A Chance Meeting in Switzerland That Made Us Rethink Time, Travel, and Life.

We are Azmi and Shihab, two souls who find meaning and energy through travel. It is more than a hobby for us; it is what keeps our spirit alive and hopeful. Through our journeys, we have understood the world, cultures, and history in ways no classroom ever taught us. Every place adds a new perspective, and every conversation leaves a quiet lesson behind.

It was during one such journey, on a beautiful Swiss summer day, that we found ourselves on a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. The valleys outside looked almost unreal. Wooden chalets rested in bright green meadows, waterfalls streamed down rocky cliffs, and the mountains stood proudly against a clear blue sky. The train moved gently along the mountain routes, passing tiny villages and quiet stations. We kept looking at each other and smiling, wondering if scenes like this truly existed beyond postcards.

At one of the stops, an elderly lady boarded and took the seat opposite us. She had a beautiful face lined with wrinkles that spoke of time and experience. There was warmth in her expression. At her feet was a small bag, and beside her, a Sony camera and a neatly folded tripod. She looked ready for an adventure.

Curiosity bridged the silence. We exchanged smiles, said hello, and introduced ourselves.
“My name is Rosemary,” she said softly. She was born and raised in Switzerland, she told us, but her world had stretched far beyond these mountains. She had travelled across continents, even to India. As she spoke, her eyes carried a quiet sparkle, the kind that only comes from someone who has truly seen the world. She was on her way to hike a mountain that day, simply because she loved it. Photography was her passion. Capturing moments, she said, made her feel alive.

As the train moved forward, so did our conversation. She asked about our journey through Switzerland and Europe. We shared our impressions, our excitement, and our sense of wonder. Then, almost casually, she said something that stayed with us long after the train ride ended. “I’ve been working as a nurse since my twenties,” she said. “Life goes fast. You always think you’ll have time to celebrate, to explore, to see the world. But in reality… you grow old very fast.”

There was no regret in her voice. Just truth. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t bitter. It was simply real.

Here was someone who had dedicated decades to caring for others, who had taken vacations and travelled, yet still felt the swiftness of time. Her words carried the quiet weight of lived experience. A reminder that life doesn’t pause while we plan it.

How often do we postpone our dreams?
How many plans do we move to “someday”?
How many places remain pinned on a map while we wait for the “perfect time”?

We tell ourselves we’ll travel when work slows down, when responsibilities ease, when we feel ready. Travel does not have to be grand to be meaningful. It does not have to be far to be transformative. It can be near. It can be simple. It can be planned within your own pace and possibilities.
Travel where you can. Travel how you can. Within your limits. Step out when you are able. Explore a little more than yesterday. Connect with people. Touch cultures. Collect moments. Because tomorrow is not promised. What we truly have is today.

Sometimes, all it takes is one train journey to remind us to start. The world is round, and journeys have a funny way of bringing strangers back together. If you ever happen to see us somewhere out there, just say hello.