As we still don’t know if, how and when travel will be ok, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout are coming to mind.
“Monsieur is going to leave home?
Yes, we are going round the world”
They epitomize the 19th century globalization. The combination of optimism, industrial revolution, imperialism and colonialism, financial opening etc
In 1872 - 80 days seemed amazing ! Soon enough 80 days would appear too slow and a waste of time. Not that long ago you could undertake to do the same around the world in 80 hours if not less. Waves after waves of globalization time has shrunk.
And suddenly we have come to a complete halt as if frozen ... and start dreaming again about the magic 80 days. With a mask? With testing at every stop? With an immunity passport? Possibly. But travelling again. And paying attention to the planet. Back to the future in a way. Merci Jules Verne.
“But what then? ... What had he brought back from this long and weary journey?
Nothing, you say? .... but a charming woman, who, strange as it may appear, made him the happiest of men!
Suppose we save this woman... I have yet twelve hours to spare; I can devote them to that.
Why, you are a man of heart!
Sometimes... when I have the time”
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