When I left for Australia I took the sim card out of my Iphone. I could only imagine what my roaming charges would be if for some reason (probably drunk) I started calling back to the state. So I took the card out to eliminate that all together. My friends at the genius bar at the Apple Store in Santa Monica assured me I would have no problem using email, Facebook and twitter if I could get Wifi. It’s been very spotty and non-existent thus far and that’s been all good with me.
I picked up a Voda cell phone in Australia to make calls. My parents are the only people in the states with that number. I’m able to connect with friends back home through email and Facebook, but there’s no instant connection while not online. It’s an amazing feeling. I realized how much I depended on my instant connections. I was at dinner the other night without my Iphone and with my Voda phone with only two numbers in it. Both hostels. I had no one I could call or text even if I wanted to. I couldn’t Facebook or Tweet. I sat there and enjoyed my dinner : )
As I write this on my sim cardless Iphone on a tram heading south from Melbourne my Voda phone rings. It’s a new friend inviting me to a dinner party. Writing this on my Iphone gives me a sense of familiarity, but having the Voda phone gives me a sense of adventure. On a side note I’m stoked to still have angry birds to play : )
sounds amazing
I too have had that disconnect only a few times in the last few years. On trips to Costa Rica, I only allow myself email and when I have gone to Greece and Belize on a small boat with just a few people I completely let go of tech connections. It always takes a few days to realize the world will go on without me and I’ll still have a job when I get home, but when it sets it, it is wonderful. We miss you, but happy knowing you’re taking this incredible journey.
Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.