travel in Europe by train

 I grew up in an era where air travel

was for people who could afford it.

The rest of us used trains and,

for long journeys, ships.

Once I could afford to fly,

I did and I enjoyed it.

Then along came the "cheap" flights

with ever more seats crammed

into the cabin,

unless you could afford first

or business class,

and flights were endured rather than enjoyed.

My preference is for a to return to the occasional, comfortable flight that I could save up for and take only if necessary.

For the rest,

travel in Europe by train

in a series of short hops

is by far the most enjoyable way to tour.

A major reduction in air travel

will be good for the planet.

We should also demand electric cars

and electrification of all public transport.

That would put an end to the fossil fuel industry and people employed in it

now can be retrained for jobs

in the green economy.

It could be a great success,

if world leaders took a positive approach

and encouraged the change.