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Hobbies

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I decided that I would set-up my sewing machine today. That proved more than difficult as the machine has suffered some problems in transit. The cover is not in line any more and the machine is slipping instead of engaging to sew. It seems customs may have removed the bottom cover and not closed it properly resulting in a separation of the interior parts and the drive belt hoping off its sprocket. With the small tool provided I managed to remove most of the cover screws. I now need to find a screwdriver 🪛  to remove the last two screws deep in the handle.  Another job for tomorrow.  I did think of adding a few tools to the kit but weight was an issue. Tools here are way more expensive than back home. Lets hope the electrician shows up tomorrow and I can borrow one. The electrician lent me a screwdriver and I managed with much help from @SewingMachineRepairGuy to understand how to break into the case using my carefully fashioned pry tool (from the blue bucket) and a nail...
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Chapter 10 Living Remote in the Pacific

  Storms Woke up early this morning to a big storm. Howling wind and rain bucketing down. A coconut bomb hit the roof again the noise is loud but we seem to be getting used to it. The roosters have been a bit quieter. Another day another storm the humidity is crazy and the coral dust turns to slippery mud. I will need to find a scrubbing brush for my feet and shoes. 
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Power

The power has been mostly on. On, off and on is normal. Wednesday and Thursday last week was a little unpredictable as it went off and on a few times. Imported Diesel is the primary fuel for power generation. Solar panels are also visible on larger buildings and in some community areas. We know the bank and the hospital have back up generators they kicked on while we were there, most places do not have generators.  I did see a few smaller generators (often petrol ones) and solar panels dotted around in the communities we visited in North Tarawa.
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Internet

Internet is available via the Vodafone mobile network if you buy a data plan. It can be expensive $20 for 6GB that is valid for 1 month. Wifi is now at many locations and we have seen availability at places such as the ministry offices, Australian High Commission and the Theological College grounds where we now live. The wifi appears to be mostly connected to Starlink. There are also Oceanlink recharge signs visible near the wharf areas, but I am not sure how many people use it or what kind of coverage they have.
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International Phone

My  Australian Aldi Sim stopped working sometime this week due to power issues and the mobile network going down. This resulted in my number going directly voicemail and the voicemail box getting full. No calls were getting through. When I try to clear the voicemail box it says that I have insufficient funds available.  I loaded more credit and then tried again.  Next time when I tried to clear voicemail it said my number was not registered on the network. This experience was rather frustrating  I have removed the sims and reset the phone twice. This has resulted in the Sim coming alive finally. I can now check voicemail and delete messages.  I can receive and make calls again lets see how long it might last. Thankfully whatsapp and email is working over the data connection and wifi this seems a little more stable.
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Chapter 9 Phone, Internet & Power

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Mobile Phone The Local Vodafone experience has been interesting and challenging. Upon arrival we went to the local Vodafone service and bought a local sim card each. We decided that $20 a month would be enough to start. We did not realise that the $20 for 6 GB of data only came with a few days of free voice calls. The local people use a recharge voucher system that costs $3 and lasts 1 day. This seems ridiculously expensive and creates a new degree of stress. The ability to borrow $3 credit for a fee of 15 cents is also a little concerning. Many times a day there are text messages in English and local Kiribati from Vodafone advertising the special rates or competitions that can be entered. Along with more than 20 text messages on two weeks advertising the latest phones available.
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Chapter 8 Garbage and Waste disposal

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Negatv e Dead cars and vans everywhere in every community. Garbage on beaches. Plastic bottles and containers everywhere.  White goods and electrical equipment dumped at fringes of communities. Waste is very visible Positive  Some aluminium can recycling is being done. A radio campaign to reduce single use plastics is underway. The is a garbage pick-up service operating that seems to be helpful.
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