A flip side to observing where the Web and its derivatives appeared on my trip, it was nice to reflect back and see what the paucity of the Web, Internet, and computers provided me.
(1) At the start of the trip, I felt that I had lost the ability to find and research information and/or questions that across during conversations. A simple example was when i ran across words that I did not know, I was forced to look them up the "old fashioned way" and use a dictionary. Other simplistic examples included the inability to research potential items to purchase in the foreign countries. I was forced to make my own decisions about the goods without the input from the "general better informed public".
(2) I felt that I had lost connections with my friends, family, and work associates. This could be viewed as a positive experience, since vacations are about getting away, but at the same time, I missed the interactions that could be achieved with e-mail and instant messaging.
(3) On the flip side, I was 'forced' to make conversation with my eating companions and not stare at computer screens during meal times. This, in turn, allowed each of us to actually talk with each other and hold real conversations. I felt as if I formed deeper connections with these individuals. The conversations were more lively, and were filled with more stories, instead of abbreviated conversations interrupted by looking things up on the Internet and/or sending e-mails. Perhaps I will try to disconnect myself during mealtimes when I get home to continue to foster the relationships with my mealtime friends.
(4) Without the Internet, I had no real access to the News and it was interesting to slip back into the sheltered live where I was only aware of the on goings on the ship and no where else in the world. It was an odd feeling, since I was used to being knowledgeable about world wide events. Again, I felt cut off, but at the same time I was enjoying the naiveitivity and "ignorance is bliss" feelings.
My time package has run out, so I must end this post.
--Update - Fixed the spelling errors, as I am back home.
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