This has been a tough year. In the first quarter I struggled with finding my pace and getting things in order. The second and third turned out to be filled with planning and executing on moving countries (which led to levels of exhaustion I can't recall ever experiencing). In the last quarter, I spent adjusting to the new reality and, slowly but surely, regaining my ordinary pace and... Sense of self. At the end of the year I'm slowing down as much as possible and trying to rest and restore my energy levels. Let's see what the 2026 holds 🤙🏻
📚 Reading
“SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome” by Mary Beard
Ever since I listened to “Punic Nightmares” and later on to the “Death Throes of the Republic” series on Hardcore History by Dan Carlin, I got fascinated by the Roman Empire. I knew that I would eventually want to dig deeper into this topic, and after conducting a little research, I landed on “SPQR...” by Mary Beard. It's a lighter read that serves as a good introduction to the subject. I had no idea how little we really know about the very beginnings of the Roman Empire and what made it one of the biggest empires in human history.
🎮 Playing
Final Fantasy VII Remake
I had it on my list for so long, but I wasn't sure if my PC would be able to run it smoothly. There was a nice discount on Steam, so I decided to give it a try and... Holy shit, is this good! I remember playing the original one, but it was so long ago that I've lost the plot by now. I only recall that the story was really good, the characters were very well written, and the fighting was very satisfying. This new edition, with fast-paced real-time combat, is fantastic; the graphics look gorgeous, and it's a pure pleasure to play! Dragon Age needs to go on hold for now 😄
📺 Watching
Stranger Things
I finished watching both parts of the new Dune movies—they are good, but I'm really glad I read the book first. There's a lot more depth that is hard to "transcribe" to the screen medium. Now we have switched to Stranger Things as we want to finish this series. Honestly, it should have ended after the first season; it was good. It's still nice to watch, but with all the Henry/Vecna stuff going on, it's slightly too big of a stretch for me...
🎧 Listening
Dune (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
I must admit I wasn't huge on soundtracks composed by Hans Zimmer. I really do dig his Dune score, though. I find it very distinctive, unlike any other music he composed before. The atmosphere feels exactly right. I can almost feel the sand lash up my face, feel the dryness in my lips. Oh, Arrakis, you possess me. More...