Two people, 3000 miles apart…technology miracles and headaches
Our goals for this trip were to get lots of things done on our “list” as well as learn as much as possible about our boat. What to do when we’ve staggered our arrivals, and need to be communicating nearly real-time on decisions that were important for both of us to be involved in?
Enter Skype for video calls and WhatsApp for messaging.
Before I left, I made sure our iPhones were set-up and working for Skype and WhatsApp. Neither of us uses our iPhones in Spain, except on wifi and as a standalone computer of sorts (e.g., Kindle, Spanish dictionary, etc.). I was hoping to use my phone normally, and then have Justin keep his phone available when he was on wifi at work (while he was on break, of course!) or at home. Things worked pretty well, although occasionally we would lose connection on Skype with video calls. WhatsApp allowed me to send pictures to show Justin what I was working on, and hopefully helped him feel less out of the loop while he waited the eleven days to join me.
Our discussion for the antenna/radio receiver component of our instrument install.
The only issues we had…that damn little “beep beep” of a waiting message that always seem to sound after I was on my head deep in a lazarette. I suspect the improvements in productivity that were realized from being able to make quick decisions were negated by the frequent need to respond to messages!
But, all in all, it was a good set-up!
PS – more to come in the next few days on our adventures from Annapolis…stay tuned!
AHH!!!!!!!!!!! Finally ready to make up that wire connection. OPPS must respond to text. Text…. Are you going to make that wire connection next??
THIS is exactly what I’m talking about, Willis!