Monday, March 28, 20111
Getting to work was not as easy as it had been lately, but I did get to work on time with little difficulty except for having to wait for some time before getting on a bus. I was able to buy two watches at 37, so that was also a successful venture. I did not have much to do at work today because the Internet is down and my new project cannot be worked on without. So I ended up working on my paper and writing my blog, which was productive for me, but not helpful at all for the NGO I am working for. I left work early since I had nothing to do and was able to go to the CIEE office to use the Internet. I went straight to Twi from there were I found out I got a 96% on my exam. At the University I am attending an 80% is an A, so I am confident I will do well in the class.
I went to get dinner and then off once again to dance. Dance is growing increasingly agitating. This is not for my dance class, but for Atsu’s senior project. The performance is approaching and the participants still slack off at practice and do very little to contribute to the dance. The situation becomes overwhelming when I realize that we will never achieve a dance to the caliber I would prefer if we proceed at the pace we are currently working. However, Atsu is under the impression that everyone will begin to work to their maximum capacity when they feel they must in order to memorize and master the steps in time. We have only eight practices left, that seems to me like an appropriate time to buckle down and ensure that we master the dance with time to rehearse with costumes. I just hope in the end it turns out to be the vision that Atsu has ben dreaming of. Dance begins at seven thirty and it usually lets out at around ten thirty, but this evening he kept us until we finished the first act. We did not close (the term that most Ghanaians use as a replacement for finished) at around eleven thirty and by that time we were all exhausted. I went back to the room and went straight to bed where I was sleeping by twelve thirty.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
This morning I got up early, got ready and went off to class. I was running a little late because I discovered the water was running only shortly before I had to leave. When the water is flowing (the term used to indicate if there is water) you do not let the opportunity to shower pass you by. However, I was luckily able to find a desk in class even though I arrived only about five minutes before lecture begins. It turned out to be a great seat because the people sitting on both sides of me were extremely kind. Then I found out I would need a calculator, so I went around searching for one. I ended up finding a boy in my program who brought one with him in case he decided to take a math class. Fortunately, for me he decided against it and the calculator is now mine for the remainder of the semester.
After class I went to Madina market where I was able to get myself new sunglasses, which I was in dire need for. I also got flip-flops that I think you will like mom, they are unique and something you would not see in America. I also bought studs that are little flowers I think you will like them Lori and I got several bracelets one of them is for you Annette. And for you dad I am still working on discovering something you would like, but I am working on it. We finally left the market in time to get changed and head over to dance class. The class was easy because the power went out and we were only able to sing as opposed to dance. They finally allowed us to leave and almost immediately the electricity turned back on. Thankfully for the locals because The Black Stars (The Ghanaian Football team) were playing against the British Football team, apparently this was a huge game and everyone in our hostel was watching it. Therefore, when the electricity went out it caused an uproar.
After the game I made myself dinner, which was oatmeal and went back to my room with some of my friends to get some work done.
Daily Diet: I have given up bread and ground nut paste for lent and I am avoiding rice and bananas at almost all costs, so I eat oatmeal about twice a day, redred once a day, and cabbage and tomatoes most days. I also eat a mango and orange everyday, plus of course other snack foods like crackers and jelly, which I have become obsessed with. It is difficult to find food because rice is eaten with almost every meal if it is not fufu or banku. Ghana does not have breakfast foods; they either eat fruit or a meal like we would eat for lunch. To give you an idea of how much food costs let me describe how much I might spend in a week on food. If I buy my oranges off campus, which I usually do because I have my internship it costs 10 peswas. I usually eat a mango off the tree, so that is free. The oats cost 1 cedi 50 peswas (equivalent to one US dollar) for a bag, which I buy about once every two weeks, I always order 50 peswas of redred for one meal, and the price of water is 1 cedi 50 peswas and I buy that about twice a week. I buy a head of cabbage and tomatoes every week for two cedis. Therefore, I spend about 9 cedis 50 peswas or about six dollars and fifty cents on food each week. Obviously this varies if I decide to eat more fruit one week, cook something different, I need to buy vinegar, sugar, coffee, or other supplies I need for everyday. I do end up spending about seven cedis a day when I am not traveling with the expense of taxis, trotros, souvenirs, going to the beach, possibly eating out which is much more expensive and other activities. It is the case that if you wanted to eat out every night you spend much more, dinner out is usually ten to fifteen cedis depending on the type of restaurant. Also when you order food you ask for the amount you want so you order fifty peswas of redred, it is not like in America where you pay a particular price for a predetermined amount. Here you get the amount of food you actually want to eat.
Interesting Terms: People say Charlie in replace of friend or someone’s name. You hear Oh Charlie! All the time and other statements that are similar. The noises made are very different from home I can’t describe them, but they are interesting. I have finally gotten used to the catcall, which means no disrespect it just means come here. I do not think I will answer to Julie when I get home, just acos, acosia, and oboruni. Also, the phrase ‘I am coming’ is used to say that you are literally coming, that you are going to do something, to hold on, and many other aspects of life. They put the word please in front of almost all of their statements and they start conversations with please. The term finished is used often, mainly to say something is gone and there are none left, but also to indicate that the water is not flowing people say it is finished. I am slowly becoming accustomed to saying most of these things although I will never master the noises they make.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
My insane day has officially gotten more hectic, which is extremely unfortunate, but there is nothing I can do. Not only do I have three classes that I need to practically run to in order to be only a couple of minutes late, now I also have my advisor meeting and dance afterwards. This means no more salsa, which disappoints me greatly since I was enjoying learning new steps each week. There was something exciting that occurred today, after class we usually get a snack from the professor and today he gave us lunch instead of just a snack. We were served redred (bean and plantains) with fish and it was so delicious. I was thrilled when I saw the food and others were disgusted. So I was able to take some of their food back to my room for lunch tomorrow.
I had dance again for Atsu and almost no one showed up so although we got a lot done we will have to repeat everything on Monday for those who did not show up today. It is unfortunate that so much time is wasted, but I enjoy when there are less people and we can actually be productive. It felt like dance on Saturday morning when only about fifteen of us go and we get to learn the steps before class on Tuesday, so we are ahead of everyone else and I get less stressed when I can’t see the leader in class on Tuesday. The difference is I will be put in charge of teaching for Atsu on Monday and it makes me seem mean so I do not enjoy doing it.
After dance I went back to the room and red until my roommate went to bed. Then I went upstairs and watched A Friend of a Ghost or something like that. It was actually a really good movie, which I did not expect at all from the title. We watch the movies on a computer screen and if I have not mentioned earlier everyone passes around flash drives with movies they have stolen. It is incredible you can get any movie you can think of by just walking around with a flash drive in your hand. No one buys movies, songs or books they just make copies from the book you get in the library; I don’t know how anyone makes any money. After the movie I went back to my room and went to bed.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Everything is Coming Together Amazingly!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
This morning I got up without a problem, got ready and went to the junction to start my journey to get to work. I found a ride straight to work very rapidly and I arrived forty minutes before schedule. I am becoming spoiled with the transportation; I know that in the future when I am waiting an hour before I find a ride I will be miserable. For now I am just enjoying the fact that I have not had to deal with the hectic transportation although the traffic is terrible no matter how easy it is to get in a car or bus. I finished up my assignment at work, so I will be given a new one starting on Tuesday. I am excited to start something new, my boss said it will be more challenging, which will be nice.
After work I went over to the Holiday Inn, which is vastly different from in America. It is the nicest hotel in Ghana and it is gorgeous. There is the Internet, a pool, air conditioning, and showers with more than one spout. It is incredible. My friend Hannah’s parents spent the night here and left this morning, so she has the room until six and kindly invited me to join her! I am so glad to be here it is magnificent and the Internet is quicker than any other Internet we have encountered here. I also got to eat Gold Fish a food I would never think could excite me so much. I then had to find my way back to school because I had dance class. Unfortunately, the bus stop closest to the hotel is foreign to me making it difficult to get anywhere in a timely manner. I did eventually get into a bus, but from there on out it was a disaster.
It took me longer than predicted to get a ride and once I was on the bus I figure that if I got off at the stop closest to the dance studio I could make it right on time. However, this is not how the ride progressed. A fight broke out, over what? I have no idea considering the entire bus was screaming in what was probably four different languages none of which were English. I was not sure how to react, but the bus pulled over and people screamed for over fifteen minutes. People starting getting off so they could find an alternative ride, but we had already paid and I was worried if I got off I wouldn’t know how to get back and it would take me even longer than waiting the fight out. It was not a physical fight, no one was hurt; however, the amount of screaming was overwhelming and the argument seemed pointless to me. The bus finally got moving again and by the time I got to dance I was about ten minute late and warm ups had already begun. I jumped right in although I know Uncle Jerry, the professor, noticed by late appearance.
After dance I had to stay behind to help Mickey carry drums from the drama studio to the dance study. It turned out to be a great use of my time because I finally got to have a real conversation with some of the TAs. I know that some of them recognize me, but now most of them know my name and I have faith that we are beginning to build a relationship. This is essential because it is the TAs who guide the professor in grading us and let them know how we have improved. Additionally, they are all such great people I would like to build friendships with them even if they do not positively improve my grade. After dance I went back to the dorm, did some work, and headed off to bed.
Friday, March 25, 2011
I decided not to go away this weekend, so it was a quiet weekend where not much happened. I went to the pool with Demola and laid out, while he worked out. I was suppose to get laundry done, but when we got back we learned that not only was the water not flowing, but the poly tanks were once again drained of water. This left us with no options for ways of obtaining water, so laundry was not a possibility. Instead, I did work until it was time to venture off to dance. It was a great class we learned a new dance, which was very interesting and I confirmed that some of the TAs do officially recognize me by name. After dance I went back to the dorm and got ready to go out. We had planned to go to Twist, but changed our minds last minute. There was an after party at East Legon, so that would be the party we would attend. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but two of my friends came down to my room to convince me to go out. I decided that I would although I did not really want to go to the after party. Then I received a phone call a couple of minutes later letting me know that they were no longer going. Now I was ready with make up on, not going out, and there was no water available to wash my face, what a night it was!! I got ready for bed, hung out with some of my friends for a bit, and once again went off to bed.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I woke up and got ready to go to the pool, but on our walk over we were informed that there was an event happening and the pool was closed to the public. So with great disappointment we began to get work done instead. I did reading for several hours, than went to the mall with Peter to get supplies for his birthday. It took forever to find an ATM that was working and then the traffic was horrific so the process took much longer then predicted. We had to make several stops and then we made it back in time to set up the kitchen for a drink up. I then went to get ready and we ended up having a great night. We started the festivities with a drink up, continued on to Golden Tulip for people to gamble, which I refrained from doing, and then we went to Twist. There were so many people so many taxis were involved, but the night was exciting and we ended up returning a little after 4:00 AM.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I woke up this morning at eight to get ready for church and we left right in time to head over to Pentagon. Three of us had decided to go to church with one of our friends who was preaching this morning. We waited there for a little while until everyone had assembled and our ride arrived. He showed up in an average size car and all seven of us hopped in as if was normal. Church was very different from any other church I have been to here in Ghana. It was a very small Presproterian Church where a bible study was interweaved in mass. The dancing was limited and the music less modern. It was my favorite church so far, which may have something to do with the fact that everything was translated from English to Twi as opposed to being solely in Twi.
At the summing up of church the minister called us to the front and we were told to give our name, major, and anything else we would like to say to the people. We were told to use both Twi and English, which we all attempted to do. The parish was clearly entertained and when we returned to our seats everyone was very kind and thankful for what we attempted to do. After the service we were invited to join the minister in her house. She greeted us, bought us Fan Ice, and cookies, and we sat for a little while and talked. We were all very glad for the food considering we didn’t eat breakfast at it was nearly twelve thirty.
We went back to the dorm, got ready to go to the beach, and headed out immediately. Sarah, Peter, Daro, Courtney, Donica, and some others all went and we met up with Unous at her friend’s place. Some of us went to lay out for while and we sat right in front of a band, which played great music. We were not harassed greatly and I was able to fall asleep in the sun. When the clouds expanded and the rays disappeared we headed back to Unous and got some food and drinks. We then decided to play spin the bottle. When this was first suggested we all looked at each other sideways and replied no. We soon found out that in Ghana, spin the bottle is equivalent to truth or dare. Peter had to climb on a table in the middle of a crowd, dance, take his shirt off and swing it above his head. I had to ask a guy to play the guitar for me and sing me a song. People had to ask random men for their numbers, kiss then on the cheak, ask someone if they could put there head phones on and say hi to the person they were skyping with, dance with a random boy, ask someone for a hug, and other interesting things that were the basis for great entertainment.
After the beach we got back to running water, which in turn led to much needed showers, and we all went our separate ways to grab dinner and get work done. Although I did not actually get any work done, I did shower and read for my own pleasure before bed.
This morning I got up without a problem, got ready and went to the junction to start my journey to get to work. I found a ride straight to work very rapidly and I arrived forty minutes before schedule. I am becoming spoiled with the transportation; I know that in the future when I am waiting an hour before I find a ride I will be miserable. For now I am just enjoying the fact that I have not had to deal with the hectic transportation although the traffic is terrible no matter how easy it is to get in a car or bus. I finished up my assignment at work, so I will be given a new one starting on Tuesday. I am excited to start something new, my boss said it will be more challenging, which will be nice.
After work I went over to the Holiday Inn, which is vastly different from in America. It is the nicest hotel in Ghana and it is gorgeous. There is the Internet, a pool, air conditioning, and showers with more than one spout. It is incredible. My friend Hannah’s parents spent the night here and left this morning, so she has the room until six and kindly invited me to join her! I am so glad to be here it is magnificent and the Internet is quicker than any other Internet we have encountered here. I also got to eat Gold Fish a food I would never think could excite me so much. I then had to find my way back to school because I had dance class. Unfortunately, the bus stop closest to the hotel is foreign to me making it difficult to get anywhere in a timely manner. I did eventually get into a bus, but from there on out it was a disaster.
It took me longer than predicted to get a ride and once I was on the bus I figure that if I got off at the stop closest to the dance studio I could make it right on time. However, this is not how the ride progressed. A fight broke out, over what? I have no idea considering the entire bus was screaming in what was probably four different languages none of which were English. I was not sure how to react, but the bus pulled over and people screamed for over fifteen minutes. People starting getting off so they could find an alternative ride, but we had already paid and I was worried if I got off I wouldn’t know how to get back and it would take me even longer than waiting the fight out. It was not a physical fight, no one was hurt; however, the amount of screaming was overwhelming and the argument seemed pointless to me. The bus finally got moving again and by the time I got to dance I was about ten minute late and warm ups had already begun. I jumped right in although I know Uncle Jerry, the professor, noticed by late appearance.
After dance I had to stay behind to help Mickey carry drums from the drama studio to the dance study. It turned out to be a great use of my time because I finally got to have a real conversation with some of the TAs. I know that some of them recognize me, but now most of them know my name and I have faith that we are beginning to build a relationship. This is essential because it is the TAs who guide the professor in grading us and let them know how we have improved. Additionally, they are all such great people I would like to build friendships with them even if they do not positively improve my grade. After dance I went back to the dorm, did some work, and headed off to bed.
Friday, March 25, 2011
I decided not to go away this weekend, so it was a quiet weekend where not much happened. I went to the pool with Demola and laid out, while he worked out. I was suppose to get laundry done, but when we got back we learned that not only was the water not flowing, but the poly tanks were once again drained of water. This left us with no options for ways of obtaining water, so laundry was not a possibility. Instead, I did work until it was time to venture off to dance. It was a great class we learned a new dance, which was very interesting and I confirmed that some of the TAs do officially recognize me by name. After dance I went back to the dorm and got ready to go out. We had planned to go to Twist, but changed our minds last minute. There was an after party at East Legon, so that would be the party we would attend. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but two of my friends came down to my room to convince me to go out. I decided that I would although I did not really want to go to the after party. Then I received a phone call a couple of minutes later letting me know that they were no longer going. Now I was ready with make up on, not going out, and there was no water available to wash my face, what a night it was!! I got ready for bed, hung out with some of my friends for a bit, and once again went off to bed.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I woke up and got ready to go to the pool, but on our walk over we were informed that there was an event happening and the pool was closed to the public. So with great disappointment we began to get work done instead. I did reading for several hours, than went to the mall with Peter to get supplies for his birthday. It took forever to find an ATM that was working and then the traffic was horrific so the process took much longer then predicted. We had to make several stops and then we made it back in time to set up the kitchen for a drink up. I then went to get ready and we ended up having a great night. We started the festivities with a drink up, continued on to Golden Tulip for people to gamble, which I refrained from doing, and then we went to Twist. There were so many people so many taxis were involved, but the night was exciting and we ended up returning a little after 4:00 AM.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I woke up this morning at eight to get ready for church and we left right in time to head over to Pentagon. Three of us had decided to go to church with one of our friends who was preaching this morning. We waited there for a little while until everyone had assembled and our ride arrived. He showed up in an average size car and all seven of us hopped in as if was normal. Church was very different from any other church I have been to here in Ghana. It was a very small Presproterian Church where a bible study was interweaved in mass. The dancing was limited and the music less modern. It was my favorite church so far, which may have something to do with the fact that everything was translated from English to Twi as opposed to being solely in Twi.
At the summing up of church the minister called us to the front and we were told to give our name, major, and anything else we would like to say to the people. We were told to use both Twi and English, which we all attempted to do. The parish was clearly entertained and when we returned to our seats everyone was very kind and thankful for what we attempted to do. After the service we were invited to join the minister in her house. She greeted us, bought us Fan Ice, and cookies, and we sat for a little while and talked. We were all very glad for the food considering we didn’t eat breakfast at it was nearly twelve thirty.
We went back to the dorm, got ready to go to the beach, and headed out immediately. Sarah, Peter, Daro, Courtney, Donica, and some others all went and we met up with Unous at her friend’s place. Some of us went to lay out for while and we sat right in front of a band, which played great music. We were not harassed greatly and I was able to fall asleep in the sun. When the clouds expanded and the rays disappeared we headed back to Unous and got some food and drinks. We then decided to play spin the bottle. When this was first suggested we all looked at each other sideways and replied no. We soon found out that in Ghana, spin the bottle is equivalent to truth or dare. Peter had to climb on a table in the middle of a crowd, dance, take his shirt off and swing it above his head. I had to ask a guy to play the guitar for me and sing me a song. People had to ask random men for their numbers, kiss then on the cheak, ask someone if they could put there head phones on and say hi to the person they were skyping with, dance with a random boy, ask someone for a hug, and other interesting things that were the basis for great entertainment.
After the beach we got back to running water, which in turn led to much needed showers, and we all went our separate ways to grab dinner and get work done. Although I did not actually get any work done, I did shower and read for my own pleasure before bed.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Two Months in Ghana
Monday, March 21, 2011
I have finally gotten used to the trotro system, I walk more slowly, talk more slowly, have a good idea of the two language at least enough to get by, I bargain with the taxis and market women as well as any Ghanaian, and the food is becoming something I enjoy. The culture and the atmosphere have become routine and it finally feels like I am part of this world, although I am still very much a foreigner. The men seem to understand that I have been here for some time, so the harassment has decreased significantly and I am sure my tolerance level has something to do with it. I feel more confident now than I did in the past and I greatly enjoy the feeling of knowing that everyday will no longer be a struggle. I know I have to leave hours to get my laundry done, I know how much time it tokes to get to class and what time class will actually begin, I have improved on my timing skills exponentially although I am still so much earlier than everyone else. I am so content here and I am finally starting to get over Sashi dying although I am not sure I will ever truly be over it.
A for my day today I went to work like usual, but something amazing happened in the morning. I was running a bit early, but I decided to leave anyway considering I never know how long my journey will be. As I was walking toward the junction I saw a bus and I began to speed up in hopes that it would stop to load. Then I realized I should not get my hopes up because there was not a chance I would be that lucky. To my astonishment the bus stopped right as I arrived and I was one of only four to squeeze on. The passengers were annoyed because the bus was already over capacity, but I was thrilled. I got to thirty-seven extremely early, so I shopped for a bit and ended up buying another watch. They have been my go to shopping item instead of shoes. I got to work forty minutes early and in a great mood. I worked diligently and left in time to go to the night market and buy the items I ran out of before class. At twi we reviewed for the test that we would have the following day and were we learned new material just to ensure I was completely freaked out.
Later on I had dance and one of the girls asked me to go early to help her with the steps. As usual I said yes even though I knew I would have two exams the following day. I prepared well and brought my twi material along so I would not be upset when the girl arrived late. She certainly did arrive late and there was barely anytime to work on the moves. Atsu arrived and we worked on the dance for about three hours, so I was exhausted when I got back to the room and I still had hours worth of studying to do. I studied both twi and practiced two for as long as I could before my body would no longer with stand being awake.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I was able to wake up extra early and get studying done this morning. It is incredible how my body can function in the morning while I am here, but in America I am unable to do anything constructive before noon. After I studied to my capacity I got ready for class and headed off. Luckily on my walk over I met up with someone from my other political science class and we walked the rest of the way together. We sat next to each other in class, which is always helpful because I cannot always properly understand the professor. Also we received questioners to give out to students and if it was not for this individual I probably would not have obtained them.
Then I continued on to the CIEE office to relax and study more before twi. When I arrived I found Mickey, who dances extremely well and drums in the dance department. So logically I asked him to drum, so I could practice the dance and he could evaluate me. We did this for about thirty minutes with two other students who are also in my dance class. Then we went back into the office and began studying for twi. I was getting overwhelmed by all of the information. My nerves were on high gear and I had to stop studying. I had reached the point where it was to late to learn additional facts and I knew everything I had already studied to the best of my ability. When it was time I headed off to twi with the hope that my studying would pay off. The exam was exceptionally simple and I was in high spirits to go perform for the dance exam.
I am not sure how I secured the job of being the official person to call out the names of all of the foreign students, but I actually enjoy it. I was given the list and I had to line up three foreign students for each group that would be six students all together to make sure the exam ran in an efficient manner. When it came time for me to perform I was relaxed because I had kept busy calling students as opposed to stressing about the dance. I went on with a smile on my face and I feel confident that I performed to the best of my ability. It ended up being a terrific day although it was long and hectic. I ended up not returning to my room until after ten because we continued the exam until all of the foreign students had finished. Three Ghanaian students performed with three foreign students and in the end there were still about thirty Ghanaian’s that would be examined during the following class without any foreign students in their group. After class I went to the night market and had redred with other students from class and then made my way to my room to get reading done for class tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Daily Life: I forgot to inform you that although it is typical for the water to stop flowing, for the last two days not only has the water not been flowing but the poly tanks are empty. Therefore, there is no back up water so we need to walk to the other hostel to fill our buckets to get water. Although it is a hassle the other hostel is not that far and they have running water, so the porters allow us to shower there.
This morning I was walking out of my room to go to class and someone informed me that my second class of the day was canceled. I was thrilled with the news and continued onto my morning class with high hopes for the day. After my first class I had time to go back to my room and do some reading before my tutorial and my meeting with my advisor. Tutorial was interesting, but he switched the time for the following weeks so I will no longer be able to attend class. I then went to see my advisor that did not have any interest in seeing me, so I left after about only five minutes. Luckily the office is extremely close to my tutorial, so it was not out of my way.
I got back to my room and immediately started to soak my laundry with hopes that I would finish before dark to avoid the mosquitoes. I washed all of my clothes with difficulty because of the water flow problem, but I was ecstatic when I finished right before the sun had completely disappeared. I hate knowing that laundry in pending and if I don’t get it done I will have to spend five hours one day doing it. When I do it two or three days a week it only takes about two hours and my fingers are not badly affected. When I finished hanging the last of my laundry I made myself a “salad” and went upstairs to watch the new show I have become obsessed with called Chuck.
I watched two episodes and then got an unexpected phone call from Mickey. He told me to meet him downstairs and when I got down he said he had kenkay that I was invited to eat with him. Since I only had cabbage and vinegar for dinner I decided to join. I quickly learned that he would be making the sauce right there in my room and we would be eating it with sardines, onions, avocados, and his mom’s homemade shito. I was so excited to try the shito I had heard so much about and it was delicious. I do not think I will be able to eat it from the night market again. I also tried sardines for the first time, dad you would have been proud. It was not salty like I expected and they also looked different from the ones at home. I loved the food and ate way more than my share and by the time we were done it was after midnight so the porter came in to tell the boys they had to leave. However, while they were over they filled out my questioners, which I was very grateful for. We ventured out front where we met up with some of the other students from the program and we sat and talked for some time. At around one we went up to Johnny’s room where he gave us all a cookie that was amazing and completed my night beautifully. I had to leave to go to bed because I knew I needed to be up at five forty the following day for work.
I have finally gotten used to the trotro system, I walk more slowly, talk more slowly, have a good idea of the two language at least enough to get by, I bargain with the taxis and market women as well as any Ghanaian, and the food is becoming something I enjoy. The culture and the atmosphere have become routine and it finally feels like I am part of this world, although I am still very much a foreigner. The men seem to understand that I have been here for some time, so the harassment has decreased significantly and I am sure my tolerance level has something to do with it. I feel more confident now than I did in the past and I greatly enjoy the feeling of knowing that everyday will no longer be a struggle. I know I have to leave hours to get my laundry done, I know how much time it tokes to get to class and what time class will actually begin, I have improved on my timing skills exponentially although I am still so much earlier than everyone else. I am so content here and I am finally starting to get over Sashi dying although I am not sure I will ever truly be over it.
A for my day today I went to work like usual, but something amazing happened in the morning. I was running a bit early, but I decided to leave anyway considering I never know how long my journey will be. As I was walking toward the junction I saw a bus and I began to speed up in hopes that it would stop to load. Then I realized I should not get my hopes up because there was not a chance I would be that lucky. To my astonishment the bus stopped right as I arrived and I was one of only four to squeeze on. The passengers were annoyed because the bus was already over capacity, but I was thrilled. I got to thirty-seven extremely early, so I shopped for a bit and ended up buying another watch. They have been my go to shopping item instead of shoes. I got to work forty minutes early and in a great mood. I worked diligently and left in time to go to the night market and buy the items I ran out of before class. At twi we reviewed for the test that we would have the following day and were we learned new material just to ensure I was completely freaked out.
Later on I had dance and one of the girls asked me to go early to help her with the steps. As usual I said yes even though I knew I would have two exams the following day. I prepared well and brought my twi material along so I would not be upset when the girl arrived late. She certainly did arrive late and there was barely anytime to work on the moves. Atsu arrived and we worked on the dance for about three hours, so I was exhausted when I got back to the room and I still had hours worth of studying to do. I studied both twi and practiced two for as long as I could before my body would no longer with stand being awake.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I was able to wake up extra early and get studying done this morning. It is incredible how my body can function in the morning while I am here, but in America I am unable to do anything constructive before noon. After I studied to my capacity I got ready for class and headed off. Luckily on my walk over I met up with someone from my other political science class and we walked the rest of the way together. We sat next to each other in class, which is always helpful because I cannot always properly understand the professor. Also we received questioners to give out to students and if it was not for this individual I probably would not have obtained them.
Then I continued on to the CIEE office to relax and study more before twi. When I arrived I found Mickey, who dances extremely well and drums in the dance department. So logically I asked him to drum, so I could practice the dance and he could evaluate me. We did this for about thirty minutes with two other students who are also in my dance class. Then we went back into the office and began studying for twi. I was getting overwhelmed by all of the information. My nerves were on high gear and I had to stop studying. I had reached the point where it was to late to learn additional facts and I knew everything I had already studied to the best of my ability. When it was time I headed off to twi with the hope that my studying would pay off. The exam was exceptionally simple and I was in high spirits to go perform for the dance exam.
I am not sure how I secured the job of being the official person to call out the names of all of the foreign students, but I actually enjoy it. I was given the list and I had to line up three foreign students for each group that would be six students all together to make sure the exam ran in an efficient manner. When it came time for me to perform I was relaxed because I had kept busy calling students as opposed to stressing about the dance. I went on with a smile on my face and I feel confident that I performed to the best of my ability. It ended up being a terrific day although it was long and hectic. I ended up not returning to my room until after ten because we continued the exam until all of the foreign students had finished. Three Ghanaian students performed with three foreign students and in the end there were still about thirty Ghanaian’s that would be examined during the following class without any foreign students in their group. After class I went to the night market and had redred with other students from class and then made my way to my room to get reading done for class tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Daily Life: I forgot to inform you that although it is typical for the water to stop flowing, for the last two days not only has the water not been flowing but the poly tanks are empty. Therefore, there is no back up water so we need to walk to the other hostel to fill our buckets to get water. Although it is a hassle the other hostel is not that far and they have running water, so the porters allow us to shower there.
This morning I was walking out of my room to go to class and someone informed me that my second class of the day was canceled. I was thrilled with the news and continued onto my morning class with high hopes for the day. After my first class I had time to go back to my room and do some reading before my tutorial and my meeting with my advisor. Tutorial was interesting, but he switched the time for the following weeks so I will no longer be able to attend class. I then went to see my advisor that did not have any interest in seeing me, so I left after about only five minutes. Luckily the office is extremely close to my tutorial, so it was not out of my way.
I got back to my room and immediately started to soak my laundry with hopes that I would finish before dark to avoid the mosquitoes. I washed all of my clothes with difficulty because of the water flow problem, but I was ecstatic when I finished right before the sun had completely disappeared. I hate knowing that laundry in pending and if I don’t get it done I will have to spend five hours one day doing it. When I do it two or three days a week it only takes about two hours and my fingers are not badly affected. When I finished hanging the last of my laundry I made myself a “salad” and went upstairs to watch the new show I have become obsessed with called Chuck.
I watched two episodes and then got an unexpected phone call from Mickey. He told me to meet him downstairs and when I got down he said he had kenkay that I was invited to eat with him. Since I only had cabbage and vinegar for dinner I decided to join. I quickly learned that he would be making the sauce right there in my room and we would be eating it with sardines, onions, avocados, and his mom’s homemade shito. I was so excited to try the shito I had heard so much about and it was delicious. I do not think I will be able to eat it from the night market again. I also tried sardines for the first time, dad you would have been proud. It was not salty like I expected and they also looked different from the ones at home. I loved the food and ate way more than my share and by the time we were done it was after midnight so the porter came in to tell the boys they had to leave. However, while they were over they filled out my questioners, which I was very grateful for. We ventured out front where we met up with some of the other students from the program and we sat and talked for some time. At around one we went up to Johnny’s room where he gave us all a cookie that was amazing and completed my night beautifully. I had to leave to go to bed because I knew I needed to be up at five forty the following day for work.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Wedding and Football Game :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A new adventure to be had each and everyday. This morning I got to the junction at my usual time to get to work and there were several friendly individuals that I was able to strike up a conversation with. One of the men was attempting to ask all f the cars that drove by if they would take him to a trotro stop that would help him to avoid the traffic. I was flabbergasted and assumed that everyone would just ignore him. However, that was not the case at all. Many of the drivers were very receptive and one finally told him that he was headed in the correct direction and could drop him off. He offered me to join, but I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how to get to my job from a new stop that was foreign to me. Additionally, I was scared to get into a random car. Two of them ended up taking the ride and I was left with the third individual who also stayed back. We waited for about another twenty minutes and luckily a bus came and we were able to get in. It seemed as if it was going to be a pleasant morning until we learned there was an accident and we were traveling even slower than usual. After thirty minutes we had barely moved at all and it gets so hot when so many people are standing so close together and the movement of the bus is no longer creating a breeze. We finally started moving and a taxi crashes into the side of the bus. Thankfully, the bus was not damaged and we were able to continue driving rapidly. There was also a fight between the passengers and the driver because the driver wanted to stop and let more passengers on, but we were already so jam packed no one else could fit. The driver ended up not stopping and the people once again calmed down. When we finally arrived at thirty-seven I was so relieved, I walked to the station as quickly as possible and I caught a trotro right away. I decided that this would be a good time to try a new food, so I randomly chose something that looked like it would taste good and bought it. I was terribly misled by the look of the item. When I arrived at work I was told it was called Daakue or Zoe and it was essentially a ball of ginger and pepper (no one actually knows what pepper means, because in Ghana people refer to pepper as many different food items) and it tasted awful. I took one bite and could not eat anymore; I took the remainder of the ball back to my dorm to allow the other foreign students to taste it.
I was productive at work and complete the first three months of my assignment. I then left in time to make it to a reflection talk for CIEE. The talk was interesting, but like usual it started thirty minutes late. After the talk I met my roommate at the main gate to go to the seamstress and pick up my dress that I got for the wedding. I walked into the home of the seamstress and she took us to her bedroom where she presented me with the dress. It was a very small room where my roommate, the seamstress, and I all stayed. She told me to try on the dress and my first reaction was where do I change. She laughed and said “right here, why are you shy?” I said no and turned and changed although I was not completely comfortable. The dress was a little loose so she took it in the back and fixed it, then returned and it fit beautifully. I received many complements and it was well worth the money spent. I made it back to school right in time for dance class and Sarah is amazing and brought me clothes to change into and a stick this way I would not be late. Class went well and after I headed to the Bush Canteen with Sarah to get dinner and then we went over to a play that some of our friends were performing in. The play was great and we were able to understand most of it. By the time we got back to the dorm it was late, so we decided not to go out and jut relax. I watched Mall Cop, which was hilarious and then went to bed.
Friday, March 18, 2011
This morning I got up in time to eat breakfast with Sarah and Kwame, a new friend we made at Pentagon on Tuesday. After breakfast I was off to the mall to get a gift for the wedding. We easily found Melcolm, the mall my roommate instructed us to go to find nice gifts for the wedding tomorrow. We bought a bowl and platter, silverware, cups and saucers, and glass salad bowls from all of us. We went outside to get wrapper and when I got back I wrapped all of the gifts. It felt like I was preparing for a bridal shower with all of the wrapping I had to do. I decided not to go out again because we were leaving at four-forty for the wedding.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I was late getting up and getting ready, but since I have arrived in Ghana I have gotten better at accepting that things are always really late. So I was not horribly worried about being on time. I then found out that Peter never woke up, so I headed to his room to ensure he got up. I banged on his door for about five minutes before he answered and I had to stand in his room while he packed a bag and got ready because he would have plopped right back in bed if not. He was still drunk from the night before because they only got back from Champs about thirty minutes before we had to leave. Two of the other boys were still in the hall; they were all fooling around making Peter lose focus all together. He finally finished getting ready and when we made it downstairs we found out that Astu still was not there. We called him and he said he was sorry, he doesn’t know how he didn’t wake up. By the time everyone was downstairs and Atsu got us two taxis it was after five-thirty and we were incredibly late for the bus. On the drive over we passed a VIP bus that we learned was the bus we were suppose to be taking to the wedding. We chased down the bus and hoped on, to then travel for the next five hours in an iceberg. The bus was so cold I could barely sleep. I finally got comfortable and was able to sleep. I woke up periodically really needing to use the washroom, but we never stopped to allow me to go. When we arrived at the wedding I learned that the bus stopped twice, Peter and I just slept through both stops. We were also informed that the stops had no washrooms or refreshments, the passengers were just allowed to squat down on the side of the road and do nature. So I was glad that I slept through that experience.
We got to the wedding at eleven, which is hysterical because the invitations said arrive at nine prompt and at eleven the bride was just walking down the isle. We had great timing and got to see the entire service. However, we quickly learned that the service was going to be given in Twi, which was disappointing. One of the guests must have seen the despair on our faces, so she came over and translated the entire sermon for us. She was so kind and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to find out what the reverend was preaching. It was a Pentecostal service, but it was very similar to the wedding I went to several weeks ago. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and sheer enjoyment, but there was no kiss at the end of the ceremony.
We then took a photo with the bride and groom, which were thrilled that obrunis made it to their wedding. We were escorted to a taxi that eight of us all got into and taken to get lunch. We were not charged for anything, the groom just arranged for us to eat because he knew how long of a distance we had traveled. We got pasta, Ghanaian salad, and fish and then we headed back to the reception. We were all so excited to dance and eat cake, but we were quickly informed that we would be leaving before the festivities began. We were all very disappointed because we traveled five hours each way and we only stayed at the wedding for three hours. There was nothing we could do because we had already paid for the bus and we didn’t know how we would get home if we decided to stay. So we were all a little annoyed, but we got in the car and headed back home. I was already frustrated and the guy behind me would not leave me alone, so I was getting hyper. I decided to get up and walk around to avoid the man and clear my head.
Five and a half hours later we made it back to ISH and to our surprise there was a party going on out front. There were different performers going one at a time, while one of the students played music and DJed the entertainment. Some of the boys took off their shirts and had a muscle man contest, while others danced and sang. It was fun to watch and afterwards there was a drink up in one of the hostels. We all went there for a little while and then I went off to bed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Today we went to our first football (soccer) game in Ghana, it was Accra v. Kumasi, and we had a blast. Everyone bought apparel depending on which team they chose to support and we headed into the stadium to wait until the game began. It was extremely hot and we were right in the sun, but I enjoyed it because I am always looking for ways to get tan. The crowd was phenomenal, everyone was so excited to be there and the enthusiasm was higher than I have ever witnessed before. The stadium was packed and everyone was decked out in the team colors. When bad plays were performed, refs made calls that went against one of the teams, or a team scored the entire crowd would roar and jump around like you couldn’t believe. The team we were cheering for ended up losing the game, but we had a magnificent time anyway. On the way out one of the girls ended up getting robbed, but people saw it happen so they retrieved her bag and chased the man down. They started to beat him, but the girl got upset so they stopped. I am sure when we walked away that man was beaten until he was unconscious. We then made our way to the bus and back to the dorm. I once again went to the night market and sat with Sarah, while she ate Banku. I ate dinner with Demola and Julie and it was absolutely delicious. The two of them made a fabulous dinner that included mashed potatoes, something that is never eaten in Ghana. It was late by the time we finished so I went straight to bed.
Health Update:
There is currently a cholera outbreak, but thank God no one in my program has shown any signs of the horrible disease
7 cases of malaria- everyone is doing fine now
1 individual with panic attacks that went home
1 case of food poisoning
Several cases of stomach issues- some people cannot keep food down others are having issues using the bathroom
There was a 24-hour bug that went around, about five people caught it, but they are fine now
- That is about it, everyone has recuperated fine and no one is currently in the hospital!
- As for me I have had very little health problems and I am working tirelessly to maintain that status
A new adventure to be had each and everyday. This morning I got to the junction at my usual time to get to work and there were several friendly individuals that I was able to strike up a conversation with. One of the men was attempting to ask all f the cars that drove by if they would take him to a trotro stop that would help him to avoid the traffic. I was flabbergasted and assumed that everyone would just ignore him. However, that was not the case at all. Many of the drivers were very receptive and one finally told him that he was headed in the correct direction and could drop him off. He offered me to join, but I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how to get to my job from a new stop that was foreign to me. Additionally, I was scared to get into a random car. Two of them ended up taking the ride and I was left with the third individual who also stayed back. We waited for about another twenty minutes and luckily a bus came and we were able to get in. It seemed as if it was going to be a pleasant morning until we learned there was an accident and we were traveling even slower than usual. After thirty minutes we had barely moved at all and it gets so hot when so many people are standing so close together and the movement of the bus is no longer creating a breeze. We finally started moving and a taxi crashes into the side of the bus. Thankfully, the bus was not damaged and we were able to continue driving rapidly. There was also a fight between the passengers and the driver because the driver wanted to stop and let more passengers on, but we were already so jam packed no one else could fit. The driver ended up not stopping and the people once again calmed down. When we finally arrived at thirty-seven I was so relieved, I walked to the station as quickly as possible and I caught a trotro right away. I decided that this would be a good time to try a new food, so I randomly chose something that looked like it would taste good and bought it. I was terribly misled by the look of the item. When I arrived at work I was told it was called Daakue or Zoe and it was essentially a ball of ginger and pepper (no one actually knows what pepper means, because in Ghana people refer to pepper as many different food items) and it tasted awful. I took one bite and could not eat anymore; I took the remainder of the ball back to my dorm to allow the other foreign students to taste it.
I was productive at work and complete the first three months of my assignment. I then left in time to make it to a reflection talk for CIEE. The talk was interesting, but like usual it started thirty minutes late. After the talk I met my roommate at the main gate to go to the seamstress and pick up my dress that I got for the wedding. I walked into the home of the seamstress and she took us to her bedroom where she presented me with the dress. It was a very small room where my roommate, the seamstress, and I all stayed. She told me to try on the dress and my first reaction was where do I change. She laughed and said “right here, why are you shy?” I said no and turned and changed although I was not completely comfortable. The dress was a little loose so she took it in the back and fixed it, then returned and it fit beautifully. I received many complements and it was well worth the money spent. I made it back to school right in time for dance class and Sarah is amazing and brought me clothes to change into and a stick this way I would not be late. Class went well and after I headed to the Bush Canteen with Sarah to get dinner and then we went over to a play that some of our friends were performing in. The play was great and we were able to understand most of it. By the time we got back to the dorm it was late, so we decided not to go out and jut relax. I watched Mall Cop, which was hilarious and then went to bed.
Friday, March 18, 2011
This morning I got up in time to eat breakfast with Sarah and Kwame, a new friend we made at Pentagon on Tuesday. After breakfast I was off to the mall to get a gift for the wedding. We easily found Melcolm, the mall my roommate instructed us to go to find nice gifts for the wedding tomorrow. We bought a bowl and platter, silverware, cups and saucers, and glass salad bowls from all of us. We went outside to get wrapper and when I got back I wrapped all of the gifts. It felt like I was preparing for a bridal shower with all of the wrapping I had to do. I decided not to go out again because we were leaving at four-forty for the wedding.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I was late getting up and getting ready, but since I have arrived in Ghana I have gotten better at accepting that things are always really late. So I was not horribly worried about being on time. I then found out that Peter never woke up, so I headed to his room to ensure he got up. I banged on his door for about five minutes before he answered and I had to stand in his room while he packed a bag and got ready because he would have plopped right back in bed if not. He was still drunk from the night before because they only got back from Champs about thirty minutes before we had to leave. Two of the other boys were still in the hall; they were all fooling around making Peter lose focus all together. He finally finished getting ready and when we made it downstairs we found out that Astu still was not there. We called him and he said he was sorry, he doesn’t know how he didn’t wake up. By the time everyone was downstairs and Atsu got us two taxis it was after five-thirty and we were incredibly late for the bus. On the drive over we passed a VIP bus that we learned was the bus we were suppose to be taking to the wedding. We chased down the bus and hoped on, to then travel for the next five hours in an iceberg. The bus was so cold I could barely sleep. I finally got comfortable and was able to sleep. I woke up periodically really needing to use the washroom, but we never stopped to allow me to go. When we arrived at the wedding I learned that the bus stopped twice, Peter and I just slept through both stops. We were also informed that the stops had no washrooms or refreshments, the passengers were just allowed to squat down on the side of the road and do nature. So I was glad that I slept through that experience.
We got to the wedding at eleven, which is hysterical because the invitations said arrive at nine prompt and at eleven the bride was just walking down the isle. We had great timing and got to see the entire service. However, we quickly learned that the service was going to be given in Twi, which was disappointing. One of the guests must have seen the despair on our faces, so she came over and translated the entire sermon for us. She was so kind and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to find out what the reverend was preaching. It was a Pentecostal service, but it was very similar to the wedding I went to several weeks ago. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and sheer enjoyment, but there was no kiss at the end of the ceremony.
We then took a photo with the bride and groom, which were thrilled that obrunis made it to their wedding. We were escorted to a taxi that eight of us all got into and taken to get lunch. We were not charged for anything, the groom just arranged for us to eat because he knew how long of a distance we had traveled. We got pasta, Ghanaian salad, and fish and then we headed back to the reception. We were all so excited to dance and eat cake, but we were quickly informed that we would be leaving before the festivities began. We were all very disappointed because we traveled five hours each way and we only stayed at the wedding for three hours. There was nothing we could do because we had already paid for the bus and we didn’t know how we would get home if we decided to stay. So we were all a little annoyed, but we got in the car and headed back home. I was already frustrated and the guy behind me would not leave me alone, so I was getting hyper. I decided to get up and walk around to avoid the man and clear my head.
Five and a half hours later we made it back to ISH and to our surprise there was a party going on out front. There were different performers going one at a time, while one of the students played music and DJed the entertainment. Some of the boys took off their shirts and had a muscle man contest, while others danced and sang. It was fun to watch and afterwards there was a drink up in one of the hostels. We all went there for a little while and then I went off to bed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Today we went to our first football (soccer) game in Ghana, it was Accra v. Kumasi, and we had a blast. Everyone bought apparel depending on which team they chose to support and we headed into the stadium to wait until the game began. It was extremely hot and we were right in the sun, but I enjoyed it because I am always looking for ways to get tan. The crowd was phenomenal, everyone was so excited to be there and the enthusiasm was higher than I have ever witnessed before. The stadium was packed and everyone was decked out in the team colors. When bad plays were performed, refs made calls that went against one of the teams, or a team scored the entire crowd would roar and jump around like you couldn’t believe. The team we were cheering for ended up losing the game, but we had a magnificent time anyway. On the way out one of the girls ended up getting robbed, but people saw it happen so they retrieved her bag and chased the man down. They started to beat him, but the girl got upset so they stopped. I am sure when we walked away that man was beaten until he was unconscious. We then made our way to the bus and back to the dorm. I once again went to the night market and sat with Sarah, while she ate Banku. I ate dinner with Demola and Julie and it was absolutely delicious. The two of them made a fabulous dinner that included mashed potatoes, something that is never eaten in Ghana. It was late by the time we finished so I went straight to bed.
Health Update:
There is currently a cholera outbreak, but thank God no one in my program has shown any signs of the horrible disease
7 cases of malaria- everyone is doing fine now
1 individual with panic attacks that went home
1 case of food poisoning
Several cases of stomach issues- some people cannot keep food down others are having issues using the bathroom
There was a 24-hour bug that went around, about five people caught it, but they are fine now
- That is about it, everyone has recuperated fine and no one is currently in the hospital!
- As for me I have had very little health problems and I am working tirelessly to maintain that status
Wedding and Football Game :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A new adventure to be had each and everyday. This morning I got to the junction at my usual time to get to work and there were several friendly individuals that I was able to strike up a conversation with. One of the men was attempting to ask all f the cars that drove by if they would take him to a trotro stop that would help him to avoid the traffic. I was flabbergasted and assumed that everyone would just ignore him. However, that was not the case at all. Many of the drivers were very receptive and one finally told him that he was headed in the correct direction and could drop him off. He offered me to join, but I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how to get to my job from a new stop that was foreign to me. Additionally, I was scared to get into a random car. Two of them ended up taking the ride and I was left with the third individual who also stayed back. We waited for about another twenty minutes and luckily a bus came and we were able to get in. It seemed as if it was going to be a pleasant morning until we learned there was an accident and we were traveling even slower than usual. After thirty minutes we had barely moved at all and it gets so hot when so many people are standing so close together and the movement of the bus is no longer creating a breeze. We finally started moving and a taxi crashes into the side of the bus. Thankfully, the bus was not damaged and we were able to continue driving rapidly. There was also a fight between the passengers and the driver because the driver wanted to stop and let more passengers on, but we were already so jam packed no one else could fit. The driver ended up not stopping and the people once again calmed down. When we finally arrived at thirty-seven I was so relieved, I walked to the station as quickly as possible and I caught a trotro right away. I decided that this would be a good time to try a new food, so I randomly chose something that looked like it would taste good and bought it. I was terribly misled by the look of the item. When I arrived at work I was told it was called Daakue or Zoe and it was essentially a ball of ginger and pepper (no one actually knows what pepper means, because in Ghana people refer to pepper as many different food items) and it tasted awful. I took one bite and could not eat anymore; I took the remainder of the ball back to my dorm to allow the other foreign students to taste it.
I was productive at work and complete the first three months of my assignment. I then left in time to make it to a reflection talk for CIEE. The talk was interesting, but like usual it started thirty minutes late. After the talk I met my roommate at the main gate to go to the seamstress and pick up my dress that I got for the wedding. I walked into the home of the seamstress and she took us to her bedroom where she presented me with the dress. It was a very small room where my roommate, the seamstress, and I all stayed. She told me to try on the dress and my first reaction was where do I change. She laughed and said “right here, why are you shy?” I said no and turned and changed although I was not completely comfortable. The dress was a little loose so she took it in the back and fixed it, then returned and it fit beautifully. I received many complements and it was well worth the money spent. I made it back to school right in time for dance class and Sarah is amazing and brought me clothes to change into and a stick this way I would not be late. Class went well and after I headed to the Bush Canteen with Sarah to get dinner and then we went over to a play that some of our friends were performing in. The play was great and we were able to understand most of it. By the time we got back to the dorm it was late, so we decided not to go out and jut relax. I watched Mall Cop, which was hilarious and then went to bed.
Friday, March 18, 2011
This morning I got up in time to eat breakfast with Sarah and Kwame, a new friend we made at Pentagon on Tuesday. After breakfast I was off to the mall to get a gift for the wedding. We easily found Melcolm, the mall my roommate instructed us to go to find nice gifts for the wedding tomorrow. We bought a bowl and platter, silverware, cups and saucers, and glass salad bowls from all of us. We went outside to get wrapper and when I got back I wrapped all of the gifts. It felt like I was preparing for a bridal shower with all of the wrapping I had to do. I decided not to go out again because we were leaving at four-forty for the wedding.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I was late getting up and getting ready, but since I have arrived in Ghana I have gotten better at accepting that things are always really late. So I was not horribly worried about being on time. I then found out that Peter never woke up, so I headed to his room to ensure he got up. I banged on his door for about five minutes before he answered and I had to stand in his room while he packed a bag and got ready because he would have plopped right back in bed if not. He was still drunk from the night before because they only got back from Champs about thirty minutes before we had to leave. Two of the other boys were still in the hall; they were all fooling around making Peter lose focus all together. He finally finished getting ready and when we made it downstairs we found out that Astu still was not there. We called him and he said he was sorry, he doesn’t know how he didn’t wake up. By the time everyone was downstairs and Atsu got us two taxis it was after five-thirty and we were incredibly late for the bus. On the drive over we passed a VIP bus that we learned was the bus we were suppose to be taking to the wedding. We chased down the bus and hoped on, to then travel for the next five hours in an iceberg. The bus was so cold I could barely sleep. I finally got comfortable and was able to sleep. I woke up periodically really needing to use the washroom, but we never stopped to allow me to go. When we arrived at the wedding I learned that the bus stopped twice, Peter and I just slept through both stops. We were also informed that the stops had no washrooms or refreshments, the passengers were just allowed to squat down on the side of the road and do nature. So I was glad that I slept through that experience.
We got to the wedding at eleven, which is hysterical because the invitations said arrive at nine prompt and at eleven the bride was just walking down the isle. We had great timing and got to see the entire service. However, we quickly learned that the service was going to be given in Twi, which was disappointing. One of the guests must have seen the despair on our faces, so she came over and translated the entire sermon for us. She was so kind and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to find out what the reverend was preaching. It was a Pentecostal service, but it was very similar to the wedding I went to several weeks ago. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and sheer enjoyment, but there was no kiss at the end of the ceremony.
We then took a photo with the bride and groom, which were thrilled that obrunis made it to their wedding. We were escorted to a taxi that eight of us all got into and taken to get lunch. We were not charged for anything, the groom just arranged for us to eat because he knew how long of a distance we had traveled. We got pasta, Ghanaian salad, and fish and then we headed back to the reception. We were all so excited to dance and eat cake, but we were quickly informed that we would be leaving before the festivities began. We were all very disappointed because we traveled five hours each way and we only stayed at the wedding for three hours. There was nothing we could do because we had already paid for the bus and we didn’t know how we would get home if we decided to stay. So we were all a little annoyed, but we got in the car and headed back home. I was already frustrated and the guy behind me would not leave me alone, so I was getting hyper. I decided to get up and walk around to avoid the man and clear my head.
Five and a half hours later we made it back to ISH and to our surprise there was a party going on out front. There were different performers going one at a time, while one of the students played music and DJed the entertainment. Some of the boys took off their shirts and had a muscle man contest, while others danced and sang. It was fun to watch and afterwards there was a drink up in one of the hostels. We all went there for a little while and then I went off to bed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Today we went to our first football (soccer) game in Ghana, it was Accra v. Kumasi, and we had a blast. Everyone bought apparel depending on which team they chose to support and we headed into the stadium to wait until the game began. It was extremely hot and we were right in the sun, but I enjoyed it because I am always looking for ways to get tan. The crowd was phenomenal, everyone was so excited to be there and the enthusiasm was higher than I have ever witnessed before. The stadium was packed and everyone was decked out in the team colors. When bad plays were performed, refs made calls that went against one of the teams, or a team scored the entire crowd would roar and jump around like you couldn’t believe. The team we were cheering for ended up losing the game, but we had a magnificent time anyway. On the way out one of the girls ended up getting robbed, but people saw it happen so they retrieved her bag and chased the man down. They started to beat him, but the girl got upset so they stopped. I am sure when we walked away that man was beaten until he was unconscious. We then made our way to the bus and back to the dorm. I once again went to the night market and sat with Sarah, while she ate Banku. I ate dinner with Demola and Julie and it was absolutely delicious. The two of them made a fabulous dinner that included mashed potatoes, something that is never eaten in Ghana. It was late by the time we finished so I went straight to bed.
Health Update:
There is currently a cholera outbreak, but thank God no one in my program has shown any signs of the horrible disease
7 cases of malaria- everyone is doing fine now
1 individual with panic attacks that went home
1 case of food poisoning
Several cases of stomach issues- some people cannot keep food down others are having issues using the bathroom
There was a 24-hour bug that went around, about five people caught it, but they are fine now
- That is about it, everyone has recuperated fine and no one is currently in the hospital!
- As for me I have had very little health problems and I am working tirelessly to maintain that status
A new adventure to be had each and everyday. This morning I got to the junction at my usual time to get to work and there were several friendly individuals that I was able to strike up a conversation with. One of the men was attempting to ask all f the cars that drove by if they would take him to a trotro stop that would help him to avoid the traffic. I was flabbergasted and assumed that everyone would just ignore him. However, that was not the case at all. Many of the drivers were very receptive and one finally told him that he was headed in the correct direction and could drop him off. He offered me to join, but I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how to get to my job from a new stop that was foreign to me. Additionally, I was scared to get into a random car. Two of them ended up taking the ride and I was left with the third individual who also stayed back. We waited for about another twenty minutes and luckily a bus came and we were able to get in. It seemed as if it was going to be a pleasant morning until we learned there was an accident and we were traveling even slower than usual. After thirty minutes we had barely moved at all and it gets so hot when so many people are standing so close together and the movement of the bus is no longer creating a breeze. We finally started moving and a taxi crashes into the side of the bus. Thankfully, the bus was not damaged and we were able to continue driving rapidly. There was also a fight between the passengers and the driver because the driver wanted to stop and let more passengers on, but we were already so jam packed no one else could fit. The driver ended up not stopping and the people once again calmed down. When we finally arrived at thirty-seven I was so relieved, I walked to the station as quickly as possible and I caught a trotro right away. I decided that this would be a good time to try a new food, so I randomly chose something that looked like it would taste good and bought it. I was terribly misled by the look of the item. When I arrived at work I was told it was called Daakue or Zoe and it was essentially a ball of ginger and pepper (no one actually knows what pepper means, because in Ghana people refer to pepper as many different food items) and it tasted awful. I took one bite and could not eat anymore; I took the remainder of the ball back to my dorm to allow the other foreign students to taste it.
I was productive at work and complete the first three months of my assignment. I then left in time to make it to a reflection talk for CIEE. The talk was interesting, but like usual it started thirty minutes late. After the talk I met my roommate at the main gate to go to the seamstress and pick up my dress that I got for the wedding. I walked into the home of the seamstress and she took us to her bedroom where she presented me with the dress. It was a very small room where my roommate, the seamstress, and I all stayed. She told me to try on the dress and my first reaction was where do I change. She laughed and said “right here, why are you shy?” I said no and turned and changed although I was not completely comfortable. The dress was a little loose so she took it in the back and fixed it, then returned and it fit beautifully. I received many complements and it was well worth the money spent. I made it back to school right in time for dance class and Sarah is amazing and brought me clothes to change into and a stick this way I would not be late. Class went well and after I headed to the Bush Canteen with Sarah to get dinner and then we went over to a play that some of our friends were performing in. The play was great and we were able to understand most of it. By the time we got back to the dorm it was late, so we decided not to go out and jut relax. I watched Mall Cop, which was hilarious and then went to bed.
Friday, March 18, 2011
This morning I got up in time to eat breakfast with Sarah and Kwame, a new friend we made at Pentagon on Tuesday. After breakfast I was off to the mall to get a gift for the wedding. We easily found Melcolm, the mall my roommate instructed us to go to find nice gifts for the wedding tomorrow. We bought a bowl and platter, silverware, cups and saucers, and glass salad bowls from all of us. We went outside to get wrapper and when I got back I wrapped all of the gifts. It felt like I was preparing for a bridal shower with all of the wrapping I had to do. I decided not to go out again because we were leaving at four-forty for the wedding.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I was late getting up and getting ready, but since I have arrived in Ghana I have gotten better at accepting that things are always really late. So I was not horribly worried about being on time. I then found out that Peter never woke up, so I headed to his room to ensure he got up. I banged on his door for about five minutes before he answered and I had to stand in his room while he packed a bag and got ready because he would have plopped right back in bed if not. He was still drunk from the night before because they only got back from Champs about thirty minutes before we had to leave. Two of the other boys were still in the hall; they were all fooling around making Peter lose focus all together. He finally finished getting ready and when we made it downstairs we found out that Astu still was not there. We called him and he said he was sorry, he doesn’t know how he didn’t wake up. By the time everyone was downstairs and Atsu got us two taxis it was after five-thirty and we were incredibly late for the bus. On the drive over we passed a VIP bus that we learned was the bus we were suppose to be taking to the wedding. We chased down the bus and hoped on, to then travel for the next five hours in an iceberg. The bus was so cold I could barely sleep. I finally got comfortable and was able to sleep. I woke up periodically really needing to use the washroom, but we never stopped to allow me to go. When we arrived at the wedding I learned that the bus stopped twice, Peter and I just slept through both stops. We were also informed that the stops had no washrooms or refreshments, the passengers were just allowed to squat down on the side of the road and do nature. So I was glad that I slept through that experience.
We got to the wedding at eleven, which is hysterical because the invitations said arrive at nine prompt and at eleven the bride was just walking down the isle. We had great timing and got to see the entire service. However, we quickly learned that the service was going to be given in Twi, which was disappointing. One of the guests must have seen the despair on our faces, so she came over and translated the entire sermon for us. She was so kind and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to find out what the reverend was preaching. It was a Pentecostal service, but it was very similar to the wedding I went to several weeks ago. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and sheer enjoyment, but there was no kiss at the end of the ceremony.
We then took a photo with the bride and groom, which were thrilled that obrunis made it to their wedding. We were escorted to a taxi that eight of us all got into and taken to get lunch. We were not charged for anything, the groom just arranged for us to eat because he knew how long of a distance we had traveled. We got pasta, Ghanaian salad, and fish and then we headed back to the reception. We were all so excited to dance and eat cake, but we were quickly informed that we would be leaving before the festivities began. We were all very disappointed because we traveled five hours each way and we only stayed at the wedding for three hours. There was nothing we could do because we had already paid for the bus and we didn’t know how we would get home if we decided to stay. So we were all a little annoyed, but we got in the car and headed back home. I was already frustrated and the guy behind me would not leave me alone, so I was getting hyper. I decided to get up and walk around to avoid the man and clear my head.
Five and a half hours later we made it back to ISH and to our surprise there was a party going on out front. There were different performers going one at a time, while one of the students played music and DJed the entertainment. Some of the boys took off their shirts and had a muscle man contest, while others danced and sang. It was fun to watch and afterwards there was a drink up in one of the hostels. We all went there for a little while and then I went off to bed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Today we went to our first football (soccer) game in Ghana, it was Accra v. Kumasi, and we had a blast. Everyone bought apparel depending on which team they chose to support and we headed into the stadium to wait until the game began. It was extremely hot and we were right in the sun, but I enjoyed it because I am always looking for ways to get tan. The crowd was phenomenal, everyone was so excited to be there and the enthusiasm was higher than I have ever witnessed before. The stadium was packed and everyone was decked out in the team colors. When bad plays were performed, refs made calls that went against one of the teams, or a team scored the entire crowd would roar and jump around like you couldn’t believe. The team we were cheering for ended up losing the game, but we had a magnificent time anyway. On the way out one of the girls ended up getting robbed, but people saw it happen so they retrieved her bag and chased the man down. They started to beat him, but the girl got upset so they stopped. I am sure when we walked away that man was beaten until he was unconscious. We then made our way to the bus and back to the dorm. I once again went to the night market and sat with Sarah, while she ate Banku. I ate dinner with Demola and Julie and it was absolutely delicious. The two of them made a fabulous dinner that included mashed potatoes, something that is never eaten in Ghana. It was late by the time we finished so I went straight to bed.
Health Update:
There is currently a cholera outbreak, but thank God no one in my program has shown any signs of the horrible disease
7 cases of malaria- everyone is doing fine now
1 individual with panic attacks that went home
1 case of food poisoning
Several cases of stomach issues- some people cannot keep food down others are having issues using the bathroom
There was a 24-hour bug that went around, about five people caught it, but they are fine now
- That is about it, everyone has recuperated fine and no one is currently in the hospital!
- As for me I have had very little health problems and I am working tirelessly to maintain that status
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I have decided to continue my Blog
I decided to blog everyone is right it helps keep my mind clear, plus I am sorry I didn’t mean to worry everyone I am fine and I have plenty of strength to work through the sorrow and not allow myself to be miserable.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Today was tough I had classes all day and by the time I got back I was drained between trying not to cry and explaining to people what was wrong. Yesterday I had an appointment with one of the TAs to go over the dance and he didn’t show up and then I had to go back for dance at night where I had to teach everyone the steps we learned last week because no one had shown up. People kept asking me questions and I was getting so overwhelmed and no one at dance new about Sashi, so it just appeared as if I was just being nasty. I was trying really hard not to behave that way; just everything frustrates me because I am constantly fighting the tears. However, things were easier today after my encounter with the nicest person I am yet to meet. On my way to class my shoe broke, which is no surprise considering I brake about one pair of shoes a week here. I am always tripping and the dust gets into the shoes and they fall apart. Two girls were walking by and they were staring at my barefoot until they noticed that I was carrying a broken shoe in my hand. The said they were sorry and that it was really unfortunate that there is nowhere nearby where I can get it repaired. Then one of them said she happened to have spare shoes in her bag that she brought to change into to be more comfortable. She offered them to me and gave me her number so I could return them to her that night. It was such a kind thing she did for someone she doesn’t know in the slightest. I unfortunately had two classes and a meeting with my professor, so if it weren’t for her I would have been walking around with one shoe for more than half of the day.
I then continued on to my first class where I would be given my first exam, which I was convinced I would bomb considering it was really hard for me to concentrate on studying last night. It turned out to be the most ridiculous excuse for an exam; it was in my SPSS class to see if we would get certificates. In essence he just passed everyone and they handed out our certificates. Then I had class where I sat next to a very nice girl who helped me every time I couldn’t understand the professor. When class was over I found my way to my advisor’s office and then patiently waited outside until it was about fifteen minutes before our meeting. I knocked on the door and to my utter surprise I found my professor for Africa in the Global System inside. My heart fell and I tried to quickly figure out if my advisor was actually the same person as my professor, but then I realized that I had spoken to him on the phone the day before and I would have recognized his voice if it was my professor. This is the man that has a strong distaste for America and believes that socialism is the best system. The first thing he uttered when I walked in was, “Wow, I did not expect to ever see you here” and I knew I was in for trouble. I explained to him that I was their looking for professor Asente who I had a meeting with shortly. I was attempting to read when he interrupted and asked me point blank, what do you think about American politics? Republican and Democrats aside what do I feel about the system as a whole. We talked for about an hour (which means the professor I had my meeting with was over 45 minutes late) and he was very forward in that he disagrees with everything I was saying but appreciated my opinion. He also asked why I didn’t bring up more of my points in class and I laughed and said I try not to say more than two disagreeable things in each class to not be a nuisance. He said he likes confrontation and would appreciate my comments. In the end it turned out to be a pleasant encounter although the comments the professor was making were irking me.
Later on we had dance class, which always puts me in a good mood, although the power turned out half way through so we just practiced the singing part of the exam until the lights came back, I did not let that dampen my spirits. After class I was able to concentrate long enough to get reading done and I had plans to go to bed very early. However, Sarah called at around eleven and convinced me that the best thing to put me in a good mood would be to go to our friend’s room for her birthday, where there would be cake! So we decided to go and it was a wonderful decision. It was a lot of fun and the cake was delicious even though I typically would not select cake from a variety of different dessert options. The hostel we were in is about a thirty-five minute walk from the hostel I stay at, so we were going to take a taxi back. However, one of the boys from the party offered to drive us back in his car, so it turned out beautifully, we got a free ride back to our hostel. We got back to our room before two and I was able to go straight to sleep when I got back.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Today is my busiest day, which is a good thing because it helps me to keep my mind of Sashi. I only cried once today, this morning when I went on facebook and read the comments everyone left. Thank you everyone for the support I really appreciate it. It turned out to be a great day because both of my classes ended about ten minutes early, so I was able to make it on time to all three classes. My first class, Africa in the Global System, was quite interesting. I spoke several times and towards the end of the class my professor made the comment that the United States has the ability to use their power to do good in the international system, but instead they choose to be evil. I was outraged and he continued to explain that the United States going to war through a pure act of deceit and fraud proves his point. My hand shot up and he looked at me and explained that he would let me speak next week, because he realizes I am just going to attack what he said. In the end the class was tolerable and I was able to leave with the knowledge that the professor now has an understanding of whom I am and will not hold my opinions against me.
After my next too classes I went back to my room in hopes of getting laundry done. Instead I got a phone call from one of the people we met yesterday and we decided to meet up and hangout for a little while. However, he ended up not showing up, which is extremely common here. He called and said he was sorry that he fell asleep, but would come over then, I told him it was too late and I was already getting ready for bed. So I didn’t let myself get angry I just sat with Sarah, did homework, and cleaned up my room.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Today was tough I had classes all day and by the time I got back I was drained between trying not to cry and explaining to people what was wrong. Yesterday I had an appointment with one of the TAs to go over the dance and he didn’t show up and then I had to go back for dance at night where I had to teach everyone the steps we learned last week because no one had shown up. People kept asking me questions and I was getting so overwhelmed and no one at dance new about Sashi, so it just appeared as if I was just being nasty. I was trying really hard not to behave that way; just everything frustrates me because I am constantly fighting the tears. However, things were easier today after my encounter with the nicest person I am yet to meet. On my way to class my shoe broke, which is no surprise considering I brake about one pair of shoes a week here. I am always tripping and the dust gets into the shoes and they fall apart. Two girls were walking by and they were staring at my barefoot until they noticed that I was carrying a broken shoe in my hand. The said they were sorry and that it was really unfortunate that there is nowhere nearby where I can get it repaired. Then one of them said she happened to have spare shoes in her bag that she brought to change into to be more comfortable. She offered them to me and gave me her number so I could return them to her that night. It was such a kind thing she did for someone she doesn’t know in the slightest. I unfortunately had two classes and a meeting with my professor, so if it weren’t for her I would have been walking around with one shoe for more than half of the day.
I then continued on to my first class where I would be given my first exam, which I was convinced I would bomb considering it was really hard for me to concentrate on studying last night. It turned out to be the most ridiculous excuse for an exam; it was in my SPSS class to see if we would get certificates. In essence he just passed everyone and they handed out our certificates. Then I had class where I sat next to a very nice girl who helped me every time I couldn’t understand the professor. When class was over I found my way to my advisor’s office and then patiently waited outside until it was about fifteen minutes before our meeting. I knocked on the door and to my utter surprise I found my professor for Africa in the Global System inside. My heart fell and I tried to quickly figure out if my advisor was actually the same person as my professor, but then I realized that I had spoken to him on the phone the day before and I would have recognized his voice if it was my professor. This is the man that has a strong distaste for America and believes that socialism is the best system. The first thing he uttered when I walked in was, “Wow, I did not expect to ever see you here” and I knew I was in for trouble. I explained to him that I was their looking for professor Asente who I had a meeting with shortly. I was attempting to read when he interrupted and asked me point blank, what do you think about American politics? Republican and Democrats aside what do I feel about the system as a whole. We talked for about an hour (which means the professor I had my meeting with was over 45 minutes late) and he was very forward in that he disagrees with everything I was saying but appreciated my opinion. He also asked why I didn’t bring up more of my points in class and I laughed and said I try not to say more than two disagreeable things in each class to not be a nuisance. He said he likes confrontation and would appreciate my comments. In the end it turned out to be a pleasant encounter although the comments the professor was making were irking me.
Later on we had dance class, which always puts me in a good mood, although the power turned out half way through so we just practiced the singing part of the exam until the lights came back, I did not let that dampen my spirits. After class I was able to concentrate long enough to get reading done and I had plans to go to bed very early. However, Sarah called at around eleven and convinced me that the best thing to put me in a good mood would be to go to our friend’s room for her birthday, where there would be cake! So we decided to go and it was a wonderful decision. It was a lot of fun and the cake was delicious even though I typically would not select cake from a variety of different dessert options. The hostel we were in is about a thirty-five minute walk from the hostel I stay at, so we were going to take a taxi back. However, one of the boys from the party offered to drive us back in his car, so it turned out beautifully, we got a free ride back to our hostel. We got back to our room before two and I was able to go straight to sleep when I got back.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Today is my busiest day, which is a good thing because it helps me to keep my mind of Sashi. I only cried once today, this morning when I went on facebook and read the comments everyone left. Thank you everyone for the support I really appreciate it. It turned out to be a great day because both of my classes ended about ten minutes early, so I was able to make it on time to all three classes. My first class, Africa in the Global System, was quite interesting. I spoke several times and towards the end of the class my professor made the comment that the United States has the ability to use their power to do good in the international system, but instead they choose to be evil. I was outraged and he continued to explain that the United States going to war through a pure act of deceit and fraud proves his point. My hand shot up and he looked at me and explained that he would let me speak next week, because he realizes I am just going to attack what he said. In the end the class was tolerable and I was able to leave with the knowledge that the professor now has an understanding of whom I am and will not hold my opinions against me.
After my next too classes I went back to my room in hopes of getting laundry done. Instead I got a phone call from one of the people we met yesterday and we decided to meet up and hangout for a little while. However, he ended up not showing up, which is extremely common here. He called and said he was sorry that he fell asleep, but would come over then, I told him it was too late and I was already getting ready for bed. So I didn’t let myself get angry I just sat with Sarah, did homework, and cleaned up my room.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sashi you will always be in my heart
Monday, March 14, 2011
I did not want to get out of bed this morning, so it was almost six fifteen before I got myself moving. However, I still made it on time for work because I took a shared taxi to work, instead of trying to get on a trotro. There were none passing and pretty much everyone waiting gave up and found a different way to their destination. I arrived to work on time, but no one was there so I needed to sit in the waiting area for some time before someone came to inform me about the situation.
The Internet was back up and I discovered my Dog is no longer around. I am not sure what to do with myself, I realize it is selfish, but I didn’t want her to die. I probably won’t post again for a while, I am not sure my posts would be pleasant or pleasing for anyone to read. I love you all and I hope everyone at home is doing well.
I did not want to get out of bed this morning, so it was almost six fifteen before I got myself moving. However, I still made it on time for work because I took a shared taxi to work, instead of trying to get on a trotro. There were none passing and pretty much everyone waiting gave up and found a different way to their destination. I arrived to work on time, but no one was there so I needed to sit in the waiting area for some time before someone came to inform me about the situation.
The Internet was back up and I discovered my Dog is no longer around. I am not sure what to do with myself, I realize it is selfish, but I didn’t want her to die. I probably won’t post again for a while, I am not sure my posts would be pleasant or pleasing for anyone to read. I love you all and I hope everyone at home is doing well.
Kumasi
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I woke up early this morning and went over to the IPO building to use the Internet and print out my assignment before class. Unfortunately, on my way I stopped at the vegi city and it wasn’t opened yet- apparently it doesn’t open until eight- and I did not get to pick out the vegetables I was looking forward to. It was probably better off because it is Ash Wednesday so I am fasting. Also the printer wasn’t working in the office, so I had to leave for class and return afterwards in hopes that it would be back in service. Fortunately, it was up and running when I returned and I got my paper back in time to hand it in promptly. I made my way to by next class, this time successfully buying vegetables, which are beautiful and I can’t wait to eat. During class our professor gave out fan ice, which I believe I have described in the past. Next time I get one I will be sure to take a photo. They are almost like go gurt, but it is ice cream that tastes almost like icing. It is incredible how the men that carry them around in a box on their head keep them cold. They come in vanilla (fan ice), chocolate (fan choco), and strawberry (fan yogo). They are all delicious and it was so sad I had to give mine away because I can’t eat today : (. He also gave us bofrot, which I saved so I can eat them tomorrow as a treat. I have decided to give up bread and groundnut paste, so a donut will be nice in the morning instead of my oatmeal and groundnut paste or bread and jelly.
Class is suppose to end at 1:30 and if I walk as quickly as possible, getting stopped on the way for people to tell me I am walking to fast, I am still ten minutes late to my tutorial. However, this week he let us out after two; therefore, there was no way for me to make it to my class. I missed class, which was disappointing, but I did get all of my laundry done when I got back. Today is salsa day and I missed it for the first time because my laundry took longer than expected, I was hungry from not eating all day, and I just did not feel like dancing. So we went to Alliance Francis instead, it was a really chill sit down and listen to live music night, which I greatly enjoyed. Thankfully we returned before midnight and the water was back on, so I got to shower and migrate to my bed to get some well-earned sleep.
Thursday, March 10, 2010
I woke up at 5:40, got ready for work, walked to the junction, hopped in a shared taxi, went to 37 where I got a trotro to Osu and when I arrived I immediately went to the women who I owed money and once again I couldn’t pay her because she didn’t have change. However, the trip to work was smooth and once again I arrived early, a great start to a great day. I got a good amount done at work although it was sad because the Internet was down and I typically get to post my blog on workdays. I was also exhausted so I asked where I could buy coffee and one of my colleagues said she would take me because she also needed some. We walked up Oxford Street, which is a place to do great shopping. She let me stop and get shampoo, which I had just run out of and vinegar, which I never thought would happen in Ghana it was the happiest moment ever. We finally made our way to a restaurant with coffee; it was over priced as usual. In Ghana coffee is very difficult to find, what they do have is Nesque Café (instant coffee) and it tastes a lot like chalk. Also, it is very expensive, but today I felt as if I needed some. We asked for sugar because to drink it black is almost impossible and she put a large amount in each of our cups. We went to try it and discovered we both needed additional sugar. She came back with more put it in, when we tried it we discovered it was salt. The woman had to make us both new coffees and she couldn’t stop laughing, she couldn’t believe she made that mistake. After all of that neither of us could even finish one cup because it is just so hard on the stomach. Later on we went to grab lunch at a small stand that had delicious wache, gari, and “salad”. I really enjoyed lunch and I had extras to bring home to add to the salad I would eat for dinner.
Back at work I finished up my days tasks and went on my way so I could make it back in time to get ready for dance. On my way out I found a pair of shoes I really liked, so I decided to splurge and purchase them. This seems to be a trend that I must put an end to quickly or I am going to come home with thirty pairs of sandals. However, they are so inexpensive and the money is going to help out individuals who are working to make a living and support their families, so it cannot be viewed as a waste. I then had change to bring to the women who I owed money too. I made my way back to campus and had time to finish my laundry. I had done my clothes the day before, but my fingers hurt and I didn’t have the energy to clean my towels. I was so happy I got them done because we are going to Kumasi this weekend and I always come home with so much to wash adding towels would have been terrible. Then I went to dance and we were informed that our test would be moved to next Tuesday and we would be examined on two dances, not just the first dance like they had originally planned. So I set up an appointment with one of the TAs to go over the dances with me and make sure that I am doing the steps correctly.
After dance we went to Tantra, which was completely empty when we arrived. So we walked over to the Container where the girls got drinks and we met up with some of our other friends. There were so many men around and they kept pulling up chairs to join our table. Some of the girls were getting really frustrated and did not know how to deal with the situation. I had never hung out with them before so I am not sure how they survive in this country with such little patience. The men began to say that Americans are not friendly, but in Ghana it is nice to be nice so we shouldn’t be so rude. I got annoyed because I do not approve of people who are blatantly being rude by ignoring our requests that they leave, to call my entire country rude. We ended up leaving there and returning to the club, which had picked up tremendously. The night turned out successfully and we got home in time to get a couple of hours of sleep.
Friday, March 11, 2011
This morning we left for Kumasi, the bus ride was about five and a half hours, which I slept about five hours and fifteen minutes of and we arrived right in time for lunch. We were served rice balls and goat soup, which were both new items for me and I loved them both. Although I did not eat it with my fingers, it is meant to be eaten like fufu. There were also other types of food, all of which I have had in the past. It was a great meal and from there we headed out to a traditional Asante home where the Queen Mother once resided. We saw adorable turtles there and learned about how this woman single handedly assembled thousands of women to fight against the British. The men were embarrassed so that joined in with the fight. Although the Asante’s were forced under British rule, they hold that they were never defeated. The Asante’s maintain that the sole item that keeps the people united is the Golden Stool that fell from the Heavens. If the Stool was to be captured the village would disintegrate and the people would perish. The British attempted numerous times to capture the Stool with no avail. Therefore, the Asante people although under the rule of the British maintained their identity and after independence they are still the most powerful people in Ghana and their Chief still has incredible power over the people. Before we left the house some of us needed to use the washroom, until we were brought to see what the washroom entailed. It was a small cement wall and when you went on the backside there was a tiny hall in the wall so you could squat, use the bathroom, and it would drip outside the walls onto the other side. I was unable to use it because I was wearing jeans and everyone said it splashed a lot. The bathroom situations remained the same for the rest of our trip in Kumasi.
We then went to Bonwire, a Kente weaving village where real kente is made. I was able to try out weaving and I found some jewelry that I bought. There were about fifteen different stations with individuals that were all thriving for our attention and our money. The men were overwhelming for some of the females, but most people were able to enjoy the experience anyway. We found out that kente is created to honor someone special and that both Bill Clinton and Obama have a design in their honor. When we left the shop there were little children waiting outside to beg us for money and we practically had to run into the bus to get away.
We then continued to Ntonso, Adinkra Cloth Village where we were given the opportunity to stamp the kente with symbolic stamps. I was thrilled for this part of the trip. I bought one that resembles TCNJ’s colors to hang in my apartment next year and on it I stamped peace and unity, one that represents to rams about to clash head on and it means that we should get to a point where we almost knock each other out, but find peace right before that moment so the physical clash never occurs, and all powerful. I also got on that is gold and for my bedroom at home. On that I stamped the Tree of God representing that God is always amongst us, integrity and perseverance, and success. The third piece is a table runner that is beautiful and has many different symbols throughout it. After our pieces dried and we were given a demonstration on how the paint that we used to stamp is made from bark that is soaked, shredded, pounded, and then boiled, we left to go back to the hotel Treasure Land.
We were served dinner, which once again was spectacular and it came with dessert, crêpes with chocolate. After dinner some of us decided we would venture off to a club. Some of the boys that live with us at ISH are from Kumasi and happened to be home for the weekend. So we took a taxi to a local pub and then about seven of us all jumped in one car and traveled to a nightclub. When we arrived we were informed that there was a cover charge, which some of the girls did not want to pay. So we turned around and went back to the hotel. When we arrived back we discovered that the gate was locked and we couldn’t get into the hotel. We banged for a couple of minutes and someone came to let us back in.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
We got up at eight thirty for breakfast, which consisted of coffee, toast, eggs, fruit, and corn flakes. This was the first time I had cereal in Ghana and it was delicious. After breakfast we got back on the bus and headed to the Chiefs Palace. The current chief no longer resides in the palace; he had a new one build and the one we were visiting was turned into a museum. Our tour guide was personable and very informative. We saw wax statues of the chiefs who once lived in the homes and of the Queen Mothers. We learned about the special armor, clothes, pipes used to resolve fights, bags used to carry gold, and other interesting information about the Asante people. After the museum we went to Central Market, one of the largest markets in Ghana. I am so happy with all of my purchases; I spent such a small amount of money and was able to get a variety of items. There were no touristy items, like art, woodcarvings, or things you would buy as souvenirs, but I got practical things that I need for everyday. It was a great experience because of the minimal amounts of harassment, usually at a market people who want the abrunis attention swarm us, but there were so many people that we were the least of the storekeepers concern. It was difficult to find our way around and we only made it to two sections before our two hours were up and we needed to go back. We asked about ten people how to find our bus and people all seemed to send us in contradicting directions. Eventually we found a kind man that walked us for about twenty-five minutes through the market to our destination.
Our group then split in two and those who were interested in going to the stadium to watch the football game went in the small bus and the remaining students went back to the hotel in the larger bus. I went to the stadium, which turned out to not be playing the game. So we went to a Sports Bar and that was empty, so finally we ended up at a small bar with many locals. The wrong team won, but we did end up having a nice time. We almost got food, but when I went to the pork stand I noticed that the piece of pig they were chopping from was right above the tail, which was actually still intact. I ended up getting an orange instead (I am not sure if I have told you, but oranges here are green not orange and they don’t eat them they squeeze the juice of out of them).
After the game we went to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant that was beautiful, but the service was so slow it was after ten by the time we received our meals, checks, and change. There were some complications with the vegetarians and again when the bills came out people were shocked. However, the food was delicious and most people were happy with how everything turned out. After dinner we went back to the hotel and went swimming before we went to bed
Sunday, March 13, 2011
We had a free day this morning, so we woke up for breakfast at eight-thirty and some of us decided to go back to the market. We took a trotro there and stayed for only about an hour before it was time to get back to the hotel for lunch and the bus ride back home. We hit the road by one-thirty, stopped and had to use some interesting bathrooms on the way back, and by seven we were back on campus. I did my laundry from the weekend, practiced the dance we will be tested on next week, worked on my blog, and went off to bed.
I woke up early this morning and went over to the IPO building to use the Internet and print out my assignment before class. Unfortunately, on my way I stopped at the vegi city and it wasn’t opened yet- apparently it doesn’t open until eight- and I did not get to pick out the vegetables I was looking forward to. It was probably better off because it is Ash Wednesday so I am fasting. Also the printer wasn’t working in the office, so I had to leave for class and return afterwards in hopes that it would be back in service. Fortunately, it was up and running when I returned and I got my paper back in time to hand it in promptly. I made my way to by next class, this time successfully buying vegetables, which are beautiful and I can’t wait to eat. During class our professor gave out fan ice, which I believe I have described in the past. Next time I get one I will be sure to take a photo. They are almost like go gurt, but it is ice cream that tastes almost like icing. It is incredible how the men that carry them around in a box on their head keep them cold. They come in vanilla (fan ice), chocolate (fan choco), and strawberry (fan yogo). They are all delicious and it was so sad I had to give mine away because I can’t eat today : (. He also gave us bofrot, which I saved so I can eat them tomorrow as a treat. I have decided to give up bread and groundnut paste, so a donut will be nice in the morning instead of my oatmeal and groundnut paste or bread and jelly.
Class is suppose to end at 1:30 and if I walk as quickly as possible, getting stopped on the way for people to tell me I am walking to fast, I am still ten minutes late to my tutorial. However, this week he let us out after two; therefore, there was no way for me to make it to my class. I missed class, which was disappointing, but I did get all of my laundry done when I got back. Today is salsa day and I missed it for the first time because my laundry took longer than expected, I was hungry from not eating all day, and I just did not feel like dancing. So we went to Alliance Francis instead, it was a really chill sit down and listen to live music night, which I greatly enjoyed. Thankfully we returned before midnight and the water was back on, so I got to shower and migrate to my bed to get some well-earned sleep.
Thursday, March 10, 2010
I woke up at 5:40, got ready for work, walked to the junction, hopped in a shared taxi, went to 37 where I got a trotro to Osu and when I arrived I immediately went to the women who I owed money and once again I couldn’t pay her because she didn’t have change. However, the trip to work was smooth and once again I arrived early, a great start to a great day. I got a good amount done at work although it was sad because the Internet was down and I typically get to post my blog on workdays. I was also exhausted so I asked where I could buy coffee and one of my colleagues said she would take me because she also needed some. We walked up Oxford Street, which is a place to do great shopping. She let me stop and get shampoo, which I had just run out of and vinegar, which I never thought would happen in Ghana it was the happiest moment ever. We finally made our way to a restaurant with coffee; it was over priced as usual. In Ghana coffee is very difficult to find, what they do have is Nesque Café (instant coffee) and it tastes a lot like chalk. Also, it is very expensive, but today I felt as if I needed some. We asked for sugar because to drink it black is almost impossible and she put a large amount in each of our cups. We went to try it and discovered we both needed additional sugar. She came back with more put it in, when we tried it we discovered it was salt. The woman had to make us both new coffees and she couldn’t stop laughing, she couldn’t believe she made that mistake. After all of that neither of us could even finish one cup because it is just so hard on the stomach. Later on we went to grab lunch at a small stand that had delicious wache, gari, and “salad”. I really enjoyed lunch and I had extras to bring home to add to the salad I would eat for dinner.
Back at work I finished up my days tasks and went on my way so I could make it back in time to get ready for dance. On my way out I found a pair of shoes I really liked, so I decided to splurge and purchase them. This seems to be a trend that I must put an end to quickly or I am going to come home with thirty pairs of sandals. However, they are so inexpensive and the money is going to help out individuals who are working to make a living and support their families, so it cannot be viewed as a waste. I then had change to bring to the women who I owed money too. I made my way back to campus and had time to finish my laundry. I had done my clothes the day before, but my fingers hurt and I didn’t have the energy to clean my towels. I was so happy I got them done because we are going to Kumasi this weekend and I always come home with so much to wash adding towels would have been terrible. Then I went to dance and we were informed that our test would be moved to next Tuesday and we would be examined on two dances, not just the first dance like they had originally planned. So I set up an appointment with one of the TAs to go over the dances with me and make sure that I am doing the steps correctly.
After dance we went to Tantra, which was completely empty when we arrived. So we walked over to the Container where the girls got drinks and we met up with some of our other friends. There were so many men around and they kept pulling up chairs to join our table. Some of the girls were getting really frustrated and did not know how to deal with the situation. I had never hung out with them before so I am not sure how they survive in this country with such little patience. The men began to say that Americans are not friendly, but in Ghana it is nice to be nice so we shouldn’t be so rude. I got annoyed because I do not approve of people who are blatantly being rude by ignoring our requests that they leave, to call my entire country rude. We ended up leaving there and returning to the club, which had picked up tremendously. The night turned out successfully and we got home in time to get a couple of hours of sleep.
Friday, March 11, 2011
This morning we left for Kumasi, the bus ride was about five and a half hours, which I slept about five hours and fifteen minutes of and we arrived right in time for lunch. We were served rice balls and goat soup, which were both new items for me and I loved them both. Although I did not eat it with my fingers, it is meant to be eaten like fufu. There were also other types of food, all of which I have had in the past. It was a great meal and from there we headed out to a traditional Asante home where the Queen Mother once resided. We saw adorable turtles there and learned about how this woman single handedly assembled thousands of women to fight against the British. The men were embarrassed so that joined in with the fight. Although the Asante’s were forced under British rule, they hold that they were never defeated. The Asante’s maintain that the sole item that keeps the people united is the Golden Stool that fell from the Heavens. If the Stool was to be captured the village would disintegrate and the people would perish. The British attempted numerous times to capture the Stool with no avail. Therefore, the Asante people although under the rule of the British maintained their identity and after independence they are still the most powerful people in Ghana and their Chief still has incredible power over the people. Before we left the house some of us needed to use the washroom, until we were brought to see what the washroom entailed. It was a small cement wall and when you went on the backside there was a tiny hall in the wall so you could squat, use the bathroom, and it would drip outside the walls onto the other side. I was unable to use it because I was wearing jeans and everyone said it splashed a lot. The bathroom situations remained the same for the rest of our trip in Kumasi.
We then went to Bonwire, a Kente weaving village where real kente is made. I was able to try out weaving and I found some jewelry that I bought. There were about fifteen different stations with individuals that were all thriving for our attention and our money. The men were overwhelming for some of the females, but most people were able to enjoy the experience anyway. We found out that kente is created to honor someone special and that both Bill Clinton and Obama have a design in their honor. When we left the shop there were little children waiting outside to beg us for money and we practically had to run into the bus to get away.
We then continued to Ntonso, Adinkra Cloth Village where we were given the opportunity to stamp the kente with symbolic stamps. I was thrilled for this part of the trip. I bought one that resembles TCNJ’s colors to hang in my apartment next year and on it I stamped peace and unity, one that represents to rams about to clash head on and it means that we should get to a point where we almost knock each other out, but find peace right before that moment so the physical clash never occurs, and all powerful. I also got on that is gold and for my bedroom at home. On that I stamped the Tree of God representing that God is always amongst us, integrity and perseverance, and success. The third piece is a table runner that is beautiful and has many different symbols throughout it. After our pieces dried and we were given a demonstration on how the paint that we used to stamp is made from bark that is soaked, shredded, pounded, and then boiled, we left to go back to the hotel Treasure Land.
We were served dinner, which once again was spectacular and it came with dessert, crêpes with chocolate. After dinner some of us decided we would venture off to a club. Some of the boys that live with us at ISH are from Kumasi and happened to be home for the weekend. So we took a taxi to a local pub and then about seven of us all jumped in one car and traveled to a nightclub. When we arrived we were informed that there was a cover charge, which some of the girls did not want to pay. So we turned around and went back to the hotel. When we arrived back we discovered that the gate was locked and we couldn’t get into the hotel. We banged for a couple of minutes and someone came to let us back in.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
We got up at eight thirty for breakfast, which consisted of coffee, toast, eggs, fruit, and corn flakes. This was the first time I had cereal in Ghana and it was delicious. After breakfast we got back on the bus and headed to the Chiefs Palace. The current chief no longer resides in the palace; he had a new one build and the one we were visiting was turned into a museum. Our tour guide was personable and very informative. We saw wax statues of the chiefs who once lived in the homes and of the Queen Mothers. We learned about the special armor, clothes, pipes used to resolve fights, bags used to carry gold, and other interesting information about the Asante people. After the museum we went to Central Market, one of the largest markets in Ghana. I am so happy with all of my purchases; I spent such a small amount of money and was able to get a variety of items. There were no touristy items, like art, woodcarvings, or things you would buy as souvenirs, but I got practical things that I need for everyday. It was a great experience because of the minimal amounts of harassment, usually at a market people who want the abrunis attention swarm us, but there were so many people that we were the least of the storekeepers concern. It was difficult to find our way around and we only made it to two sections before our two hours were up and we needed to go back. We asked about ten people how to find our bus and people all seemed to send us in contradicting directions. Eventually we found a kind man that walked us for about twenty-five minutes through the market to our destination.
Our group then split in two and those who were interested in going to the stadium to watch the football game went in the small bus and the remaining students went back to the hotel in the larger bus. I went to the stadium, which turned out to not be playing the game. So we went to a Sports Bar and that was empty, so finally we ended up at a small bar with many locals. The wrong team won, but we did end up having a nice time. We almost got food, but when I went to the pork stand I noticed that the piece of pig they were chopping from was right above the tail, which was actually still intact. I ended up getting an orange instead (I am not sure if I have told you, but oranges here are green not orange and they don’t eat them they squeeze the juice of out of them).
After the game we went to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant that was beautiful, but the service was so slow it was after ten by the time we received our meals, checks, and change. There were some complications with the vegetarians and again when the bills came out people were shocked. However, the food was delicious and most people were happy with how everything turned out. After dinner we went back to the hotel and went swimming before we went to bed
Sunday, March 13, 2011
We had a free day this morning, so we woke up for breakfast at eight-thirty and some of us decided to go back to the market. We took a trotro there and stayed for only about an hour before it was time to get back to the hotel for lunch and the bus ride back home. We hit the road by one-thirty, stopped and had to use some interesting bathrooms on the way back, and by seven we were back on campus. I did my laundry from the weekend, practiced the dance we will be tested on next week, worked on my blog, and went off to bed.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My Poor Belly!
March 8, 2011
Today I got up at eight to study for a quiz I had in my computer class, but when I got to class I learned that there really was no quiz, but there will be a test next week. I then got a call from Mr. Gyasi our program director and I was nervous because he has never called me before. It turns out he just wanted to let me know that he set me up with an advisor that would evaluate my progress with my internship and give me a grade at the end of the semester. I went to my classes ate then went to dance, clearly something didn’t agree with me and I got sick for the first time since I have been here. Tomorrow is a fasting day, so I am sure that will help my stomach to settle. I have decided to give up ground nut paste and bread for lent, but I am not going to church tomorrow because mass is during class so I am a little upset about that. After dance I was able to get so much work done and get to bed before 2 ☺
Today I got up at eight to study for a quiz I had in my computer class, but when I got to class I learned that there really was no quiz, but there will be a test next week. I then got a call from Mr. Gyasi our program director and I was nervous because he has never called me before. It turns out he just wanted to let me know that he set me up with an advisor that would evaluate my progress with my internship and give me a grade at the end of the semester. I went to my classes ate then went to dance, clearly something didn’t agree with me and I got sick for the first time since I have been here. Tomorrow is a fasting day, so I am sure that will help my stomach to settle. I have decided to give up ground nut paste and bread for lent, but I am not going to church tomorrow because mass is during class so I am a little upset about that. After dance I was able to get so much work done and get to bed before 2 ☺
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I am so sorry this is so long and that I haven't posted in forever
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Echoing Hills
This morning we arose at six to get on the bus to leave for our scheduled community service project. Unbeknownst to me the title of the organization, Echoing Hills, would represent the emotions that I would come to feel after we departed the home for the physically and the mentally handicapped. The children were thrilled at our presence and they would come to feel comfortable dancing with us and giving us hugs. Although the intention for our group was to clean up both the boys and the girls dorm by weeding, painting, scrubbing, brushing, chiseling, and other similar tasks the end product was a vast amount more. To say that we brought happiness to a group of wonderful people would be inaccurate; the truth is is that a group of amazing fun loving individuals brought joy and meanings to our day. The fulfillment from our venture to the organization came from the children who were extremely welcoming and allowed us to share the day with them, not to diminish the impact that our tangible work made.
The children ranged from four months old to adults. Some of the individuals were mentally retarded, others in wheelchairs, some are blind, others deaf, one had a prostatic leg, and still others were emotionally disturbed. The organization, which depends on support from groups like CIEE, maximizes each dollar by working with the vast array of challenges they are presented and making the best of the situation. The children have learned how to feed themselves, bathe themselves, raise chicken and goats, hold forks and knives, and perform other everyday tasks that they would have never dreamed of learning if it weren’t for Echoing Hills.
When we first arrived we were split into groups where we were assigned a specific task. My group was first to chisel and sand the gate, then we would continue by painting. The tasks varied greatly, but the similarity that tied them all together was the aspect of supplies. Each group was forced to take turns performing their specific task because there was a lack of supplies for sixty students to volunteer simultaneously. Although this may at first sound counter productive, the result of the situation was overwhelmingly positive. There were children from a nearby orphanage that were also on sight to assist us in our work and when those who were waiting for their turn to work were standing around they were able to make great use of their time by playing with the children. It was not the goal of our organization to entertain children; however, the tangible work got completed in a leisurely manner while children in need of human affection were provided immeasurable amounts of love. Some of the students were so good with the kids; they tossed them in the air, carried them on their backs, and ran around until they could no longer gather the energy to continuing in the festivities. The events were extremely eye opening; at that moment the young children were the happiest kids I have ever seen. They had tattered cloths, no shoes, and essentially no toys to play with, but they were excited and fun filled. They were enthusiastic about each new game we would show them and they did not stop smiling the entire time we were there. They participated in the cleaning with no words of disdain and they found time in between to play games with each other and pull at some of the students to have them join in on the entertainment.
I have worked tirelessly not to compare the United States to Ghana, but I believe it is vital to make one important comparison. The children here in Ghana are so thankful for every small thing they receive. We gave the kids pens, crayons, and some small toys and they were overwhelmed by our kindness. We were thanked a countless number of times and the children would find ways to make those toys last for as long a period of time as possible. The average child in America expects toys and quickly loosing interest in games and toys that they have received. The children in Ghana are also extremely imaginative and active; they can entertain themselves for hours with no tangible objects. They are happy to have time to play outside and just be a child, while children in America need constant entertainment and many times complain about being bored when toys surround them. The sheer happiness of the children is enough to bring me some comfort in the fact the children are homeless living a life that is never fair for a child whether that be in America, Ghana, or anywhere else in the world.
After we finished our tasks it was time for more fun and games. We were split up into groups, volleyball, football (American Soccer), and dance. Take a quick guess which group got the pleasure of my presence, football of course. No actually I chose dance to the surprise of most I am sure. I believe I danced for four hours straight taking no time to break. There were about twenty children in my group, including many individuals from Echoing Hills. There were some students that seemed to work miracles with the members of the organization. They were able to get so many of the physically and mentally disabled children to participate in the dancing. Astu rolled a woman around who may have been the most excited person I have ever seen. Others danced hand in hand with the people who were timid and did not want to dance at first. Some students danced in a circle with a group of members and spent time dancing with each member of the circle one at a time. I surprisingly did not find myself dancing with the members, which at first shocked me. I though I would gravitate towards entertaining those with disabilities, but I witnessed the joy on the faces of all of the members and realized I wasn’t needed in that area.
Instead I chose to spend my time with the children from the orphanage. There were about ten of them in a circle dancing better than you could imagine. Off to the side there were about another ten this group was made up of boys who appeared to be extremely shy. I began dancing and immediately the girls flocked towards me and one other individual in an attempt to get our attention. We quickly averted our attention to them and allowed them to showoff their dance moves for us. Then we would do some sort of made up move that the children would replicate. Anything we could think of the children learned and had a ball doing so. They learned the Macarena, cotton eye joy, the disco move, the Egyptian move, the move where you hold your nose and pretend to go in the water, some African moves I have learned in class, and other more hip shaking moves that the young girls would perform first and we would then replicate. Some of the children were five years old and they were able to dance in sync with the music and shake their entire bodies, I have no idea where they obtain these skills but I was shocked. Finally the young boys started to drift towards us so we engaged them by copying whatever they were doing. They in turn became more aggressive and started trying to dance with me and the other students. We clearly put an end to that before it began and made the boys stand far away to avoid any complications. The children were adorable and they were so excited to learn the silliest of moves, for the sheer reason that they were being shown how to dance by two individuals that were there to solely spend time with them. We were forced to give up our group when it was time to leave and I was so sad I had to leave them behind. They all gave me hugs, so many of them jumped on me at once that I fell right to the ground. I have mentioned several times the joy we brought to the children, but the impact the organization had on me was more profound then the impact we had on the children. I was able to witness first hand what it means to have so little and appreciate what comes your way in such a tremendous way.
As I walked out I saw a baby, he was only four months and the mentally handicapped individuals were passing him around. I naturally went over and took the baby into my arms; I was soon informed that he was an orphan. There were three babies onsite that were all abandoned by their mothers. Ghana has a law that does not allow for babies to be adopted until they are one year old, so those three babies are being taken care of by the organization until that time comes. It was so sad because they were so cute and I just wanted to take them home with me.
As we pulled away from the buildings and headed down the hill I could here the echo of the children playing and I hope to remember those voices forever. When I close my eyes I can still see their faces and I am determined to never let myself take what God has granted me for granted and to bring happiness to ever thing I do. The echoes will be in my head forever and I hope that those of you who are reading this take one thing out of my blog and that is that life is precious we have all been handed tremendous lives, make the best of them, and never forget to be thankful for the things you have that others can only dream of.
When we returned back to the hostel I went inside and tried to pass out, but I was over tired and I could get the children out of my head so I decided to try and work on my paper. I had finished all of the readings, made a solid outline, and got about three pages single-spaced done before I could no longer function and had to go to bed.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
I did not do much all day today, I really had to work on my paper so I woke up early and got to work immediately. Although I had made plans for the day, nothing got done besides my paper. I did take a break when for some reason Word stopped working on all of the macs. Hannah and I made salsa, which was delicious and a nice break from the same foods everyday. Lately my diet has consisted of oatmeal, rice, cabbage andfruit. Not the healthiest selections, so the tomatoes and papers were a good addition. I continued my paper and went to bed relatively early again.
Monday, February 28, 2011
I had my internship today, it took me about two hours to get there, but it was well worth it. I left my room around 6:45 and walked to where I could catch a trotro. I waited for about forty-five minutes and still I was unable to find my way to thirty-seven. The traffic at that time is unbelievable; the cars are almost at a standstill. Finally a loading taxi came that was going to 37 so I hopped on and was on my way. It took until eight thirty to get there; when the roads are not congested it is about a fifteen minutes drive. Luckily the walk from the stop is only about ten minutes to get the next trotro to Osu, where I get off at the last stop. I arrived at 9:02, while using American time I was two minutes late, using Ghanaian time I was the first one in the office. Once everyone arrived and I was given my assignment everything went smoothly. I really enjoy the work I am doing, and the people are extremely kind. My current assignment is to finish a project that the last intern began and never had the opportunity of completing. The name of the organization is WILDALF- Women of Law in Developing Africa and their focus is on aiding women and children in learning about and understanding the law system. My specific task is to go through the newspapers from the month and write a report on the articles that pertain to the goal of the network. Thankfully they have a satellite so their internet is almost always working, although it is painfully slow I can still manage to get on if I have something I need to do immediately.
The trip home from work is ten times simpler because not only is there no gridlock, there is also a direct trotro that gets me all the way back to school. It is not a struggle to find the right vehicle there is usually one waiting at the stop that leaves as soon as it fills. To give you an idea about the transportation system I should start with the buses. They run on a schedule that is not written down anywhere, you just need to go to the various stations and ask. There are three large companies that have buses, plus the government ran much less luxurious buses. For some of the companies you must go to the station the day before and buy a ticket in order to ensure you have a seat, while others you can’t buy the tickets until the morning of. So it entails waking up at four am and getting to the station early enough to hopefully get a seat on the one bus that is going at the time you need to leave. The buses usually run one in the morning around 8, another in the afternoon like 2:30 or in the evening at around 6. Each system is different and some of them have more than just two buses departing to certain destinations. The other source of transportation is the trotros, which are some how extremely organized but I have no inkling how that happens. They are private cars not sanctioned by the government and there always seems to be a plethora of them going to varies destinations arriving at each trotro stop regularly. Although there is no way to predict how long it will take you to get on a trotro and there is no specific times, if you are Ghanaian and aggressive you should not have to wait over thirty minutes. However, it is hard for me and other foreigners to understand what the mate (not the driver, but his partner that shouts the name of the trotro route out the window) is saying and the hand signals sometimes confuse us. By the time we figure out that the trotro is going to our destination it is to late because people have already shoved us out of the way. A trotro is essentially a large van there are photos of them on my facebook. Also for the most part there will only be one or two seats available on the trotro, so if we are in a larger group we have to split up and hope that another trotro comes quickly. Loading taxis are another source of transportation. The buses that are ran by the government are the most inexpensive, then the trotros, then the loading taxis, then the private buses for longer journeys, and then regular taxis. The loading taxis are regular taxis that pick up people from different places that all have similar locations and he will charge each person individually. I have yet to see a women trotro driver, mate or taxi driver while I have been in Ghana. Keeping this in mind, it is easy to understand why people always arrive to their appointments late and no one is ever on time. Every time I get frustrated I try and remember how difficult it is for me to get around and that they may be having the same difficulties.
After work I went to the veggie city stand, which was a great decision. I got a head of cabbage, two small tomatoes, and green beans all for 1 cedi. I am not sure how that worked, but I was thrilled to have obtained such delicious vegetables. I also got groundnut paste, which is the version of peanut butter here. But it is all natural with no sugar added. The interesting thing is there is no label on the jar, so the ingredients, nutritional facts, or anything of the sort is unknown to me and everyone else. I then went to Twi class, ate banku for dinner which I almost enjoyed my pallet has changed dramatically although I am still having a difficult time using my fingers to eat and cleaning them off by licking them, but I am working on it, and then went to dance for Astu. I got back and went straight to my paper, I didn’t get that much done because I was exhausted and needed to get to bed.
Tuesday, February 29, 2011
I woke up early this morning and went straight to working on my paper because I don’t have class until ten today. I had my computer class, which was canceled last week because there was no power so the computers were no use to anyone. The class is only four weeks long and it was canceled the first week and today the power went out half way through the class although it came back on quite quickly. Therefore, we only have two classes left and we have learned essentially nothing. Since I am always early and I though my class began at 10 I arrived there at 9:45. Surprisingly the class prior to mine was still in session and I learned my class didn’t begin until 10:20, which actually means 10:35 or so here. So I sat around for some time and tried to work on my paper. Something good ended up coming out of the class, I met up with Daniel someone I had met in my methods class the first week, but when my phone died I lost his number and hadn’t seen him since. So I was able to sit with him in class and not all alone in the sea of friends that usually surround me. Also in class a student was selling last year’s exam for one cedi, right in the classroom where the professor was teaching.
After class I went to Coffee Que for the first time, for a tune sandwich. I was so excited to try it because sandwiches don’t really exist here because there are no cold cuts to put on them. They also don’t eat peanut butter and jelly or any other sandwich combination. Egg sandwiches are the only types we have encountered, so tuna was a nice change. It turned out to be delicious, but it was much smaller than I had predicted. After we ventured over to the CIEE office and got to use the Internet before our Twi class. After Twi I made green beans and went off to dance. I got back and went straight to my paper once again. I finished at a decent hour, went to bed, and then woke up at six to finish editing before I submitted the paper.
Wednesday, March 1, 2011
I went to the IPO office early to print my assignment for my other class and get on the Internet to send my paper. When I got there I realized I didn’t know my professors name or his e-mail address so I had to scurry around like a chicken without a head to find someone in my class who had the email address. I did eventually find it and I was able to send the paper in time. I then went to class where I found out that he had received zero papers as of this morning, which came as a huge surprise to me, but no one else seemed to be fazed. After class I have to practically run to the IA center, which is off campus and I am almost always five minutes late to class. However, class usually has not begun by the time I get a seat. In class we tried a new food, I have no idea what it was our assignment was to find out and I am yet to do that. They looked like donuts, but the professor said they weren’t starch. They tasted like there was egg in them and they were very spicy. After class I raced to my tutorial, which is in the furthest building from the IA center. Again I am always late to that class, but since it is not a real class it doesn’t really matter. There are about ten of us who attend out of a class of fifty that are supposed to be there. It is the tutorial for the class my paper was due in and the professor showed up to check on our attendance, which was clearly poor. He informed us that he had received 19 papers as of then, and they were due almost six hours prior.
After class I went straight to the gym for our first salsa lesson, which we quickly learned was at 5 and not 4. So we returned to the hostel and decided not to go to the lesson, because we would then have to miss the lesson at Coconut Grove, which is free and entertaining. So we got ready and went to the hotel for our weekly salsa adventure. It was just two of us and we ended up having so much fun because we both found amazing partners that have definitely contributed to our improvement in salsa. Thankfully salsa is over at ten thirty so we always get back really early. I went to bed as soon as I got back because again I have to wake up before six for my internship tomorrow.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Another internship day which means up before six and arriving at work at 9:00. However, today was different I had an amazing transportation experience. First, I got to the stop a little late so I was nervous I would never make it to work. But a bus came by after only about ten minutes and it happened to stop at 37, which is where I need to go. So many people jammed onto the bus, we were packed in like sardines and I was stuck in between two men on the stairs. I was anxious because I had my laptop with me and I was being jammed back and forth so it was hard to keep tack of everything. Additionally, I was standing backwards so I could not really see where we were. After about thirty minutes I got nervous that I missed my stop so I asked the guy next to me, who informed me that he were getting off there so he would let me know. He turned out to be really nice, the trip was another twenty minutes and we kept talking the rest of the time. When we got off we learned that we were both going to Osu, so once again he took the lead and found the correct trotro to get onto. We got on and it started moving immediately, which is much more exciting than you may first presume. Because usually you have to sit and wait until the van fills before they leave and it is really hot with no air or breeze. We were not right next to each other on the trotro, so he paid for me before I go the chance to tell him that he didn’t need to do that. So in all it was a great trip with no mishaps and I arrived early to work. Since my stop is at the market I decided I would go shopping, but after I chose shoes I remembered I had forgotten money and the women gave me the shoes anyway and she told me to bring her the money the next time I had work, I don’t know how she trusted me, but she did.
Work was also amazing. When I arrived my boss asked me if I wanted to go to a wedding of one of the woman in the office, the wedding was is the Volta Region in a town called Ho, somewhere I had never been. So of course I accepted even though I had nothing to wear. I asked her how much it would cost and I was informed the car, food and gift were all being supplied by the company so it wouldn’t cost anything. I was so excited and I decided it would be nice if I brought a gift along anyway. So I asked my boss what I could get and she told me that at noon we would go together to the mall. We arrived at the mall she helped me pick bowls that were only four cedis for two and then we went to the market. I got milk powder and sugar, which I have really needed but haven’t had the time to pick up. We then went to Tema station where she put me on the right trotro and I was sent home, three hours earlier than usual. I had time to get all of my laundry done when I got home which was something that needed to get done. I may not have mentioned earlier that I got bed bugs; I woke up this morning with legs that look like they were attacked by millions of bugs. I brought my sheets and towels to the woman upstairs to wash and washed all of my clothes really well and the bugs seem to be gone, but I haven’t slept in my bed so I can’t be positive. I was thrilled that I was able to accomplish so much before class, so I went off to dance in high spirits. Dance class has picked up a lot and I have made two friends that always stand by me while we dance and tell me when I am doing things wrong. I also have a couple of the drummers looking out for me, so when I look ridiculous they let me know. I am happy I stuck with the class although I do wish it was smaller in number. After class I got ready to go out to a new place called Tantra. We were not sure whether or not we should go because they were running a special that is going to repeat each Thursday, but this was the first week it would be free for both en and women until midnight. We assumed that it would be overwhelmingly crowded, but we decided since it was free we would try it out. We weren’t exactly sure where it was located and the taxi driver ended up getting lost and driving in circle for about thirty minutes before he finally found it. It turned out to be an amazing night, the majority of the club was people from ISH (our hostel on camous), and so no matter who danced with me I knew them. That is always a relief and it also deters those who you don’t know from dancing with you. If one of them tried I could just scoot over and find someone that I knew and when you are dancing with a Ghanaian it is uncommon for guys to try and invade. The night was marvelous and we got back at a decent hour.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I literally did next to nothing today. I got up at around nine thirty and went upstairs to watch a movie. The set up was marvelous, the movie was projected onto the wall, so it was easy to watch. After the movie and just hanging out Brittany and I decided to go to the pool and lay out. We went until it was time for me to leave and go to dance. I got back, showered, and went to dance, which was not very productive, but it was a good workout and a lot of fun. I was going to go out after dance, but I was exhausted and didn’t feel like paying the cover charge at Wheezy Lounge, so I stayed in for the night.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I went to my first wedding today and it was so exciting. It began at nine so we met at the mall at six o’clock. I woke up before five to ensure I could get a taxi in time and pick out an outfit. It was very difficult to get ready because my roommate was still sleeping when I got up and I had to try on a couple of different outfits, wrap my gift, make out a card, do makeup, and my hair. I got everything done with only a couple of mishaps like not having tape and went out on my way. I was able to get on a trotro thanks to a lady that helped me figure out which one would stop at the mall. I got there right on time, but I couldn’t find the bus we were taking. I called someone to ask where I should go and it took about twenty minutes for a response. You would think I would have learned by now, but I clearly haven’t because I began to get nervous that they were going to leave without me. When the bus driver called me over I realized there was only one person there and it was over an hour before everyone arrived and we were on our way. The ride was about two and a half hours long and we made it to the church by ten. In Ghana weddings are just like church, over three hours for just the ceremony. We danced and sang for about an hour, and then the rest of the wedding was similar to an American wedding. There were minor differences, one being that a pillow was brought out and the coupled kneeled down for about thirty minutes while all of the reverends and the bishop prayed in chants for the couple and the guesses made typical Ghanaian sounds. At the end of the wedding we left and got food which I found unusual, but the reception is usually done at someone’s house or a church so a meal is not served it is more like appetizers and cake. We then went to the reception for only a short time, where there was dancing, music and drinking. We headed home and I spent most of the time sleeping.
We got back around seven and I found out a couple of the girls were invited to be back up dancers in a gospel music video for Jael. I decided I would go along with them and we had a blast although it took much longer than expected. The director told us to behave like we were at a club, but remember that it was a video for a gospel song. So essentially we had to dance like we would if we were at church, but look like we were having the time of our lives. Afterwards she took us, in her hummer, to La Palm a casino and karaoke bar, and on the way we were stopped at the security check point. Because there were seven of us in the car Jael got scolded and had to pay the cop 2 cedis and leave her license. He said he wanted to show the foreigners that the Ghanaian cops are serious and that she should show us a better example. We sang Oops I did it Again and we all ordered ice cream which was amazing and then we drank vodka which is an interesting combination. Two of the girls and I decided we would stay all night at the casino, gamble, go to the beach and then head over to Independence square at six AM because it was already four and not worth going all the way back to campus. First the two girls gambles about five cedis just to say they had done it and then we went to the Dragon Room (the room with karoke) and took pictures and just danced around for a period of time. We then made our way to Labadi Beach and fell asleep on the lounge chairs for about thirty minutes before we got a trotro to Independence Square. Tomorrow is Independence Day and there is a huge parade where the president is present at the square. So we did just that and by the time we arrived the three of us really needed some sleep.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I decided that I would save our seats by sleeping on the bleachers we would occupy while the other girls went and got egg sandwiches for breakfast. I must have slept for an hour it was phenomenal. The parade began at around eight and we had terrific seats although we were in the scorching heat and I thought we were all going to melt. All of the students marched in, in perfect formations and it was only about thirty minutes later that children began falling to the ground. At the end of the three hours over fifty kids had fallen right on the black top because they had passed out because they were standing still in the sun. Some of the children were only seven and eight and it was so sad every time we say someone running out with a stretcher. At one point three cannons were fired and about fifteen kids passed out from a combination of the heat and the fright. Three planes then flew by and I was still in shock from the lack of concern for the children to applaud. Besides the children fainting the parade was well organized and the children’s performances were phenomenal. There were vendors all over and I was able to get a couple of souvenirs that say Ghana on them and we tried a new drink that was essentially liquid starch. I would not suggest it to anyone. After the parade we got on a trotro and headed for the hostel. After we arrived I immediately got in the shower and passed out in my bed. I slept from about noon to four and then got up to get things done for school. I think at some point I fell back asleep because I received a phone call at eleven and it woke me up.
I decided to go out, so I got up, got ready, and we headed off to Aphrodisiac a popular nightclub. However, our taxi driver didn’t know where it was located even though he informed us when we got in the taxi that he knew where to go. First, he brought us to Jokers and then to Cinderella’s before we finally got to Aphro. By that time it was after 1 AM, which was a problem because the club was only free until one. We explained the situation to the bouncer and he let us in with no trouble at all and with no cost to us. We got inside and realized that everyone there was old and the music that was being played fit the scene. Luckily one of the boys we were with new the manager and asked him nicely if they could change the music to fit the needs of the college students who were in attendance. By two thirty the music was changed and we were able to have a great time. We left before four, which is atypical for Aphro.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Today I got to sleep in! I didn’t wake up until a little before nine and then I got ready to go to the beach. I spent a couple of hours updating my blog, which I am really sorry I took so long to do. We went to the beach at around noon and it was so over crowded. Since it is a holiday a lot of people go to the beach and it was clear that it was going to be a rough day. To no surprise we were harassed constantly and we needed the protection of the Ghanaian boys we were with on more than one occasion. We avoided the water, because the men in the water can get very inappropriate. Also it is interesting to see the lifeguards scolding the black locals and telling them not to swim in curtain areas, but when white people go to the same spots the guards turn the other eye. It is true that most Ghanaians do not swim well and the average American can swim. However, these are very stereotypical statements and the rules of the ocean should not lie on that bases. We left the beach at around five and I got back in time to work on my blog (in the dark) and then get ready for dance. Only two people showed up to dance tonight and I was one of them. The other girl said she wasn’t feeling well so at the end she decided to sit down and Atsu ended the rehearsal. I have a quiz tomorrow, which I still need to study for and then I plan on working on my readings for my classes that the packets just came out in.
Echoing Hills
This morning we arose at six to get on the bus to leave for our scheduled community service project. Unbeknownst to me the title of the organization, Echoing Hills, would represent the emotions that I would come to feel after we departed the home for the physically and the mentally handicapped. The children were thrilled at our presence and they would come to feel comfortable dancing with us and giving us hugs. Although the intention for our group was to clean up both the boys and the girls dorm by weeding, painting, scrubbing, brushing, chiseling, and other similar tasks the end product was a vast amount more. To say that we brought happiness to a group of wonderful people would be inaccurate; the truth is is that a group of amazing fun loving individuals brought joy and meanings to our day. The fulfillment from our venture to the organization came from the children who were extremely welcoming and allowed us to share the day with them, not to diminish the impact that our tangible work made.
The children ranged from four months old to adults. Some of the individuals were mentally retarded, others in wheelchairs, some are blind, others deaf, one had a prostatic leg, and still others were emotionally disturbed. The organization, which depends on support from groups like CIEE, maximizes each dollar by working with the vast array of challenges they are presented and making the best of the situation. The children have learned how to feed themselves, bathe themselves, raise chicken and goats, hold forks and knives, and perform other everyday tasks that they would have never dreamed of learning if it weren’t for Echoing Hills.
When we first arrived we were split into groups where we were assigned a specific task. My group was first to chisel and sand the gate, then we would continue by painting. The tasks varied greatly, but the similarity that tied them all together was the aspect of supplies. Each group was forced to take turns performing their specific task because there was a lack of supplies for sixty students to volunteer simultaneously. Although this may at first sound counter productive, the result of the situation was overwhelmingly positive. There were children from a nearby orphanage that were also on sight to assist us in our work and when those who were waiting for their turn to work were standing around they were able to make great use of their time by playing with the children. It was not the goal of our organization to entertain children; however, the tangible work got completed in a leisurely manner while children in need of human affection were provided immeasurable amounts of love. Some of the students were so good with the kids; they tossed them in the air, carried them on their backs, and ran around until they could no longer gather the energy to continuing in the festivities. The events were extremely eye opening; at that moment the young children were the happiest kids I have ever seen. They had tattered cloths, no shoes, and essentially no toys to play with, but they were excited and fun filled. They were enthusiastic about each new game we would show them and they did not stop smiling the entire time we were there. They participated in the cleaning with no words of disdain and they found time in between to play games with each other and pull at some of the students to have them join in on the entertainment.
I have worked tirelessly not to compare the United States to Ghana, but I believe it is vital to make one important comparison. The children here in Ghana are so thankful for every small thing they receive. We gave the kids pens, crayons, and some small toys and they were overwhelmed by our kindness. We were thanked a countless number of times and the children would find ways to make those toys last for as long a period of time as possible. The average child in America expects toys and quickly loosing interest in games and toys that they have received. The children in Ghana are also extremely imaginative and active; they can entertain themselves for hours with no tangible objects. They are happy to have time to play outside and just be a child, while children in America need constant entertainment and many times complain about being bored when toys surround them. The sheer happiness of the children is enough to bring me some comfort in the fact the children are homeless living a life that is never fair for a child whether that be in America, Ghana, or anywhere else in the world.
After we finished our tasks it was time for more fun and games. We were split up into groups, volleyball, football (American Soccer), and dance. Take a quick guess which group got the pleasure of my presence, football of course. No actually I chose dance to the surprise of most I am sure. I believe I danced for four hours straight taking no time to break. There were about twenty children in my group, including many individuals from Echoing Hills. There were some students that seemed to work miracles with the members of the organization. They were able to get so many of the physically and mentally disabled children to participate in the dancing. Astu rolled a woman around who may have been the most excited person I have ever seen. Others danced hand in hand with the people who were timid and did not want to dance at first. Some students danced in a circle with a group of members and spent time dancing with each member of the circle one at a time. I surprisingly did not find myself dancing with the members, which at first shocked me. I though I would gravitate towards entertaining those with disabilities, but I witnessed the joy on the faces of all of the members and realized I wasn’t needed in that area.
Instead I chose to spend my time with the children from the orphanage. There were about ten of them in a circle dancing better than you could imagine. Off to the side there were about another ten this group was made up of boys who appeared to be extremely shy. I began dancing and immediately the girls flocked towards me and one other individual in an attempt to get our attention. We quickly averted our attention to them and allowed them to showoff their dance moves for us. Then we would do some sort of made up move that the children would replicate. Anything we could think of the children learned and had a ball doing so. They learned the Macarena, cotton eye joy, the disco move, the Egyptian move, the move where you hold your nose and pretend to go in the water, some African moves I have learned in class, and other more hip shaking moves that the young girls would perform first and we would then replicate. Some of the children were five years old and they were able to dance in sync with the music and shake their entire bodies, I have no idea where they obtain these skills but I was shocked. Finally the young boys started to drift towards us so we engaged them by copying whatever they were doing. They in turn became more aggressive and started trying to dance with me and the other students. We clearly put an end to that before it began and made the boys stand far away to avoid any complications. The children were adorable and they were so excited to learn the silliest of moves, for the sheer reason that they were being shown how to dance by two individuals that were there to solely spend time with them. We were forced to give up our group when it was time to leave and I was so sad I had to leave them behind. They all gave me hugs, so many of them jumped on me at once that I fell right to the ground. I have mentioned several times the joy we brought to the children, but the impact the organization had on me was more profound then the impact we had on the children. I was able to witness first hand what it means to have so little and appreciate what comes your way in such a tremendous way.
As I walked out I saw a baby, he was only four months and the mentally handicapped individuals were passing him around. I naturally went over and took the baby into my arms; I was soon informed that he was an orphan. There were three babies onsite that were all abandoned by their mothers. Ghana has a law that does not allow for babies to be adopted until they are one year old, so those three babies are being taken care of by the organization until that time comes. It was so sad because they were so cute and I just wanted to take them home with me.
As we pulled away from the buildings and headed down the hill I could here the echo of the children playing and I hope to remember those voices forever. When I close my eyes I can still see their faces and I am determined to never let myself take what God has granted me for granted and to bring happiness to ever thing I do. The echoes will be in my head forever and I hope that those of you who are reading this take one thing out of my blog and that is that life is precious we have all been handed tremendous lives, make the best of them, and never forget to be thankful for the things you have that others can only dream of.
When we returned back to the hostel I went inside and tried to pass out, but I was over tired and I could get the children out of my head so I decided to try and work on my paper. I had finished all of the readings, made a solid outline, and got about three pages single-spaced done before I could no longer function and had to go to bed.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
I did not do much all day today, I really had to work on my paper so I woke up early and got to work immediately. Although I had made plans for the day, nothing got done besides my paper. I did take a break when for some reason Word stopped working on all of the macs. Hannah and I made salsa, which was delicious and a nice break from the same foods everyday. Lately my diet has consisted of oatmeal, rice, cabbage andfruit. Not the healthiest selections, so the tomatoes and papers were a good addition. I continued my paper and went to bed relatively early again.
Monday, February 28, 2011
I had my internship today, it took me about two hours to get there, but it was well worth it. I left my room around 6:45 and walked to where I could catch a trotro. I waited for about forty-five minutes and still I was unable to find my way to thirty-seven. The traffic at that time is unbelievable; the cars are almost at a standstill. Finally a loading taxi came that was going to 37 so I hopped on and was on my way. It took until eight thirty to get there; when the roads are not congested it is about a fifteen minutes drive. Luckily the walk from the stop is only about ten minutes to get the next trotro to Osu, where I get off at the last stop. I arrived at 9:02, while using American time I was two minutes late, using Ghanaian time I was the first one in the office. Once everyone arrived and I was given my assignment everything went smoothly. I really enjoy the work I am doing, and the people are extremely kind. My current assignment is to finish a project that the last intern began and never had the opportunity of completing. The name of the organization is WILDALF- Women of Law in Developing Africa and their focus is on aiding women and children in learning about and understanding the law system. My specific task is to go through the newspapers from the month and write a report on the articles that pertain to the goal of the network. Thankfully they have a satellite so their internet is almost always working, although it is painfully slow I can still manage to get on if I have something I need to do immediately.
The trip home from work is ten times simpler because not only is there no gridlock, there is also a direct trotro that gets me all the way back to school. It is not a struggle to find the right vehicle there is usually one waiting at the stop that leaves as soon as it fills. To give you an idea about the transportation system I should start with the buses. They run on a schedule that is not written down anywhere, you just need to go to the various stations and ask. There are three large companies that have buses, plus the government ran much less luxurious buses. For some of the companies you must go to the station the day before and buy a ticket in order to ensure you have a seat, while others you can’t buy the tickets until the morning of. So it entails waking up at four am and getting to the station early enough to hopefully get a seat on the one bus that is going at the time you need to leave. The buses usually run one in the morning around 8, another in the afternoon like 2:30 or in the evening at around 6. Each system is different and some of them have more than just two buses departing to certain destinations. The other source of transportation is the trotros, which are some how extremely organized but I have no inkling how that happens. They are private cars not sanctioned by the government and there always seems to be a plethora of them going to varies destinations arriving at each trotro stop regularly. Although there is no way to predict how long it will take you to get on a trotro and there is no specific times, if you are Ghanaian and aggressive you should not have to wait over thirty minutes. However, it is hard for me and other foreigners to understand what the mate (not the driver, but his partner that shouts the name of the trotro route out the window) is saying and the hand signals sometimes confuse us. By the time we figure out that the trotro is going to our destination it is to late because people have already shoved us out of the way. A trotro is essentially a large van there are photos of them on my facebook. Also for the most part there will only be one or two seats available on the trotro, so if we are in a larger group we have to split up and hope that another trotro comes quickly. Loading taxis are another source of transportation. The buses that are ran by the government are the most inexpensive, then the trotros, then the loading taxis, then the private buses for longer journeys, and then regular taxis. The loading taxis are regular taxis that pick up people from different places that all have similar locations and he will charge each person individually. I have yet to see a women trotro driver, mate or taxi driver while I have been in Ghana. Keeping this in mind, it is easy to understand why people always arrive to their appointments late and no one is ever on time. Every time I get frustrated I try and remember how difficult it is for me to get around and that they may be having the same difficulties.
After work I went to the veggie city stand, which was a great decision. I got a head of cabbage, two small tomatoes, and green beans all for 1 cedi. I am not sure how that worked, but I was thrilled to have obtained such delicious vegetables. I also got groundnut paste, which is the version of peanut butter here. But it is all natural with no sugar added. The interesting thing is there is no label on the jar, so the ingredients, nutritional facts, or anything of the sort is unknown to me and everyone else. I then went to Twi class, ate banku for dinner which I almost enjoyed my pallet has changed dramatically although I am still having a difficult time using my fingers to eat and cleaning them off by licking them, but I am working on it, and then went to dance for Astu. I got back and went straight to my paper, I didn’t get that much done because I was exhausted and needed to get to bed.
Tuesday, February 29, 2011
I woke up early this morning and went straight to working on my paper because I don’t have class until ten today. I had my computer class, which was canceled last week because there was no power so the computers were no use to anyone. The class is only four weeks long and it was canceled the first week and today the power went out half way through the class although it came back on quite quickly. Therefore, we only have two classes left and we have learned essentially nothing. Since I am always early and I though my class began at 10 I arrived there at 9:45. Surprisingly the class prior to mine was still in session and I learned my class didn’t begin until 10:20, which actually means 10:35 or so here. So I sat around for some time and tried to work on my paper. Something good ended up coming out of the class, I met up with Daniel someone I had met in my methods class the first week, but when my phone died I lost his number and hadn’t seen him since. So I was able to sit with him in class and not all alone in the sea of friends that usually surround me. Also in class a student was selling last year’s exam for one cedi, right in the classroom where the professor was teaching.
After class I went to Coffee Que for the first time, for a tune sandwich. I was so excited to try it because sandwiches don’t really exist here because there are no cold cuts to put on them. They also don’t eat peanut butter and jelly or any other sandwich combination. Egg sandwiches are the only types we have encountered, so tuna was a nice change. It turned out to be delicious, but it was much smaller than I had predicted. After we ventured over to the CIEE office and got to use the Internet before our Twi class. After Twi I made green beans and went off to dance. I got back and went straight to my paper once again. I finished at a decent hour, went to bed, and then woke up at six to finish editing before I submitted the paper.
Wednesday, March 1, 2011
I went to the IPO office early to print my assignment for my other class and get on the Internet to send my paper. When I got there I realized I didn’t know my professors name or his e-mail address so I had to scurry around like a chicken without a head to find someone in my class who had the email address. I did eventually find it and I was able to send the paper in time. I then went to class where I found out that he had received zero papers as of this morning, which came as a huge surprise to me, but no one else seemed to be fazed. After class I have to practically run to the IA center, which is off campus and I am almost always five minutes late to class. However, class usually has not begun by the time I get a seat. In class we tried a new food, I have no idea what it was our assignment was to find out and I am yet to do that. They looked like donuts, but the professor said they weren’t starch. They tasted like there was egg in them and they were very spicy. After class I raced to my tutorial, which is in the furthest building from the IA center. Again I am always late to that class, but since it is not a real class it doesn’t really matter. There are about ten of us who attend out of a class of fifty that are supposed to be there. It is the tutorial for the class my paper was due in and the professor showed up to check on our attendance, which was clearly poor. He informed us that he had received 19 papers as of then, and they were due almost six hours prior.
After class I went straight to the gym for our first salsa lesson, which we quickly learned was at 5 and not 4. So we returned to the hostel and decided not to go to the lesson, because we would then have to miss the lesson at Coconut Grove, which is free and entertaining. So we got ready and went to the hotel for our weekly salsa adventure. It was just two of us and we ended up having so much fun because we both found amazing partners that have definitely contributed to our improvement in salsa. Thankfully salsa is over at ten thirty so we always get back really early. I went to bed as soon as I got back because again I have to wake up before six for my internship tomorrow.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Another internship day which means up before six and arriving at work at 9:00. However, today was different I had an amazing transportation experience. First, I got to the stop a little late so I was nervous I would never make it to work. But a bus came by after only about ten minutes and it happened to stop at 37, which is where I need to go. So many people jammed onto the bus, we were packed in like sardines and I was stuck in between two men on the stairs. I was anxious because I had my laptop with me and I was being jammed back and forth so it was hard to keep tack of everything. Additionally, I was standing backwards so I could not really see where we were. After about thirty minutes I got nervous that I missed my stop so I asked the guy next to me, who informed me that he were getting off there so he would let me know. He turned out to be really nice, the trip was another twenty minutes and we kept talking the rest of the time. When we got off we learned that we were both going to Osu, so once again he took the lead and found the correct trotro to get onto. We got on and it started moving immediately, which is much more exciting than you may first presume. Because usually you have to sit and wait until the van fills before they leave and it is really hot with no air or breeze. We were not right next to each other on the trotro, so he paid for me before I go the chance to tell him that he didn’t need to do that. So in all it was a great trip with no mishaps and I arrived early to work. Since my stop is at the market I decided I would go shopping, but after I chose shoes I remembered I had forgotten money and the women gave me the shoes anyway and she told me to bring her the money the next time I had work, I don’t know how she trusted me, but she did.
Work was also amazing. When I arrived my boss asked me if I wanted to go to a wedding of one of the woman in the office, the wedding was is the Volta Region in a town called Ho, somewhere I had never been. So of course I accepted even though I had nothing to wear. I asked her how much it would cost and I was informed the car, food and gift were all being supplied by the company so it wouldn’t cost anything. I was so excited and I decided it would be nice if I brought a gift along anyway. So I asked my boss what I could get and she told me that at noon we would go together to the mall. We arrived at the mall she helped me pick bowls that were only four cedis for two and then we went to the market. I got milk powder and sugar, which I have really needed but haven’t had the time to pick up. We then went to Tema station where she put me on the right trotro and I was sent home, three hours earlier than usual. I had time to get all of my laundry done when I got home which was something that needed to get done. I may not have mentioned earlier that I got bed bugs; I woke up this morning with legs that look like they were attacked by millions of bugs. I brought my sheets and towels to the woman upstairs to wash and washed all of my clothes really well and the bugs seem to be gone, but I haven’t slept in my bed so I can’t be positive. I was thrilled that I was able to accomplish so much before class, so I went off to dance in high spirits. Dance class has picked up a lot and I have made two friends that always stand by me while we dance and tell me when I am doing things wrong. I also have a couple of the drummers looking out for me, so when I look ridiculous they let me know. I am happy I stuck with the class although I do wish it was smaller in number. After class I got ready to go out to a new place called Tantra. We were not sure whether or not we should go because they were running a special that is going to repeat each Thursday, but this was the first week it would be free for both en and women until midnight. We assumed that it would be overwhelmingly crowded, but we decided since it was free we would try it out. We weren’t exactly sure where it was located and the taxi driver ended up getting lost and driving in circle for about thirty minutes before he finally found it. It turned out to be an amazing night, the majority of the club was people from ISH (our hostel on camous), and so no matter who danced with me I knew them. That is always a relief and it also deters those who you don’t know from dancing with you. If one of them tried I could just scoot over and find someone that I knew and when you are dancing with a Ghanaian it is uncommon for guys to try and invade. The night was marvelous and we got back at a decent hour.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I literally did next to nothing today. I got up at around nine thirty and went upstairs to watch a movie. The set up was marvelous, the movie was projected onto the wall, so it was easy to watch. After the movie and just hanging out Brittany and I decided to go to the pool and lay out. We went until it was time for me to leave and go to dance. I got back, showered, and went to dance, which was not very productive, but it was a good workout and a lot of fun. I was going to go out after dance, but I was exhausted and didn’t feel like paying the cover charge at Wheezy Lounge, so I stayed in for the night.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I went to my first wedding today and it was so exciting. It began at nine so we met at the mall at six o’clock. I woke up before five to ensure I could get a taxi in time and pick out an outfit. It was very difficult to get ready because my roommate was still sleeping when I got up and I had to try on a couple of different outfits, wrap my gift, make out a card, do makeup, and my hair. I got everything done with only a couple of mishaps like not having tape and went out on my way. I was able to get on a trotro thanks to a lady that helped me figure out which one would stop at the mall. I got there right on time, but I couldn’t find the bus we were taking. I called someone to ask where I should go and it took about twenty minutes for a response. You would think I would have learned by now, but I clearly haven’t because I began to get nervous that they were going to leave without me. When the bus driver called me over I realized there was only one person there and it was over an hour before everyone arrived and we were on our way. The ride was about two and a half hours long and we made it to the church by ten. In Ghana weddings are just like church, over three hours for just the ceremony. We danced and sang for about an hour, and then the rest of the wedding was similar to an American wedding. There were minor differences, one being that a pillow was brought out and the coupled kneeled down for about thirty minutes while all of the reverends and the bishop prayed in chants for the couple and the guesses made typical Ghanaian sounds. At the end of the wedding we left and got food which I found unusual, but the reception is usually done at someone’s house or a church so a meal is not served it is more like appetizers and cake. We then went to the reception for only a short time, where there was dancing, music and drinking. We headed home and I spent most of the time sleeping.
We got back around seven and I found out a couple of the girls were invited to be back up dancers in a gospel music video for Jael. I decided I would go along with them and we had a blast although it took much longer than expected. The director told us to behave like we were at a club, but remember that it was a video for a gospel song. So essentially we had to dance like we would if we were at church, but look like we were having the time of our lives. Afterwards she took us, in her hummer, to La Palm a casino and karaoke bar, and on the way we were stopped at the security check point. Because there were seven of us in the car Jael got scolded and had to pay the cop 2 cedis and leave her license. He said he wanted to show the foreigners that the Ghanaian cops are serious and that she should show us a better example. We sang Oops I did it Again and we all ordered ice cream which was amazing and then we drank vodka which is an interesting combination. Two of the girls and I decided we would stay all night at the casino, gamble, go to the beach and then head over to Independence square at six AM because it was already four and not worth going all the way back to campus. First the two girls gambles about five cedis just to say they had done it and then we went to the Dragon Room (the room with karoke) and took pictures and just danced around for a period of time. We then made our way to Labadi Beach and fell asleep on the lounge chairs for about thirty minutes before we got a trotro to Independence Square. Tomorrow is Independence Day and there is a huge parade where the president is present at the square. So we did just that and by the time we arrived the three of us really needed some sleep.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I decided that I would save our seats by sleeping on the bleachers we would occupy while the other girls went and got egg sandwiches for breakfast. I must have slept for an hour it was phenomenal. The parade began at around eight and we had terrific seats although we were in the scorching heat and I thought we were all going to melt. All of the students marched in, in perfect formations and it was only about thirty minutes later that children began falling to the ground. At the end of the three hours over fifty kids had fallen right on the black top because they had passed out because they were standing still in the sun. Some of the children were only seven and eight and it was so sad every time we say someone running out with a stretcher. At one point three cannons were fired and about fifteen kids passed out from a combination of the heat and the fright. Three planes then flew by and I was still in shock from the lack of concern for the children to applaud. Besides the children fainting the parade was well organized and the children’s performances were phenomenal. There were vendors all over and I was able to get a couple of souvenirs that say Ghana on them and we tried a new drink that was essentially liquid starch. I would not suggest it to anyone. After the parade we got on a trotro and headed for the hostel. After we arrived I immediately got in the shower and passed out in my bed. I slept from about noon to four and then got up to get things done for school. I think at some point I fell back asleep because I received a phone call at eleven and it woke me up.
I decided to go out, so I got up, got ready, and we headed off to Aphrodisiac a popular nightclub. However, our taxi driver didn’t know where it was located even though he informed us when we got in the taxi that he knew where to go. First, he brought us to Jokers and then to Cinderella’s before we finally got to Aphro. By that time it was after 1 AM, which was a problem because the club was only free until one. We explained the situation to the bouncer and he let us in with no trouble at all and with no cost to us. We got inside and realized that everyone there was old and the music that was being played fit the scene. Luckily one of the boys we were with new the manager and asked him nicely if they could change the music to fit the needs of the college students who were in attendance. By two thirty the music was changed and we were able to have a great time. We left before four, which is atypical for Aphro.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Today I got to sleep in! I didn’t wake up until a little before nine and then I got ready to go to the beach. I spent a couple of hours updating my blog, which I am really sorry I took so long to do. We went to the beach at around noon and it was so over crowded. Since it is a holiday a lot of people go to the beach and it was clear that it was going to be a rough day. To no surprise we were harassed constantly and we needed the protection of the Ghanaian boys we were with on more than one occasion. We avoided the water, because the men in the water can get very inappropriate. Also it is interesting to see the lifeguards scolding the black locals and telling them not to swim in curtain areas, but when white people go to the same spots the guards turn the other eye. It is true that most Ghanaians do not swim well and the average American can swim. However, these are very stereotypical statements and the rules of the ocean should not lie on that bases. We left the beach at around five and I got back in time to work on my blog (in the dark) and then get ready for dance. Only two people showed up to dance tonight and I was one of them. The other girl said she wasn’t feeling well so at the end she decided to sit down and Atsu ended the rehearsal. I have a quiz tomorrow, which I still need to study for and then I plan on working on my readings for my classes that the packets just came out in.
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