Introduction: The therapy of the rails -- From Washington to Washington: with Antonio across America -- From Berlin to Palermo: a vertical Europe -- From Moscow to Lisbon: a horizontal Europe -- From Sydney to Perth: the Indian Pacific -- From the Atlantic to the Pacific: last train for Obama -- From Trieste to Trapani: Italy in second class -- Trans-Siberian express: honeymoon for four -- From the Baltic to the Bosphorus: the last summer of communism -- From Naples to London: across Europe with little Donald -- What to bring.