Translation of Stößel

I like writting you messages although most of it is really pointless. I mean it is very good for my English studies, but except that I could not understand why you would be interested in reading it.
I interpret this as follows: It reflects the calm life without any hectic atmosphere. The life that these two are looking for (like they did before) is far away: Far away, beyond the river.
You come to a point where you have seen just enough, loved it and are ready to move on. It was one more ugly train ride to Hanoi. The train started rolling on time and we slept in our cabin again.