At 25, I still don’t have a smartphone.
It’s alarming to some, astonishing to others, and truly a first-world problem to all. For me, it’s something that just “sort of happened”.
After a stint in Chile to China to Spain, I couldn’t rationalize the purchase, especially with my constantly changing zip code. In my head, it was simple. Travel over accessibility. In the name of frugality, I was content with staying in the technologic realm of 1996. Simple texting and emergency phone calls only, Facebook chat (while connected to wi-fi at home) could suffice.
Thanks to my visiting sister, I had a chance to use an iPhone. I was overjoyed (to say the least) in documenting the everyday moments of life in Madrid, and our travels further afield to Asturias, Burgos, and other small stops along the way, like Medina del Campo (see first photo) and Lerma, a small town that contains SEVEN monasteries in Castilla León.
Per schedule, I’m moving to Turkey this summer (yes, I’ve been reading the news) and then later to Peru this fall. The dilemma rises again. Do I invest in one?
Until I make the leap (this year or before I turn 30), I’ve been enjoying my family’s stay here in Spain and duly documenting it with the iPhone’s ease, as well as with my trusted (& higher resolution) dSLR. As tribute, I’m posting a few photos here.
Editing app: Camera Plus Pro
Warning! I may have overdone it in a few cases.
I’m curious, especially for those living abroad, do you have any recommendations for a smartphone that is relatively cheap, but also comes with a decent lens and app availability?
I miss the 21st century life.
Cut the Kitsch 
I am exactly like you. I can’t justify buying a smart phone when I am constantly moving. It would be too much of a hassle getting it unlocked and paying for it when I am earning peanuts. I am saving it for when I get a permanent job. As far as Spain goes, there are some pretty cheap ones I have seen in Phone House, that are only about 100 euros, but I don’t know what the contract would be like.
I should also mention that I have been getting teased by my 12 year old students for not having Whatsapp and carrying around ‘the brick’ that is my 20 euro nokia phone from 2001.
Haha, exactly! One of my students (she’s 8) just told me she got a phone. I’m sure it’s newer and better functioning than mine!
I’m still on the search online, however, the idea of unlocking a phone is still holding me back!
Um, these photos are great. That is all.
Haha, thank you!
Wow, you took all of these with an iPhone?? I’m blown away!!
I don’t have a smart phone either, but all my Spanish friends are obsessed with Whats App and have been pushing me to get one so I don’t get left out of things. I think sooner rather than later I’m going to have to get one.
The lens on the iPhone has greatly improved; it’s impressive! As for a smartphone, I just broke down! I am now a proud owner of an second-hand Android.
These are gorgeous! Aside from the skills involved in making iPhone pictures look this awesome, they are beautifully composed.
Thanks! The iPhone has really upped its game. However, it’s true, there are good iPhone pictures and there are bad ones!