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A Gadget-free Vacation

A daring thought came to us. We patted ourselves for even trying to attempt it. We declared that our Hawaii trip would be a - hold your breath -gasp- a gadget-free trip. Ladies and gentlemen, you can let go of that oxygen mask now.

No laptops, dvds, electronic toys, gameboys etc. Nothing except a cell phone for emergency. I think a cell doesn't even count as a gadget. It should be re-classified as an extended body part. Of the ear, logistically.

The first day was the worst. All of us looked around. What are we supposed to do? Talk. You mean with each other? Huh...please, that's too much to ask. Then, what else? It was too late to go to the beach. Let's see. Maybe, play games. No electronic ones? We laughed nervously. Suddenly we had a 'brainwave'. Well, what did you expect?- remember, we were in Hawaii. Hint, hint. Ok, it was a bad joke. Back to the idea - we thought - how about some old-fashioned word, vocabulary ones, board games? Alien concept, but it worked out quite well...

Came next day. Lots of nature drives, beach visits, surfing. Started to do some reading, talking, playing word games, cooking together, taking long walks, reading again. Sometimes, just staring at the waves or looking at the sunset. We kind of liked this new feeling. Primitive, but good. As far as the rest of the vacation - the days passed so quickly, but we stopped, paused and savored every minute of our time.

Never thought the beach air could teach you so much. Thanks to the lonely gizmos at home.

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