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Published: February 14th 2008
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Fishwives??
Fish sellers at the market Hello
A quick run through of the week and ,yes, before you ask ,it was better than last week ( no real surprise there then !!)
I had a quiet day last Friday recovering from the week.My new room is huge and I have a key so I have no worries about the security aspect which is a relief.The bathroom is next door and I think only Doris and I use it so it almost sparkles !! The only drawback with my room is the lack of a fan as it has been really hot this week.
On Saturday I went to the Medina market with Doris for her weekly shop.The sky was looking a bit grey so I put my emergency poncho in my pocket and I am so glad I did.We boarded a tro-tro and five minutes down the road the heavens opened.As it has been so dry the roads and pavements soon became mini rivers and our tro-tro leaked from every conceivable point We were dropped off and sometimes the water was 4 inches deep.Most of it looked clean but I dread to think of what I walked through in some places.It was great to experience a
Colours Galore
Food glorious food non tourist market with all the sights and smells that accompany it!!
On Sunday I went to the Ebenezer Presbyterian church with Doris at 8.30 for 3 hours.We started with a conga style dance around and then greeted other members of the congregation.There was a bible study session.We were split into groups according to the day we were born.A bank manager had an English bible so sat with me.There were then several readings and the last was done in English especially for me.After some singing,newcomers had to introduce themselves to the 100+ congregation with a microphone!!
I have spent some time with Hannah and her Mum this week and actually went with them yesterday for the hockey coaching.They use the national stadium in Accra which has an astro pitch but it is very sandy.The kids are all very talented and come for sessions after school.Unfortunately,it takes Hannah an hour to get there and can take almost 2 hours to get home as it is rush hour when she finishes.I don't envy her that journey.
As I head into my last weekend in Botwe,I thought it was an ideal time to reflect on what I had expected and then
the actual reality of my experiences.I always research any trip but as Ghana is not a top tourist destination the information available was limited.
People
I read that people in Ghana are the friendliest in West Africa.I have not been to any other country in West Africa but I would find it hard for any nation to be more welcoming.It is a real bonus that everybody speaks English,even the kids.I must shake hands at least 30 times a day and often this is with new people so if you enjoy meeting new people this is definitely the place to visit.
Accomodation
I expected to live in basic conditions and this has been the case although the toilets have exceeded expectations,so far!!Hannah and the boys all use an outside long drop toilet so I am counting my lucky stars.I am finding the cold water bucket washing very hard especially in this heat.It has been very hot this week and even after a wash I feel uncomfortable.Try to imagine the scene at bathtime- steady Callum !!-I have to perch on the end of the bath(trying to ignore the ants,cockroaches and spiders) and then using a bucket of cold water wash myself.Needless to
say,I am really looking forward to the luxury of the hotels for a week with hot and cold running water.
Food
I don't normally eat a lot when it is hot so my appetite has almost disappeared in this heat.I normally have bread and marmite for breakfast,chocolate or banana milk for lunch and then a cooked meal in the evening.
I have also been drinking lots to stop dehydration.
This week I had some salvation as Steph had sent a food parcel - forget the red cross,this answers any prayers!! It contained four ready cooked meals - chicken casserole;beef stew and dumplings;pasta and meatballs in tomato sauce and bacon and beans.All I have to do is heat them in hot water and then enjoy.I am saving them for my second project as a treat once a week.
Noise
The air is always filled with noise : the sound of the mates on the tro-tros calling their destination;taxi horns honking;rasta music from bars or shops;people calling out hello and wanting to chat.In the house
conversations are always LOUD and get louder as the conversation becomes more animated.I am one of the quieter ones here !!
Finally a quetiosn for you
A future Ghana hockey star !!
4 year old shines in training session the audience :
Steph is due to arrive here next Thursday and then on Saturday we will head along the coast for almost a week exploring the Cape Coast area and Kakum Park.She mentioned using the blog as a way of asking people their thoughts on her visit - do you think she is mad ?? Her words not mine ?!? Answers please asap !
This is Coral , your correspondent in the dust and heat of Ghana signing off for another week.
Have fun and keep in touch.
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anonymous
non-member comment
steph is completely bonkers