So this one time, at Jew Camp...

I spent the past 4 days camping in southern Oregon, living in very close proximity to 4 people from Hillel (association for jewish campus life). I was literally cut out from the world for what seemed like a few weeks. I was in unchartered territory and the only thing familiar to me were these 4 interesting individuals.
The trip went swimmingly. The car ride up was long, because my friend wanted to stop at every tourist trap, just for the hell of it. We went to a no-gravity place, Legend of Bigfoot, Mystery Trees, stopped in Arcata, crescent city. etc. During the day we'd do various trail resoration/enviorment projects and visit the tidepools. At night we'd have dinner and go off and do something fun. Thursday night we saw "International". twas o.k. Then we'd come back play cards or smoke Hookah
I was never without company. Something I'm not used to. The only time I felt truly alone, was in the shower...Which was why I looked forward to them every day.
In some cultures, having constant company is cherished. In American Culture "alone time" seems to be valued because our lives are hectic and crazy. I think I in particular, embody this idea. I'm very independent. Unruly. rogue. Living in such close quarters with others was stressful. Especially, with so much interdependence. We each had different chores. There was one legitimate leader who we all listened to. He was smart, experienced and kept everyone else in check. I hate feeling subordinate to others. especially men. It lowered my confidence, my sex drive. I had less room to be independent and successful, because I' relied on others and others relied on me. I'm used to being the Alpha male. my own Alpha male. And getting my way.
During the trip I had little access to technology. Cell service was unreliable and I forgot to bring my recharger. It makes me realize how reliant I, and really most (especially young) Americans have become on technology. I wanted to check my facebook, send text messages and check my e-mails. no luck. My social life is so technologically based it's scary. I've spent more time getting to know some of my friends using the internet, then by being with them in person. It feels kinda superficial. I now feel guilty about wanting alone time during the trip. Since the kind of socialization I had is becoming increasingly uncommon as we progress further into the ultra-technologically advanced 21st century.
In spite of this discomfort, it was an excellent bonding experience...getting to know other people really well by being around the constantly for 4 days. I haven't had that in along time. I realize that this kind of intensive socialization/travelling experience, is only minor, to the one I might be going on this May...to Israel and Jordan. for 10, possibly more days.