#blankspots — Public Fediverse posts

@larstransportworld Thank you for sharing your #BlankSpots journey with us. That’s a lot of great impressions and inspiration.

🥁🥁🥁 🔊 "Next stop: Zurich Main Station. This is the terminal of #BlankSpots. Lars is kindly requested to leave the train."
#BlankSpots was a great pleasure and by far the longest trip I've ever made. 😍 I'm glad I managed to document the whole journey here. Thank you very much for reading and interacting! (16/16)

🥁🥁🥁 🔊 "Next stop: Zurich Main Station. This is the terminal of #BlankSpots. Lars is kindly requested to leave the train."
#BlankSpots was a great pleasure and by far the longest trip I've ever made. 😍 I'm glad I managed to document the whole journey here. Thank you very much for reading and interacting! (16/16)

For those of you interested in the statistics of #BlankSpots...
🏳️: 🇸🇪🇬🇧🇵🇹🇫🇮🇨🇮🇪🇦🇫🇷🇸🇯🇩🇪🇧🇪🇪🇪🇩🇰🇳🇱🇨🇭
🌙: 89
🏩/🏠: 50
🚂: 170 / 23,882 km
💶: #Interrail Continuous 3M, 1st class, promo €918
🚅💺: 37 / €360 (Eurostar, Renfe, SJ...)
🚌: 30
🛳️: 7
📸: 2,929
🫎: 0
🐍: 4
(15/16)

For those of you interested in the statistics of #BlankSpots...
🏳️: 🇸🇪🇬🇧🇵🇹🇫🇮🇨🇮🇪🇦🇫🇷🇸🇯🇩🇪🇧🇪🇪🇪🇩🇰🇳🇱🇨🇭
🌙: 89
🏩/🏠: 50
🚂: 170 / 23,882 km
💶: #Interrail Continuous 3M, 1st class, promo €918
🚅💺: 37 / €360 (Eurostar, Renfe, SJ...)
🚌: 30
🛳️: 7
📸: 2,929
🫎: 0
🐍: 4
(15/16)

Of course, not everything could be reached by train. Buses and boats were also included in #BlankSpots. I always found them a little tricky, as every bus system has its own ticket system and checking in for a ferry is always different. And despite my small fear of boats, I enjoyed some very scenic journeys by road and sea. (14/16)

Of course, not everything could be reached by train. Buses and boats were also included in #BlankSpots. I always found them a little tricky, as every bus system has its own ticket system and checking in for a ferry is always different. And despite my small fear of boats, I enjoyed some very scenic journeys by road and sea. (14/16)

Of course, #BlankSpots confirmed my preference for open rail systems without (mandatory) seat reservations like in 🇧🇪, 🇳🇱 or 🇩🇰. It was much more fun to travel spontaneously without worrying about trains selling out.
Even when booking your seats for your #Interrail Pass, the differences are huge:
- 🇬🇧🇨🇮: it's for free
- 🇸🇪🇩🇪: choose your seat in our own booking system
- 🇫🇷🇪🇦: book online, but it costs a lot and we often check before boarding
- 🇫🇮: call us
- 🇵🇹: come to the ticket desk
(11/16)

Of course, #BlankSpots confirmed my preference for open rail systems without (mandatory) seat reservations like in 🇧🇪, 🇳🇱 or 🇩🇰. It was much more fun to travel spontaneously without worrying about trains selling out.
Even when booking your seats for your #Interrail Pass, the differences are huge:
- 🇬🇧🇨🇮: it's for free
- 🇸🇪🇩🇪: choose your seat in our own booking system
- 🇫🇷🇪🇦: book online, but it costs a lot and we often check before boarding
- 🇫🇮: call us
- 🇵🇹: come to the ticket desk
(11/16)

Sometimes, quirky and nerdy trains were included in #BlankSpots. These were particularly unsystematic services, absurdly low service levels on long-distance lines, incredibly comfortable regional trains, or just bizarre rolling stock. Needless to say, these preferences are sometimes in strong contrast to my professional opinion. 😅 (10/16)

Sometimes, quirky and nerdy trains were included in #BlankSpots. These were particularly unsystematic services, absurdly low service levels on long-distance lines, incredibly comfortable regional trains, or just bizarre rolling stock. Needless to say, these preferences are sometimes in strong contrast to my professional opinion. 😅 (10/16)

Sometimes, also #Streckensammeln was disguised with #BlankSpots. I am not particularly interested in travelling on every track and heritage railway, but I like the feeling of having experienced the regular rail services and their lines. (9/16)

Sometimes, also #Streckensammeln was disguised with #BlankSpots. I am not particularly interested in travelling on every track and heritage railway, but I like the feeling of having experienced the regular rail services and their lines. (9/16)

As you may know, the aim of #BlankSpots was also to take picturesque train trips themselves. Someone once told me that I never look more relaxed than when I'm enjoying a train ride. 🫢 (8/16)

As you may know, the aim of #BlankSpots was also to take picturesque train trips themselves. Someone once told me that I never look more relaxed than when I'm enjoying a train ride. 🫢 (8/16)

#BlankSpots involved visiting beautiful places and in Europe that take a long time to reach by train from my Swiss home. It was my first time in Scotland, Ireland, Estonia and Portugal. Unsurprisingly, it proved to be absolutely worth it! (7/16)

#BlankSpots involved visiting beautiful places and in Europe that take a long time to reach by train from my Swiss home. It was my first time in Scotland, Ireland, Estonia and Portugal. Unsurprisingly, it proved to be absolutely worth it! (7/16)

Nevertheless, as you've probably noticed, I couldn't resist sharing some charming scenes of the old towns from my #BlankSpots trip. (6/16)

Nevertheless, as you've probably noticed, I couldn't resist sharing some charming scenes of the old towns from my #BlankSpots trip. (6/16)

However, I decided not to post about the overly touristy destinations of #BlankSpots, as they are well-known enough. This made me think about overtourism, which I have experienced in many places. I try to reduce my global impact by avoiding air travel and animal-based products. However, my local impact remains the same on site. I am one of (too) many. This is also why I sometimes opt for smaller, lesser-known destinations. (5/16)

However, I decided not to post about the overly touristy destinations of #BlankSpots, as they are well-known enough. This made me think about overtourism, which I have experienced in many places. I try to reduce my global impact by avoiding air travel and animal-based products. However, my local impact remains the same on site. I am one of (too) many. This is also why I sometimes opt for smaller, lesser-known destinations. (5/16)

Apart from the first three weeks, #BlankSpots was booked more or less spontaneously, bearing in mind my 'must-dos'. I would do it the same way again, even though I couldn't fit in everything I wanted to do, such as visiting Eastern Europe. But my FOMO would have kicked in anyway — you can't fit everything into three months. And sometimes, fully booked trains or overpriced accommodation offered the opportunity to visit beautiful places I hadn't heard of before. (3/16)

Apart from the first three weeks, #BlankSpots was booked more or less spontaneously, bearing in mind my 'must-dos'. I would do it the same way again, even though I couldn't fit in everything I wanted to do, such as visiting Eastern Europe. But my FOMO would have kicked in anyway — you can't fit everything into three months. And sometimes, fully booked trains or overpriced accommodation offered the opportunity to visit beautiful places I hadn't heard of before. (3/16)

It was a heartfelt wish of mine. To travel by train through Europe for three months and uncover some of the #BlankSpots on my map. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to take this trip. Even more so, given that it was unclear whether the trip would be possible for personal reasons. Since I don't want the trip to end, I hope you don't mind if I celebrate by sharing a summary with statistics and pictures. Perhaps it will inspire others. (2/16)

It was a heartfelt wish of mine. To travel by train through Europe for three months and uncover some of the #BlankSpots on my map. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to take this trip. Even more so, given that it was unclear whether the trip would be possible for personal reasons. Since I don't want the trip to end, I hope you don't mind if I celebrate by sharing a summary with statistics and pictures. Perhaps it will inspire others. (2/16)

A report on my three-month bonkers #rail trip #BlankSpots through 🇪🇺 #Europe, covering the northeasternmost station in the EU (Kemijärvi) and southwesternmost station in Europe (Lagos)?

👉 Summary is about to follow in this 🧵 thread (1/16)

👉 Toots in full length:
Part 1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/114953909838251833
Part 2 🇨🇮: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115004117714174297
Part 3 🇩🇪🇩🇰🇸🇪🇧🇻: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115019991526902162
Part 4 🇫🇮🇪🇪🇸🇪: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115090638326511087
Part 5 🇸🇪🇩🇰🇩🇪🇨🇭🇫🇷🇪🇦: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115267119810896407
Part 6 🇵🇹🇪🇦🇫🇷🇨🇭: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115328328502630717

A report on my three-month bonkers #rail trip #BlankSpots through 🇪🇺 #Europe, covering the northeasternmost station in the EU (Kemijärvi) and southwesternmost station in Europe (Lagos)?

👉 Summary is about to follow in this 🧵 thread (1/16)

👉 Toots in full length:
Part 1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/114953909838251833
Part 2 🇨🇮: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115004117714174297
Part 3 🇩🇪🇩🇰🇸🇪🇧🇻: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115019991526902162
Part 4 🇫🇮🇪🇪🇸🇪: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115090638326511087
Part 5 🇸🇪🇩🇰🇩🇪🇨🇭🇫🇷🇪🇦: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115267119810896407
Part 6 🇵🇹🇪🇦🇫🇷🇨🇭: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115328328502630717

🔊 "Le personnel d'accompagnement des CFF vous souhaite la bienvenue et un agréable voyage à bord de l'Intercity cinq à destination de Renens, Yverdon-les-Bains, Zurich gare centrale, Rorschach."
Okay, I can't deny it anymore: #BlankSpots is about to end. I'm feeling very sentimental. So, let's recap while I take my favourite route back to Zurich: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115401713304445301

🔊 "Le personnel d'accompagnement des CFF vous souhaite la bienvenue et un agréable voyage à bord de l'Intercity cinq à destination de Renens, Yverdon-les-Bains, Zurich gare centrale, Rorschach."
Okay, I can't deny it anymore: #BlankSpots is about to end. I'm feeling very sentimental. So, let's recap while I take my favourite route back to Zurich: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115401713304445301

Did you know that 🇨🇭 Switzerland has a metro system? The m2 rubber-tyre tramway takes me from Ouchy terminus, which is located on the lake, to Lausanne station. #BlankSpots

Did you know that 🇨🇭 Switzerland has a metro system? The m2 rubber-tyre tramway takes me from Ouchy terminus, which is located on the lake, to Lausanne station. #BlankSpots

What a great way to return from Portugal! 🛳️ Or, at least, to arrive in my home country. This is my first time on 🇫🇷🇨🇭 Lake Geneva! I'm enjoying it, even without the view of the Alps. #BlankSpots

What a great way to return from Portugal! 🛳️ Or, at least, to arrive in my home country. This is my first time on 🇫🇷🇨🇭 Lake Geneva! I'm enjoying it, even without the view of the Alps. #BlankSpots

The town of Évian-les-Bains is well known thanks to the eponymous water brand. But what about the town itself? Well, thanks to the old town, I now know that Halloween trees are a thing, not just Christmas trees. #BlankSpots

The town of Évian-les-Bains is well known thanks to the eponymous water brand. But what about the town itself? Well, thanks to the old town, I now know that Halloween trees are a thing, not just Christmas trees. #BlankSpots

Well, it's time to trick myself into not coming home. I'm still trying to take some #BlankSpots with me. At Annemasse, I'll change to a TER train bound for Évian-les-Bains. This is one of the closest railway lines to Switzerland that I have never travelled on before. In fact, it used to lead into Switzerland, but the section east of Évian-les-Bains is now closed. The ride in the vestibule takes 40 minutes.

Well, it's time to trick myself into not coming home. I'm still trying to take some #BlankSpots with me. At Annemasse, I'll change to a TER train bound for Évian-les-Bains. This is one of the closest railway lines to Switzerland that I have never travelled on before. In fact, it used to lead into Switzerland, but the section east of Évian-les-Bains is now closed. The ride in the vestibule takes 40 minutes.

The presence of the Léman Express and Swiss trains in Annecy makes it clear that the Swiss border is nearby. I board the TER/RL2 service bound for 🇨🇭 Coppet. However, it always feels wrong to use an Interrail pass instead of my GA to board an SBB regional train. #BlankSpots

The presence of the Léman Express and Swiss trains in Annecy makes it clear that the Swiss border is nearby. I board the TER/RL2 service bound for 🇨🇭 Coppet. However, it always feels wrong to use an Interrail pass instead of my GA to board an SBB regional train. #BlankSpots

Annecy was never really on my bucket list, but it was for many other tourists, and with good reason. #BlankSpots

Annecy was never really on my bucket list, but it was for many other tourists, and with good reason. #BlankSpots

It's time for a change in Valence-Ville. As I'm still avoiding the TGV, it's time for another TER. And, what a surprise, it's a Corail train hauled by a Nez-Cassé again! 😉 The sunny Mediterranean weather has given way to misty autumn weather on my way to Annecy. #BlankSpots

It's time for a change in Valence-Ville. As I'm still avoiding the TGV, it's time for another TER. And, what a surprise, it's a Corail train hauled by a Nez-Cassé again! 😉 The sunny Mediterranean weather has given way to misty autumn weather on my way to Annecy. #BlankSpots

The next day, a new TER. I've lost track of the remaining Corail TER services, but I know my Avignon–Valence train is one of them. It even comes with a 'Nez Cassé'. 😊 I'm trying to catch up on some rest on this comfortable, albeit slightly dirty, train. Between Pierrelatte and Montélimar, the line runs alongside the Rhône for a short while. #BlankSpots

The next day, a new TER. I've lost track of the remaining Corail TER services, but I know my Avignon–Valence train is one of them. It even comes with a 'Nez Cassé'. 😊 I'm trying to catch up on some rest on this comfortable, albeit slightly dirty, train. Between Pierrelatte and Montélimar, the line runs alongside the Rhône for a short while. #BlankSpots

They are dancing there, they are dancing there. #BlankSpots

They are dancing there, they are dancing there. #BlankSpots

As on the way to Spain, the slogan for the journey back to Switzerland is #ÉviterLesTGV. I'm taking the TER from Narbonne to Avignon. It's a classic AGC ride along the Mediterranean coast to the Rhône delta. #BlankSpots

As on the way to Spain, the slogan for the journey back to Switzerland is #ÉviterLesTGV. I'm taking the TER from Narbonne to Avignon. It's a classic AGC ride along the Mediterranean coast to the Rhône delta. #BlankSpots

At Narbonne station, there are plenty of ticket machines for long-distance and regional trains, as well as job application machines... 🤯 #BlankSpots

At Narbonne station, there are plenty of ticket machines for long-distance and regional trains, as well as job application machines... 🤯 #BlankSpots

Using your phone on loudspeaker on a "train liO"? 👉 €150 fine. While I am not a fan of restrictive fines, I do appreciate the clear statement against ignorance towards other passengers in this case. #BlankSpots

Using your phone on loudspeaker on a "train liO"? 👉 €150 fine. While I am not a fan of restrictive fines, I do appreciate the clear statement against ignorance towards other passengers in this case. #BlankSpots

My #BlankSpots trip is entering France for the fourth and final time! A TER train takes me to Narbonne. There are more people than I expected on this eight-coach TER train. I suspect it is due to the very poor number of TGV/AVE services crossing the Spanish–French border. However, the ride is scenic, taking me along the coast and through the étangs. 🦩

My #BlankSpots trip is entering France for the fourth and final time! A TER train takes me to Narbonne. There are more people than I expected on this eight-coach TER train. I suspect it is due to the very poor number of TGV/AVE services crossing the Spanish–French border. However, the ride is scenic, taking me along the coast and through the étangs. 🦩

Border stations have a unique character! 😍 Two rail systems connect with each other. The infrastructure seems oversized for modern purposes. Abandoned facilities tell stories of a busy past. This is certainly true of Portbou station. #BlankSpots

Border stations have a unique character! 😍 Two rail systems connect with each other. The infrastructure seems oversized for modern purposes. Abandoned facilities tell stories of a busy past. This is certainly true of Portbou station. #BlankSpots

There isn't much time for rest; the journey continues the following morning. Girona means: Rodalies de Catalunya. While I appreciate the frequent trains, they are not very comfortable, with hard seats and sometimes a 3+2 seating configuration. Nevertheless, it is a charming trip on an almost empty train to Portbou. #BlankSpots

There isn't much time for rest; the journey continues the following morning. Girona means: Rodalies de Catalunya. While I appreciate the frequent trains, they are not very comfortable, with hard seats and sometimes a 3+2 seating configuration. Nevertheless, it is a charming trip on an almost empty train to Portbou. #BlankSpots

In the old town of Girona 🌙 #BlankSpots