Tro-Tros, Cedis, Pesewas, FuFu, Body Works

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There have been quite a number of adventures I have embarked on the past few days. I've learned a lot and made a fool out of myself all the while. The Ghanaian transit system is interesting. I had mentioned before about no real traffic laws, and yet, I don't think there are that many car accidents. There are a couple of forms of public transportation: tro-tros, taxis, and buses. Tro-tros are like big 15 passanger vans that everyone crams into. There are stops along the roads and one guy hangs out the window and shouts where they are going. If you are going that way you hop in and pay. It's very cheap- today for example we went to this market in Madina and it costs a total of 50 pesewas round trip- 25 there and 25 back. (Ghanaian money works like american 1 cedi is like 1 dollar and the pesewas are like cents. American money is worth more so the exchange rate is in my favor.) So I got a ride for 50 cents.... pretty cool. The taxis are more expensive, I have ridden in one yet, but from what I'm told its not bad.

We went to the beach yesterday. The beach is not like what I'm used to. The lifeguards keep everyone in one area. You can't go out too far. The tide is very strong. I kept getting knocked into people so that got old. I walked down the beach with girls from my group, there was trash all over. They had a resturant there so a couple of people from my group ordered food. One guy ordered this dish called FuFu with goat meat. I helped him eat it, and it was delicious. Its mashed up yam and plantain in a really spicy soup with the meat on the side. You eat it with your hands. Thats why they served it with a bowl of water and dish soap on the side... yes dish soap. One side note I forgot to mention about bathrooms and hygiene here... you are lucky to find toilet paper in them... let alone hand soap. When I first got here I was handed a roll of toilet paper- I thought it was really strange until I learned that it was my responsibility to basically carry around toilet paper wherever I go. O yea, and theres no hot water... cold showers everyday... fabulous. Back to the food, I hope to get fufu again. Yesterday I went to a market close by my hostel and got a huge plate of rice, noodles, 2 pieces of fried chicken, and shredded vegetables for 2 cedis (thats 2 dollars for those who are not keeping up)!! They like to put ketchup and mayo on things as well, I asked for no mayo but lots of the spicy sauce they use. I also got a mango which they cut up for me for 80 pesewas. Fresh mango. I found diet coke yesterday! It's called coca-cola light but its the same thing. I have been on the search for reeses cups since the day I have arrived, so far, no luck. They have snickers and M&Ms but no reeses!

There is this bar on campus called desparados and since thats the first and only bar we have been acquainted with thus far, we keep going. I know the owner, Don K. I know the local drink that he makes.. it's called Body Works. It's a mixture of local Ghanaian liquors and I have never tasted anything like it. It costs me 90 pesewas (90 cents). The local crap beer (you know, like coors light or bud light) is 1.50. While most everyone from my group hangs out with other Americans outside I like to hang out with the Ghanaians inside, at the bar and pool table. They are fun, and they like to play me in pool because I am terrible. We were there last night because a guy from our groups 21st birthday was yesterday. Don K got him a cake.

We went to Madina today (which is a market outside of campus) and took a tro-tro. I met this guy, Kwame, a couple days ago on campus and ran into him again last night. I said that we were going to madina and needed help to get a tro-tro and he said he would come with us and help us get stuff from the market. He is really nice and very helpful. He was interested in the universities in America just as much as I was interested in everything here in Ghana. I got some fabric so I can get some dresses made- 4 yds. for 8 cedis. I also got a liter of vodka- 3 cedi!!! It is unopen and I bought it from a legit place, no worries.

I have not been to class yet. The teachers are on strike, but even if they weren't classes don't really start until next week, and some not til the following week. I still have to register. It is quite the process, but I do not have time to write about it. I need to go to the Bush Canteen to get dinner before the food runs out.

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Comments

[Sara]

It sounds like you are having a blast. I'm enjoying every entry you are writing, everything you are telling us about is very interesting. I found the coca-cola light a bit funny. Its amazing how cheap everything seems to be compared to here in America. What is the legal drinking age there? Do they have police that patrol the area? Thanks for keeping us up to date. I keep thinking about how brave you are compared to me. I wouldn't have the guts to go to another country like that.

[Angie]

How Fun
Hey Vanessa! You sound like you are having an awesome time!!! You are a very brave person to be undertaking such an elaborate trip! I hope that all keeps going smoothly for you and that you continue to "fit in" with the ghana people. Make sure you get to class (whenever that is) - you did go there to learn - didn't you??!!Keep us updated.

[teenie]

interesting updates
Hey Vanessa, Keep all this info coming. It is really very interesting. What really fascinates me is the idea that you are half a world away and only 4 hours ahead of us. Don't know how I would be handling the food, since I am more of a beef, pork and chicken person. Goat meat, not quite sure. Talk later.......Teenie

[philip]

Bound ward home,
I'm glad to hear that you are having such an enjoyable time! That is so exciting that you can be there. I want to hear more about the music they listen to, anymore beyonce? love you, be safe- Philip

[chels]

drinks
damn girl...i can't imagine those drink prices, forget going to the deli! IM COMIN TO AFRICAAAA