip in a few times when I was a kid in the late 60s and early 70s, and it was a blast. The sleeper compartments were clean and comfortable (and seemed big, because I was a kid, they had Pullman restaurant cars with great food served on china, and the observation car was a great place to see America as we passed through all the farmland, forests, towns, and cities along the way. The adults hung out in the bar car, drinking and smoking. (all the smoke wasn't as much fun. Overall, it remains a fond memory. My last trip was in the 1990s, it wasn't very pleasant, service had degraded, and the train was dirty. I would definitely try it again on the newer trains. I love train travel, it's a shame we don't use it as extensively as they do in other countries.
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I took this trip in a few times when I was a kid in the late 60s and early 70s, and it was a blast. The sleeper compartments were clean and comfortable (and seemed big, because I was a kid, they had Pullman restaurant cars with great food served on china, and the observation car was a great place to see America as we passed through all the farmland, forests, towns, and cities along the way. The adults hung out in the bar car, drinking and smoking. (all the smoke wasn't as much fun. Overall, it remains a fond memory. My last trip was in the 1990s, it wasn't very pleasant, service had degraded, and the train was dirty. I would definitely try it again on the newer trains. I love train travel, it's a shame we don't use it as extensively as they do in other countries.
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-keithtanner2806
We did this journey in the opposite direction in September 2000 as I recall the fare was $258 for a First Class cabin for 2 with steward, 2 excellent meals and observation car with videos. We were the only persons in the observation car throughout the journey. We found Chicago Union Station amazing but I don-t recall anything about New Orleans Station except that it was hot!
We made one mistake though, as we had almost 6hrs to await departure we checked in our baggage early assuming that it would be ready in our room but it wasn-t. It had been placed in a baggage car consequently we had just what we were standing up in for the whole journey!
On collecting the bags at NOL we found them covered in fine, filthy dust. -
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We did this journey in the opposite direction in September 2000 as I recall the fare was $258 for a First Class cabin for 2 with steward, 2 excellent meals and observation car with videos. We were the only persons in the observation car throughout the journey. We found Chicago Union Station amazing but I don-t recall anything about New Orleans Station except that it was hot!
We made one mistake though, as we had almost 6hrs to await departure we checked in our baggage early assuming that it would be ready in our room but it wasn-t. It had been placed in a baggage car consequently we had just what we were standing up in for the whole journey!
On collecting the bags at NOL we found them covered in fine, filthy dust. -
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-abc-wv4in
Service, delays, etc. vary a lot on Amtrak. Many of the delays are not Amtrak's fault. Overall I've found the Crescent's crews to be the friendliest and most helpful and one of the CZ's the worst. A laid-back attitude and no close connections really help when traveling on Amtrak. It also helps if you just like trains!
It's a shame and wasteful that the dining cars are not being used with full dining service for all passengers on the eastern long distance trains. Poor management. They bought new dining cars and then refused to use the kitchens in them. Hopefully that has or will change.
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Service, delays, etc. vary a lot on Amtrak. Many of the delays are not Amtrak's fault. Overall I've found the Crescent's crews to be the friendliest and most helpful and one of the CZ's the worst. A laid-back attitude and no close connections really help when traveling on Amtrak. It also helps if you just like trains!
It's a shame and wasteful that the dining cars are not being used with full dining service for all passengers on the eastern long distance trains. Poor management. They bought new dining cars and then refused to use the kitchens in them. Hopefully that has or will change.
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-chrisreinert9981
I took this train back in the late 50's with my mother and 3 younger brothers. What I remember best is when the train stopped at the Missouri border, we were going south, and a conductor went through the train telling the -colored- people that they had to move to back of the train. My mother took my youngest brother in her arms and us 3 older kids trailed behind, along with the -colored- and a few other -whites- followed the conductor the last car. The car was obviously an older model with vertical painted wooden cladding and slatted wooden benches.
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I took this train back in the late 50's with my mother and 3 younger brothers. What I remember best is when the train stopped at the Missouri border, we were going south, and a conductor went through the train telling the -colored- people that they had to move to back of the train. My mother took my youngest brother in her arms and us 3 older kids trailed behind, along with the -colored- and a few other -whites- followed the conductor the last car. The car was obviously an older model with vertical painted wooden cladding and slatted wooden benches.
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-joermnyc
Sunset Limited used to run to Florida (really was the only true one seat/sleeper compartment cross country service) but after a Hurricane damaged the tracks, the freight company decided it was cheaper to repair their track without the rating for passenger rail. Congress is trying to remedy this, but the rail company complains that there-s -no room- in the schedule for Amtrak, even though people in the area (who want passenger service) have recorded video of how few trains a day actually use the line! That-s awful.
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Sunset Limited used to run to Florida (really was the only true one seat/sleeper compartment cross country service) but after a Hurricane damaged the tracks, the freight company decided it was cheaper to repair their track without the rating for passenger rail. Congress is trying to remedy this, but the rail company complains that there-s -no room- in the schedule for Amtrak, even though people in the area (who want passenger service) have recorded video of how few trains a day actually use the line! That-s awful.
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-jimpern
While I've ridden in Amtrak roomettes, I've never done it in a bedroom, but at the price you paid, I'd do the same! The one time I had to use -flexible- dining on my recent trip, on board the Crescent, I went for the braised beef, which was very good, though still not as good as the flatiron steak in the traditional diner. I know you love the blondie, but I can assure you that the brownie is just as good! Thanks for the video.
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While I've ridden in Amtrak roomettes, I've never done it in a bedroom, but at the price you paid, I'd do the same! The one time I had to use -flexible- dining on my recent trip, on board the Crescent, I went for the braised beef, which was very good, though still not as good as the flatiron steak in the traditional diner. I know you love the blondie, but I can assure you that the brownie is just as good! Thanks for the video.
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-PaulCashman
Another great video!
BNSF generally tries to prioritize the Southwest Chief -- we used to watch the dispatching process on ATCS Monitor, and it's quite a dance back and forth around the freights -- but something often comes up. Heavy freight traffic, or the Fort Madison bridge opens to allow a barge to pass on the Mississippi, or a bottleneck forms at the single-track Sibley bridge. They do what they can.
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Another great video!
BNSF generally tries to prioritize the Southwest Chief -- we used to watch the dispatching process on ATCS Monitor, and it's quite a dance back and forth around the freights -- but something often comes up. Heavy freight traffic, or the Fort Madison bridge opens to allow a barge to pass on the Mississippi, or a bottleneck forms at the single-track Sibley bridge. They do what they can.
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-jyeturk7
My dad worked for Amtrak for about 30 years. He Spent a good amount of time as a sleeping car attendant and this was his primary route for several years, we're from new orleans.
Ive been on this route quite literally around 25 times dating back to the mid 90s. While its a shame at the regression of the service and the cars, to this day, a sleeping car trip is one of my favorite past times in life.
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My dad worked for Amtrak for about 30 years. He Spent a good amount of time as a sleeping car attendant and this was his primary route for several years, we're from new orleans.
Ive been on this route quite literally around 25 times dating back to the mid 90s. While its a shame at the regression of the service and the cars, to this day, a sleeping car trip is one of my favorite past times in life.
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-TricksterDa
If there were real bullet trains running on tracks dedicated to that kind of service, a train could leave New Orleans at 9 AM and be in Chicago in time for dinner. A lot of people - particularly families traveling with children, seniors, young people on vacations or just looking for excursions - might take a deal like that. Planes may be faster, but they're not always the better way to travel.
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If there were real bullet trains running on tracks dedicated to that kind of service, a train could leave New Orleans at 9 AM and be in Chicago in time for dinner. A lot of people - particularly families traveling with children, seniors, young people on vacations or just looking for excursions - might take a deal like that. Planes may be faster, but they're not always the better way to travel.
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-UnshavenStatue
For most of 2011-2020 I was a semi-regular on the northernmost 2 hours of this journey, and for most of that decade and most previous decades, CN was notoriously one of the -worst- about ontime performance and priority dispatching for Amtrak, which given the state of the nation really is a low bar to miss. But maybe they've cleaned up their act in the last few years?
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For most of 2011-2020 I was a semi-regular on the northernmost 2 hours of this journey, and for most of that decade and most previous decades, CN was notoriously one of the -worst- about ontime performance and priority dispatching for Amtrak, which given the state of the nation really is a low bar to miss. But maybe they've cleaned up their act in the last few years?
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-SuperDave30
I love Amtrak City of New Orleans route, it-s overnight train leaving Chicago-s famous Union Station, stops my hometown Memphis, Tennessee Central Station to its destination New Orleans, most Amtrak has a lot rail cars but city of New Orleans isn-t big train but is very enjoyable and Mississippi scenery and farmland is unique! Amtrak City of New Orleans is legendary!
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I love Amtrak City of New Orleans route, it-s overnight train leaving Chicago-s famous Union Station, stops my hometown Memphis, Tennessee Central Station to its destination New Orleans, most Amtrak has a lot rail cars but city of New Orleans isn-t big train but is very enjoyable and Mississippi scenery and farmland is unique! Amtrak City of New Orleans is legendary!
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train
The railroad trestle around the thirteen minute mark used to be the bridge that trains would go over at Manchac, LA. The current structure features a drawbridge that lifts when not in use, and has concrete construction as well. The old bridge was taken out of service around 1972 when the new one was finished being built. Hope this helps and safe travels!
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The railroad trestle around the thirteen minute mark used to be the bridge that trains would go over at Manchac, LA. The current structure features a drawbridge that lifts when not in use, and has concrete construction as well. The old bridge was taken out of service around 1972 when the new one was finished being built. Hope this helps and safe travels!
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-isaiahfenior1276
I took the train from Chicago to Sanford FL many years ago. Had a long layover in New Orleans, took a cab with some guys I met on the train explored the city, it was good time. Something happened there after the train broke down or something so the last leg of the trip was via bus.
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I took the train from Chicago to Sanford FL many years ago. Had a long layover in New Orleans, took a cab with some guys I met on the train explored the city, it was good time. Something happened there after the train broke down or something so the last leg of the trip was via bus.
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-truthteller8459
I've been to/thru New Orleans for business many times (sadly) and the VERY BEST thing out it is leaving it as any other city where a 'minority' is the actual majority such as also Detroit Michigan, Atlanta Georgia, Watts and Compton California for some places.
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I've been to/thru New Orleans for business many times (sadly) and the VERY BEST thing out it is leaving it as any other city where a 'minority' is the actual majority such as also Detroit Michigan, Atlanta Georgia, Watts and Compton California for some places.
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-Zetharion1
Good old Amtrak with its filthy windows that only see water when it rains.
I guess I was the rarity with 3 of 4 HOT trains. The Eagle was HOT, The Zephyr was HOT, the Coast Starlight was the only one that wasn't hot and the Eagle from LA to Dallas was HOT.
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Good old Amtrak with its filthy windows that only see water when it rains.
I guess I was the rarity with 3 of 4 HOT trains. The Eagle was HOT, The Zephyr was HOT, the Coast Starlight was the only one that wasn't hot and the Eagle from LA to Dallas was HOT.
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train
It's a real pity that this train does not have a dining car anymore. New orleans is a city known for its dining experience. Amtrak should respect the name and give people riding this train the ability to have a good dining experience.
BTW, nice K5LA -13: 30
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It's a real pity that this train does not have a dining car anymore. New orleans is a city known for its dining experience. Amtrak should respect the name and give people riding this train the ability to have a good dining experience.
BTW, nice K5LA -13: 30
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-rzgrimes
I really wish this video had a voice over. I found myself taking my eyres off the scenery just to read the information presented, tho expertly presented. It didn-t stop me from watching but it did detract from a video about a scenic travel experience.
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I really wish this video had a voice over. I found myself taking my eyres off the scenery just to read the information presented, tho expertly presented. It didn-t stop me from watching but it did detract from a video about a scenic travel experience.
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-ASAviation
I was always waiting for a CONO review from you, amazing work as always! Btw at 24: 53 you-re not in Memphis, that-s Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (my home station! You can see the sign that reads -Illinois Terminal- which is the name of the station -
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I was always waiting for a CONO review from you, amazing work as always! Btw at 24: 53 you-re not in Memphis, that-s Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (my home station! You can see the sign that reads -Illinois Terminal- which is the name of the station -
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-keonisan
It's a shame they didn't have one of their Dash 8's in the lead. It's the rarest occasion since the crews say they're uncomfortable but it has happened before. I've seen it twice on the silver trains, but 9. 9999/10 they always trail behind a P42.
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It's a shame they didn't have one of their Dash 8's in the lead. It's the rarest occasion since the crews say they're uncomfortable but it has happened before. I've seen it twice on the silver trains, but 9. 9999/10 they always trail behind a P42.
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train
Took the CONO back in October. Stayed in a Roomette. The staff were very kind and helpful. Due to mobility issues due to a fall, meals were brought to my room. It arrived a half hour early to Chicago, and returned to New Orleans nearly an hour early!
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Took the CONO back in October. Stayed in a Roomette. The staff were very kind and helpful. Due to mobility issues due to a fall, meals were brought to my room. It arrived a half hour early to Chicago, and returned to New Orleans nearly an hour early!
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-johnmeyer3802
I can tell you that you woke up in Gilman, Illinois. Gilman has a tiny Amtrak shelter. The CONO does not stop here. The Illini and Saluki make stops here everyday. These two trains go from Chicago to Carbondale and return.
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I can tell you that you woke up in Gilman, Illinois. Gilman has a tiny Amtrak shelter. The CONO does not stop here. The Illini and Saluki make stops here everyday. These two trains go from Chicago to Carbondale and return.
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-kenleung506
Excellent posting what a piece of presentation as if I am travelling on the train along the way truly a personal touch never travel on the train in US but your posting is highly impressive virtual enjoy watching it thanks
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Excellent posting what a piece of presentation as if I am travelling on the train along the way truly a personal touch never travel on the train in US but your posting is highly impressive virtual enjoy watching it thanks
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-Chitwn81
The fact that they still haven't brought back full dining service on the City of New Orleans and missing the Lounge car on occasion will keep me from getting on this train. Amtrak needs to get it together. and FAST!
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The fact that they still haven't brought back full dining service on the City of New Orleans and missing the Lounge car on occasion will keep me from getting on this train. Amtrak needs to get it together. and FAST!
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-UnshavenStatue
24: 46 that is most definitely not Tennessee, that is Champaign Urbana, a stop I am intimately familiar with lol. The best tea shop in town is just about 2 blocks away to the left out of your image.
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24: 46 that is most definitely not Tennessee, that is Champaign Urbana, a stop I am intimately familiar with lol. The best tea shop in town is just about 2 blocks away to the left out of your image.
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-rezaalan3991
Great trip, great scenery, and finally early arrival for Amtrak Long Distance Train. Something disappointed maybe about the staff, grumpy and unhelpful, but I think it's bit random.
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Great trip, great scenery, and finally early arrival for Amtrak Long Distance Train. Something disappointed maybe about the staff, grumpy and unhelpful, but I think it's bit random.
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-scottcieri2750
I-ve sat in sidings for a few hours before waiting for either 58 or 59 to get by. I make runs between Jackson, MS and Fulton, KY, based out of Memphis on CN. Cool video my friend.
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I-ve sat in sidings for a few hours before waiting for either 58 or 59 to get by. I make runs between Jackson, MS and Fulton, KY, based out of Memphis on CN. Cool video my friend.
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-kirkzevola5004
Awesome ride on Amtrak CONOs #58 from New Orleans to Chicago the Amtrak CONOs route is the second Amtrak route to have the Chargers right after the Amtrak Empire Builder route.
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Awesome ride on Amtrak CONOs #58 from New Orleans to Chicago the Amtrak CONOs route is the second Amtrak route to have the Chargers right after the Amtrak Empire Builder route.
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-Hispandinavian
I really want to ride that route. As limited as rail travel in the US is, it's still a great way to explore the country. I pretty much know my way around downtown Chicago.
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I really want to ride that route. As limited as rail travel in the US is, it's still a great way to explore the country. I pretty much know my way around downtown Chicago.
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-markdavid7013
Do Amtrak's long distance trains ever reach their 130kph (80mph) speed limit? They always see so be traveling slowly. - In it's prime the CONO (Illinois Central) in 16hrs.
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Do Amtrak's long distance trains ever reach their 130kph (80mph) speed limit? They always see so be traveling slowly. - In it's prime the CONO (Illinois Central) in 16hrs.
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-natehill8069
On my bucket list is an multi-day Amtrak train in a sleeper. However, I have heard so many good things about the -real- dining cars, I will NOT go on a train without one.
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On my bucket list is an multi-day Amtrak train in a sleeper. However, I have heard so many good things about the -real- dining cars, I will NOT go on a train without one.
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-garrettreed6166
Thanks for posting this! As a New Orleans native who doesn't drive anymore(health issues) I love to see the options that exist if I want to take a trip! Well done--
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Thanks for posting this! As a New Orleans native who doesn't drive anymore(health issues) I love to see the options that exist if I want to take a trip! Well done--
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-TruckerRich2950
I have a cruise in New Orleans in April. I thought about taking the Amtrak from Cincinnati - Chicago - New Orleans instead of flying but it is so long lol
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I have a cruise in New Orleans in April. I thought about taking the Amtrak from Cincinnati - Chicago - New Orleans instead of flying but it is so long lol
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-depeekaindia8089
You simply have done a fantastic job with your videos. I watch a lot of Amtrak videos however, yours is just absolutely the best. Thank you so much.
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You simply have done a fantastic job with your videos. I watch a lot of Amtrak videos however, yours is just absolutely the best. Thank you so much.
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-superbee-di5tp
The only problem I have with your videos is I-d rather you talk instead of putting it up to read. I miss watching the scenery when I have to read.
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The only problem I have with your videos is I-d rather you talk instead of putting it up to read. I miss watching the scenery when I have to read.
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-jdhinckley1954
Thanks for the shout out to Steve Goodman, who wrote the song. He died way too young. Check out his song called -The Dutchman-. It's pure poetry.
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Thanks for the shout out to Steve Goodman, who wrote the song. He died way too young. Check out his song called -The Dutchman-. It's pure poetry.
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