Just before 7:00 p.m. I received a call from my friend Horacio to wish me good luck and relax, 16.000 km separate me from Vladivostok to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian original line to the sea Japan in the Russian Far East. Atlantic to the Pacific, now more than ever it is time to take the transcontinental journey of a lifetime. I am fully aware of this moment and on this train to Paris, my childhood dreams start becoming reality. I do not want to give more laps, I want the train commences its march to not think of anything else ... Rarely have I felt paradoxically low security as uncertain as it is now.

In the claustrophobic compartment know Tom and Lisa, a young German couple who work and study in Madrid. From the first contacts established a good friendship in a Spanish language more than correct. With us traveling a Chinese man held in his private affairs, it remains quiet and apart from us. The bar becomes the venue for a gathering that stretches well into the night. Valladolid and Burgos spent under Spanish dense fog typical of autumn. We are tired, we retired to our compartment between the slight roll, and dim light that does nothing to evoke again and again the charm of night trains. Just me awake all the way to Paris. The next morning, the French countryside near the city of Paris is partially white frost at night fall. I say goodbye to the pleasant company of Tom and Lisa stayed in to see us for an upcoming reunion in Madrid.

On my arrival at Paris-Austerlitz waiting for me my friend Lucie. I recognize his figure often accompanied by a natural always smile at the end of the platform. After moving to Paris-Nord, we take the time for a chat and a breakfast overlooking the striking exterior of the station. Gives me a book to accompany me on my trip, and I get the train ticket Cologne-Moscow ordered that the purchase on his recent visit to Germany. When you enter the main lobby of the station, announced over the loudspeaker the "Thalys" to Cologne destination at 10:55 a.m. I say goodbye kisses and smiles Lucie, shout me uneasy even before leaving.

Perceive cultural change at the first moment I board the train, starting with the language, where German is heard with increasing frequency. People are also more discreet and just listen to them talk. The "Thalys" crosses the banlieue apace with its "HLM", the tall buildings of the French Social Security revolt reminiscent of immigrants just a few days ago. Now, a haze hangs over most of the route to Brussels, where some clear hint at the agricultural plain of this region. A 300km/h the train loses the charm of rail travel, marches across the landscape in a race against time, do not identify with "Underground European cities", although I let go of their total effectiveness. After passing through Brussels and Liege, we ran parallel to the highway, where "devoured" all road vehicles, which seem not to move. Just looking out the window I can see the real sensation of speed that takes the train. From the German border in Aachen, moderating its speed train in Germany in the absence of high-speed track in this section. At last the sky cleared and the sun rises upon my arrival in Cologne. The feel of a real trip increases as the language barrier becomes more difficult and everything is becoming more known. Strange as it may seem, my anxiety has disappeared.

After leaving the luggage in the luggage lockers efficiency of the station, go out to the streets of Cologne with the peace that allowed me several hours of that I have before my next train. In the cathedral square prepare the Christmas market, and people fill these afternoon the streets of this central business district of the city. Advance the hour of my usual dinner in a pub not far from downtown. The warmth of some customers and waitresses make me forget the topic of German seriousness on their land. The atmosphere is really nice and relaxed. Before embarking on my return to the station, decided to cross to the other side of the Rhine for a great night views of the cathedral and the railway bridge, a nice farewell to an exciting journey to a close. Time to return to the station.

It is another bis in my trip, a fresh start in another place and another destination to reach, if possible even more exciting than the last. I'm elated, nervous, and with every match that I give in a season, give a unique step in my dream destination. I know enough at the moment I board the train, all tension gone. After the required pictures, I hope the patient, almost stubborn, my way to Russia.