I have been watching American TV (and bad TV) on my computer.
I told myself before coming here that I was going to go cold turkey on all my secret obsessions with reality TV. This was so I could focus on immersing myself in Venezuelan culture and I can spend my free time doing more productive things. Well, I think being productive can sometimes be overrated – especially when Jersey Shore and Real Housewives of Orange County are on the line!
The worst part about this indulgence is the trouble that I had to go through in order to view these shows. I found out during my visit in October (that’s how bad the addiction is) that you cannot access most US channels or services streaming American TV (i.e. hulu.com) from abroad. That’s part of the reason I had made that whole “being productive” statement.
When I got here in December, I stumbled upon a site that listed various free VPN services that would allow me to use these websites. I should have ran when I read it was free. This one program I installed which shall remain nameless (Hotspot Shield), hijacked my computer and eventually caused the blue screen of death. I uninstalled the devil and then went a couple days sans TV.
Unfortunately, I fell off the wagon a couple days ago and found this great, easy to use, and reasonably priced VPN service online (no software required). Now, all systems are a go and I got to see Vicki renew her vows with Don and learn about the Situation’s daily ritual of gym-tanning-laundry.
All is right with my world 
Photo credit: artour_a
Subscribe to Balanced Melting Pot by Email
Balanced Melting Pot on Facebook
I'm just glad you've been able to get it. I had to do without it for over 15 years!
I think if you know it's impossible, you do without it. But knowing there's the possibility out there makes all the more difficult to not give in