As I’ve got older, my passion for travel, especially by train, has grown even stronger. Although flying to some places is obviously more comfortable or the only option, using a coach or train could give you different views and options. Before, I loved to travel by car absolutely everywhere. But now I feel it’s more tiring, and I feel that I’m losing time when driving, while I could create, edit, or write something when travelling by train.

Travelling by train can be very comfortable nowadays. The trains are clean, the seats are comfy, and most trains offer refreshments. The availability of refreshments depends on your ticket, but if you have a long journey, you may receive some refreshments for free.

With my husband’s work keeping him busy, I often travel solo or accompanied by my youngest son and his girlfriend.

Last year, we explored some European places in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

This time, I wanted to pick up my grandchildren from their home in the Czech Republic and take them to the UK to spend a couple of weeks of their summer holidays with me. But almost as if fate had other plans, we had to change the dates. I had already booked a flight. So, what should I do?

Making advantage of changed circumstances

As you probably know, changing flights with low-budget airlines is not worth it, so I decided to go anyway. I turned the trip into my little getaway and visited a couple of friends I hadn’t seen for a year.

I flew to Prague to visit a long-time friend, Boris, and his family. Although we stay in touch with occasional WhatsApp messages, meeting in person always gives us plenty to talk about. Most importantly, he and his wife are those friends with whom I can laugh about anything. It always feels like I’m transported 20-30 years back in time, and after our get-togethers, I always feel rejuvenated and at least ten years younger.

The train journey

The following morning, I caught the train from Prague to Ostrava, my next stop. I was so excited to visit my old friend Renata and her family. Renata and I go way back—we’ve been friends for over 30 years, just like my dear friend Boris.

The journey took 3.5 hours. My train was on time, and I arrived just before lunch. I couldn’t wait to take a refreshing dip in their swimming pool on that hot summer day and enjoy tea and cake while lounging beneath their lovely pergola. Since it was a school break, Renata’s grandchildren were there to join us as well.

NOTE:

Ostrava has changed so much from its mining days and has become a lively and welcoming city. I can't wait to tell you more about it, so stay tuned!

Renata lives in a lovely house with a big garden on the city’s outskirts. Her daughter Gabi has designed a small English-style park beside the house. It’s truly stunning and unique, even though she humbly insists it still needs work. Take a look at the picture below and judge for yourself.

In the evening, Renata and I headed to a small local pub for a pint of Radegast, a classic Czech lager beer. We met some friendly locals, and the vibe was fantastic. The beer was super affordable, and we had a great time together.

The next day, I felt the need to stretch my legs, so while Renata was preparing lunch for her grandchildren, I took a walk. Not far from her house, there’s a charming pond adorned with intriguing sculptures. I loved the tranquillity of the countryside. After a pleasant, leisurely morning in Ostrava’s outskirts, I was ready to continue my train travel adventures.

I’m sure you also have good friends from your younger days who still light up your days. For me, keeping these friendships alive is essential. You don’t need hundreds of friends; just a few on the same wavelength can make life more exciting. And if your friends live far apart, like mine, you can have fun on the way to see them while travelling by train.

And my train travel adventure continues

With a 6-hour journey ahead to my hometown of Kosice, I was in good hands with Leo Express. This expansion of Trainline, the world’s leading independent digital rail platform, not only offers excellent booking services but also provides a peaceful environment for those who, like me, need to work on the go.

I took advantage of the train journey and edited my pictures, prepared short reels for Instagram, prepared this blog, listened to music and podcasts, and looked out of the windows, passing beautiful Slovakian countryside and the High Tatras mountains. The journey goes fast when one keeps busy.

The train arrived in Kosice with a 15-minute delay at 10.45 pm, and my dad and my stepmom were already waiting for me in the car park. Brief but even more heartily embrace, and we’ve been on the way to their apartment.

The following day, we headed out to my dad’s cottage in a little village, Smolnicka Huta, in the Volovec Mountains. This place is so beautiful and peaceful. Many people from the city build their cottages here for summer getaways, and some even live there all year round.

Cherishing and relaxing moments in the cottage

I had an amazing time soaking up the sun and nature with my dad and stepmom. We had the best time chatting, playing card games, walking, and enjoying delicious home-cooked meals and a pint of draft beer. Being surrounded by nature helped me feel so connected and mindful. It totally cleared my head and lifted my spirits.

Now that I’m back in the UK, I feel refreshed and ready to dive back into everyday life. It means work (creating new articles for my blog and Instagram, taking pictures and videos, editing), gardening, cooking, exercising, and walking my dog.

But only for a short time! I’m soon planning to join my husband in Dubai for the winter to escape Europe’s cold, wet, and dark winter. Although I love snow and crispy, cold, sunny days, they’re not guaranteed here.

Thankfully, I can work from anywhere, so I will keep myself occupied, learning new skills and possibly a new language (I have fallen for Spanish lately).

I’d love to know how you spend your free time outside work and your daily routine. Share your experiences in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear from you.