Joseph Kessel found the best way to describe the prevailing mood in the United States of America when the local population was meeting the Poilus of France for the first time:

`America was in love in France. Men and women, had for us, which is the country where we came from, these serious but tender looks that are the characteristics of love.(…)All the train stations were decorated with the colors of the French flag and each time we were welcomed with the sound of La Marseillaise. Each face was moved, by the First victorious French men, they had ever seen. `
On Monday 25 November 1918, after a hearty dinner served by the Red Cross, the two trains especially dedicated to their journey left New York at 10pm.
` We were served by charming and gracious misses, we then embarked in the wagons, we were wondering if we were not dreaming because we were in First class and Second class sleeping cars, and it was the reality because we saw employees preparing our beds, all this was wonderful. Were we going to have the life of rich men? It was the first time since the beginning of this war that we were in such trains…`
During the journey, the men were well cared for with plenty of food and comfort. Joseph Kessel who was in the officers wagon was enjoying his time even more:
` The convoy, which was reserved for our squadron, was filled with singing and laughters(…) I don’t remember anymore the names of the cities where we had to stop, as I was only drinking and gaming.`
While crossing the states, they started to witness the climate change:
` If the weather was nice in New York, it was not the same during our trip through America…it was bitterly cold. The snow was falling in large flakes. It is true that it is colder in North America.`
After a delay due to a train collision, they finally arrived in Chicago where they had to make a short stop. There again, they received a warm welcome from the local population and especially from `the misses who really had a crush on French soldiers`.
Sadly they were unable to visit Chicago due to the delay and continued their journey…
As for me, I managed to spend about 2 days in the beautiful but cold and snowy city of Chicago after an 18 hours train ride from New York City. I was not on a sleeping car but was sitting in the coach wagon and got to chat with friendly people from all backgrounds.  I even met some Amish people… very friendly and yet leading a very different way of life that I have to admit, I find quite fascinating.
I had a great time in Chicago. The city is fabulous. I got to go on the top of the Willis tower where you can see the whole Chicago and stand in a glass cage at 100 floors high. I did a gangster & ghost tour and an architectural cruise. I went to the Green Mill, a famous Jazz joint where Al Capone used to hang out and I ate the famous Chicago deep dish pizza freshly at Giordanos.