I thought a two-day train ride from Amsterdam to Barcelona was the perfect way to slow down after a tumultuous September and October. I would sink into my seat, and all the hurry and the fuss would naturally slide off me.

That was not the case.

First Leg; Amsterdam-Brussels 2 hours
My designated seat was far removed from the luggage compartment, so I got up a few times to check if it was still there. This was after they announced pickpockets were known to snag items during stops, taking advantage of the chaos of people getting on or off. Finally, me and my luggage made it to Brussels.

Second leg: Brussels-Valence (France) 4 hours
After an hour or two on the train, and several stops later, I walked up to the luggage compartment and noticed two big suitcases had been placed on the tray where my bag had been, but mine was nowhere to be seen.
I rushed over to a nearby steward, and the two of us searched while my mind was racing:
"Should I get off at the next stop and try to track or report it, or do I continue my journey without my luggage?"
I was far removed from the heavenly images I had before entering this train journey.
Then, I noticed another space in the back of the luggage rack, where my suitcase had slid in.
Trouvé!

Third leg: Valence-Barcelona 4 hours
After a night in a hotel in Valence, I was back on the tracks. But the train was packed with families and two babies who screamed their way to Barcelona. How could I know that the 1st of November is a friggin' holiday -the day of the dead?
I have to say the view was amazing, as we passed mountain ranges, salt lakes, the sea, a salt pile, lots of beautiful villages and finally, my destination, Barcelona Sants.

As I sank into the car with Anne Tone, my designated driver from the artist residency, I suddenly felt it: the stress oozing out of my body, and I could finally relax.