Disconnectedness

Nomadic Lifestyle

Is that even a word?

Anyhow, as a travel blog reader and a sometimes-traveler myself, I read a lot of articles concerning why people choose to travel and all the arguments for (and sometimes against) “…casting off the bowlines…” and getting out there to see the world.

I had a bit of an epiphany the last time I was in an airport. I really hate being in airports, though I could never really put my finger on the reason why. There are enough reasons to dislike airports – the constant background noise, the lines, the overpriced yet awful food, the waiting lounges that are never big enough to hold all of the delayed passengers. None of these things are pleasant but that wasn’t really what put me off of being in airports. The thing that I finally was able to see, the thing that finally became evident, is that nearly everyone is listening to their mp3 player or on their cell phone or has their face buried in their laptop or reading a book (usually with earbuds in or bluetooth headset on) nobody in an airport has any interest in connecting with the world around them. This goes on to a lesser extent outside of airports and though it’s most noticeable in the U.S. other developed countries seem to be prone to residents attempting to escape the things right in front of them in favor of some electronic device that keeps them connected to the familiar – no matter how heinous the familiar might be.

I’m a technophile – love my little electronic gadgets, so the next time you’re in an airport you might just see me, face buried in laptop. I’m also not a social butterfly. If I have zero social interaction with my fellow human being I am usually o.k. with that. I can spend days at a time isolated in the mountains or even months at a time working the night shift at the South Pole with nearly no social activity whatsoever. On the other hand, I enjoy socializing and am able to thoroughly enjoy connecting with people around me. That’s the key though – connecting, not simply conversing but sharing a humanness, learning and taking an interest in the people and things surrounding me. I have no time for people who haven’t got anything original to share and for this reason I am able to identify with those who intentionally disconnect but it is also why I thoroughly enjoyed my winter season at the South Pole and also why I think I enjoyed a trip to west Texas (including Terlingua) on my last rotation off The Ice. When people get away from all of these things that distract and detract from what’s going on right in front of them, then all that’s left is basic human interaction.

A couple of years ago while on Ice, Marsha and I decided we would eat lunch with a different group every day. This was an attempt to reach out and learn about all the wonderful people that we saw on a daily basis but knew little about. One of our interactions turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of that particular season. Next time you’re out, whether on a long-haul overseas flight or simply at the grocery store why not turn off the mp3 player and telephone, be approachable and try to connect with a fellow human?

Will @ January 9, 2009