I think I have an addiction. We probably all do. We are addicted to our smartphones. They take up so much of our attention that it gets a bit scary. When I look at the other people on the train or waiting for the bus, any time they have a few seconds with nothing to do, they stare into their screens. I do too. Oh, how much time I am spending on that thing! I am currently not working and have a lot of free time. My screen attention varies between 3 and 5 hours daily. Mostly messenger apps like Whatsapp, Youtube, the news, 9Gag, dating apps, Facebook. When I get up in the morning, I have my little routine: check my messages, my Facebook account, my email and Tinder. Depending on the number of messages and news feeds, I need about 30 minutes to satisfy my need.
I am now done with that!
I decided to limit my time online by leaving my smartphone behind, back home in a cardboard box. This will free up so much time! Yes, at the same time some connections with friends will change. Not the depth but the amount of communication. We will probably write less, talk instead. Share fewer pictures, memes or jokes but more of the essentials and more depth.
Smartphone replacement
I still want to be able to phone, write sms, take pictures and listen to some music during my travels. So I went on a hunt of some vintage objects to replace my smartphone. It is not so easy to really personally decide on what product to use nowadays when consumerism defines what we can have and should use. The 2G network is being shut down in Switzerland so I had to go with a 3G phone. My choice went to the Nokia 3310 3G of 2017. My old iPod nano with a shattered screen still works quite nicely. And a found a Sony compact cam. All second-hand items. Woah the battery life is amazing! And the simplicity! And the peace…
My backpack
A focus point of my travel will be music. To achieve that, I decided to take my musical instrument with me. As is it quite bulky and heavy, I ordered a special “globetrotter” case from Namana Bags which has room for a handpan inside a hard shell and features a bag zipped on top for my clothes. The bag is huge and, however, doesn’t have much space for my personal belongings. I had to discard a few objects to be able to close the bag without it ripping open again. The bag displays the logo of a talented maker and new friend of mine, Maël Auteri, who produces wonderful Zaora instruments. I am not yet the proud owner of one of his creations but have played a lot on them the last three months. My personal Zaora instrument will be my welcome back gift after my travels.
