I once traveled from Naples to Rome in a high-speed train. It was so smooth - like a Teflon-coated bullet streaking through a calm blue sky. In contrast, the Acela from DC to NYC is like off-roading in a 1981 Chrysler LeBaron with original shocks.

I didn’t know Train Karma was a thing. While hurtling across the Delawarean countryside at 150 mph, I got up to throw away my coffee cup. On standing, the train lurched violently and I bashed my forehead against the overhead bin. “Italian trains are superior? Rough ride, eh? Ok.” — Acela 2203