Can you hear me now?

Just a note on cell phone etiquette in Rwanda. when your phone rings, you answer it. It doesn't matter if you are in a business meeting in the middle of a presentation; it doesn't matter if you are on a crowded bus--in fact the driver will often turn down the music so the person can take their call. I've seen people answer their phones while clinging to motos with one hand, during meals at restaurants, and while i haven't witnessed it directly i'm sure being in labor or in the middle of a wedding proposal wouldn't stop anyone either...

I'm mentioning this after coming from a meeting, where at least 5 phone calls were received (all taken in the meeting...no one stepped out of the room) and one of those was by the person LEADING the meeting so we all just sat there for awhile listening to what i can only hope was NOT dinner plans.... I guess its because unlike in most American phone plans, you only have to pay if you MAKE a call so you don't want to have to call someone back and pay out of your own pocket. Plus, 95% of of phones don't have voice mail...

Case and Point: