A writer sets off on a holiday trip with his wife. For vacation reading, he has Cees Nooteboom's book "A Song of Appearance and Being" with him. However, he finds himself reading less than planned, as shortly after departure, he encounters an old friend from his student days. They had long lost touch, but now, it turns out, they are coincidentally on the same route - from Zurich through Milan and Venice to the Greek islands. During the long journey by train, ferry, and bus, a cautious reconnection takes place. Their life paths had diverged, and strange confessions put the newly revived friendship to the test. Everything remains in suspense, and in the end, the unexpected travel companion disappears just as suddenly as he appeared, leaving many questions unanswered. Yet, the writer continues the interrupted conversation through his writing.