Leonie Müller
A young German woman, Leonie Müller, lives on trains. Not a specific train. Just any train she decides to get on when it's time for her to
go to bed.
The German college student gave up her apartment in spring. "It all started with a dispute I had with my landlord," Müller told The Washington Post via e-mail. "I instantly decided I didn't want to live there anymore — and then I realized: Actually, I didn't want to live anywhere anymore."
Instead, she bought a subscription that allows her to board every train in the country free. Now, Müller washes her hair in the train bathroom and writes her college papers while traveling at a speed of up to 190 mph. She says that she enjoys the liberty she has experienced since she gave up her apartment. "I really feel at home on trains and can visit so many more friends and cities. It's like being on vacation all the time," Müller said.
She doesn't live entirely on trains in a completely lone wolf, hobo of yesteryear fashion.
Müller frequently travels late at night, although she tries to sleep at the apartments of relatives or friends. Often, she is accommodated by her boyfriend, her mother or grandmother.
"Normally, we would have to have a long-distance relationship, but living on a train enables me to see him all the time," Müller told German TV station SWR regarding her boyfriend. "Most of my friends really like the idea, although some consider it to be quite adventurous. Others, however, have reacted more negatively: They feel offended by the fact that I question the ordinary way of life and living."
Unfortunately for Americans, we sold our railway system a long time ago.
With rents the way they are I'm sure there are thousands who would take to the rails at this point.
Here's Ms. Müller's Facebook page where she keeps her blog updated on her traveling lifestyle.