I’m on vacation. On a very nice cruise ship. With a spa. Looking at lovely scenery. Without a consistent Internet connection. International roaming rates may apply.
Huh?
I’m not particularly tech-savvy. I cheerfully admit my iPhone is smarter about itself than I’ll ever be. There are probably millions of things I could access on the Internet, and amazing photo-shop tricks I could use, but don’t.
On the other hand, I am technologically spoiled. I text message and check my email at a whim. I jump on and off the web to check facts while writing. I don’t think about what a marvel these activities are. Until they become awkward.
On a cruise ship, the Internet comes via satellite, but doesn’t work in port. Minutes are expensive, and the connection is slow. I wonder if my Social Media pals notice my absence.
I’m stepping back in techno-time – recording experiences on my unconnected laptop, taking pictures with an extra piece of equipment called a camera.
The next time I access the Internet will be to upload this blog. Next week the blog will be late – but there will be pictures to see and stories to read.
Meanwhile, I’m on vacation. On a very nice cruise ship.
Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Sandra travels for her research, most recently to Salem, Massachusetts, the setting of her new Salem Stories series. She also enjoys traveling for new experiences. Recent trips include Antarctica and a river cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel.
Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life.
