Waking Up in Another World: A Journey Through My Favorite Universes
- jem
- Jul 22, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
1) Gilmore Girls: A Day In A Cozy Town
Gilmore Girls is definitely at the top of my list for waking up in another world!
Among all these escape thoughts, I would definitely want to wake up in Stars Hollow one morning. Opening my eyes in this beautiful town, waking up in the morning and opening the window... Here, everyone knows each other, and it’s almost impossible to see a stranger. That’s why I’d feel not like a foreigner, but more like a guest who’s just joined the town.
But it wouldn't be like one of those movie scenes. Let's be realistic; maybe I'd stay at the Independence Inn. Just for a day, like a tourist. But of course, things would change when I realized I'd have to pay for the hotel – everything would suddenly feel a lot more real!
My first stop would definitely be Luke's Diner for a cup of coffee. Of course, I'd start my day here because we could call this a tradition by now! I'd sip my coffee and start walking around Stars Hollow. Feeling the warmth of that coffee in my hands, looking out the window while watching the town wake up… Just wandering around that little town, where it feels like there's a new story hidden around every corner.
Then, I’d love to meet Lorelai and Rory, have a chat, and spend some time there. Lorelai’s energetic and cheerful demeanor, while Rory’s more calm and thoughtful... Being there for even a day would teach me so much. I’d blend in with the townsfolk in a short time, smile at Michel, and say a few sentences to him in my A1-A2 level French. Seeing Michel’s reaction would definitely be hilarious – he’d be furious, but it’d be so funny! His expression in that moment... It would be unforgettable!
And of course, I’d love to tell Michel, “I’m only here for a day.” He’d definitely get annoyed. Even if fire didn’t shoot from his eyes, he’d glare at me in that angry way of his, and I’d just laugh at whatever sarcastic French phrases he’d throw at me. If we told Miss Patty, the entire town would probably explode with gossip — everyone would suddenly start talking about the mysterious stranger who disappeared! That would be seriously fun. Though I’d have to be careful while talking to the townsfolk — if I accidentally mentioned something big that’s supposed to happen in a future episode, the whole town could fall into chaos!
Lorelai’s house... Walking around there, seeing the kitchen, having another cup of coffee. But as a guest, like I’m stepping into their home for the first time, and they’re showing me around. Spending just one day, one morning in that house would truly feel like an experience straight out of a movie.
Walking around the town square and browsing the colorful shops would also be such a joy. Everything is so beautiful and different, and getting lost in those streets, feeling like a new story is waiting at every corner, would be so peaceful. If there was a festival, I would definitely join in. The whole town would be there, and somehow feeling that warmth in a place where everyone knows each other would make me feel like a part of the town... It would create such a cozy and inviting atmosphere. And when evening comes, I’d take one last walk down those town streets.
Of course, I also have the dream of mysteriously disappearing. Just before leaving the town, I’d say to Lorelai and Rory, “Maybe I’ll disappear mysteriously.” It would be so interesting! Both their mystery and the town’s would suddenly vanish. But still, I would never forget that morning and every moment in that town. Spending a day in Stars Hollow, feeling the peace of the town, would truly be an amazing escape.
2) Stardew Valley: An Adventurous Day on the Farm
If I were to wake up in Stardew Valley one morning, I would definitely want to open my eyes in my little farmhouse. I’d probably have a cat, and I’d start by petting it. In the quiet of the morning, I’d do some farm work — watering the crops, maybe harvesting a few items... These tasks feel so relaxing in that world! But since I’m only there for a day, I shouldn’t waste too much time. I need to explore! My first stop: the mines! I’m used to the game, so I wouldn’t die (hopefully).
Of course, I wouldn’t risk my entire one-day adventure in the depths of the mines, but taking down a few skeletons wouldn’t be so bad.
Next, I’d definitely head to Gus’s bar. Maybe I’d first take a trip to the desert… After a stroll there, I’d check out Ginger Island... But since my time is limited, the bar would be a definite stop. I’d rest there and grab something to eat and drink.
If I had the chance to get close to someone from the town... I’d probably want to meet Penny and have a chat. But earning her trust would take a while, so I’d prefer to talk to someone easier like Abigail, Robin, or even Elliott. Maybe I’d catch Sebastian at a street corner... Though even having two words with him would feel like an accomplishment.
Living as a farmer would be hard for me. I mean, yes, I’d water the crops in the morning, but then I’d quickly switch to "tourist mode" and start exploring. (Like trying to fish for five minutes and then getting bored and heading straight to Gus’s bar).
When evening comes, I’d definitely spend my time at the Stardrop Saloon. I’d play billiards, have a drink, and chat with the townsfolk. But I’d want to end the night in peace, maybe at a dock or somewhere with a beautiful view. Perhaps by the sea, or on top of the mountains...
I’d love to be there during winter. I think Stardew Valley is a whole different beauty in the winter... Everything becomes so peaceful under that white blanket. But it would be more fun if I went during the Desert Festival. Or during the Flower Dance... I’d find a partner, dance, and then mysteriously disappear at the end of the night.
I’d also love to visit the secret areas... But I’m not sure if I’d have enough time in one day. I don’t know how much I could see. If it were up to me, I’d need to stay in the town for more than a day — maybe a few months.
But at the end of the day... I think I’d grab a Stardrop fruit. Carrying the energy of that mysterious fruit with me forever... It would be such a lovely memento.
3) Carole & Tuesday: A Day on Mars, A Song
Waking up on Mars… The thought alone is exciting! If I were to open my eyes in Alba City one morning, I’d definitely want to wake up in Carole’s small, cozy apartment. Looking out the window at the cityscape of Mars... The strange thrill of being in what seems like an ordinary place but is actually a completely different world... I’d jump straight into that music-filled life without even having breakfast.
The first thing I’d want to do is meet Carole and Tuesday. I’d love to chat with them for hours, but maybe most of all… I’d want to sing a song with them. Yes, for one day, we'd be Carole, Tuesday & Jem! It would be so special... Joining their duo for just one day, experiencing the joy of creating and making music together. I don’t think I’d want to just be a spectator — I’d want to be part of their story somehow.
Of course, I wouldn’t spend the whole day just making music. I’d explore the streets of Alba City, pop into small bars to listen to live music, visit a recording studio... I’d want to do it all! After all, I only have one day on Mars; I need to walk around and explore as much as I can.
And yes... Angela. I’d want to meet her too. She seems quiet and distant, but she also feels like someone with a lot to say. If the four of us were together; Carole, Tuesday, Angela, and me, I think we’d be amazing. I’d want us to have a song together. It could be so beautiful.
Maybe I don’t have big dreams like performing at a music festival, but being backstage with them before they hit the stage, cheering them on, and telling them, “You’ve got this”… That moment would be so special to me. Being a friend, supporting them, just being part of that moment is enough.
I think I wouldn’t tell anyone that I was only there for one day. I’d keep that moment just for myself. Let them continue to see me as an ordinary person… But in that one day, I’d leave a small mark on their world.
At the end of the day… If I were to take something with me as I left… Maybe it would be a demo of the song we recorded together. Or a tiny note from Carole and Tuesday... A note that starts with "Remember, real music comes from the heart," simple but something that would remind me of that day. Maybe it was just one day... But a day filled with music on Mars would be worth a lifetime to me.
4) Before Sunrise: Getting Lost for a Night in Vienna
If I woke up in Vienna one morning… I’d probably step outside without wasting any time. First, I’d grab a bite to eat and then wander down the side streets with a hot coffee in hand… No plan, just wandering. A quiet, peaceful city, yet one that makes you think. Every corner seems to tell a different story.
Maybe at some point, I’d lock eyes with Céline. I’d love to exchange a few words with her, but just that... The rest, I’d rather watch from a distance. Because their story is already being told. If I were to go up to them and say, “I’m here too!” I’d feel like I’d spoil the magic. Sometimes, it’s better to just observe. In real life, it would be like watching a movie.
After watching them from afar, it would feel right to go my own way. Getting lost in the streets of Vienna... Maybe I’d stop by a bookstore, then walk along the old stone streets, finding a little café along the way. Who knows? Maybe I’d lock eyes with a stranger, and like Céline and Jesse, I’d start talking to someone for the rest of the night. Someone to walk and talk with throughout the evening. If I woke up in a world like this, I think that would definitely be part of it.
When night falls… Maybe I’d take a quiet walk along the banks of the Danube. Looking at the reflections in the water, I’d silently hold onto all the thoughts I had. Because some nights, talking isn’t enough; sometimes, you just have to live the moment.
I’m not sure what I’d take with me. Maybe a ticket from the café I visited that day. Or a postcard I picked up on a street I got lost on. Something small, that would remind me of that day, but no one else would understand. And I think I’d never tell anyone I was only there for one day. Just knowing that that night in Vienna was mine would be enough.
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