Internet Access/Yap and Chuuk

[boulderjohn]

I am contemplating a trip this fall, filling in for an opening in a group that scheduled long ago. I know they are doing a week on the Odyssey in Chuuk after going to Yap, but I don't know for sure what the Yap plans are at this time. I have to make a decision soon.

My problem is that I am worried about being away from my work for that long. I work via the Internet, and my absence for that length of time could be really bad. When I have gone on other extended trips, I have usually been able to get by via Internet cafés, checking in just enough to take care of critical issues. Last year, though, the Internet Café situation on my trip to Thailand was so bad (super slow computers in un-air conditioned sweatboxes) that it caused problems with work that are still with me today.

I figure I am out of luck for my week on the Odyssey, but if I can get decent access on shore and in Yap especially, I might get by.

Can anyone tell me what I can expect?

 

[Taxgeek]

Manta Ray Bay Hotel (where you are staying if your planner is smart!) has internet connections, no problem. I imagine that if it is down, you could probably walk over to Trader's Ridge Resort to use the internet. Yap is pretty connected - Mike Veitch, of this board, is the photo pro at MRB and posts alot, so Yap's gotta have a fast connection. ;-)

 

[Diver Dennis]

There is also a restaurant across the street where you can get wireless, cheaper than Manta Ray but Bill might have lowered his prices since last month.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Mike's connection is VERY slow...

 

[Diver Dennis]

The Odyssey might have internet, I just got an email from Stewart, the captain at the moment, but I think he sent it from the Blue Lagoon where they moor to do pick ups.

 

[Damselfish]

A year ago, there was one internet terminal in the lobby at Manta Ray Bay and I think it was dial up. And I don't think the lobby had AC just fans, though that might have changed after all the renovations. I'm sure Mike will be along to say for sure.

 

[Mike Veitch]

Oooo, look at that, everyone is talking about me!!! how exciting!!

Not fast if you need to download files. Takes about 30 mins for a 5mb file...

But we have def got it and we still have one public hub. We should have a wireless thing going by the summer. There is also a cafe next door

 

[boulderjohn]

I have a little more information. I know we are staying at Trader's Ridge Resort. Does that help pin me down? I really don't know much about the island.

 

[Damselfish]

The Odyssey might have something. I know the Palau Aggressor you could get an email account, a special address on some marine service that people had to mail to, it wasn't full internet access so you couldn't check your regular email. I think it was charged per minute, not cheap, though probably not something you'd spend alot of time on.

Traders Ridge is up on a hill and a bit of a walk from Manta Ray and the Cafe, but not too bad - at least not downhill. Have no idea what TR has for internet, would think they have something but I don't think it will be any better than MR, I don't think there is much of an option on Yap yet. (Will that wireless be fast, or just wireless?)

A group of is did manage to "watch" the end of the 2005 Superbowl from the terminal at MR. Like hit refresh every so often to get the latest score and a text play by play. Hey Mike, does Yap have TV yet?

 

[boulderjohn]

OK, folks, I decided to give it a shot.

I will be in Yap in mid October, and Chuuk a week later.

I'm pretty excited. This is one of those "Mecca" trips I never thought I would actually take.