Our internet connection is a GPRS mobile phone modem which plugs into the USB port. We can use it anywhere there is an MTN mobile phone signal. Of course, it is dead s….l….o….w. After the initial cost of the modem we pay 90,000 shs/month for unlimited access. Kampala, the capital, has MTN Edge technology which is exponentially faster than where we live. However, if Mbarara, the second largest city in Uganda, installs Edge well before we leave then we will be in internet heaven.
A discussion on a forum sparked the idea to list how important the internet has been to me and why I feel so isolated when I don’t have access for a few days or longer.
I began using the internet in the mid-90’s. The benefits of it from my perspective:
- Planned and booked my first trip out of the US (Ireland).
- Meeting friends including my husband!
- Webcam: seeing my granddaughter for the first time on a webcam when she was 2 days old and I was 4,000 miles away. Watching her learn to walk and talk. Staying connected to her in real time. (unfortunately I can't do that in Uganda - need a fast connection).
- Completely planning and booking all travel—airline tickets/hotels/rental cars/sites of interest to tourists/restaurants
- Banking
- Shopping for anything at all!!
- Buying/booking tickets online for concerts, etc.
- Looking up anything I want to know about, no matter what.
- Meeting other Americans living in the UK and being helped/helping others with their adjustment.
- Creating blogs, web pages, photo albums
- Being able to discuss any subject with people who have a similar interest.
- Looking up info on movies/TV—film locations, info on the actors, learning the real story behind a movie based on fact.
- Learning about Uganda before we came. Read blogs written by those who had also been placed here. Getting tips on what to bring, what to expect.
- Visa, passport, citizenship info and application forms
- News anytime
- Learning about anything, learning languages online, studying for UK driving test, studying for UK citizenship test, doing genealogical research.
- Email--staying in touch.
etc. etc. etc...........
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3 comments:
Love that List Annie - especially the last item, "staying in touch" - something I have not managed to do for the past few weeks I'm afraid, not even been here just to read up on your exploits! Things have been manic for us (we are moving home soon, and you of all people know what clearing and packing up your home involves!) :-)
I plan to settle down for a reading session this afternoon.
best Wishes to you both and hope all is well
Steve & Paula
Ah, yes, Steve, the fun of packing up a house! Ack!
I forgot one very important item to add the list:
Being able to purchase gifts in the US via internet, even if we are in the UK, Uganda, wherever, and have it shipped to those very important people - like a granddaughter for her birthday or christmas!
Good luck on your move - new house?
annie
New to us only I'm afraid - 30 + years old otherwise - but it is MUCH more suitable for a disabled person that where we are now - having both an upstairs and downstairs bathroom and shower facilities (one of which is a walk in "wet room" shower) This will help Paula immensely.
Can't move for at least another month though as we are awaiting a nhew bathroom and kitchen being installed - Nice, but frustrating!
Steve
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