WHICH TRAVELING MOVIE CHARACTER ARE YOU?

Let's do an interactive blog! How exciting! Comment on which movie character best describes your traveling persona and why.

Up In the Air (George Clooney)- Disconnected Businessman: This is a guy you can relate to.  Hard working, first class traveling man disconnected from his personal life.  His job requires firing people and being cold-hearted and that in turn has spread into his family life.  He misses out on life and marriage, and most importantly love.  Don't let the hard work fool you.  The guy gets the best hotels, best meals, best car rentals, but it comes at a price. I am not a traveling businessman, but I can relate to George's traveling persona. Consumed in business and disconnected to his family, there isn't anyone who understands him.  His job forces him on the road too much and that in turn makes him feel abandoned.  He's a workaholic struggling to re-gain the emotional balance in his life.  The lesson (I guess) is to never lose connection to those that mean the most in your life.

Into the Wild (Emile Hirsch)- Minimalist Adventurer: Here's a kid who had (seemingly) everything and gave it up. Gave up the money, the family, and the car all to live the life of a nomad.  I mean I like budget traveling, but this is extreme.  I guess when we have nothing its when we truly learn who we are.  In world full of gadgets and meetings and lunch breaks, the lesson is to not lose yourself.  Learn who you are and what makes you happy.  Happiness is different for everyone and lacks definition. That is the beauty of it.   Don't be afraid to explore and live outside your comfort zone. I don't I would hitchhike across America, but who's to say you wouldn't? 

Crazy Heart (Jeff Bridges)- Indulgent Roadie:  Here's a guy that's been living life pretty hard for way too long.  Rolling around playing small time gigs for small money, his career (as well as his life) are on the edge.  This guy represents the small town folk.  He shows people the heartache and the reality of life on the road.  Rolling around in his truck going from gig to gig ain't easy, especially when you've been doing it for years.  The lesson here is there is hope.  There is always light at the end of the tunnel.  No matter how down you can be, if you work hard enough you will catch a break.  



 

Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens)- Dreaming Man Child:
We all wanted that bike. You can admit it. Who needs a car when your bike kicks that much ass? Its almost as if he had no idea he was supposed to grow up.  Who needs reality? Not Pee Wee. If you're over 30 and you dream of a life with no job, no bills, no kids, and no mortgage then this is all you.  Its like how long can you delay any responsibility? Sounds like a dream world to me, albeit unobtainable.  Well, one can dream...can't we?


So who is your traveling persona?

ARE GADGETS MAKING US ANTI-SOCIAL?

I'm writing on a laptop. Yes I am. I have a blackberry, not an iphone. I do not own a kindle, portable tv or an ipad. I resisted the VHS to DVD switch. I love my original nintendo and don't own (and never have) an xbox, playstation or Wii. I, however, am feeling guilty. On my travels there are some essentials. Computer, Camera, phone, Ipod, chargers (wall and car), dvd player, you know the list. I was at the airport waiting for my plane and stopped. In the crowded waiting room, I noticed everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was on a gadget. Sometimes two. I saw men on their phones playing with their Ipads. I saw a new Google Chrome station in the back. People were occupied, but in their own little worlds.  Lost are the days of handshakes and chit chat.  Everything is about multi tasking, occupying down time, and instant gratification.  Gone are the days of a nice dinner with your phone off and movie theaters without obnoxious ringing tones (OMG I HATE THOSE PEOPLE.)  I am behind the technological 8 ball, and I still feel guilty. I've used Starbucks just for the free Wi-fi (like the rest of Los Angeles).  My father, can't text. My mother just learned how to send a pic from her phone.  God bless them. 

These gadgets are designed to make our lives easier, however, DO NOT LET THEM CONSUME YOU. Once in awhile, turn your phone off.It'll be okay I promise you.  So let's do this together. Next time you are somewhere, just start a conversation. Who knows, maybe you'll be sitting next to me in the airport. :)