One Day...

So I was literally one page into the novel One Day (now a movie, which I haven't seen but my friend recommended the book) and already hit thought provoking, smile bursting, travel topic gold. It was like it was meant to be. And of course the next thought in my head is always, "I have to blog this." So here is the travel bit.... (I'm sure there will be more :) )

"Travelling,' she sighed. 'So predictable."

"What's wrong with travelling?"

"Avoiding reality more like."

"I think reality is over-rated,' he said in the hope that this might come across as dark and charismatic.

She sniffed. 'S'alright, I suppose, for those who can afford it.  Why not just say, "I'm going on holiday for two years"? It's the same thing.'

'Because travel broadens the mind,' he said, rising onto one elbow and kissing her.

(I find it interesting and somewhat irritating that I've had this same conversation with myself)

But, then it got better. Right after the travel banter between the two main characters, the female one ponders her future; bridging the strange canyon of graduating college (top of the class no less) and emerging into that "individual adult life", where everything is suppose to be figured out. Right? This one, this one really got me thinking, and reflecting, and feeling so attached to this book, these characters in only a few paragraphs. Oh, the trepidation of the twenty-something. Usually these kinds of contemplations are a bit corny and overused but honestly, this one hits the nail straight on the head, and pretty forcefully too. Enjoy :)

"We should get some sleep."

"What for? Nothing tomorrow. No deadlines, no work..."

"Just the whole of our lives, stretching ahead of us," she said sleepily,...feeling a ripple of anxiety pass across her shoulders at the thought of it: independent adult life.  She didn't feel like an adult.  She was in no way prepared.  it was as if a fire alarm had gone off in the middle of the night and she was standing on the street with her clothes bundled up in her arms.  If she wasn't learning, what was she doing?  How would she fill the days?  She had no idea.

The trick of it, she told herself, is to be courageous and bold and make a difference.  Not change the world exactly, just the bit around you.  Go out there with your double-first, your passion and your new Smith Corona electric typewriter and work hard at...something.  Change the lives through art maybe.  Write beautifully.  Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things.  Love and be loved if at all possible.  Eat sensibly.  Stuff like that.