Beeper's goin off like Don Trump gets checks

I scored a free Nokia 5110 mobile (rest-of-the-world speak for cellie,) from a friend earlier this week; only had to pay 20 yoyos for the simcard that goes in the phone, which came with 20 euros of call credit anyway. It's an old phone; now almost considered a piece of junk, but at least I'm reachable now by my friends and co-workers here, and I don't have to go to a callshop to get in touch with others. Everyone and their dog here has a mobile -- I'm told it is the same in much of Europe -- the U.S. lags behind in this regard. Text messaging is widespread, as well. 13 cents to send a quick note, and I don't have to interrupt whatever they're doing. Back home I was always torn between the good and bad aspects of being always contactable, and, having a land line, couldn't justify the cost of a cell phone. But now, it makes too much sense, especially when the phone is free. I don't keep it with me when I don't want to bother, and my only regret is its bulkiness. Five days with it and the simple and silly joy of getting a call or a text still hasn't worn off.