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Published: February 1st 2009
Gap Year 2009- Ghana
Hi, this is the beginning then of this mad adventure.
We flew 6 hours with personal entertainment which was a surprise. Flying into Accra there was a storm which was unusal as it's their dry season and they hadnt had rain in 2 months.
It still seemed culturally different in the dark, we had our first drink in a very loud sports bar "verbs". The american music was blasting out of the speakers whilst everyone was dancing to the beat - that's when i truly felt like a white person lol. We tasted some ultra spicy lamb? i think? on a kebab although i couldnt finish it because it was too hot.
Saturday we woke up by the natural alarm clock outside- the cockrol. It was sticky and sweaty, the heat is amazingly hot at 7am. Climbing out of the mosquito net was a challenge which i will have to improve at.
A walk to the market nearly tired me out for the whole day although when we got there it was buzzing. So loud and so busy. All these colourful fruits and vegetables on sale not to mention the live crabs in buckets and dead fish everywhere. I think the weirdest thing has to have been the pig trotters ?! A bit off putting.
Everything now was a culture shock- in the daylight the colours are so bright and the smells and noises just hit you from every angle. People were staring and i dont think to be rude but because i stood out so much - i was so pale. Some people would try to sell us things, smile, wave even grab you but i think they had good intentions.
We often hear people calling us 'white person' in the native language and we were told to call out "black person" as a playful response although i keep forgetting what the words are.
Sunday
We still have time before our placements start to see somethings. Gideon our madventure guide took us to church at 7.30am. I tried to look smart by wearing a shirt but compared to what everyone else was wearing especially the women, I looked like i barely made an effort. They wore beautifully coloured patterned dresses and jewellery and leather handbag - it really must have been their sunday best.
The church therefore looked so colouful and bright and with the mix of lively music and dancing it really was enthusiasm for god that i had never seen.
The speakers were emotional, powerful and motivational. It was at points hard to understand but they all had faith and gave thanks for what they had. They sang happy birthday to the people born in February and gave money to the church and to i think someone who needed funding through school.
I now feel encouraged to take this amazing opportunity and make the most of it. I will try to contribute as much as possible and along the way repay these generous people, who are so welcoming.
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The Sister
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I Bet your gelous
ashlee had a fantastic snow day on monday, she couldnt get to work so took the opportunity to go to her bfs house, where behind the house she chose a mountain of a gravel hill (two stories high) to sledge down it on a tea tray... the tray broke. but it was ammazing... what did you say the temp was? lol, nah me and mark wouldve happily swapped days with you. but we missed you nonetheless. lets hope the next snow day we have together will be next year! loving you loads doll x x x