Zen and technology

[kinsugi]

I had the idea that my trip would be some kind of Zen pilgrimage. I haven't figured out how to integrate Zen meditation and technology. Can it be done?

Comments

[hungry_worm]

It's frightening how much space we make today for technology. I've vowed not to bring my iBook for holidays, or not even my iPod, but fact is that I've done it in the past. Having a digital camera is so great, as it allows a sheer endless number of high quality pictures to be taken. Of course you need a medium to empty the storage card too, and well, usually that's a computer. Travelling to asia a lot, and I'm talking about the less civilized/technology equipped parts like Bali, it is impossible to find a computer with a USB connector for plugging in card adapters. I didn't know there was a way to transfer pictures from the camera to the iPod, so thanks for mentioning that. They're tiny enough to still fit in any handluggage, so I'll keep that in mind

[kinsugi]

Thank you for your comments! Your laughter allowed me to let go of the speakers, but I'm still thinking about the camera situation. A camera really does seem essential, but perhaps it isn't. The pre-digital album of pictures I took in Europe and western Asia hasn't been looked at in many years, though family members would enjoy seeing some of them posted online. When my mom died, I found boxes of her photo memories that were meaningless to me, of people and places I didn't know.

Belkin's many tempting iPod gadgets include two for downloading images to the iPod. The first downloads images directly from a USB-ready camera; unfortunately, I bought my Nikon Coolpix the year before the USB models came out. The one I'd need is a Firewire card reader for multiple memory formats; it's a hundred bucks, still cheaper than buying a bunch of memory or a new camera!I do still own a traditional Pentax SLR camera and multiple lenses from a photography infatuation years ago, but it is big and heavy! I'd need an entire photographer's vest with

[hungry_worm]

*snickers at the image

[kinsugi]

Disposable cameras, disposable lives, not the 21st Century I'd hoped for... I used to be an environmental activist, but emotional burnout and RL took away the passionate energy. I no longer join actions or court arrest. Discouraged, I occasionally make phone calls, send email and donations... I'm supposed to call my Senator today about judicial appointments -- and, oh, dear, *counts on fingers* I'm supposed to move out in 3 days... *wanders off to find cellphone in a chaos of boxes, books, papers, clothing, CDs and DVDs and tapes, computer equipment, even furniture still being triaged*

[starmonkee]

Wow, I think you could cut down your weight considerably by NOT taking the batteries. Seriously, AA batteries are dirt cheap over there. I remember getting packs of six at the 100yen store. Thats like less than 20 yen per battery. I think you'd be way better off getting those over there!

And yah, you could probably leave the speakers at home too :)

[kinsugi]

*LOL* Speakers were just a passing fancy, they are off the list! Thanks for info about batteries; I'll just take a backup set. The camera eats them ravenously when I'm using it a lot.

[starmonkee]

I hear ya, mine is the same way. It tends to last a bit longer on the rechargeables. What I used to do when I went travelling over there is bring 4 rechargeable batteries and my charger (my batteries uses 2 AA's), then I'd just plug in the batteries overnight wherever I was staying. I got the recharger in the US, it worked just fine. Basically, anything electrical you buy here will work there. The only thing to watch out for is don't bring anything with a three prong plug, and be careful of polarized plugs (2 prong plug where one of the flat prongs is slightly larger than the other). They don't have either over there.