2:03am, Genova (train to Verona), 27/06

It is Romania all again as I sit on the night train towards Verona. The same compartments where travellers bunk together, trying to get sleep and rest. The stench of socks and sweat. The smelly toilets where you hold your breath upon entering and do a standing squat as you release fluid. Thank god this time there are no Italian peasants!

Today is also a day of famine and thirst, no "proper" meal of our regular Maggi Mee or hot cup of Milo. Worse even is the fact we can't find suitable drinking water. The tap water in the train is not drinkable. So the only thing I can think of now is a good cup of water form the mineral pot at home. It's funny how little insignificant things matter so much at some point. After the cycling trip, I thought that I would appreciate the comfort of home much more, little things like a good shower, warm food, a good bed, clean clothings….but somehow after a few days, things were taken for granted again. Had a thought that age might really be creeping in on me as I realize I now miss home a lot more often during travels. Most probable reason is how traveling is not something fresh to me anymore.