I must confess, Superman has never been my favourite superhero. Even as a kid, it was pretty obvious to me, the creators had got something wrong. I could never understand, why would nobody call his bluff. Surely, it takes more than a pair of thick rimmed glasses to separate one man from another. A twin, perhaps? A meek younger brother? The thread on which suspension of disbelief runs – stretched long and thin. Perhaps, that’s why, the dark knight had me intrigued. Or, the dark side is one that’s more alluring.

In a strange twist of events, if I have to re-analyse the dual personalities of ‘Superman’ today, I’d be more empathetic. I see a characterisation that strikes a chord. Once again, I highly doubt the creators of ‘Superman’ actually thought this one through, I might be reading deeper, but, there could be some truth in it. Now, that I’ve grown up, I see a strong emphasis on becoming a prototype of ‘Clark Kent’. Clark Kent seems to have caught up with his super altar ego. Do things what others do, achieve moderate success, and lead a humdrum life with each rising sun. It’s still ‘OK’ for a kid to dream of becoming ‘Superman’. Not that I ever dreamed of that happening. Although, I do vaguely remember, my older brother lifting me in his arms and swinging me around as ‘Superman’. The feeling of carefree abandon is something I cherish, even today.

Everyday, while we’re not travelling, and living life as is, I find myself turning into Clark Kent. Someone who could be mistaken for anyone. Fearful of what’s out there, especially of the unknown. Oddly enough, I recently bought myself thick rimmed glasses. The dull buzz of the washing machine, whirring fans above, and clattering of my keyboard, drown away all the other sounds that I might hear. With the periods between travel extending longer than expected, the void only gets bigger.



And yet, travel has given us countless moments of feeling ‘Super’. Of knowing what it means to conquer fear of the unknown or meeting new people, and finding out who we are, or at least getting nearer towards knowing. This year has been challenging, both personally and trip wise. But, for every weak moment that got us down, we had countless opportunities to walk back into nature and realise, it was just a moment – it would pass.
It’s the last month of the year. And it’s possibly my final post for this year. It’s time, to don those capes, say goodbye to Mr. Kent, and fly away. Become ‘superhuman’ again and explore what lies beyond the familiar nest – we’ve created. It will be a while before my next post, until then, enjoy the holidays, and may the new year bring with it many more moments of strength, to achieve all that we may have dreamed of or what we hadn’t the slightest clue about.
And to you too
Thanks! 🙂
Your post strikes a chord in me. Not many people out there are aware that my alter ego travels every few months and blogs regularly. They only know me as Kathleen who works full-time in the financial industry aka Ms Clark Kent 🙂 Looking back these past few years sometimes makes me wonder, if I didn’t document my travels, would my life be any different? I would have continued to travel but would not have connected with great bloggers like yourself in the blogosphere. I’m amazed how easy camaraderie is formed among all of us. Here’s wishing you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Travels and Happy New Year! Cheers.
I know what you mean Kat! For those who aren’t aware of our trips, we’re pretty regular people. 🙂 Those who do know (family, friends,and bloggers like yourself) think how wonderful our life is. There are many times, I look at our blog, and wonder, it that really us? I think travellers always face a dual personality disorder (the title for my original line of thought). We’re different while travelling and different at home. I’m introverted, shy and like to be a recluse. Travel and blogging has helped me change that. And I agree with you, I’ve discovered so many wonderful people out there. 🙂 Cheers to new beginnings and a year filled with countless travels and exciting adventures!!
Hahah, yeah, only close family & friends know that we blog but others do not know. And when they find out, they think, wow, it’s so cool 🙂 Here’s to more travels and adventures in 2016!
The secret lives of travellers like us. 🙂
See you again soon superman only few weeks to the new year
Hehe! Yup! 🙂
I love this post and I can totally relate !
Thanks a bunch! It’s been a really looong time! Glad to have you back! 🙂
True that..
🙂
beautiful mosaic of sentiments, good stuff!
Thanks! 🙂