And just like that…

And, what do you know, the satellite terminal was under warranty and there was another one on hand. So we're back in production. Let's test this baby out..

Sunsets and monkeys for those of you who haven't seen. 'Cause who doesn't like sunsets and monkeys? Note that other people could very well post monkeys and sunsets not from Ometepe, but for now, the photos that are up are mine.

End of May

Friends,

This is what we often call a "time of trial" for the project. "We're fucked," Santos said, and his laugh brought the despair up from my belly. I saw it on my laugh-breath, tangible, and laughed until I was sure it was all out. It felt like sweating out a sickness. Nicaraguans know how to survive.

What's happened is this: for several weeks, the quality of the satellite signal was poor. It came and went frequently, at times only 30% of the traffic would make it through, and the people who resell our service to tourists were losing business. Not good. Two customers refused to pay May's bill until something improved.

Last Friday I made a trip into Managua to work with our ISP to stabilize the connection. Things seemed to be OK until Monday morning, when the satellite terminal went down and didn't come back up. It wasn't just a question of the signal; the device just doesn't power on. This is verily a Bad Thing™.

I went to Costa Rica Monday to renew my visa and returned Tuesday to find our Internet offerings in a state of death. The next morning I had a meeting to present the idea of putting computers with Internet access at the high school in Altagracia, but I didn't have any idea when we'd actually be able to give them Internet access: next week, in a month, or next year.

I don't know the chances the terminal can be repaired, nor how long it would take to send a replacement, nor if we'd have to pay for one. I have four weeks left on the island to do something. The option of throwing in the rag and trying again next year, doing it right this time, is attractive but rash. We'll have to feel this one out a bit yet.

And that's where I'm at.

Seven Weeks And Counting

These posts are turning out monthly, which is fine, I suppose. It's May now, and the rainy season has already taunted us with one nighttime downpour. Soon, soon.

On Monday I met with the director, teachers, people from the parents' association, and many of the "best" students at the high school in Balgüe to present more formally our project of installing Internet access there, and ask for their help. I think most of them still don't have much of an idea what Internet access means, although a few who did spoke expansively on what this could mean to their community. I hate running meetings where I have to spend too much of my brain power understanding what people are saying and why. I was therefore greatful to Kari and Dorita from the BOSIA office in Altagracia for their help.

Our goals were and are to ensure that the equipment is used productively, equitably, and sustainably by the students and faculty of the school. To that end, we are going to work with the director to draw up some guidelines for use of the systems. We've also formed a committee including students and teachers that will guide the process. These will be the first to receive training from me, in exchange for looking after the systems and teaching others. I have a distinct feeling once again of flying by the seat of my pants, but I think this will be OK until we can get some more formal systems of support and teaching going (soon? I hope).

I have about seven weeks left on the island, and it'll be just barely enough to get this going here and at the high school in Altagracia.

And that's about all you get tonight. I'm sleepy. Good night.