Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Travelers riding the trains in and out of Los Angeles Union Station are now enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned terminal to wait for connections or grab a bite before boarding their train. TRAXX is a favorite train station haunt of local

politicians, area business people and tourists, serving amazing menu items and small plates like a jumbo crab cake, Waldorf salad or venison carpaccio, soups, a variety of lunch and dinner entrees, desserts and classic cocktails in their historic art deco atmosphere. Travelers can also purchase take-along items at Starbucks and a variety of fast food venues in the station. A new French Cafe Crepe venue is opening soon for everyone's enjoyment.

Construction of Union Station was approved in a controversial ballot measure in 1926 and was built in the 1930s, Union Station served to consolidate rail services from a number of railroads (the Union Pacific, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific) into one terminal station. Conceived on a grand scale, Union Station became known as the "Last of the Great Railway Stations" built in the United States. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Royalty, Movie Stars and Presidents have traveled through this iconic station.

Today, the station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, serving almost 110,000 passengers a day. Three of Amtrak's long distance trains originate and terminate here: the Coast Starlight to Seattle, the Southwest Chief and "Texas Eagle" to Chicago, and the Sunset Limited to New Orleans. The state-supported Amtrak California Pacific Surfliner regional trains run frequently to San Diego and also to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The station is the hub of the Metrolink commuter trains, and several Metro Rail subway and light rail lines serve it as well, with more in construction or planning.

Renovation of the station has been ongoing, and over the past fifteen years it has been restored, improved, and renovated to its original twenties best, while implementing state-of-the-art improvements. Travelers will welcome the presence of County Sheriff's, who protect and serve in Union Station in a variety of security functions.

The cool comfort of train travel for vacationers and business commuters has become a welcome option to driving on busy freeways, and with wi-fi available travelers can work while traveling or enjoy watching the news. Many of the trains have a dining car with a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections for travelers, and a snack car for a quick cup of coffee or sandwich.

Amtrak California regional routes

Amtrak California operates multiple-times-daily regional rail services to cities across the state:

On entering Union Station you will find an information desk managed by a helpful LA Ambassador who can provide valuable traveler information, and strict police enforcement has eliminated street people from lingering in the station lobby area, which in the past has been a serious problem. “I am so happy they have created a way to keep the homeless out of the station” said a woman traveler sitting next to me, and I agreed with her that the atmosphere in the station has improved so much. In year's past passengers were often harassed by these people while waiting to board their trains.

Senior citizens ride at a special rate on Amtrak, and comfortable cars for handicap travelers make it easy for quiet and accessible journeys. Red caps will transport travelers to and from Amtrak trains, and buses, taxi's, Metrolink or Metro Rail trains can be found adjoining or outside the station for ongoing travels. Visit: www.amtrak.com, or www.metrolinktrains.com.

David Brown Automotive launched its first non-UK-only showroom in Germany yesterday evening and showcased a production Speedback GT, alongside the original prototype, in front of media and guests at the British-themed party.

The new showroom, which is based within Classic Remise in Düsseldorf, becomes the second showroom to join the bespoke David Brown Automotive dealership network since the company was founded in 2014.

The beautiful British Racing Green production Speedback GT was displayed at the showroom’s launch alongside the original prototype. Speedback GT is made in Britain using traditional coachbuilding methods. The handmade luxury sports cars can be tailor-made to any client's specification, making it one of the most truly customisable and luxurious sports cars on sale today.

Following the first international deliveries of Speedback GT, which started earlier this year, the all-new showroom further showcases David Brown Automotive’s ongoing success within the market and dedication to its growing customer base. The Germany-based showroom will offer sales support and customer care to its customers within Classic Remise’s luxury location.

“We’ve always known that Germany was a key market for us since the very start” said Company founder and CEO David Brown. “We have partnered with Classic Remise a number of times and they certainly share our passion for beautiful automobiles and excellent quality. Their centre in Düsseldorf is a destination for luxury classic and modern car fans from all over the world. I am delighted to be opening a showroom here in Düsseldorf, a place that has gained a reputation for excellence within the automotive world. I can’t wait to see what the future in Germany will hold, including many more deliveries of Speedback GT to customers in the region.”

The launch saw both David Brown and Marcus Keller, the company’s Brand Representative for the region, open the showroom in front of customers, stakeholders and media who were welcomed with British-themed refreshments including Pimms and beer from David Brown Automotive’s sister company, The Brewing & Distilling Company (BAD Co.).

David Brown Automotive has a long-standing relationship with Classic Remise, including displaying Speedback GT on its stand at Techno Classica Essen in 2015 and 2016 and showcasing the car’s prototype at its showroom location in Düsseldorf in 2015.

The new Düsseldorf-based showroom is open to the public from today, 9th June from 9am to 5pm local time. Media are welcome to visit the new showroom within Classic Remise on request by contacting the PR representatives listed below.

Priced at £495,000 exclusive of taxes, Speedback GT promises exceptional performance and handling, hosting a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine with 510bhp and 461ft lb of torque, hitting 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 155mph (limited).

Potential customers who were unable to attend the event are invited to register their interest via the company’s website: www.davidbrownautomotive.com.

From today on, travelers will be able to purchase a 4G wifi router and data credit to use in 48 countries from Air France-KLM's new mobile internet offer, Bitebird, at www.bitebird.com. The mobile solution behind the brand is Transatel's SIM 901, a universal, network- agnostic SIM card offering cellular data connectivity at local conditions around the world.

Amtrak California regional routes

Champagne, Pimms and luxury sports cars: David Brown Automotive toasts its new showroom in Germany