twenty-something years of "what have you been up to?"

Sa Hell com

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Does anyone want to hear me complain?

Trying to get the internet. Ask a million people what they did. Most people had a phone line that was $6 an hour, but they were usually overcharged and the line worked only sometimes. Someone knows someone who has another system that costs $80 a month, and they are streaming radio. an admiral is visiting so we can’t ask the one person who might know. Ask again. Get a phone number. Amina, the saintly nurse in the med unit, calls the number for me and tells me where to go. I wanted to go yesterday, but they are closed from noon to 3:30 or maybe it’s 4 and I didn’t make it.

Called the driver by 11:00 so I made it to Sahelcom today. With difficulty and an unsmiling clerk, I signed up for something. Paid my 25,000 cfa at a different window. Then discovered that it was the system that is $6 an hour on a telephone line. It’s all they have he says. God. Amina says a friend of hers works for another company and tomorrow she will call and get the information from him. Arrgg. Meanwhile, here I am at Peter’s computer, waiting for our sandwiches, kids are stapling together packing peanuts to make necklaces, crowns, boats and fish.

I really need to go the store today. For some reason, we are having a hard time having enough food. I need dinner ideas, beyond pasta. Kids won’t eat chicken. Beyond pasta and chicken, I don’t know what to cook. Okay, quiche. Potatoes. I’ll try those things.

I ordered the newspaper to come by mail, but we haven’t gotten it yet. It’s one of the things that Peter and I agree we miss the most.

In other news: I am on a committee to produce a short film for the ambassdor about life in Niamey. Having been on the film committe at PFS and since I have imovie on my computer I am the most qualified person here. l’ve been here a week, so I’m an expert on Niamey. A portion of the movie will be titled Sahelcom and it will be me, there, Michael Moore-style, unsuccessfully trying to get the internet.

Comments

5 responses to “Sa Hell com”

  1. Clay Avatar
    Clay

    Oh Dina, It looks like reality strikes. Ouch. I know the days of no newspapers – when I lost the SF Chronicle – culture shock. But it soon fades, hang in there, and now when I read it it seems so silly – not interested anymore. But Internet – a different story. Ya gotta have it. Good luck with that.
    How’s the heat? Japan is down to the early 90’s/95% humidity. Getting bearable.
    Kids won’t eat chicken? Just call up for some Chinese, or pizza. No? We at least can get excellent Sushi – yesterday’s lunch. Mmm. Come to visit?
    Hang in there, Clay

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  2. MamaLana Avatar
    MamaLana

    Dinachka, your description of doing business at Sahelcom reminds me of Kirusha’s experience with the electric company in Rome. When he finally got to the window he needed the fellow closed it in his face and said “Coffee break; use that phone over there.” After Kirusha stood in line for 30 minutes to use the phone it turned out “the phone she not work-a today.” LOL Smooches.

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  3. Mari Avatar
    Mari

    Dina,
    I do hope you get internet soon- this ‘blog” is very entertaining and educational! What an adventure you and Peter are in. I hope you are planning on writing a book as well as doing the film!
    I love the photos-
    Mari

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  4. Jill, Sean, Griffen and Carlin Avatar
    Jill, Sean, Griffen and Carlin

    Did I ever tell you about the time I went to get my cell phone fixed and the guy told me I could wait but it would be a couple of hours because they were all watching the World Cup? Yeah.
    Two steps up and one step back; you’ll have a whole new appreciation for the ease of your own culture. 🙂 Jill

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  5. MamaLana Avatar
    MamaLana

    Dina, I forgot to wish you good luck with your film project! I think that’s really neat.
    T. Lana

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