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Feasts and Fables's avatar

A big part of the celebration of my [ahem] milestone birthday next year is interrailing. The current thought is two months roaming wherever the mood takes us. I was just looking into Bruxelles to Prague sleeper trains … I’m saving this piece for a re-read nearer the time. You’ve captured the paradoxically dreamy reality of it all. I’m an avid reader of Theroux’s train journeys, admiring his ability to sneak into cities through the gritty portals railway stations represent.

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Ohh, what a brilliant way to celebrate a birthday! You will have the best time, I’m sure. 🚆

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Bonnie Radcliffe's avatar

So much colour in this piece, bringing to life that magic of waking in a new place and feeling it to be a whole new world. I haven’t taken a night train in years, but maybe I should book one….

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Bonnie. Book one! I can’t wait to book my next. Dreaming of Hamburg to Stockholm…

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Bonnie Radcliffe's avatar

Ooooo that sounds like a great one!

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Eden Ariel's avatar

Such a short and sweet meditation — I have fond memories of that Marseilles train, and "a portal powered by dreams" is the perfect way to describe the experience of traveling by rail at night.

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Laura Pashby's avatar

I’m so glad you think so! I’m already plotting my next trip…

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Jude's avatar

I love the neon sign! Those boys of yours will surprise you in years to come with their memories of this holiday. Thank you for a beautiful, evocative piece. X

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Thank you, as ever, for reading, Jude.

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Katie Lloyd's avatar

Gorgeous Laura. It evokes so many memories and feelings of train travel for me. And the sigh for your babies grown up… 🖤

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Laura Pashby's avatar

The sigh! Thank you Katie.

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The Braver Mom's avatar

Beautiful reading!

I appreciate the photo too. It’s beautiful.

Wow that line is so apt for your moments with the boys. Your story brought me back to my only train ride in France. I am happy I could relate to your words. Happy weekend!

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Ahh, thank you so much for reading!

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Brian Funke's avatar

It’s such a pleasure to find your writing thanks to Mr. Fogchaser himself🙂

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Ahh, an honour!

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Sarah Moorcroft's avatar

Memories - thank you x

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Thank you for reading, Sarah.

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Nick's avatar

Lovely read. Really liked the last few lines, made it complete, bringing it full circle.

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Thank you so much, Nick.

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Diane’s Blue Forum 👩‍💻's avatar

Lovely memories from my train travel days in Europe as I read yours!

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Ahh, I’m so glad Diane!

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Wonderful reflection on trains. I have a long train booked from Melbourne to Sydney next year. Although I could have taken the trip at night, I chose the day option so I could see the country-side. In Egypt, I took the night train but it was anything but relaxing!

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Have a wonderful trip, Laura 🚆

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

Beautiful, nostalgic and now I want to travel somewhere by train… 🙏🏽

And I adore that dreamy photo Laura!

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Laura Pashby's avatar

Thank you so much, Susie. It’s always a good day to take the train…

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