I have a phone. Oddly, it connects me to people here. Both literally and metaphorically. I am now one of 100 million people (out of 906 million) living in Africa connected to the network. And, like in many parts of Canada, having a cell phone makes me more important.

What I find interesting is actually HOW the cell phones are used here. In Kenya, researchers have put cell phones in plastic bags and tied them around the necks of elephants. A single cell phone is programmed to turn on every hour and send a message, which includes information from an onboard gps, to a second phone. By this method, researchers can track the location of elephants, and many other game animals. Fishermen use cell phones to track the price of fish in different countries. Where the price is high, they weigh the cost of transporting their catch to that region. Through the Serengeti and along the path to Mount Kilimanjaro, access to the cell network is possible. Tourists can call home from 5,895 m high!

For me, in Africa, the cell phone is a more valuable than many of the goodies I brought with me across the ocean. Although I consider the phone a bit of a nuisance, it allows me to share some of my most memorable experiences with you. Perhaps, one day, while I’m I’m watching an elephant disappear into the sunset, your phone will ring. Smile.