One never knows who or what will be sitting next to you on a plane or train (if you're a single). Such was the case both on Amtrak and SW Airlines.

I was happy to get a window seat on the California Zephyr out of Chicago. However, a large 32ish year old gal in sweats plopped down beside me. She had tattoos, pierced eyebrows (among other piercings), and reeked of smoke. Across the isle from her was her two preteen daughters, chubby like their mother (from constant snacking out of a junkfood box). Mother was verbally abusive ("Don't be a retard"). She ranked right up there as the "worst mother of the year". Plus, she was a hooked texter, constantly
pecking away on her Ipod, which, by the way, was plugged in next to me with a wire across my lap for two days! Frankly, I was scared of her.
The good news was, she slept in the observation car, so I had both seats available to stretch out on. And, they departed in Grand Junction, CO. Her seat remained empty the rest of the way.
Other riders were great. I met many nice people.

Now, on my airplane leg from Phoenix to Indianapolis, I managed a front row window seat with plenty of leg room. (For 10 extra dollars, I got an "early boarding pass"--well worth it.) After introductions, my aisle seatmate (with empty seat between us) turned out to be from Rossville, my nearest little community (pop 1500)! She is two years older than I, and, while I didn't remember her, I know her family very well, even painted her mother's house many years ago. Her mother and my mother were very good friends. We chatted the whole 3 hours in air. Quite a coincidence.

More trip "sidelights" to follow.