Jennifer in Luxembourg

For once, I'm not writing on a train. I've traded it in for the crowded Lufthansa lounge in Munich, where sadly I've spent many hours. I had a 7hr layover (that's what cheap ticket Jen does), and have had a nice lunch of goulash washed down with Coke Zero as I slog through the massive mountain of emails. I'm hitting the usual Munich-lounge-afternoon-jetlag-slump and trying to power through. I arrived here after 10 hours of a flight from Denver. But let's back up a week. To a 4:40 AM pickup... 4:40AM- standing on my curb, waiting for the Uber I sprung for, to take me to the train station. There was a threat of rain, and my checked luggage bag didn't interest me in rolling it all the way down to the tram (busses don't run this early). So to the Gare I went!  5:11AM- hop on the train to Brussels! Alternate napping, and keeping the suitcase from rolling away on the bends... 8:17AM- arrive in Brussels! Buy a ticket on the Belgian train app on my phone a...

I'm on a train, where historically I ponder and write. And today I'm pondering the two men I met today in Belgium. One, brand new to me in-person, the other a long-awaited reunion with an old friend. The first was Dirk. We've been trying to organize a time to see his vast sprinkler collection, and today the stars finally aligned. I was in awe of the time and care he has put into his collection. You could feel his legacy and life work in his office and workshop as I scanned row after row of shelves sprinklers, almost daring to breathe in a place this spectacular. It felt almost holy to be there. A privilege and an honor for sure. I'm not sure how many have had the opportunity to see this collection in-person, and I'm sure there are fewer still that can appreciate the depth and care with which it has been carefully cultivated over the years. He generously shared his memories and sprinklers with me. The second was Daniel. He picked me up from the train station an...

I’m sitting on the central line, speeding along to Euston.  And still remembering this afternoon. My feet dragging at the thought of leaving my friends in such a stunning Sunday afternoon. True I weighed down by my backpack but still there was an incredible weight holding me in the church lobby. Eventually we ambled outside. One friend joining for the walk and carrying my suitcase all the way down to the tram. Another joining along route, carrying four bananas.  We just missed the tram. I could’ve made it but the thought of quick goodbyes seemed gross. So we waited the nine minutes to the next one. I did round of goodbyes, then Keziah jumped aboard. I was grateful for the company, but then Nat and Greg joined as well. They rode it to the end, ushered me inside and came as far as they were allowed before security.  It’s an incredible feeling really. Being treated like family. An airport run, I’m quite sure, was on no one’s bucket list for the day but it completely made...