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Published: February 8th 2008
Week 4 and this has been the most challenging so far,character building I think it's called.
Weekend
I had a relatively free weekend as everything was building up to the quarter final match against Nigeria on Sunday.I had a quietish day on Sat but wandered down to the pitch at 4 as the seniors were due to play.Unfortunately the opposition failed to turn up so they had to play a practice match instead.
On Sunday morning I decided to sort out my bag for my second project.I am hoping to meet Rebeca the co-ordinator for Original Volunteers in Accra before I head off for my break so that I do not need to take extra luggage.I emptied the contents of the bag but could not find everything so I turned my room upside down assuming I had put things somewhere special.Unfortunately I could not find them.There is nothing expensive or particularly useful missing just flash cards,a balloon pump and some pencils etc but things that were meant for the schools and orphanages.To cut a long story short,the Nana turned the house upside down but the things could not be found.If this had been an isolated incident I would probably have let it rest but after the stadium issues I was getting paranoid.I also felt uneasy and slightly violated which is probably normal after any situation where your personal stuff has been tampered with.
On Monday morning 2 of the co-ordinators turned up at the house and it was decided to move me out.Nana was afraid other things would happen although I was prepared to stay.I was moved into a hotel for 2 nights which was not ideal as it had no restaurant although the shower and flushing toilet were very welcome.On Wednesday morning I was promised a move to another house but the arrangements went pear shaped and I ended up getting a taxi to Patrick's house where the other volunteers are staying.I stayed one night and before the game yesterday - more of that later !! - was promised a move to a new home - hooray.I came home in a car after the match and the exhaust fell off twice on the way back.My bags were carried to my new house and I was introduced to Doris my 'new Mum'.There were various children in the house,extended family and neighbours so I am certain that I will learn the names soon enough.I have a large room with my own key and a bathroom next door with a flushable toilet ,bath and sink.Water is supplied in buckets as is the norm but I am very happy to have a new home albeit for only 2 weeks.I got ready for bed and was then sick although I felt okay straight away.I tried to sleep but was restless.At 3am there was a big fight in the house between some of the boys so needless to say,I didn't sleep well.A cockeral started at 4am followed by the mosque next door.I will sleep well tonight.
Volunteers
Matthew arrived on Sunday night to coach soccer.Hannah an, ex Wales international hockey player, and her Mum Naomi also arrived on Sunday.Hannah will be coaching hockey and Mum is along for the experience.Matthew is staying at Patrick's house and the girls nearby.I may go and watch the hockey training one day for a change of scenary.
Houses
In Botwe,if people can afford it , they buy a plot of land and get a house built.These are usually one story buildings constructed in concrete with a porch area;living room/dining room;bedrooms and a washing area.All areas seem to have an electrical supply but gas is supplied in bottles and water kept in large tanks.Some houses have water connected to the house for showers and sinks but most people seem to get the water as and when they need it from the tanks.Most houses have an area on the front of the property designed to be used as a shop.Some people use this as an extra room.
Toilets vary enormously from the long drop with a wooden box type seat in an outside cubicle;a western toilet set on a platform over a hole - a sort of posh disguised long drop - or the normal western flush toilet which are few and far between.
Washing facilities- Again these vary but all use cold water which can still be a shock despite the warm temperatures.I am quite adept at washing from a bucket but I don't intend carrying this on when I get home!!
Cooking- Guess what? Yes, this varies again.Most people seem to cook with charcoal outside on a small stove although gas hobs can be found in some of the larger houses.
People who cannot afford to buy land can live in what can only be describe as shacks that may be as small as 6x6 feet square.They often cook during the day and sell this to earn some money.Others may sell eggs from their chickens or fresh fruit.They sleep on mats and use water from community taps for washing etc.
The most amazing thing is that almost everyone has a television set and a mobile phone.
In Legon,a region nearby that has the Ghana University in it has some gated communities and large Western style 2 story houses with windows and air conditioning.
Football
I watched the quarter final between Ghana and Nigeria last Sunday on TV with little enthusiasm but the result did cheer me up a bit.The rivalry between the 2 teams is like Spurs/Arsenal ; Liverpool/Everton or England/Scotland so the build up was huge and expectation high.Nigeria went ahead with a penalty by Yakubu but Michael Essien equalised with a towering header in the 47th minute,virtually the last action of the first half.The Ghana captain John Mensah was then sent off but Junior Ogogo scored the winner 8 minutes from time.A famous victory and the jubilation could be heard all around Botwe.
Yesterday was the semi final against Cameroon and Patrick managed to get tickets for 16cedis , about gbp8.We arrived as the national anthems were being played and the atmosphere was amazing.We were sat with GANSSU,the national students supporters and they gave us all t shirts to wear.We sang and danced our way through the game but could not inspire Ghana to win.Cameroon scored the only goal with a breakaway goal twenty minutes from the end.In the other semi Egypt easily beat Ivory Coast 4-1 so there will more interest here tomorrow with the 3rd/4th place play off than for the final on Sunday.
I have really enjoyed my first live taste of African football.I have seen 6 matches at the Accra stadium with some amazing goals,2 sending offs,wonderful defending,incredible skill and a penalty.My abiding memory will be the wonderful atmospheres with the green,yellow and red colours standing out proud;the trumpets, drums,whistles and songs;the large orchestrated supporters groups and the patriotism.Long live the Black Stars !!
Despite all the set backs this week I have learnt so much about the culture and way of life in Ghana that it has been a really worthwhile experience.People have been very kind this week during what has been a difficult period.I have had people in shops offer to cook for me;stall holders trying to find me a home and the co ordinators bending over backwards to sort me out.I am now looking forward to a productive and happy last two weeks here before my 'holiday'.
Thanks everyone for the messages and comments,I appreciate everyone of them.Sorry I cannot reply to you all!!
Ian - Hope you had a good birthday.
Chantelle/James/Toby/Naomi/Phoebe - Would be good to hear from you sometime.
Hope you are all well and happy,
Coral
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James Fisher
non-member comment
Hello Auntie Coral !!
Mummy's writing for me because it's quicker. I hope you are OK. I looked for you on the TV with the football but didn't see you. I miss you. I hope you are having a lovely time. Love James.x.