As the days count down to my trip to Istanbul and Jordan, my ability to procrastinate seems to have been enhanced to superhuman levels. This ceases to amaze me. Although I love travel, nothing is better than home. Despite my intentions on discovering and, to simply say, “rebooting” myself, I look forward to returning home. Travel always leaves scars on you. You meet new people, try new things, and undertake experiences that cause self-reflection. Sometimes these journeys can be hard. I’ve had my fair share of heartache and anger abroad. But most of the time, particularly when I’m in Jordan, I can’t help but smile all the time. Sitting on one of my favorite spots; staring off into the distance. It’s wonderful. When speaking of travel scars, this is what I’m referring to. However, as an archaeologist, I also mean this in a literal sense.
Watching movies is one of my favorite things to do. Films by John Woo, Tim Burton, Jackie Chan, George A. Romero, and Peter Jackson rank amongst my favorites. I love movies for the same reason I love video games, Dungeons and Dragons, writing, and music. Everyone experiences the need to escape. Perhaps not all for the same duration, but everyone develops a longing for something more. For something else within our reality. Tales of characters other than ourselves, those that interest us; allow us to momentarily escape to that bohemian idea of living an unconventional lifestyle unlike our own. They provide an escape. They provide a break.
Most recently, I watched the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel Stardust. I know it’s a fairly old movie, but it’s fantastic. Swashbuckling, magic, comedy, and romance all make for a great movie. This being said, I turned to the ol’ internet in search of any words of wisdom uttered by Mr. Gaiman.
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”
– Daniel
Expand this post to read Neil’s thoughts on love and romance
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Look to This Day 