"So if you ever find yourself on a four-hour train ride, don't just focus on the destination“

I arrive at the platform just in time — because time management has never really been one of my strengths. A trait I most definitely inherited from my Papa, who was always fashionably late to everything.
With my heart still beating a little faster than it should, I squeeze through the narrow aisles of the train, searching for seat 281. Four hours stand between me and Frankfurt, where my long-distance boyfriend is waiting for me. The only thing bringing my heart rate back to normal is Sienna Spiro's velvety voice in "MAYBE" playing through my headphones. Somehow, between the music and the thought of seeing Paul in just a few hours, the stress of nearly missing my train starts to fade away.

Once I finally find my seat, I wrestle my ridiculously overpacked suitcase into the luggage rack. For a 72-hour trip, I somehow managed to pack three dresses, two pairs of jeans, one pair of shorts, five T-shirts, three workout outfits, a hoodie, an extra jacket, and four pairs of shoes.
Four pairs. - For three days.
My packing philosophy has always been simple: prepare for every possible scenario. A spontaneous rooftop date? Ready. A fancy dinner? Covered. A two-day hiking trip in the nearby Taunus mountains? Absolutely prepared.

Now comes the real challenge: how do I spend the next four hours?
I've actually grown to love long train rides. They give me permission to do all the little things I never seem to make time for in everyday life. Instead of seeing the journey as something I have to get through, I've started treating it like a bit of self-care time.
First things first: a little guilt-free screen time. I open Instagram, watch a few TikToks, and before I know it, the first thirty minutes have disappeared. After that, I switch over to Pinterest, which is probably my favourite corner of the internet. I scroll through endless photos, collecting inspiration for Back to Basic, saving outfit ideas, lifestyle motivation, travel destinations, and random little things that somehow make life feel exciting. 

The rest of the journey is usually dedicated to all the tasks I've been avoiding. I answer text messages that have been sitting unanswered for far too long. Please tell me I'm not the only person who procrastinates replying to long messages, even when there's absolutely no reason to.
I also check my university portal, organise upcoming assignments, and tackle small administrative tasks that future me will be grateful for. Somehow, these things feel much less painful when you're watching the countryside roll by outside the window.

One thing I think is seriously underrated on long train journeys is visiting the Bordbistro.
Yes, it's a little overpriced. But there is something oddly comforting about eating a warm meal while travelling. Plus, you occasionally discover food combinations you would never have considered before. My personal discovery? Currywurst topped with crushed tortilla chips. It sounds questionable, but somehow it works.

So if you ever find yourself on a four-hour train ride, don't just focus on the destination. Bring a good playlist, save a few Pinterest boards, answer that text you've been avoiding, and treat yourself to something from the Bordbistro.
You might find that the journey becomes a really great part of the trip.