Before Smart Phones

Times have certainly changed since 2007 when I acquired the Apple Touch, a smartphone without the call feature we now consider standard.

Back then, I was a solitary figure on my daily train commute, engrossed in my cutting-edge device while others simply observed the passing scenery.

Fast forward to 2015, and the landscape has evolved drastically.

Virtually every individual now possesses a smartphone, and some even tote additional gadgets like laptops, tablets, or game consoles. It’s a transformation that’s swept through society, altering the way we connect and interact.

The view out that train window, stretching from the picturesque Adelaide Hills to the bustling heart of Adelaide’s city, is a captivating contrast of nature and urbanity. As the train chugs along, the scenery unfolds like a captivating story.

To the east, the Adelaide Hills rise majestically, their slopes blanketed in eucalyptus trees and vineyards, and the occasional rooftop through the treetops. The hills are a sanctuary of tranquility, their rolling hills an inviting playground for hikers and nature enthusiasts. At dawn, the soft hues of sunrise paint a breathtaking tableau of colors, transforming the landscape into a living canvas.

As the train descends from the Hills, the urban jungle of Adelaide gradually comes into view. The CBD’s skyline pierces the horizon, a testament to modernity with its gleaming glass towers and architectural prowess. It’s a bustling hub of commerce and culture, where people hurry through the streets, cafes buzz with conversations, and the symphony of city life plays out.

In the end, as I reflect on the view unfolding outside that train window, it becomes increasingly clear that the world outside surpasses the tiny window in my hand.

This view is unbounded, ever-evolving, and rich with the beauty of nature and the vitality of urban life. It’s a testament to the diverse, ever-changing world that exists beyond the confines of our screens.

While the small window in my hand may offer convenience and connection, it can never truly replace the depth and richness of the world outside.

So, I choose to leave my phone in my bag, if only for a while, to savor the real world – the sights, sounds, and experiences that stretch out before me, all of that far more captivating than the digital world confined to my palm.

This view, out that train window, reminds me of the profound wonder and beauty of the world that we often overlook in our digital pursuits.