The Twilight Express: Sleepy Train Journey

Hop aboard the Twilight Express, a peaceful train journey from the lavender fields of Provence to the cozy Southern Alps of France. Breathe in the calming scents of summer as you relax on a rooftop deck at sunset as the train weaves through the French countryside.

Nightfall's arrival brings a chill in the air and you retreat to a plush velvet seat by a warm fireplace, gazing up at the stars through a glass-domed ceiling in the observation car. Arriving in the alpine village of Montclair-sur-Lune, follow a serene path by a turquoise lake to a charming stone cottage, where you drift into a deep, restful sleep. It's time to dream away.

This track contains train sounds.

Transcript

Step aboard the Twilight Express in tonight's cozy,

Sleepy story.

As the train glides through Provence's lavender fields at sunset,

You inhale the soothing floral aroma from an outdoor viewing area atop the train car.

Your train journey leads to a secluded lakeside cottage in the southern French Alps,

Where luxury meets rustic simplicity.

With the motion of the train and starlit views of rolling fields,

Glacial lakes,

And snow-capped mountains,

You relax into a peaceful retreat.

Let the Twilight Express carry you to a world of comfort and tranquility.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I am Michelle,

Your fellow dreamer on this nightly escape.

Think of me as a trusted friend,

Here to help you celebrate making it through another day.

Revel in the mental holiday you have more than earned,

Letting go of anything that may interrupt this peaceful time.

Snuggle and get comfy as the story unfolds like a dream.

This is your story to mold as you please,

Transitioning to sleep whenever you feel like it.

Safe in the sanctuary of your room and mind,

Let's enjoy a few conscious breaths together to set the tone and clear the air.

Imagine a cool night breeze circulating the air in your room,

Enhanced by the scent of moonlit lavender speckled with dew.

Exhale through your lips,

Perhaps in a sigh.

Or maybe emulating the whistle of a distant train.

Release everything that clogs your mind into the night.

Inhale with gratitude,

Slowly sipping in the tonic of pleasant night air through your nose.

Feel hopeful as this breath is the first of many that will deliver you to sleep.

Open your mouth and yawn,

Or ease into another sigh.

Feel awash with peace,

Comforted from head to toe,

With appreciation for doing what you need to do right now.

Now,

Play with your breath and two more rounds of inhalations,

Yawns and sighs.

Take your time and let yourself settle into a tempo that feels right to you.

There is no wrong or right way to do any of this.

Now,

Taking in the lavender notes,

You imagine the gentle lulling of a train rocking through a starlit countryside.

Feel your body melting into your bed as you inhale,

Yawn and sigh.

Now,

Whenever you are ready,

Transition your breath back to its natural state.

Prepare to be more relaxed than you have been in some time as the story begins.

The Twilight Express is a rare experience,

With panoramic views beneath a glass dome of a luxurious yet simple train liner that allows one to journey through the lavender fields of Provence to the snow-capped mountainside of the Southern Alps.

You spent the morning in Aix-en-Provence,

And it was met with elegant marble fountains and manicured parks,

Boasting summer's finest display of flowers and greenery,

And a visit to a 6th century cathedral.

Having spent the afternoon exploring the grand boulevards of the aristocratic town and a long leisurely early dinner al fresco,

You arrive at the station in Aix-en-Provence.

A sparkling golden sunlight bathes the train platform.

The rich early evening light feels as viscous as lavender honey or miel de lavande,

Cascading off the grooves of a round wooden dipper.

The warm balmy air of Southern France wraps around you like a chiffon scarf,

Purchased from a gift shop in Marseille,

Carrying with it the faint scent of lavender from the surrounding countryside and the aromas of freshly baked pastries and baguettes sold just outside the downtown station.

The train station is bustling,

But in a quiet,

Subdued way that is unusual for this time of day and year.

Voices murmur softly.

The occasional laughter of a group of friends echoes in the distance,

And the gentle hum and rattle of rolling suitcases join a chorus of diverse languages from international visitors.

As sunlight pours through the open-air platform,

Casting long golden beams on your comfortable shoes,

You watch the shadows and light undulate in slender waves as trains arrive and depart.

You hear announcements in French,

Crackling over a loudspeaker,

Doing your best to make out words that seem slightly familiar.

You travel light,

In part because this trip is but a brief getaway,

But also because you like feeling unencumbered.

Your weekender bag rests at your feet as you stretch your arms overhead and yawn,

A yawn of safety and comfort.

Relief washes over you,

Knowing that the night will unfold with ease.

All plans have been made with thoughtful care to ensure it.

You take in the scene around you.

Travelers like yourself,

Standing in small clusters or sitting on wooden benches with magazines or newspapers,

Their faces illuminated by the soft,

Dreamy glow of the sun.

There is an air of curiosity,

A sense of quiet excitement,

As everyone on your platform awaits the arrival of the new train line,

The Twilight Express,

That will carry you from the warmth of the Southern region to the cooler heights of the Southern Alps.

Eager to board,

Fellow travelers tighten their grip on their bags as the Twilight Express glides into view.

The train is a vision of sleek,

Modern design.

Its pearly white exterior and lavender trim gleaming in the sunlight and reflecting the crystal blue sky.

It has a timeless elegance with smooth and graceful lines and a captivating iridescent sheen.

The five train cars are sandwiched between cars offering panoramic views with glass-domed ceilings that rise to levels high.

Outdoor roof-deck seating areas are nestled in the center train cars,

Where riders can effortlessly relax beneath the stars as the fresh air of Southern France circulates around them.

As the Twilight Express slows to a stop,

You notice the words Ombros la Lune painted above the doors of each train car,

The phrase shimmering in silver letters.

The words' meaning,

Embrace the Moon,

Evoke a sense of mystery and adventure,

Inviting you to leave behind the familiar and step into a journey of dreams as day transforms into night.

You ascend the three steps into the train and as you do,

The warm sunlight filters through the glass dome ceiling above,

Showering your face with radiant warmth.

You pause to savor its gentle caress before stepping into the cool interior of the train car.

The design of the Twilight Express is a celebration of Southern France.

The seats are upholstered in lavender velvet,

Their rich soothing color echoing the endless fields of lavender that stretch across the region.

Silver accents gleam on the lights and trim,

Their sleek lines adding an art deco touch.

Moonstone sconces and chandeliers cast a soft pearly glow,

Creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.

You walk down the corridor,

Taking in the details.

The plush carpet,

The subtle fragrance of lavender that permeates the air,

The gentle hum of the train as it prepares for departure.

The rows between seats and cafe tables feel wide and spacious,

And the glass dome ceiling serves to enhance the sense of loftiness.

Puffy white clouds create shadows in the observation car as they slither across the blue sky.

You enter the car to be greeted by a hostess named Celine.

She is dressed in a white cotton dress that flows gracefully to her ankles.

The fabric delicate and light,

With bell sleeves that begin just below her sun-kissed shoulders.

Her dress is simple yet elegant,

With an empire waistline.

Its ruffles catching the light with every movement,

Conjuring romantic thoughts of walking through the countryside.

Her skin glows with a soft golden tan from days spent on the beaches of Nice,

Finding an ideal work-life balance.

As she approaches,

You catch the scent of her perfume,

A heavenly blend of essential oils that lingers in the air,

A mix of citrus,

Lavender,

And something spicy and musky that you can't quite place.

Celine's demeanor and graceful presence capture the essence of the Twilight Express.

She smiles warmly as she escorts you to your seat,

A plush lavender velvet chair that faces the wide windows of the observation car.

The top of the chair resembles a seashell in shape,

And you run your hands across the threaded indentations and then stow your bag.

On each ivory table rests a crystal vase filled with fresh lavender,

The deep purple flowers adding a pop of color against the creamy white surface.

You settle into your seat,

The velvet soft and comforting against your skin,

And Celine offers you a drink,

A French elixir served in a delicate antique coupe glass.

The sparkling rose pink drink is light and refreshing,

Its flavor subtle and complex.

And as you take a sip,

You feel the carbonation bringing your palate to life.

Other passengers settle into their upholstered seats and benches,

Sighing and revealing their appreciation for the beauty of the experience and the welcome refreshment Celine brings them.

A bell sounds and the train doors close as Celine continues to tend to guests,

Passing through with fresh fruits and cheeses arranged on a tray.

The Twilight Express departs the station and you watch the world outside slowly beginning to move.

Within barely 10 kilometers,

You escape the densely populated areas of Aix-en-Provence to traverse through fields of lavender that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The vibrant purple clusters contrast beautifully with the deep greens of the surrounding hills.

Rustic stone cottages and farmhouses dot the landscape,

Adding charm and a sense of the history of the region.

Beyond rows of tangled grapevines,

The weathered facades of winemaking facilities glow in the fading light.

The deep soothing voice of the conductor comes over the intercom,

First in French then in English,

Announcing that it is now safe to ascend to the roof deck.

The invitation is too tempting to resist and you make your way to the next car.

Where a white spiral staircase leads you upward.

The steps are narrow and winding and the polished wood banister feels smooth beneath your fingertips as you ascend.

When you reach the top,

You step out onto the roof deck and into a space that feels like a magical sanctuary.

The wind is persistent,

Yet soft,

In part lessened by the looming presence of the glass dome windows in the neighboring train car.

Plush oversized beanbag chairs made of lavender gray faux suede are arranged around the deck,

Embroidered with silvery threads that catch the light like angel hair.

You choose one of the seats near the edge,

Sinking into the deep cushions as the train continues its journey through the French countryside.

The sun continues its slow descent with bursts of orange rays slicing through the lavender fields.

The sky erupts in bands of fiery orange,

Crimson,

And gold,

And you watch the light pouring over the fields of lavender in rich hues.

The train picks up speed as it ascends the hills,

The motion smooth and steady and trustworthy.

And a cool night breeze begins to drift through the air,

Carrying with it the earthy scent of the land.

The slight chill gives a preview of the crisp mountain air you will encounter in the Alps.

You lie back and form a basket with your hands to support your head,

Peering up at the sky as the train gently rocks you back and forth.

The vibrations of the train penetrate your tired muscles with a gentle massage.

You watch the sky seamlessly transform into a gradient of marine blues,

Feeling the chill in the air.

Céline reappears,

This time carrying a stack of plush,

Furry,

Cream-hued blankets.

She drapes one over your shoulders.

The soft fabric is warm and comforting against your skin,

And you pull it close as the temperature begins to drop.

The downy fabric smells like it was laundered and dried on clotheslines strung between fields of lavender.

The breeze picks up,

A gentle reminder that the night is approaching,

And you find yourself sinking deeper into the chair,

Feeling the gentle rocking of the train as it climbs higher into the Alps.

Crickets and cicadas begin their song as the train's headlights flicker on,

Illuminating the path ahead as the train weaves through the landscape of lavender fields,

Giving way to rocky hillsides and dense forests.

Cottages and farmhouses are replaced by the occasional amber flicker of light from a distant village.

You close your eyes for a moment,

Breathing in the cool night air,

Feeling the motion of the train as it glides along the tracks.

The world outside is quiet now.

The only sounds are the soft rumble of the train and the rustling wind through the conifers along the tracks.

The sky above is a deep,

Velvety blue,

And the first stars overhead begin to twinkle.

As the landscape changes and night secures its grip,

You notice animals appearing along the way.

A pack of wolves runs parallel to the tracks.

Their sleek gray fur reflects the moonlight as they dash through the wooded area,

Becoming more visible in clearings and adding a sense of mysticism to the night.

As the train climbs higher into the southern alps,

The sharp cold begins to bite at your exposed skin with a refreshing sensation that sends shivers down your spine.

While you appreciate the sense of aliveness it awakens,

After a few minutes,

You,

Along with the other passengers,

Decide it's time to retreat into the warmth of the train car.

Descending the spiral stairs,

You're greeted by a wave of comforting dry heat as you re-enter the cozy interior.

An electric fireplace has been turned on in the lounge area.

Its metallic orange glow dancing on the ivory walls and lavender chairs.

The energy has changed,

Seemingly capturing the spirit of the alps.

More than Provence,

With snowy white fluffy pillows and throw blankets placed on the lavender seats.

The glass ceiling now reveals the canvas of the starry night sky and mountainous horizon.

You settle into your chair and wrap in the blanket like it's a cocoon.

The old music playing throughout the train car and warmth bring a wave of contentment as you lean your head towards the window to observe the sparkling water of a babbling stream through the wooded area racing by outside in a blur.

Selene appears once more,

Her graceful figure moving effortlessly through the room as she carries a tray brimming with tea and coffee.

She now wears a fuzzy ivory knitted sweater cinched around her waist with a belt.

The steam rises from the delicate cups curling in the air and leaving a faint aroma of orange blossoms,

Strawberry,

And white tea leaves as she delivers the warm drinks to your fellow passengers.

Her melodic voice and demure feminine presence bring a soothing maternal energy to the evening.

As you wrap your fingers around a cup of tea,

The conductor's voice comes over the intercom announcing that you will soon be arriving in Montclair-sur-Lune,

A picturesque village nestled in the southern Alps.

The village's name is inspired by clear views of the white-capped mountains and the turquoise glacial lake that create a landscape where moonlight dances.

The pearly silver lunar light inspires an otherworldly charm.

You take a slow sip of the tea,

The warmth spreading through your chest as the Twilight Express begins to slow.

The train winds its way around the turquoise lake,

Revealing glimpses of quaint half-timbered chalets and limestone cottages.

The lights from these homes twinkle in the blue-black darkness,

Creating a fairytale-like scene that fills you with a sense of wonder.

A light dusting of moonlit snow covers the peaks of protective mountains that circle the village.

As the train pulls into the quiet station at Montclair-sur-Lune,

You stretch your arms overhead,

Feeling the delightful warmth that has settled deep in your core.

You take your time gathering your bag,

Relishing the last moments on the train before stepping out into the crisp mountain air.

Exiting the train,

You are greeted by the soft glow of moonlight,

Reflecting off the small stone station that is now closed.

A cobblestone lane from the station leads to the main street of the village.

Gas lantern sconces flicker gently,

Casting warm pools of light on the cobblestone streets.

You watch as other passengers make their way through the heart of the village,

Their footsteps and luggage wheels,

Filling the center with the sounds of their arrival as they make their way to family-run inns.

The quiet murmurs of Bonne-Nuit are exchanged with tender smiles and sleepy nods as you too find the French words escaping your lips.

You walk onto an evergreen tree-lined path that circles the lake and breathe in the fresh air.

Pine-scented air,

Feeling a rush of freedom and independence.

The stars above are so clear,

Their reflections shimmering on the lake's turquoise surface as the moon rises high.

The path is serene,

The only sounds are those of your footsteps crunching pine needles and wood chips and the occasional whispers of the pines as a gentle breeze sweeps across the lake.

The quiet is punctuated by the distant hoot of an owl that echoes across the water.

As you approach the water's edge,

You catch sight of a silvery fish breaching the surface,

Creating slow ripples that spread outward,

Capturing the moonlight and sending it dancing across the lake.

In the distance,

You spot the stone cottage you've rented for the night.

It's walls built in the 1700s from limestone.

Lavender-blue shutters frame the windows and a matching front door stands out against the mustard-hued stone that gleams golden in the sunlight by day,

But appears slate gray in the hues of night.

Vibrant periwinkle and snow-white flowers overflow from window baskets and moonlight refracts the tiny dew drops on each petal.

You ascend the steps and push open the door.

It creaks a loud welcome as you enter the foyer.

The air inside is surprisingly warm and dry,

Carrying with it the faint scent of recently cut wood and freshly picked flowers that have been arranged throughout the spacious living room that boasts exposed chocolate-hued wooden beams and built-in bookshelves overflowing with donations from previous guests.

A grand stone fireplace takes up an entire wall,

Its mantle adorned with framed images of the Alps throughout the seasons.

You ascend a narrow wooden staircase to the bedroom upstairs,

The steps creaking softly under your weight.

Once inside,

You move to the window and open it wide,

Letting the cool mountain breeze flow in,

Causing the curtains to dance and the smells of cedar and pine trees to fill the space.

The view from the window is breathtaking,

With a lake and mountain peaks framed perfectly by the wooden sill.

As you turn on a small,

Hand-painted antique lamp that showcases a summer landscape of the Alps,

Its soft light casts a gentle glow around the room.

Placing your bag on a wooden antique dresser with hand-painted flowers along the edges,

You remove your pajamas and bring them with you to the ensuite.

The bathroom is a blend of old and new,

With exposed wooden beams above and a newly tiled floor beneath your feet.

You turn on the shower,

And soon the room is filled with steam.

The warm moisture condensing on the stained glass bathroom window left slightly cracked open.

Stepping under the hot water,

You feel the tension of your journey melt away as you wash with a bar of lavender honey soap.

The soap resembles a honeycomb,

With swirls of gold and purple,

And is embedded with lavender petals that release their calming scent in a luxurious white lather.

Standing under the soothing stream of water,

You feel a deep sense of gratitude for this new place,

This opportunity to see the world from a fresh vantage point.

You know that this experience will inspire your dreams,

Offering you a new perspective on life's possibilities.

A part of you could stay beneath the steady spray of hot water forever,

But soon the temperature begins to change as the hot water runs out,

And so you exit the shower before it gets cold.

You step onto the bathmat and towel off,

Making use of a locally made wildflower lotion,

Before changing into your pajamas.

You brush your teeth,

A minty tingle in your mouth as once more you experience a fresh start.

You return to the bedroom and the four-poster bed near the open window and pull back the quilted bedspread and crisp sheets laundered and dried in the mountain air.

You rest your head atop the cool,

Fluffy pillows and yawn.

From the firm,

Supportive bed,

You can see the lake and the mountain peaks cast in the dreamy glow of the moon.

You hear the distant howl of a wolf,

Remembering the wolves running alongside the train as you made your way here.

They give you a sense of wild freedom,

The freedom you can experience in your dreams to come.

As you surrender to sleep,

You can't help but feel full of promise and hope.

For the morning sun that will rise over the lake,

Bringing with it the gift of another day.

Your mind drifts back to the journey on the twilight express,

The gentle motion of the train through the countryside,

Echoing the ease with which you now glide into slumber.

You welcome the destination of sleep,

And it welcomes you.

Knowing that slumber will carry you to a place of peace and rest,

Just as the train carried you to this enchanting corner of the world.

Finding comfort,

Finding peace,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Reviews

Thank you, Michelle🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻This story makes me want to get to France, and board that train! Sounds heavenly🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

I have always wanted to go to the Alps & it felt like I was there with your details. What a beautiful & soothing story and definitely a favorite that I will listen to again. Thank you, Michelle.

Beautiful story. I enjoyed listening to your works with your sweet sex voice. Be proud of yourself with love ❤️.THANK YOU

Michelle, thank you 🙏 so much for this fabulous train trip to France. Having my two favourite things- trains & lavender! Of course I had to listen again this morning because I feel asleep 💤 last night! I could imagine being on that train as your description was so vivid and enchanting! This bedtime story is on my list of favourites to repeat! What a treat to escape the toils of routine and fall asleep dreaming of lavender and the experiences of such an amazing adventure! Thank you kindly for this wonderful bedtime story ! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Another place I want to go after hearing your wonderful description Michelle!
Delightful! Thanks my dear sweet night time friend

Very soothing didn’t hear the end off it so will be listening to this again thank you xx