Nice, Dijon,
Marseille and Lyon -
city names on the board, whistle blows:
"all aboard!" Train station;
Fernweh on.
The first time I visited Paris, we stayed right next to the Gare de Lyon, so it seemed a good place to revisit this week. I have always loved train stations. They ignite in me the flame of wanderlust. The Germans have another wonderful term for it: Fernweh. That is the direct opposite of Heimweh, a word we use in Dutch as well. Heimweh is the hurt of missing home. So, Fernweh is the hurt of missing far away. The itch of travel. Even more than in airports, where destinations can be even more exotic, train stations evoke that feeling in me. Fernweh. Wanderlust. Maybe because you can simply get on board and go someplace. Easier than at the airport. Or maybe because these buildings are really made for travelers. For those with easily triggered Fernweh. Like me.
I love train stations, and Paris with the Grand Gares is a wonderful place to be for that.