On a train ride from Paris to Amsterdam, I had settled into my seat with my headphones on, ready to enjoy the scenic journey in solitude. About half an hour into the ride, the woman seated next to me tapped my shoulder and asked, “Are you heading to Amsterdam too?” I took off my headphones and smiled, nodding.

She introduced herself, and before long, we were chatting about our reasons for traveling. She was a writer, heading to Amsterdam for a literary festival, and I was just taking a break from work, indulging in my love for new cities. What started as a casual exchange turned into hours of deep conversation about books, travel, and our shared experiences as single women navigating the world.

By the time we arrived in Amsterdam, it felt like I had made a new friend. We agreed to meet for coffee the next morning to continue our conversation. That spontaneous connection turned what could have been a quiet, solitary journey into the beginning of a meaningful friendship—proving that sometimes, the best experiences happen when you least expect them.