While not an intentional experiment in this case – as it probably was for most of the times that we all have taken part in it – it is always curious to explore a world without your smartphone.  And I mean that in both senses:  physically exploring your surrounding and mentally exploring the ways in which you would get around without this multifaceted tool.  

As someone who has parents that live far enough into the woods that all phones turn into pretty paperweights upon arrival at their house, I can tell you that it truly does like losing a limb or a sense to not have the device at my fingertips.  And if you think that’s bad, you can’t imagine what it’s like to have their 384k DSL drop out at the beginning of a weekend visit. 

The complaints of a first world resident, I suppose.