Perhaps, we never forgot how to use our imagination; rather, we never knew how to use it in the beginning.
We keep going and going, constantly searching for a stimulus. We want the adrenaline rush; we want the excitement; we want to always occupy our minds. Roller coaster rides and amusement parks, mobile apps and technology have all responded and satiated our constant desire for excitement and adrenaline. What happened to using our imagination? Did we forget how? As humans in today’s society, we have become fully integrated and dependent on machinery, for better or for worse. Perhaps, we never forgot how to use our imagination; rather, we never knew how to use it in the beginning.
Instead of satiating my desires for a challenge and adrenaline rush at a theme park, I chose to take the graveled incline up towards Hohensalzburg. The fortress, already a magnificent sight from the bottom, was even more incredible within. Ruins date as far back as the 11th century. Arched gates, massive iron door knockers, gardens, and tunnels are interspersed throughout the fortress grounds. Some paths connected to others while others came to a halt. Doors revealed new corridors and windows revealed the outside world. Imagine a game of hide-and-seek!
The fortress, from a historical standpoint, can be considered an amazingly preserved artifact of human civilization, but from a realistic standpoint, the fortress makes the perfect playground. Its vast grounds sponsor field games for the athletic while its antique architecture facilitates the perfect medieval setting for dreamers. The individual subjugates the fortress, the constant object, to his liking; the individual has the power and capability to define the fortress as his hunting grounds, her fairy tale home, or his enemy’s lair.
In this case, it is not about what the place can do for you, but what you make of the place. For example, the fortress can be an utter bore if it is only viewed as a fortress that existed in medieval times. You walk around the grounds, snap a couple of pictures, and make your descent back to civilization. However, if you use a little imagination and try to picture the fortress as yours, perhaps, you will find nooks and crannies, invisible to the cursory traveler; a little creativity goes a long way. Needless to say, I was mesmerized without the aid of any machinery or modern day technology.
Article written by Lucy Ma.
