Entering the Matrix
Today I realized that traveling overseas is in many ways like entering into the Matrix (from the excellent movie of the same name). You enter it by suddenly disappearing from your family and friends and becoming a part of a different time zone. They can see and hear you over a computer, but not in person... It appears to be some kind of alternative geographic reality. But my favorite part of being in the Euro-Matrix here is that, just like Neo, I have super powers and most everyone wears stylish black clothes.