Markus Anecdote - My journey from home to work
Written by Markus with Photos by Markus

The Start of the Day – The Morning Calm
The alarm goes off at 7:00 AM, and as much as I’d love to snooze a little longer, the day is already calling. It’s early, but I’ve come to enjoy this time of day. There’s something peaceful about being up before the world is fully awake. After a quick morning routine, I step outside for my short walk to the train station.
It’s only a 5-minute stroll, but even in that short time, I can feel the rhythm of the day begin to take shape. The streets are quiet, with just a few early risers out and about—people walking their dogs, a couple of cyclists, and the occasional car rolling by. The air is crisp, the neighborhood still calm, and it feels like a little pocket of solitude before the rush of the day ahead.

By the time I reach the station, the 7:00 train is already waiting, its doors open, ready to whisk commuters off to their destinations. As I board, I take my usual seat, settling in for the journey. The train glides out of the station, and soon, the quiet of Tilburg Reeshof fades into the backdrop, replaced by the soft hum of the train and the unfolding landscape outside.
The Journey – Commuting Across the Heart of the Netherlands
There’s something magical about the early morning light in the Dutch countryside. As the train pulls out of Tilburg, the cityscape quickly gives way to wide open fields, flat and green, dotted with grazing cows and the occasional windmill. It’s a picture-perfect image of rural life, one that never seems to lose its charm, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

The first leg of the journey is relatively quiet. The train rolls through small stations like Tilburg, s’ Hertogenbosch and Breda, depending on the route taken, picking up a handful of commuters at each stop. There’s a rhythm to it, as though the train itself is part of the heartbeat of the Netherlands, connecting small towns to larger cities and transporting people to work, school, or wherever they need to be.
As we pass through the countryside, I often find myself lost in thought. Sometimes, I’ll plug in my headphones and listen to a podcast or some music, letting the gentle hum of the train and the soft sound of voices in the background lull me into a state of semi-focus. Other times, I’ll open a book, though I’ve learned not to be too ambitious with my reading goals during the commute—it’s too easy to get distracted by the view outside or the comings and goings of other passengers. Or I put on rain sound and try to take a nap.

There’s also the scenery itself, which can be mesmerizing. The Netherlands is famous for its flat landscapes, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. In the early morning light, the fields stretch out endlessly, framed by canals and dotted with patches of mist. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I’ll spot a deer or a group of birds taking flight from a nearby pond. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative way to start the day, and I often feel a sense of gratitude for these moments of quiet reflection.

As we approach larger cities like Utrecht and Amsterdam, the train begins to fill up. More people board at each stop, and the once quiet carriage starts to buzz with the sound of conversations, phone calls, and the occasional clatter of a laptop keyboard. By the time we reach Amsterdam South, the train is often packed, and there’s a noticeable shift in energy as people prepare to disembark and dive into their workdays.

Arrival at Amsterdam South – The Transition to Work Mode
The moment we pull into Amsterdam South station, everything changes. The serene pace of the countryside is replaced by the hustle and bustle of city life. Amsterdam South is one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, and it shows. As I step off the train and onto the platform, I’m immediately greeted by a rush of people, all moving with purpose and speed. There’s an energy here that’s hard to ignore—everyone is headed somewhere, whether it’s to a meeting, an office, or just grabbing a coffee before their day begins.
The station itself is a mix of modernity and efficiency. Sleek, glass buildings tower overhead, and the sound of footsteps echoes through the hallways as people make their way to and from the various platforms. I often take a moment to soak it all in—the contrast between the calm of the train ride and the frenetic pace of the station is stark, but it serves as a reminder that the workday is about to begin.
From here, it’s a short walk to my office, but in those few minutes, I mentally prepare myself for the day ahead. The transition from commuter to professional mode happens quickly, but it’s a process I’ve become familiar with. By the time I step through the doors of my workplace, I’m ready to tackle whatever challenges the day might bring.
Amsterdam South is an interesting place in itself. It’s a district that has undergone significant development in recent years, transforming from a residential area into one of the city’s major business hubs. Walking through the streets, it’s impossible not to notice the shiny, modern office buildings, interspersed with trendy cafes and restaurants catering to the working crowd. It’s a place that feels both dynamic and ambitious—much like the city of Amsterdam itself.

The Return Journey – Reflecting on the Day
By the time 5:00 PM rolls around, I’m usually ready to head back to Tilburg. The workday is done, and I find myself looking forward to the return train journey, not just as a means of getting home, but as a time to unwind and decompress. It’s a strange kind of ritual—the reverse of the morning commute, but with a very different energy.

The station is just as busy as it was in the morning, but the mood has shifted. People seem more relaxed, albeit tired, as they make their way back to the platforms. The 17:00 train is often packed, with commuters standing shoulder to shoulder, each lost in their own thoughts, phones, or conversations. Luckily I can travel 1st class, so I always find a seat available. It’s a bit more chaotic than the morning ride, but there’s also a shared sense of relief. The day’s work is done, and we’re all headed home.
As the train pulls out of Amsterdam South, I like to take a moment to reflect on the day. What went well? What could have gone better? It’s a time to process everything that happened, to mentally file away meetings, tasks, and ideas. I often find myself thinking about tomorrow, planning ahead for the challenges that lie ahead. But there’s also a part of me that just wants to disconnect—to enjoy the view outside the window as the city fades into the distance and the countryside reappears.

The return journey feels slower, more relaxed. The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the fields and canals. It’s a beautiful time of day, and I often find myself lost in the colors of the sky, the silhouettes of trees, and the peacefulness of the landscape. It’s a perfect counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, and I savor these moments of quiet after a long day.
Why I Appreciate This Journey
For many people, commuting is seen as a necessary evil—a time-consuming chore that has to be endured. But for me, my daily journey from Tilburg to Amsterdam has become something much more. It’s a time to reflect, to observe, and to find moments of peace in an otherwise busy world. It’s a routine, yes, but it’s also a space where I can carve out time for myself, even if it’s just an hour or two each day.
There’s something to be said for the rhythm of it all—the way the train glides through the countryside, the ebb and flow of passengers, the transition from calm to chaos and back again. I’ve come to appreciate these small moments, the way they punctuate my day and provide a sense of balance between work and home.
In the end, this journey is more than just a commute. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the in-between moments can be just as valuable as the destination itself. Sometimes the journey is more important to someone’s wellbeing than the destination.
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