thanks Frances and Mei-Ching for your responses regarding ideas about traveling with my computer. i ended up downloading a program called Maglobe, i assume a takeoff on the name Mabell and have tested it here in jerusalem to make sure that it works. i was not able to work with aol inorder to open a new account. they have a 60 day wait for people in my situation that want to travel outside of the united states on a new account.

i will report from the road for others who may need a similar program. Maglobe gave me a few free minutes for an introductory offer and i deposited fifteen american dollars into a prepaid account. i have the dial up number for rome ready to go!!

bettina jerusalem