Oh if I could count the times when I wish that I could just call someone to reschedule a meeting due to bad roads! Two things prevent this – not everyone has a phone, and even with a phone there may not be reception.
Many of the men in the community own phones so that they can keep in contact with their families in Yapacani. Some have small antennas but others are more creative. They found that if they stand underneath a certain tree located near they can get reception. If the reception is poor, it can be improved by climbing the tree!
At our place we are surrounded by trees and do not have a clear line of sight for reception. We do, however, have a tall metal shed. If Jake climbs up the ladder on to the roof, and then climbs another strategically placed ladder to the peak, he can phone to Yapacani. We still cannot receive phone calls unless he just happens to be up on the roof when a call comes in.
We still hope to get the antenna put up and when that is done we should have reception for the cell phone. If we liked the connectivity to the outside world again we are not sure. But we can always turn the phone off!
