^{Photos taken by Lazy Aussie . May 9th 2007.} "For the first moment since i left i am almost completely disconnected. Even skype isn't working. There is 1 computer between 200+ people and because of the mountains, now that is down. No wifi or internet cafes, so i am pressing this out on my trusty n95 for simon 2 upload. Breathe. After spending 4 hrs reducing over 400 photos down 2 allow 4 quicker upload, now all i can do is wait and pray 4 signal 2 drop back in. This is the first moment i have stopped since i left 3 days ago. I was chatting with the office on my lappy this time last night. That feels like a month ago. I was so frustrated after trying so hard all day that i had 2 get air. I headed 4 the roof of the boat, which is where i am now and called my friend, clive, rather pent up and emotional. After a few moments i sat down 2 regain my breath and was blown away by the deep beauty of this river. The mountains so great that u can't help but feel small. These mountains that minutes earlier i was cursing are now my comfort. Coupled with the warm breeze and the fact that everyone else has gone 2 bed i can now stop and be. Maybe sometimes, just once in a while, it’s good to be completely cut off and alone in the vastness. And when i do get connected i will surely be the better 4 it." ^{Transcribed from SMS and posted by Simon (Nomad Ground Control).}