Internet...

Finding a way to have consistent internet access when we are not at school has become our first real challenge. At the same time it has given us a more realistic view into the life of a local Tunisian.

I think I explained the process for receiving telephone and internet at our house. It is a multi-step process with periods of unknown waiting in between. As far as we know we are still on the first step. Seeing no progress in the near future we have begun attempting a new way to gain access. Other expats have had success with the purchase of a 3g USB dongle from the French provider called Orange. The Key, as it is called, is a cell based service much like in the states, but there is no contract as you prepay each month you want to use it.

Two days ago, one of Kaylee's coworkers (who happens to speak English, French, and Arabic) was going to the Orange store to purchase a new sim card for her key and invited us to join so that she could help with translation. She had tried the store closest to school the previous day and was told she had to go to the La Marsa Orange desk. So after school we caught a cab and rode for 15 minutes into La Marsa. Within minutes Kaylee's coworker (Mona) was informed that that location (as of last week) is now only an information desk; they don't sell products. They sent us to a bigger branch in La Kram (back the way we came). Fifteen minutes later, on our way into the big Orange store we learned that they had what both Mona and we were looking for, but ... it was inventory day so we could look but could not buy. Attempt 1 ... Failure!

Yesterday, we played pick up soccer after school and then spent a little over an hour in Kaylee's classroom using the internet to buy flights for our return over winter break (details to come.) Leaving school around 6 we headed back to La Kram (still wearing our sweaty soccer gear.) When we got there it was packed and in typical telecom fashion there was one person serving customers and three greeting them at the door. We were instructed to grab a number, ours was 123. It didn't look too bad they were already serving number 113. The number didn't change for a half an hour. We began to realize that the numbering system is not as strictly enforced as it would be at home. Taking not we edged our way to the front and when we had the chance moved in. Unfortunately, at that moment they decided to return to the number system. An hour and a half after arriving our number was called! The first thing they asked for was our passport... We hadn't heard any need to be carrying it. Fortunately, we have each been carrying a color copy of our passports in our wallet in case of emergencies. We were saved... until the guy at the counter told us that he could not use them because they were scans (technically they were just color copies, but apparently here a color copy implies a scan). It is illegal for them to accept scans of passports. If it were a black and white copy they could accept it but not a color scan! Attempt 2 ... Failure.

Today we will be leaving right after school to make our third (and hopefully final) assault on the internet stronghold code named Orange. If we are triumphant we will be adding a celebratory post later this evening.