So I am in the USA. I will be back in Maine on Saturday and will update then.
See you all soon!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Good Bye Ghana
So I leave Ghana in about 60 hours. It feels so long from now though. The hostel is very quiet. About 12 people left Saturday, 10 on Sunday and 8 today from the ISEP group. There are very few people in the hostel. And last night we lost water and power for most of the day. Its amazing what the sound of a fan can make when it is silent! I am basically packed. Just waiting for some laundry to dry and the rest can fill the bag. Though I have to check 3 bags I easily packed everything away. I some how just lost my third lock but we have been told we can't lock bags here so I am putting locks on the two bags that have the irreplaceables in it. Who knows- if they really want something they will take it. I had all three yesterday and I have no idea where the third one went- I will find it in one of my bags when I unpack!
60 Hours- wow! so long but soooooo short. I can't believe how fast and then how slow the term has gone for me. It feels so long ago that I stepped off the plane and was like oh god I am in Africa- but it is soooo soon too. How can 126 days go by so fast and it seems all like a distant memory now. I have had an absolutely amazing time here but I can't wait until I get home and see friends and family- of how I miss you those that I have talked to and those who I have not talked to I think of all of you soo much. Things have changed about who I am- it wouldnt have been that way at Southern and I am glad that I got to experience all of the things that I did.
This is my last entry until I get home on Saturday at some point. I just need to reflect and enjoy my last days by myself- try to forget, try to remember, try to see and feel all the things one last time, say final so-longs and move on but never forget the friends and the memories that were made. But Ghana I am gonna miss you and I can't wait until the day I step back on your clay ground but feel that I am at home.
Love you all- and see you very soon!!!
midge
60 Hours- wow! so long but soooooo short. I can't believe how fast and then how slow the term has gone for me. It feels so long ago that I stepped off the plane and was like oh god I am in Africa- but it is soooo soon too. How can 126 days go by so fast and it seems all like a distant memory now. I have had an absolutely amazing time here but I can't wait until I get home and see friends and family- of how I miss you those that I have talked to and those who I have not talked to I think of all of you soo much. Things have changed about who I am- it wouldnt have been that way at Southern and I am glad that I got to experience all of the things that I did.
This is my last entry until I get home on Saturday at some point. I just need to reflect and enjoy my last days by myself- try to forget, try to remember, try to see and feel all the things one last time, say final so-longs and move on but never forget the friends and the memories that were made. But Ghana I am gonna miss you and I can't wait until the day I step back on your clay ground but feel that I am at home.
Love you all- and see you very soon!!!
midge
Friday, May 15, 2009
Change of plans
So I was suppose to go to a dedication ceremony today but I was kept up most of the night with a stomach bug. Why did all the sicknesses come now. I feel much better now and hopefully will still be able to go out with the 'whole' group tonight. We will see! Thats about it. Tomorrow starts the wave of good byes.... Its gonna be hard!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WAWA
Okay. WAWA. West Africa Wins Again. I have not brought this up before but common phrase we use within the ISEP group- get ready this is 5 days of adventures.
So Saturday morning around 8am I left for Kumasi to visit with Israel’s family before I come back to the USA. While Ghana just yes- JUST enforced speed limits because of the increase of accidents. So the last time it tool 4 hours this time it took almost 8! I arrived at around 4pm and was meet by Inno (Israel’s Sister) and headed to his parents. Of course I was fed right away which I was hungry so it worked. Even though it was a long trip Dr. Geoffrey was my seat partner and we talked about so many things. He is an audiologist and lecturer at KNUST (Technology school in Kumasi). We talked politics, education, libraries, the heart of the old and the young. At the rest area he offered to buy me food and drinks- just a great guy. I have his card I might give him a call someday!
So on this trip I got to meet Morgan- the oldest brother (and also his family). Senior his oldest son has Malaria right now- I meet him but they said he wasn’t himself- I wasn’t when I had it so I can emphasize! So after a bit and a chat with Deku (his dad) we headed to Inno’s house at the Military Army Barracks. We settled in for the night. I got to play with Princess a lot. Sweet little girl. We had some great talks it was nice to have girl time.
Sunday morning Morgan came with a friend Nana and her two kids and we just hung around- ATE WAYYYY TOOOO Much! And just relaxed. For breakfast I had 4 egg sandwiches- I feel bad not eating what is given to me. Lunch was pasta with vegetable sauce and dinner was Banku with ground nut soup (peanut butter). Morgan made fun of me for not being able to finish the food but it is sooo heavy and I was full! That evening we went to visit some of her friends (who also know Israel) so they could meet me. Inno was asked but a group of hooligans (army husbands!) why she was hiding an Oburoni in the barracks and not telling them- and she said she is not gonna sell her sister out!
Monday morning we headed to Israel’s parents house so I could say goodbye- I think at one point I was bring baby Francis, Princess, and Nelkel home! Oh how that would have been flying! We then headed to Morgan’s place where I meet his other two boys and his wife Irene and many of her family- its common for families to live in the same buildings.
We then headed to the bus station and about an hour later the bus was full and we were off. About 40 minutes into the trip the AC stopped working and of course this bus you could not open the window! OMG was it hot! No one on the bus wanted to talk to me so I put my headphones in and tried to forget where I was. I got back to campus around 4pm and had dinner and headed to bed for we were leaving for Togo in the AM 8! It was a great weekend.
So on Tuesday morning we headed out at 8am and had to take a bus to the station because no trotros were available. I have never been in a more crowded and uncomfortable situation! We got to the station around 9:45 and it was about 11:30 before the tro was filled and we were off to Aflao the last town in Ghana before Togo. So Morgan’s friend Akwaaba (meaning welcome ironically) works for immigration and Morgan asked him to help us out we meet up with him and another friend of Morgan’s Ernest. They brought us through deport of Ghana and arrival into Togo- great help! And helped exchange money and got us a nice taxi driver who helped us get a room. It was too perfect. Togo is expensive!
We got a decent room and headed to the picturesque beach. A rosta came up to us and with actually great English had a nice convo about different things. He is a master drummer and we talked about one of the pieces I knew. We talked a lot about family and of course if we are available and if we have sisters who are. But he wasn’t too bad. Even though he gave his ring to Mallory- but wasn’t pushy. So we went back and had dinner. I had Pork Cordon Blu with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. And we all got desert I got a chocolate mouse! YUM! So we went to bed early because we needed to get an early start to the day. We woke up and went and got French bread which came with Orange Juice. Well I took a sip and after I looked in my glass (I should know by now!) Well there were lovely little white worms with black bums in my drink. So off to the pharmacy tomorrow for de-wormer!
So we then headed to the market- which really wasn’t the right one but we didn’t know and Jess and Mallory found some bags which was the second purpose besides our VISA renewals. So according to the hotel lady later they got a really good price on which is good to hear! So we walked the beach back and saw first hand the book’s picture of the beach being a public toilet! Both #1 and #2! Oh the joys of West Africa. We went back to the hotel and got our things around 10:30 and got 3 motor bikes to take us to the border. That’s really the way the taxi in Togo. Safely we arrived but since our phones were not working in Togo land we weren’t able to call our friends. So a MP walked us through and we got called into the health room and of course I didn’t have my yellow card that says I have the yellow fever vaccine which is required in Ghana. The lady at first was very mean and was like what are you doing. And I kindly and politely told here I entered into the Accra airport (and have a stamp to prove it) and she was like oh okay and let us through and said Have a nice day. It was nice to see they actually do care about their health here!
So we exchanged some money back- oh its weird to hand a 5000 and get 14 back! But oh well. So we got in a tro and about noon we were on the road back. The road from Accra to Togo is off and on/ bad and good. But there are lots of police check point and customs. So we got stopped a few times. One time we all had to get out and have our things search- but what ever- at least they are doing things to try to stop illegal activities. And I think at one stop our driver might have got a speeding ticket! In this tro we made two friends a guy from Chicago though born in Africa. He was very nice and also a lady traveling from Niger who we were able to help to figure out where in Accra she needed to go/be because this was her first trip. Its nice to be able to know a city and help others out! It was about 3:30/4pm when we got back to the hostel. I am tired- but the next two days are busy as well. But Saturday I can sleep in for what its worth here!
Tomorrow I am getting my hair done and have to go to the ISEP office and then a few friends from class and the orphanage (volunteer) are coming over to say our goodbyes because they are heading out on Friday. Friday if all goes well we (Andi, Jess, Mal, and I) are going to Soymanya for a dedication ceremony for an ITC center that Mal’s volunteer job is helping out with. And then Saturday Andi leaves- can its be real?
One week- can it really be. I can’t wait to be home to see people. But I am gonna miss it here. But I do have a nice sun burn from the Togo Beach today- my first one and I have been here for 4 months!!! I am proud of myself!
So WAWA- West Africa wins by stealing my heart!
So Saturday morning around 8am I left for Kumasi to visit with Israel’s family before I come back to the USA. While Ghana just yes- JUST enforced speed limits because of the increase of accidents. So the last time it tool 4 hours this time it took almost 8! I arrived at around 4pm and was meet by Inno (Israel’s Sister) and headed to his parents. Of course I was fed right away which I was hungry so it worked. Even though it was a long trip Dr. Geoffrey was my seat partner and we talked about so many things. He is an audiologist and lecturer at KNUST (Technology school in Kumasi). We talked politics, education, libraries, the heart of the old and the young. At the rest area he offered to buy me food and drinks- just a great guy. I have his card I might give him a call someday!
So on this trip I got to meet Morgan- the oldest brother (and also his family). Senior his oldest son has Malaria right now- I meet him but they said he wasn’t himself- I wasn’t when I had it so I can emphasize! So after a bit and a chat with Deku (his dad) we headed to Inno’s house at the Military Army Barracks. We settled in for the night. I got to play with Princess a lot. Sweet little girl. We had some great talks it was nice to have girl time.
Sunday morning Morgan came with a friend Nana and her two kids and we just hung around- ATE WAYYYY TOOOO Much! And just relaxed. For breakfast I had 4 egg sandwiches- I feel bad not eating what is given to me. Lunch was pasta with vegetable sauce and dinner was Banku with ground nut soup (peanut butter). Morgan made fun of me for not being able to finish the food but it is sooo heavy and I was full! That evening we went to visit some of her friends (who also know Israel) so they could meet me. Inno was asked but a group of hooligans (army husbands!) why she was hiding an Oburoni in the barracks and not telling them- and she said she is not gonna sell her sister out!
Monday morning we headed to Israel’s parents house so I could say goodbye- I think at one point I was bring baby Francis, Princess, and Nelkel home! Oh how that would have been flying! We then headed to Morgan’s place where I meet his other two boys and his wife Irene and many of her family- its common for families to live in the same buildings.
We then headed to the bus station and about an hour later the bus was full and we were off. About 40 minutes into the trip the AC stopped working and of course this bus you could not open the window! OMG was it hot! No one on the bus wanted to talk to me so I put my headphones in and tried to forget where I was. I got back to campus around 4pm and had dinner and headed to bed for we were leaving for Togo in the AM 8! It was a great weekend.
So on Tuesday morning we headed out at 8am and had to take a bus to the station because no trotros were available. I have never been in a more crowded and uncomfortable situation! We got to the station around 9:45 and it was about 11:30 before the tro was filled and we were off to Aflao the last town in Ghana before Togo. So Morgan’s friend Akwaaba (meaning welcome ironically) works for immigration and Morgan asked him to help us out we meet up with him and another friend of Morgan’s Ernest. They brought us through deport of Ghana and arrival into Togo- great help! And helped exchange money and got us a nice taxi driver who helped us get a room. It was too perfect. Togo is expensive!
We got a decent room and headed to the picturesque beach. A rosta came up to us and with actually great English had a nice convo about different things. He is a master drummer and we talked about one of the pieces I knew. We talked a lot about family and of course if we are available and if we have sisters who are. But he wasn’t too bad. Even though he gave his ring to Mallory- but wasn’t pushy. So we went back and had dinner. I had Pork Cordon Blu with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. And we all got desert I got a chocolate mouse! YUM! So we went to bed early because we needed to get an early start to the day. We woke up and went and got French bread which came with Orange Juice. Well I took a sip and after I looked in my glass (I should know by now!) Well there were lovely little white worms with black bums in my drink. So off to the pharmacy tomorrow for de-wormer!
So we then headed to the market- which really wasn’t the right one but we didn’t know and Jess and Mallory found some bags which was the second purpose besides our VISA renewals. So according to the hotel lady later they got a really good price on which is good to hear! So we walked the beach back and saw first hand the book’s picture of the beach being a public toilet! Both #1 and #2! Oh the joys of West Africa. We went back to the hotel and got our things around 10:30 and got 3 motor bikes to take us to the border. That’s really the way the taxi in Togo. Safely we arrived but since our phones were not working in Togo land we weren’t able to call our friends. So a MP walked us through and we got called into the health room and of course I didn’t have my yellow card that says I have the yellow fever vaccine which is required in Ghana. The lady at first was very mean and was like what are you doing. And I kindly and politely told here I entered into the Accra airport (and have a stamp to prove it) and she was like oh okay and let us through and said Have a nice day. It was nice to see they actually do care about their health here!
So we exchanged some money back- oh its weird to hand a 5000 and get 14 back! But oh well. So we got in a tro and about noon we were on the road back. The road from Accra to Togo is off and on/ bad and good. But there are lots of police check point and customs. So we got stopped a few times. One time we all had to get out and have our things search- but what ever- at least they are doing things to try to stop illegal activities. And I think at one stop our driver might have got a speeding ticket! In this tro we made two friends a guy from Chicago though born in Africa. He was very nice and also a lady traveling from Niger who we were able to help to figure out where in Accra she needed to go/be because this was her first trip. Its nice to be able to know a city and help others out! It was about 3:30/4pm when we got back to the hostel. I am tired- but the next two days are busy as well. But Saturday I can sleep in for what its worth here!
Tomorrow I am getting my hair done and have to go to the ISEP office and then a few friends from class and the orphanage (volunteer) are coming over to say our goodbyes because they are heading out on Friday. Friday if all goes well we (Andi, Jess, Mal, and I) are going to Soymanya for a dedication ceremony for an ITC center that Mal’s volunteer job is helping out with. And then Saturday Andi leaves- can its be real?
One week- can it really be. I can’t wait to be home to see people. But I am gonna miss it here. But I do have a nice sun burn from the Togo Beach today- my first one and I have been here for 4 months!!! I am proud of myself!
So WAWA- West Africa wins by stealing my heart!
WAWA
Okay. WAWA. West Africa Wins Again. I have not brought this up before but common phrase we use within the ISEP group- get ready this is 5 days of adventures.
So Saturday morning around 8am I left for Kumasi to visit with Israel’s family before I come back to the USA. While Ghana just yes- JUST enforced speed limits because of the increase of accidents. So the last time it tool 4 hours this time it took almost 8! I arrived at around 4pm and was meet by Inno (Israel’s Sister) and headed to his parents. Of course I was fed right away which I was hungry so it worked. Even though it was a long trip Dr. Geoffrey was my seat partner and we talked about so many things. He is an audiologist and lecturer at KNUST (Technology school in Kumasi). We talked politics, education, libraries, the heart of the old and the young. At the rest area he offered to buy me food and drinks- just a great guy. I have his card I might give him a call someday!
So on this trip I got to meet Morgan- the oldest brother (and also his family). Senior his oldest son has Malaria right now- I meet him but they said he wasn’t himself- I wasn’t when I had it so I can emphasize! So after a bit and a chat with Deku (his dad) we headed to Inno’s house at the Military Army Barracks. We settled in for the night. I got to play with Princess a lot. Sweet little girl. We had some great talks it was nice to have girl time.
Sunday morning Morgan came with a friend Nana and her two kids and we just hung around- ATE WAYYYY TOOOO Much! And just relaxed. For breakfast I had 4 egg sandwiches- I feel bad not eating what is given to me. Lunch was pasta with vegetable sauce and dinner was Banku with ground nut soup (peanut butter). Morgan made fun of me for not being able to finish the food but it is sooo heavy and I was full! That evening we went to visit some of her friends (who also know Israel) so they could meet me. Inno was asked but a group of hooligans (army husbands!) why she was hiding an Oburoni in the barracks and not telling them- and she said she is not gonna sell her sister out!
Monday morning we headed to Israel’s parents house so I could say goodbye- I think at one point I was bring baby Francis, Princess, and Nelkel home! Oh how that would have been flying! We then headed to Morgan’s place where I meet his other two boys and his wife Irene and many of her family- its common for families to live in the same buildings.
We then headed to the bus station and about an hour later the bus was full and we were off. About 40 minutes into the trip the AC stopped working and of course this bus you could not open the window! OMG was it hot! No one on the bus wanted to talk to me so I put my headphones in and tried to forget where I was. I got back to campus around 4pm and had dinner and headed to bed for we were leaving for Togo in the AM 8! It was a great weekend.
So on Tuesday morning we headed out at 8am and had to take a bus to the station because no trotros were available. I have never been in a more crowded and uncomfortable situation! We got to the station around 9:45 and it was about 11:30 before the tro was filled and we were off to Aflao the last town in Ghana before Togo. So Morgan’s friend Akwaaba (meaning welcome ironically) works for immigration and Morgan asked him to help us out we meet up with him and another friend of Morgan’s Ernest. They brought us through deport of Ghana and arrival into Togo- great help! And helped exchange money and got us a nice taxi driver who helped us get a room. It was too perfect. Togo is expensive!
We got a decent room and headed to the picturesque beach. A rosta came up to us and with actually great English had a nice convo about different things. He is a master drummer and we talked about one of the pieces I knew. We talked a lot about family and of course if we are available and if we have sisters who are. But he wasn’t too bad. Even though he gave his ring to Mallory- but wasn’t pushy. So we went back and had dinner. I had Pork Cordon Blu with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. And we all got desert I got a chocolate mouse! YUM! So we went to bed early because we needed to get an early start to the day. We woke up and went and got French bread which came with Orange Juice. Well I took a sip and after I looked in my glass (I should know by now!) Well there were lovely little white worms with black bums in my drink. So off to the pharmacy tomorrow for de-wormer!
So we then headed to the market- which really wasn’t the right one but we didn’t know and Jess and Mallory found some bags which was the second purpose besides our VISA renewals. So according to the hotel lady later they got a really good price on which is good to hear! So we walked the beach back and saw first hand the book’s picture of the beach being a public toilet! Both #1 and #2! Oh the joys of West Africa. We went back to the hotel and got our things around 10:30 and got 3 motor bikes to take us to the border. That’s really the way the taxi in Togo. Safely we arrived but since our phones were not working in Togo land we weren’t able to call our friends. So a MP walked us through and we got called into the health room and of course I didn’t have my yellow card that says I have the yellow fever vaccine which is required in Ghana. The lady at first was very mean and was like what are you doing. And I kindly and politely told here I entered into the Accra airport (and have a stamp to prove it) and she was like oh okay and let us through and said Have a nice day. It was nice to see they actually do care about their health here!
So we exchanged some money back- oh its weird to hand a 5000 and get 14 back! But oh well. So we got in a tro and about noon we were on the road back. The road from Accra to Togo is off and on/ bad and good. But there are lots of police check point and customs. So we got stopped a few times. One time we all had to get out and have our things search- but what ever- at least they are doing things to try to stop illegal activities. And I think at one stop our driver might have got a speeding ticket! In this tro we made two friends a guy from Chicago though born in Africa. He was very nice and also a lady traveling from Niger who we were able to help to figure out where in Accra she needed to go/be because this was her first trip. Its nice to be able to know a city and help others out! It was about 3:30/4pm when we got back to the hostel. I am tired- but the next two days are busy as well. But Saturday I can sleep in for what its worth here!
Tomorrow I am getting my hair done and have to go to the ISEP office and then a few friends from class and the orphanage (volunteer) are coming over to say our goodbyes because they are heading out on Friday. Friday if all goes well we (Andi, Jess, Mal, and I) are going to Soymanya for a dedication ceremony for an ITC center that Mal’s volunteer job is helping out with. And then Saturday Andi leaves- can its be real?
One week- can it really be. I can’t wait to be home to see people. But I am gonna miss it here. But I do have a nice sun burn from the Togo Beach today- my first one and I have been here for 4 months!!! I am proud of myself!
So WAWA- West Africa wins by stealing my heart!
So Saturday morning around 8am I left for Kumasi to visit with Israel’s family before I come back to the USA. While Ghana just yes- JUST enforced speed limits because of the increase of accidents. So the last time it tool 4 hours this time it took almost 8! I arrived at around 4pm and was meet by Inno (Israel’s Sister) and headed to his parents. Of course I was fed right away which I was hungry so it worked. Even though it was a long trip Dr. Geoffrey was my seat partner and we talked about so many things. He is an audiologist and lecturer at KNUST (Technology school in Kumasi). We talked politics, education, libraries, the heart of the old and the young. At the rest area he offered to buy me food and drinks- just a great guy. I have his card I might give him a call someday!
So on this trip I got to meet Morgan- the oldest brother (and also his family). Senior his oldest son has Malaria right now- I meet him but they said he wasn’t himself- I wasn’t when I had it so I can emphasize! So after a bit and a chat with Deku (his dad) we headed to Inno’s house at the Military Army Barracks. We settled in for the night. I got to play with Princess a lot. Sweet little girl. We had some great talks it was nice to have girl time.
Sunday morning Morgan came with a friend Nana and her two kids and we just hung around- ATE WAYYYY TOOOO Much! And just relaxed. For breakfast I had 4 egg sandwiches- I feel bad not eating what is given to me. Lunch was pasta with vegetable sauce and dinner was Banku with ground nut soup (peanut butter). Morgan made fun of me for not being able to finish the food but it is sooo heavy and I was full! That evening we went to visit some of her friends (who also know Israel) so they could meet me. Inno was asked but a group of hooligans (army husbands!) why she was hiding an Oburoni in the barracks and not telling them- and she said she is not gonna sell her sister out!
Monday morning we headed to Israel’s parents house so I could say goodbye- I think at one point I was bring baby Francis, Princess, and Nelkel home! Oh how that would have been flying! We then headed to Morgan’s place where I meet his other two boys and his wife Irene and many of her family- its common for families to live in the same buildings.
We then headed to the bus station and about an hour later the bus was full and we were off. About 40 minutes into the trip the AC stopped working and of course this bus you could not open the window! OMG was it hot! No one on the bus wanted to talk to me so I put my headphones in and tried to forget where I was. I got back to campus around 4pm and had dinner and headed to bed for we were leaving for Togo in the AM 8! It was a great weekend.
So on Tuesday morning we headed out at 8am and had to take a bus to the station because no trotros were available. I have never been in a more crowded and uncomfortable situation! We got to the station around 9:45 and it was about 11:30 before the tro was filled and we were off to Aflao the last town in Ghana before Togo. So Morgan’s friend Akwaaba (meaning welcome ironically) works for immigration and Morgan asked him to help us out we meet up with him and another friend of Morgan’s Ernest. They brought us through deport of Ghana and arrival into Togo- great help! And helped exchange money and got us a nice taxi driver who helped us get a room. It was too perfect. Togo is expensive!
We got a decent room and headed to the picturesque beach. A rosta came up to us and with actually great English had a nice convo about different things. He is a master drummer and we talked about one of the pieces I knew. We talked a lot about family and of course if we are available and if we have sisters who are. But he wasn’t too bad. Even though he gave his ring to Mallory- but wasn’t pushy. So we went back and had dinner. I had Pork Cordon Blu with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. And we all got desert I got a chocolate mouse! YUM! So we went to bed early because we needed to get an early start to the day. We woke up and went and got French bread which came with Orange Juice. Well I took a sip and after I looked in my glass (I should know by now!) Well there were lovely little white worms with black bums in my drink. So off to the pharmacy tomorrow for de-wormer!
So we then headed to the market- which really wasn’t the right one but we didn’t know and Jess and Mallory found some bags which was the second purpose besides our VISA renewals. So according to the hotel lady later they got a really good price on which is good to hear! So we walked the beach back and saw first hand the book’s picture of the beach being a public toilet! Both #1 and #2! Oh the joys of West Africa. We went back to the hotel and got our things around 10:30 and got 3 motor bikes to take us to the border. That’s really the way the taxi in Togo. Safely we arrived but since our phones were not working in Togo land we weren’t able to call our friends. So a MP walked us through and we got called into the health room and of course I didn’t have my yellow card that says I have the yellow fever vaccine which is required in Ghana. The lady at first was very mean and was like what are you doing. And I kindly and politely told here I entered into the Accra airport (and have a stamp to prove it) and she was like oh okay and let us through and said Have a nice day. It was nice to see they actually do care about their health here!
So we exchanged some money back- oh its weird to hand a 5000 and get 14 back! But oh well. So we got in a tro and about noon we were on the road back. The road from Accra to Togo is off and on/ bad and good. But there are lots of police check point and customs. So we got stopped a few times. One time we all had to get out and have our things search- but what ever- at least they are doing things to try to stop illegal activities. And I think at one stop our driver might have got a speeding ticket! In this tro we made two friends a guy from Chicago though born in Africa. He was very nice and also a lady traveling from Niger who we were able to help to figure out where in Accra she needed to go/be because this was her first trip. Its nice to be able to know a city and help others out! It was about 3:30/4pm when we got back to the hostel. I am tired- but the next two days are busy as well. But Saturday I can sleep in for what its worth here!
Tomorrow I am getting my hair done and have to go to the ISEP office and then a few friends from class and the orphanage (volunteer) are coming over to say our goodbyes because they are heading out on Friday. Friday if all goes well we (Andi, Jess, Mal, and I) are going to Soymanya for a dedication ceremony for an ITC center that Mal’s volunteer job is helping out with. And then Saturday Andi leaves- can its be real?
One week- can it really be. I can’t wait to be home to see people. But I am gonna miss it here. But I do have a nice sun burn from the Togo Beach today- my first one and I have been here for 4 months!!! I am proud of myself!
So WAWA- West Africa wins by stealing my heart!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Extended Weekend or Week?
So briefly- I need my VISA extended (errr immigrations) so I have to leave Ghana go to Togo for more then 2 hours and come back. So on Tuesday after returning Monday from Kumasi I will go to Togo for the night with Mallory and Jessica. So don't expect pictures or anything until Wednesday at some point. Have a good weekend all.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
The weekend!
Hello all,
today is my last final! Its at 3:30 my time so 11:30 your time. So by 1pm your time I will be done!!!! I am not really sure what to expect on this one. I feel ready at least I am not sick this time around!
Only 12 days of nothing to go? Or maybe really 11 once today is over. Lets say I am very excited to go home now.
Tonight Israel, Prince, Andi, Me and a few others are going to champs again but this time for Karaoke. Andi said she is gonna sing. I will not be singing!!!
I will be going to Kumasi this weekend- solo- to visit Israel's Family again. I will meet the last brother in Ghana that I haven't meet and his wife and 3 kids. More little ones! I will be in the current plan (things always change) be coming back Monday morning so I don't have to travel Sunday night by myself. I could do it if I have to its just better in the day time. Its mother's day this weekend. Not as big of a holiday here is it is at home. But it will be fun to spend it with what feels like family here if I can't be with mine at home. (This trip will also help with the time passing!!)
Andi leaves in 8 days. I leave in 12- a short trip right? We said goodbye to Ty last night- it was hard. I tried to stay funny to keep the spirits of the other girls up. They were taking it hard. We knew this was coming! We have to do it. We can't stop it. We want to go home but we want home to have the people here there.
Next update- Monday if its working if not Tuesday with Pictures,
Midge
today is my last final! Its at 3:30 my time so 11:30 your time. So by 1pm your time I will be done!!!! I am not really sure what to expect on this one. I feel ready at least I am not sick this time around!
Only 12 days of nothing to go? Or maybe really 11 once today is over. Lets say I am very excited to go home now.
Tonight Israel, Prince, Andi, Me and a few others are going to champs again but this time for Karaoke. Andi said she is gonna sing. I will not be singing!!!
I will be going to Kumasi this weekend- solo- to visit Israel's Family again. I will meet the last brother in Ghana that I haven't meet and his wife and 3 kids. More little ones! I will be in the current plan (things always change) be coming back Monday morning so I don't have to travel Sunday night by myself. I could do it if I have to its just better in the day time. Its mother's day this weekend. Not as big of a holiday here is it is at home. But it will be fun to spend it with what feels like family here if I can't be with mine at home. (This trip will also help with the time passing!!)
Andi leaves in 8 days. I leave in 12- a short trip right? We said goodbye to Ty last night- it was hard. I tried to stay funny to keep the spirits of the other girls up. They were taking it hard. We knew this was coming! We have to do it. We can't stop it. We want to go home but we want home to have the people here there.
Next update- Monday if its working if not Tuesday with Pictures,
Midge
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Exciting Day
Its my Mommy's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mommy!!!
Also I just found out Maine passes gay marriage! How did no one inform me of this???? Why do I rely on Facebook for these things but other wise whatever this is AWESOME!!!! Yeah for being from MAINE!!!
Thats all
Midge
Also I just found out Maine passes gay marriage! How did no one inform me of this???? Why do I rely on Facebook for these things but other wise whatever this is AWESOME!!!! Yeah for being from MAINE!!!
Thats all
Midge
Monday, May 4, 2009
Continuing on the home thoughts
So will I miss the minority that I am in while here? I have gotten so use to being in Africa for going a whole trip by myself and not seeing another white person. How will it to be home and no have this feeling anymore? How will it feel to go to Maine and not see many African-Americans and wonder where they all are- even though they were never here? Will I feel weird- I think so. I have a feeling this transition will take a little while. Not being yelled out after like I am a celebrity will also be weird- I am use to it- it doesn't bother me (some people are still bothered by it). But they most have not expected it for some reason even when coming to a land that is so unlike home.
I haven't been degraded or not allowed to do something because I am a foreigner or a white while being here but there are days that I have felt that I got watched closer then others- I can't truly say that it is racist actions but I can start to know what people in the USA who don't fit the "anglo-male" that most of society still feel on a regular basis. How can we still live in a society that does these types of things when we are almost in the 2nd decade of the new millennium!?!? It just doesn't make any sense- but it happens. And I know the people reading this don't need to be told but lets change it- its not easy- we have come a long way but we still have a long way to go- its scary.
I am feeling much better- today is the last day on the meds- hopefully my stomach will settle down once I am off these- that is the worse part right now! Tomorrow Andi and I are going to finish up our shopping- I have one thing to get! yeah!!! Wednesday and Thursday study, Final on Friday- Karaoke at Champs, Saturday if all goes well I am heading to Kumasi to visit the Deku's! More later.
Midge
I haven't been degraded or not allowed to do something because I am a foreigner or a white while being here but there are days that I have felt that I got watched closer then others- I can't truly say that it is racist actions but I can start to know what people in the USA who don't fit the "anglo-male" that most of society still feel on a regular basis. How can we still live in a society that does these types of things when we are almost in the 2nd decade of the new millennium!?!? It just doesn't make any sense- but it happens. And I know the people reading this don't need to be told but lets change it- its not easy- we have come a long way but we still have a long way to go- its scary.
I am feeling much better- today is the last day on the meds- hopefully my stomach will settle down once I am off these- that is the worse part right now! Tomorrow Andi and I are going to finish up our shopping- I have one thing to get! yeah!!! Wednesday and Thursday study, Final on Friday- Karaoke at Champs, Saturday if all goes well I am heading to Kumasi to visit the Deku's! More later.
Midge
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The things I will and not Miss!
So since I am at 18 days away to my departure back to the states I think I can make a pretty good list of what I will miss and will not miss about my new home away from home.
Things I will not miss-
Dirt and dust covered everything
Ants in your bed
Dirty and Dry feet all the time no matter what you do to them
not knowing where to find the next toilet
Carrying Toilet Paper around
Freezing cold showers- some days they felt good
The fear of road crashes
Mates and Drivers hitting on you
Having people ask you where you are going?
No water in the hostel
Hand washing cloths- the little that I do
Really slow internet
Needing a sweat rag all the time
Things I will miss-
The great friends I made here
The laziness of everyday
The kids at the orphanage
Sun all the time
TroTros- even though they are hot!
Church Service
The friendliness of the people
The beauty of the country
Lectures- I actually enjoyed them- though I didn't learn that much they were always enjoyable
The culture that Ghana has- does America have one?
Things I am looking to at home:
seeing friends and family
milk and cheese
not sweating just getting out of bed
Water that you can drink always available and not in sachets
DIET COKE DIET COKE DIET COKE!!!!
Feeling much better after being up most of the light vomiting- but maybe that is what I needed. At least I am feeling better. Relaxing for the day. Israel and his brother Wisdom might be coming over later but thats about it.
Midge
Things I will not miss-
Dirt and dust covered everything
Ants in your bed
Dirty and Dry feet all the time no matter what you do to them
not knowing where to find the next toilet
Carrying Toilet Paper around
Freezing cold showers- some days they felt good
The fear of road crashes
Mates and Drivers hitting on you
Having people ask you where you are going?
No water in the hostel
Hand washing cloths- the little that I do
Really slow internet
Needing a sweat rag all the time
Things I will miss-
The great friends I made here
The laziness of everyday
The kids at the orphanage
Sun all the time
TroTros- even though they are hot!
Church Service
The friendliness of the people
The beauty of the country
Lectures- I actually enjoyed them- though I didn't learn that much they were always enjoyable
The culture that Ghana has- does America have one?
Things I am looking to at home:
seeing friends and family
milk and cheese
not sweating just getting out of bed
Water that you can drink always available and not in sachets
DIET COKE DIET COKE DIET COKE!!!!
Feeling much better after being up most of the light vomiting- but maybe that is what I needed. At least I am feeling better. Relaxing for the day. Israel and his brother Wisdom might be coming over later but thats about it.
Midge
Saturday, May 2, 2009
So today is going to be about venting. I don't believe I have ever mentioned this topic on the blog- but here we go. Disclaimer: This is in no way about race.
So from day one a group of people formed- a click we shall say. There are 7/8 African-Americans in our ISEP group. 5 of them quickly formed a click (including my former room mate). I really don't care that they formed this group except none of them talk to us (unless they need something). Or maybe if we are in there way at the store in ISH. No real conversations have ever taken place between me and these 5 people. I am not going into why the group formed because I really don't know- but what I do know is I am glad last night was the last time we ever had to travel as an ISEP group. I am usually a patient person- but when you are suppose to leave at 715 that does not mean starting to get ready at 715 it means being ready. We have had to wait for this group on every single trip and every stop- half the time I think we should leave them and let them learn a lesson. Last night- yes I wasn't feeling well but to have no respect for any of the other 32 people of the bus is just a me being frustrated with this particular group. Last night we jokes about superlatives and one was being late for a plane- and we joked- I think it would be great if they were late because there are no flights out for weeks- then what will they do? I know this is mean and a little childish- but I just want to share my frustration.
So thats it short and simple. I am starting to feel better that is for sure which is nice- still have a pain in my spleen area and still nauseous. Hopefully gone by tonight...
<3Midge
So from day one a group of people formed- a click we shall say. There are 7/8 African-Americans in our ISEP group. 5 of them quickly formed a click (including my former room mate). I really don't care that they formed this group except none of them talk to us (unless they need something). Or maybe if we are in there way at the store in ISH. No real conversations have ever taken place between me and these 5 people. I am not going into why the group formed because I really don't know- but what I do know is I am glad last night was the last time we ever had to travel as an ISEP group. I am usually a patient person- but when you are suppose to leave at 715 that does not mean starting to get ready at 715 it means being ready. We have had to wait for this group on every single trip and every stop- half the time I think we should leave them and let them learn a lesson. Last night- yes I wasn't feeling well but to have no respect for any of the other 32 people of the bus is just a me being frustrated with this particular group. Last night we jokes about superlatives and one was being late for a plane- and we joked- I think it would be great if they were late because there are no flights out for weeks- then what will they do? I know this is mean and a little childish- but I just want to share my frustration.
So thats it short and simple. I am starting to feel better that is for sure which is nice- still have a pain in my spleen area and still nauseous. Hopefully gone by tonight...
<3Midge
Friday, May 1, 2009
Update
So I am feeling a little better this morning. The pain in my side is still there- but the chemist told me to expect it! I can't eat but you are suppose to with the meds- Andi and Israel wouldn't let me sleep last night until I ate all of the crackers- they are so mean- but I love them! So resting the weekend away- I wanted to travel this weekend- I guess not! oh well. I was just soooo close!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
ugh
So yesterday I woke up and felt like crap- and of course I had my exam in the afternoon. I think I did okay- but really couldn't focus because of being sick. I think I have Malaria- I went and got the meds- so hopefully in 3 days I will be feeling better. Luckily I don't have anything to do that is important so I am gonna rest and hopefully get better! Thats about it the last two days- warning posts are not gonna be interesting for the next few days- nothing is really happening!
Midge
Midge
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Beginning of the Week!
Start of the week! Well it has been good I guess- I mean as much as studying on your birthday can be. Sunday was great! So that makes up for the lull of Monday. But I feel good about the exam that is on Wednesday. Today (Tuesday) Prince and Israel came over and we studies for the exam. I feel like I am ready for sure now. The worst part is the exam is not until 3:30pm and I don’t know what I am gonna do with the rest of the day! I am sure I will review my notes but I can’t do that allllll day! I am at the point that I just want to take it and get it over with.
I can’t remember if I mentioned that my other exam is getting (maybe getting) moved again- glad I didn’t move my plane ticket! But 3 weeks and I will be home! I am getting very anxious to come home.
I have some really nasty bug bites right now. No matter how much bug spray you put on before bed they find you. I really don’t think a net would have helped but it might have a little bit- the people who brought nets really don’t use them so who know!
I talked to Dean today- Its amazing how much I miss home! Thanks for a good convo Dean!
That’s all for now-
midge
I can’t remember if I mentioned that my other exam is getting (maybe getting) moved again- glad I didn’t move my plane ticket! But 3 weeks and I will be home! I am getting very anxious to come home.
I have some really nasty bug bites right now. No matter how much bug spray you put on before bed they find you. I really don’t think a net would have helped but it might have a little bit- the people who brought nets really don’t use them so who know!
I talked to Dean today- Its amazing how much I miss home! Thanks for a good convo Dean!
That’s all for now-
midge
Beginning of the Week!
Start of the week! Well it has been good I guess- I mean as much as studying on your birthday can be. Sunday was great! So that makes up for the lull of Monday. But I feel good about the exam that is on Wednesday. Today (Tuesday) Prince and Israel came over and we studies for the exam. I feel like I am ready for sure now. The worst part is the exam is not until 3:30pm and I don’t know what I am gonna do with the rest of the day! I am sure I will review my notes but I can’t do that allllll day! I am at the point that I just want to take it and get it over with.
I can’t remember if I mentioned that my other exam is getting (maybe getting) moved again- glad I didn’t move my plane ticket! But 3 weeks and I will be home! I am getting very anxious to come home.
I have some really nasty bug bites right now. No matter how much bug spray you put on before bed they find you. I really don’t think a net would have helped but it might have a little bit- the people who brought nets really don’t use them so who know!
I talked to Dean today- Its amazing how much I miss home! Thanks for a good convo Dean!
That’s all for now-
midge
I can’t remember if I mentioned that my other exam is getting (maybe getting) moved again- glad I didn’t move my plane ticket! But 3 weeks and I will be home! I am getting very anxious to come home.
I have some really nasty bug bites right now. No matter how much bug spray you put on before bed they find you. I really don’t think a net would have helped but it might have a little bit- the people who brought nets really don’t use them so who know!
I talked to Dean today- Its amazing how much I miss home! Thanks for a good convo Dean!
That’s all for now-
midge
Monday, April 27, 2009
Been A Good Weekend
Friday- Israel and I went out to dinner for our 2 month Anniversary at a really cute restaurant over looking the ocean. Great food.
Saturday- I chilled and studied a little- but I am fighting a cold so all I really wanted to do was sleep.
Sunday- We went out to dinner for my birthday. It was really nice- some Americans and Ghanaians- both from class, the hostel, and orphanage. It was nice to have so many of my friends together.
Monday- This morning I woke up to a huge poster on my door and and sticker letters in the bathroom saying Happy Birthday- I love my friends!
Thanks for all the birthday wishes- miss and love you all.
Midge
Saturday- I chilled and studied a little- but I am fighting a cold so all I really wanted to do was sleep.
Sunday- We went out to dinner for my birthday. It was really nice- some Americans and Ghanaians- both from class, the hostel, and orphanage. It was nice to have so many of my friends together.
Monday- This morning I woke up to a huge poster on my door and and sticker letters in the bathroom saying Happy Birthday- I love my friends!
Thanks for all the birthday wishes- miss and love you all.
Midge
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wow
So yesterday was another great day in Ghana. My friend Mallory is dating a Lebanese guy who lives about an hour and a half from here. She wanted us to come up and visit so that is what we did- with that we got to go to one place that I have been wanting to go to for a while but because there have been no rains it was pointless. So we went- They picked us up at the tro station when we arrive at about 11am. We went to Mohamed's office for a bit and then headed with Mohamed's room mate Youcif and the driver Heffer to Boti Falls- it was absolutely beautiful and then we went to this place called Umbrella Rock which is a really cool rock formation that is shaped- you guessed it like an Umbrella. Andi and I got to ride in the back of the truck for a little bit with some local boys who spoke no English and our Twi was not getting through to them. Whatever. We then went back to Mohamed and Youcif's house (which was huge and beautiful- owned by the company they work for) and we decided that we would make them an American meal- 3 girls trying to cook in a somewhat non-modern kitchen was very entertaining. Their house help Matilda helped us a lot- we made stir-fry which isnt fully American or fully anything- they eat it but they were all speaking Arabic (2 others from their work came) so we really don't know what was going on. Andi and I headed back soon after dinner was done because we needed to get back at a decent hour- we arrived at the tro station basically got the last two seats! Always the best and were back at Legon 12 hours after we started the day at 9pm! It was a great day they were all very funny and crazy guys.
Ghana 14 is up- so you can see the places that we went. I didn't take pictures of the house but the scenery in the area was just amazing! Warning some of our pictures are just a little silly!
Today I am studying and then going to go to Champs again for Trivia and to get my stomach use to some American foods....
<3 Midge
Ghana 14 is up- so you can see the places that we went. I didn't take pictures of the house but the scenery in the area was just amazing! Warning some of our pictures are just a little silly!
Today I am studying and then going to go to Champs again for Trivia and to get my stomach use to some American foods....
<3 Midge
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Here we go.....
So Here we go-
Saturday:
Andi and I hung around the hostel for the day- we studied- I did some revisions on notes- it is revisions week for the matter so I guess I should. We then went to the night market and had food- exciting day! Not- but its okay.
Sunday:
The ISEP group of 16 of the 37 of us went on the Dodi Princess lunch cruise on the Volta Lake. It is the biggest man made lake in the world (China is trying to beat that right now though). The land is just beautiful. A very modern boat with a jazz band and great food is where we spent about 2.5 hours going to an island having a short tour of the island and then heading back. It was a very relaxing day. And on the drive up I saw a Baboon. No pictures to proof it but I saw it!!! It was a very nice day!!!
Monday:
We got up and headed to Teshie to get the older kids from the orphanage. They were basically all ready when we got there. We got to the beach around 10:15. Andi had a brilliant idea of making PB&J for them- American food- so we did with Pineapple Jam- but it tasted good! We took 12 kids. On the way to the beach we were lucky and found an empty tro to bring us- though we paid about double of what we should have- its the ease of the matter. The kids were all very well behaved. All in all- tro rides, admission to beach, lunch, and a soda each- was a very cheap day- but one I will never forget. Some of the kids smiled who I had never seen smile before. There are pictures coming don't worry! It was a great day and when we got back to the orphanage and I had to say final good-byes I had to hold back tears- hopefully they will write back when I send them letters! We got back to campus around 4:30 and were exhausted. Got some dinner and then went to relax- but we lost power- the first time around 30 minutes and then it came on for 30 and then we lost it for another 1.5- we had a "picnic"- not really just a talk in the courtyard- it was great we talked about so many different things- and then because one of the boys and I had a little incident at the beach my neck was hurting and I had to lay down- its fine don't worry. I slept the night away and slept in to 8am!!!
Tuesday:
The day is lazy- just gonna hang around and study.
Pictures are in Ghana 13-check them out!
<3 Midge
Saturday:
Andi and I hung around the hostel for the day- we studied- I did some revisions on notes- it is revisions week for the matter so I guess I should. We then went to the night market and had food- exciting day! Not- but its okay.
Sunday:
The ISEP group of 16 of the 37 of us went on the Dodi Princess lunch cruise on the Volta Lake. It is the biggest man made lake in the world (China is trying to beat that right now though). The land is just beautiful. A very modern boat with a jazz band and great food is where we spent about 2.5 hours going to an island having a short tour of the island and then heading back. It was a very relaxing day. And on the drive up I saw a Baboon. No pictures to proof it but I saw it!!! It was a very nice day!!!
Monday:
We got up and headed to Teshie to get the older kids from the orphanage. They were basically all ready when we got there. We got to the beach around 10:15. Andi had a brilliant idea of making PB&J for them- American food- so we did with Pineapple Jam- but it tasted good! We took 12 kids. On the way to the beach we were lucky and found an empty tro to bring us- though we paid about double of what we should have- its the ease of the matter. The kids were all very well behaved. All in all- tro rides, admission to beach, lunch, and a soda each- was a very cheap day- but one I will never forget. Some of the kids smiled who I had never seen smile before. There are pictures coming don't worry! It was a great day and when we got back to the orphanage and I had to say final good-byes I had to hold back tears- hopefully they will write back when I send them letters! We got back to campus around 4:30 and were exhausted. Got some dinner and then went to relax- but we lost power- the first time around 30 minutes and then it came on for 30 and then we lost it for another 1.5- we had a "picnic"- not really just a talk in the courtyard- it was great we talked about so many different things- and then because one of the boys and I had a little incident at the beach my neck was hurting and I had to lay down- its fine don't worry. I slept the night away and slept in to 8am!!!
Tuesday:
The day is lazy- just gonna hang around and study.
Pictures are in Ghana 13-check them out!
<3 Midge
Monday, April 20, 2009
I Promise there will be a new post tomorrow
So I am very busy today- I will post the weekend update tomorrow morning my time... Sorry for the delay...
Midge
Midge
Friday, April 17, 2009
Mixed Feelings
So I am done with lectures! Wow- mixed emotions. Theatre Management was my first lecture and my last. It was weird because some of the people that I meet the first day I have remained close friends with from that day- by having it be the last class I realized that means I wont be seeing them on the regular basis I have been- at least twice a week. So to relieve some of those feelings I went out last night (my first time here). We went to Champs Sports Bar for Trivia night. it was a lot of fun and we had some amazing food- I might go back just to get the Chicken Burger that I had which was AMAZING- but drinks even water was outrageously priced! 2.00USD for a small bottle and 3.00USD for a big one- we usually bay 0.30 and .75- thats appalling. Our team 'yes pure water' (a story for another day) came in 3rd of like 7 and we won 15 Ghana Cedis- to split between the 9 of us! WOOOOO!!!! It was a lot of fun but turned into a later night then I thought it would!!!
Today is my first exam- drumming is in a little bit. ahh! will write more after taking it!
I cant remember if I wrote this already- but next Sunday Prince, me and now Reuban will be celebrating our birthdays- I am looking forward to hanging out with people outside of class and the few ISEPers that are around.
I rescued Andi this morning from her room- her roomie locked her into the room- yes it can happen with these locks! So I went and got the spare key- nothing too heroic but i think its funny!
Thats all for now- I guess I have gotten use to everything here- that its hard to find things that seem atypical here- wen I go back to the states I am sure I will actually have things to write about there! (I need news things- send me headlines- its scary how much we don't know here- thanks)
Midge
Today is my first exam- drumming is in a little bit. ahh! will write more after taking it!
I cant remember if I wrote this already- but next Sunday Prince, me and now Reuban will be celebrating our birthdays- I am looking forward to hanging out with people outside of class and the few ISEPers that are around.
I rescued Andi this morning from her room- her roomie locked her into the room- yes it can happen with these locks! So I went and got the spare key- nothing too heroic but i think its funny!
Thats all for now- I guess I have gotten use to everything here- that its hard to find things that seem atypical here- wen I go back to the states I am sure I will actually have things to write about there! (I need news things- send me headlines- its scary how much we don't know here- thanks)
Midge
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Quick Update
So Internet is bonkers- so hopefully this works.
Tuesday- both my classes got canceled. I only have two classes and 3 finals and I am no longer a students at UG- can you believe that? Where did the time go. That makes me realize I have to study!
This Sunday- We are going on the Dotti (Doddi) Princess for a cruise- should be fun- but a lot of ISEP is gone....
Next Sunday- Prince and I are celebrating our birthdays together with a group of mutual friends and others. Its should be fun.
Thats it-
Midge
Tuesday- both my classes got canceled. I only have two classes and 3 finals and I am no longer a students at UG- can you believe that? Where did the time go. That makes me realize I have to study!
This Sunday- We are going on the Dotti (Doddi) Princess for a cruise- should be fun- but a lot of ISEP is gone....
Next Sunday- Prince and I are celebrating our birthdays together with a group of mutual friends and others. Its should be fun.
Thats it-
Midge
Monday, April 13, 2009
Photos, Photos, Photos
So the next three links are available on the side bar- some days the internet just wont let me change these things! (Including some new ones of Israel and I for all of you who have been asking) Easter was relaxing filled with lots of great friends- I spoke to sooo many people on the phone at home which was nice! Today is Easter Monday- big holiday here I guess. We aren't doing anything. This also starts the officially last week of lectures! Can you believe that???
Have a good day-
Midge
Have a good day-
Midge
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Quick update
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt12?authkey=Gv1sRgCPn1p5GspO2iiwE&feat=directlink
Here is the link for the photos from our field trip to the park with the children! We had a lot of fun. Cookies and fan ice for the kids with football and nail polish for the kids too! (As of now 3pm eastern time they are half up so check back later...)
Happy Easter everyone- I will be going to service and then going to dinner with a group or so of people.
Saturday we are going to do some shopping!
Here is the link for the photos from our field trip to the park with the children! We had a lot of fun. Cookies and fan ice for the kids with football and nail polish for the kids too! (As of now 3pm eastern time they are half up so check back later...)
Happy Easter everyone- I will be going to service and then going to dinner with a group or so of people.
Saturday we are going to do some shopping!
This week thus far..... sorry for the delay!
Hello there!
So Wednesday I went to get my hair in a somewhat traditional way. Photos are up in album 11 which is linked in a previous post! It took just about 6 hours. I think it looks decent on me. The theatre kids all were commenting about it on Thursday in class. It does itch a lot but getting use to it.
After getting my hair done I went to the orphanage which was to be the last day that we went to help out besides Friday (today) for our field trip. So Jess and I got there after a ton of traffic! We helped with a little work and then we were treated to the kids dancing and singing. It was great! and then the two Stevens from the Jr. High School who taught them- attempted to teach us a little. We succeeded a little... but we don't got the rhythm.
So after that Jess and I headed back and again we couldn't get a Tro from 37th so we decided to walk and try to get a Taxi- we walked attempted a few and then a open transport truck came by- we asked where they were going but no one could give us an exact answer- because we would have hopped in but we don't tell people where we are going before they say where they are going. So we walked some more and finally got to a bus stop and some people were getting a taxi. I ran over to see where they were going and they said University- I was like do you have room for two but they already had three. I was like she (Jess) can sit on my lap- and they asked the driver so we got in the car. Not that later we got to campus- Jess and I got out before the gate so we wouldn't get the driver in trouble for over loaded car and when we went to thank them because they wouldn't let us pay I slipped them some money- (getting good at this which i don't know if it is a good thing or bad thing)... So they start yelling us that we should respect elders and or lecturers--- Oops- Oh well.
So Thursday we had drum class and Prof Johnson was in a very bad mood! We all wanted to walk but we are so close to exam that we cant! after that Andi and I went to the ISEP office and hung for awhile until her friend called us that he was in his office and we went there for a bit- and then it was time for me to go to class- Prince and Israel wanted me to come early so the could copy notes- and Prince picked on me the whole time for having too good of notes! so I have now been officially invited to all class study groups! We will see how many I go to- but it will also be fun!!!
Today like I said we are going to the park, tomorrow Andi and I are going to the African Market/Cultural Center to try to finish up our shopping.... and Easter is still TBA. We still don't know if we are going to the Leprosy Colony or not- if not we are gonna dress up and go to so fancy restaurant here.... or maybe not- plans are never made for sure. A lot of the group is going to be gone for the next two weeks they are gonna spend basically a week on buses (if not more) traveling to Mali and Niger. I wish them the best of luck.....
Thats all- more later this weekend- oh and you will all have to wait for the video.. sorry!
<3 Midge
So Wednesday I went to get my hair in a somewhat traditional way. Photos are up in album 11 which is linked in a previous post! It took just about 6 hours. I think it looks decent on me. The theatre kids all were commenting about it on Thursday in class. It does itch a lot but getting use to it.
After getting my hair done I went to the orphanage which was to be the last day that we went to help out besides Friday (today) for our field trip. So Jess and I got there after a ton of traffic! We helped with a little work and then we were treated to the kids dancing and singing. It was great! and then the two Stevens from the Jr. High School who taught them- attempted to teach us a little. We succeeded a little... but we don't got the rhythm.
So after that Jess and I headed back and again we couldn't get a Tro from 37th so we decided to walk and try to get a Taxi- we walked attempted a few and then a open transport truck came by- we asked where they were going but no one could give us an exact answer- because we would have hopped in but we don't tell people where we are going before they say where they are going. So we walked some more and finally got to a bus stop and some people were getting a taxi. I ran over to see where they were going and they said University- I was like do you have room for two but they already had three. I was like she (Jess) can sit on my lap- and they asked the driver so we got in the car. Not that later we got to campus- Jess and I got out before the gate so we wouldn't get the driver in trouble for over loaded car and when we went to thank them because they wouldn't let us pay I slipped them some money- (getting good at this which i don't know if it is a good thing or bad thing)... So they start yelling us that we should respect elders and or lecturers--- Oops- Oh well.
So Thursday we had drum class and Prof Johnson was in a very bad mood! We all wanted to walk but we are so close to exam that we cant! after that Andi and I went to the ISEP office and hung for awhile until her friend called us that he was in his office and we went there for a bit- and then it was time for me to go to class- Prince and Israel wanted me to come early so the could copy notes- and Prince picked on me the whole time for having too good of notes! so I have now been officially invited to all class study groups! We will see how many I go to- but it will also be fun!!!
Today like I said we are going to the park, tomorrow Andi and I are going to the African Market/Cultural Center to try to finish up our shopping.... and Easter is still TBA. We still don't know if we are going to the Leprosy Colony or not- if not we are gonna dress up and go to so fancy restaurant here.... or maybe not- plans are never made for sure. A lot of the group is going to be gone for the next two weeks they are gonna spend basically a week on buses (if not more) traveling to Mali and Niger. I wish them the best of luck.....
Thats all- more later this weekend- oh and you will all have to wait for the video.. sorry!
<3 Midge
Thursday, April 9, 2009
I will update later
For now here is the link to the next album- enjoy- I am working on getting the video of the kids dancing and will let you all know when it is up! Class and some errands today!
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt11?authkey=Gv1sRgCIrwp5Hjrbj8wwE&feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt11?authkey=Gv1sRgCIrwp5Hjrbj8wwE&feat=directlink
I will update later
For now here is the link to the next album- enjoy- I am working on getting the video of the kids dancing and will let you all know when it is up! Class and some errands today!
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt11?authkey=Gv1sRgCIrwp5Hjrbj8wwE&feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt11?authkey=Gv1sRgCIrwp5Hjrbj8wwE&feat=directlink
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rules of Ghana Roads
This weekend I went to Kumasi again- this time with the reason to meet Israel’s family. First off Friday night Andi and I went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was a very good production. The singers were all very talented- if only I had a voice like that… oh well my talents lay somewhere else.
The order of children in the Deku family
Morgan- married 3 kids works for Narcotics prevention
Maxwell- married 3 kids- owns a saw mill
Constance- not married- seamstress
Gordon- in london, engaged- student
Innocencia- Married, 3 kids- has a shop, her husband is in the military
Wisdom- Computer programmer
Israel- student
We left at 8am from campus and arrived at his parents house around 2pm. List of who was there: His mom (Mamme-Ata), His Dad (Mr. Deku or Day *hard A*), Innocencia (Inno for short- she is turning 30 at the end of May- and so happy!)- her three kids- Jazeus 5, Nelkel 3, Princess 6 weeks. Ama (Maxwell’s wife) and here three kids Junior 9, Israel 1, and Francis 2 weeks. Constance- the older sister and Aunt Dzara (spelling?). So we talked for a while- most of them I talked to them one on one which was nice because then I didn’t feel like I was being interviewed by the whole family. They have a nice 3 bedroom apartment. They are currently building a house which should be done at the end of the year. I was made Banku which is similar to fufuo- its boiled dough served with soup. They made an okra stew with fish- It was very good- home made things defiantly always taste better- it is so filling and I felt bad not finishing it but I was sooo full. We talked most of the night away- a storm came which cooled done most of the area which was nice.
In the morning egg sandwiches were served- staple breakfast food. They were shocked that I did not put anything in my tea- to the point that had Israel ask me again to make sure that that was what I wanted… At this point Maxwell was back so I got to talk to him. And Wisdom came back as well- but I have spent some of time with him already- before I knew it another meal was being served- I was still full. This was chicken and home made jollof. It was sooo good but there was no way I could have finished it- They are defiantly in the role of feeding you! On Sunday I also meet- the landlady, the family photographer, Florence- a cousin who is almost ready to have a baby, and Gordon’s Fiancé. We left the house around 1:30pm and arrived back to my hostel around 8:30. Not too bad. But it makes for a very long day- and I hadn’t slept the best Saturday night.
I didn't meet Gordon because he is in London- and Morgan who is the oldest because he was at something for his job- but he is coming to Accra within the next two or three weeks so i should be able to meet him then.
It was a great weekend- It made me miss home seeing a family at home that is for sure. They are all as kind-hearted as Israel. They made me feel like I was part of the family within seconds of walking in the door. It was a great experience. Nelkel who is 3 asked if I would be coming again- who knows when but I would like to. If my finals schedule stays as it is and I can’t get my plane ticket changed the way I want it to- I might have time to go up again for a visit- maybe learn to cook!
Random travel facts of Ghana-
1. If there are pot holes drive where you want on the road- middle or side- doesn't matter.
2. Flash your high beams when ever you want
3. Beep the horn when ever you want.
4. The gutters are not made to drive in!
5. Nigerian movies suck (aka Visual Torture-) Ghanaian movies aren't half bad.
6. Do not drink anything if you are traveling- bathrooms are not readily available! except the trees and bushes.
Pictures soon- the internet is really slow right now- so who knows- I will post when they are up
Midge
The order of children in the Deku family
Morgan- married 3 kids works for Narcotics prevention
Maxwell- married 3 kids- owns a saw mill
Constance- not married- seamstress
Gordon- in london, engaged- student
Innocencia- Married, 3 kids- has a shop, her husband is in the military
Wisdom- Computer programmer
Israel- student
We left at 8am from campus and arrived at his parents house around 2pm. List of who was there: His mom (Mamme-Ata), His Dad (Mr. Deku or Day *hard A*), Innocencia (Inno for short- she is turning 30 at the end of May- and so happy!)- her three kids- Jazeus 5, Nelkel 3, Princess 6 weeks. Ama (Maxwell’s wife) and here three kids Junior 9, Israel 1, and Francis 2 weeks. Constance- the older sister and Aunt Dzara (spelling?). So we talked for a while- most of them I talked to them one on one which was nice because then I didn’t feel like I was being interviewed by the whole family. They have a nice 3 bedroom apartment. They are currently building a house which should be done at the end of the year. I was made Banku which is similar to fufuo- its boiled dough served with soup. They made an okra stew with fish- It was very good- home made things defiantly always taste better- it is so filling and I felt bad not finishing it but I was sooo full. We talked most of the night away- a storm came which cooled done most of the area which was nice.
In the morning egg sandwiches were served- staple breakfast food. They were shocked that I did not put anything in my tea- to the point that had Israel ask me again to make sure that that was what I wanted… At this point Maxwell was back so I got to talk to him. And Wisdom came back as well- but I have spent some of time with him already- before I knew it another meal was being served- I was still full. This was chicken and home made jollof. It was sooo good but there was no way I could have finished it- They are defiantly in the role of feeding you! On Sunday I also meet- the landlady, the family photographer, Florence- a cousin who is almost ready to have a baby, and Gordon’s Fiancé. We left the house around 1:30pm and arrived back to my hostel around 8:30. Not too bad. But it makes for a very long day- and I hadn’t slept the best Saturday night.
I didn't meet Gordon because he is in London- and Morgan who is the oldest because he was at something for his job- but he is coming to Accra within the next two or three weeks so i should be able to meet him then.
It was a great weekend- It made me miss home seeing a family at home that is for sure. They are all as kind-hearted as Israel. They made me feel like I was part of the family within seconds of walking in the door. It was a great experience. Nelkel who is 3 asked if I would be coming again- who knows when but I would like to. If my finals schedule stays as it is and I can’t get my plane ticket changed the way I want it to- I might have time to go up again for a visit- maybe learn to cook!
Random travel facts of Ghana-
1. If there are pot holes drive where you want on the road- middle or side- doesn't matter.
2. Flash your high beams when ever you want
3. Beep the horn when ever you want.
4. The gutters are not made to drive in!
5. Nigerian movies suck (aka Visual Torture-) Ghanaian movies aren't half bad.
6. Do not drink anything if you are traveling- bathrooms are not readily available! except the trees and bushes.
Pictures soon- the internet is really slow right now- so who knows- I will post when they are up
Midge
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A few other things!
This is an extension of yesterday’s entry (and some other ones)-
So Cross, Abeseriwa, and Gerry work for FOX one of the best Radio station in Ghana- here’s the link if you want to try to listen to it- I will when I get home! (Maybe you will hear Andi and my jingle--- it will be in Twi so you won’t know—lol)
http://www.listenghana.com
On the drive back I had a lot of thoughts going through my head. Exactly 7 weeks left. We are about 2/3 done with this trip- I wrote a few days ago about having no regrets- I have some trips planned. I love this country, I love the people but traveling around and lying on beaches does not let you have that type of contact to learn about the culture. When in Kumasi I meet Muhammad a tour guide from Mali- he specializes in ethnic awareness travel in West Africa- he is in the middle of a 33 day trip with a couple from Florida- he was so knowledgeable of 6 countries the people and customs! I want to be able to bring someone to Ghana and show them the way of the life- but right now I don’t feel like I would be able to do that- so that is my focus for the next few weeks. Learn the ways of life. One of my friends Prince said he would make me Banku (you eat it with soup it’s a dough like substance) but I don’t want him to just make it- I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT! I want to learn how to make other foods as well. Sitting in the car I felt like I was in the woods in Maine- at night everything looks the same. I got home sick, I was missing things of life and people. Bittersweet is what saying good-bye to Ghana will be. I love it here- but I love things about home and I miss some!
Some people here are pissed that we have to learn Twi and didn’t want to take the test or class. They are now being threatened that they will not get their transcript and they are pissed- it was part of our contract. It has helped a lot- I am not good at it- but I can pick up on a few things- yes I am laughed at a lot when I use it! But it works- when people see that you want to become a part of their culture that will accept you and welcome you for trying. They laugh because we have such American accents but not really making fun of us. I rather be laughed at then not be. I am trying- I want to continue to learn as much as I can. I want to come back to Ghana and be able to walk up to some one in a market and converse not just say hello…
Some people have asked me if it smells here- yes it does- am I use to it- maybe, because I really don’t notice anymore? The water has been out at my hostel since Thursday. The hotel we stayed at water went out- I have not taken a real shower since Thursday. This morning I took a bucket shower- and it felt great- but its weird I didn’t feel gross before that. You wash up everyday yes- but there’s a big difference especially sitting in traffic, getting in a tropical storm, sitting in a stadium and such. How did I not feel gross? The water is still off- the shower I can do without but toilets are another matter! At the stadium I was dreading the toilets- but amazingly they were somewhat clean- they were clean for Ghana standards- they were clean for AMERICAN STADIUM standards- how could that be? Maybe that’s what our extra ticket price gave us?? So that was nice!!! Most people know I like things that are clean and orderly- the orderly is not gone in me but the clean I am trying. I want things to be clean but I am being able to get use to things not being clean….like the hotel we stayed in this week- really not that clean…but I survived! I will go home and not know what to do with HOT water or regular soap?? (As of Tuesday night we have WATER!!!!)
I take things for granted I know this. I try not to because I know there are people without the things to live day to day. When people ask me to give them something here- it’s a simple no or daabi but it breaks my heart sometimes- most of the time its kids just being pains but other times it is people trying to get by but their daily lives can not provide. What is clean water? Is something in India I came to realize here they have pure water everywhere in sachets for 5pesews about .02USD I will buy someone a sachet if they ask me nicely and look like they need one- but if they are like “buy me” no- “would you please buy me water” I would- Ghana is a communal land- if each brother and sister helps each other prosperity will ensue. If you are eating on a trotro or bus you offer “you’re invited” to everyone- I forget sometimes and my neighbors remind me… but in the states we are so concerned about me, me, me or I, I, I but do not care about we, we, we no wonder we let our brothers and sisters starve while we waste food. I feel guilty here when I don’t finish my food- there is someone on the corner starving. I know there is- some people laugh when they have leftovers and are like I will send it to Africa. But think about this- you can buy a bag of rice through organizations and feed a family for less then that dinner cost you- and feed them for days on end. So why do we waste our money on things that we don’t need. Do we need that new bag, shirt, electronic? I know I am guilty of this- and I am not saying we can’t have nice things- but moderation on everything is key to life sustaining on this earth. If we do a little the world will echo back. Its like a pebble into water effect…
Play analysis and drumming this morning.
Tuesday-
I went to my Play Analysis- It ended up being canceled after about 30 minutes we left. Leaving I ran into Prince- he walked me back to the hostel and I found out about the 300 level student's night at the theatre- most of them were there all night- so most didn't show up for our morning class and I have a feeling that is why it was canceled. They 'slept' there, slaughter some goats to eat food- you would think they were in a village! Most of them were not happy campers because they had to be back at 11am.... This lecturer wants them to LIVE THEATRE!! I thought I did it sometimes- but this is a whole new concept....
So I went to see the show tonight that the 300 Theatre in African Societies class was presenting- it was all in Twi which I knew- I had lined up a translator. Waakyei from our class but he got stuck in traffic (that always happens) so Johnny, Andi and I watched a show with basically a little history from Johnny who is in the class- but it was fun- I know about 3/4 of the cast which is nice when watching! So I am back it late- Im tired... going to bed...
Midge
So Cross, Abeseriwa, and Gerry work for FOX one of the best Radio station in Ghana- here’s the link if you want to try to listen to it- I will when I get home! (Maybe you will hear Andi and my jingle--- it will be in Twi so you won’t know—lol)
http://www.listenghana.com
On the drive back I had a lot of thoughts going through my head. Exactly 7 weeks left. We are about 2/3 done with this trip- I wrote a few days ago about having no regrets- I have some trips planned. I love this country, I love the people but traveling around and lying on beaches does not let you have that type of contact to learn about the culture. When in Kumasi I meet Muhammad a tour guide from Mali- he specializes in ethnic awareness travel in West Africa- he is in the middle of a 33 day trip with a couple from Florida- he was so knowledgeable of 6 countries the people and customs! I want to be able to bring someone to Ghana and show them the way of the life- but right now I don’t feel like I would be able to do that- so that is my focus for the next few weeks. Learn the ways of life. One of my friends Prince said he would make me Banku (you eat it with soup it’s a dough like substance) but I don’t want him to just make it- I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT! I want to learn how to make other foods as well. Sitting in the car I felt like I was in the woods in Maine- at night everything looks the same. I got home sick, I was missing things of life and people. Bittersweet is what saying good-bye to Ghana will be. I love it here- but I love things about home and I miss some!
Some people here are pissed that we have to learn Twi and didn’t want to take the test or class. They are now being threatened that they will not get their transcript and they are pissed- it was part of our contract. It has helped a lot- I am not good at it- but I can pick up on a few things- yes I am laughed at a lot when I use it! But it works- when people see that you want to become a part of their culture that will accept you and welcome you for trying. They laugh because we have such American accents but not really making fun of us. I rather be laughed at then not be. I am trying- I want to continue to learn as much as I can. I want to come back to Ghana and be able to walk up to some one in a market and converse not just say hello…
Some people have asked me if it smells here- yes it does- am I use to it- maybe, because I really don’t notice anymore? The water has been out at my hostel since Thursday. The hotel we stayed at water went out- I have not taken a real shower since Thursday. This morning I took a bucket shower- and it felt great- but its weird I didn’t feel gross before that. You wash up everyday yes- but there’s a big difference especially sitting in traffic, getting in a tropical storm, sitting in a stadium and such. How did I not feel gross? The water is still off- the shower I can do without but toilets are another matter! At the stadium I was dreading the toilets- but amazingly they were somewhat clean- they were clean for Ghana standards- they were clean for AMERICAN STADIUM standards- how could that be? Maybe that’s what our extra ticket price gave us?? So that was nice!!! Most people know I like things that are clean and orderly- the orderly is not gone in me but the clean I am trying. I want things to be clean but I am being able to get use to things not being clean….like the hotel we stayed in this week- really not that clean…but I survived! I will go home and not know what to do with HOT water or regular soap?? (As of Tuesday night we have WATER!!!!)
I take things for granted I know this. I try not to because I know there are people without the things to live day to day. When people ask me to give them something here- it’s a simple no or daabi but it breaks my heart sometimes- most of the time its kids just being pains but other times it is people trying to get by but their daily lives can not provide. What is clean water? Is something in India I came to realize here they have pure water everywhere in sachets for 5pesews about .02USD I will buy someone a sachet if they ask me nicely and look like they need one- but if they are like “buy me” no- “would you please buy me water” I would- Ghana is a communal land- if each brother and sister helps each other prosperity will ensue. If you are eating on a trotro or bus you offer “you’re invited” to everyone- I forget sometimes and my neighbors remind me… but in the states we are so concerned about me, me, me or I, I, I but do not care about we, we, we no wonder we let our brothers and sisters starve while we waste food. I feel guilty here when I don’t finish my food- there is someone on the corner starving. I know there is- some people laugh when they have leftovers and are like I will send it to Africa. But think about this- you can buy a bag of rice through organizations and feed a family for less then that dinner cost you- and feed them for days on end. So why do we waste our money on things that we don’t need. Do we need that new bag, shirt, electronic? I know I am guilty of this- and I am not saying we can’t have nice things- but moderation on everything is key to life sustaining on this earth. If we do a little the world will echo back. Its like a pebble into water effect…
Play analysis and drumming this morning.
Tuesday-
I went to my Play Analysis- It ended up being canceled after about 30 minutes we left. Leaving I ran into Prince- he walked me back to the hostel and I found out about the 300 level student's night at the theatre- most of them were there all night- so most didn't show up for our morning class and I have a feeling that is why it was canceled. They 'slept' there, slaughter some goats to eat food- you would think they were in a village! Most of them were not happy campers because they had to be back at 11am.... This lecturer wants them to LIVE THEATRE!! I thought I did it sometimes- but this is a whole new concept....
So I went to see the show tonight that the 300 Theatre in African Societies class was presenting- it was all in Twi which I knew- I had lined up a translator. Waakyei from our class but he got stuck in traffic (that always happens) so Johnny, Andi and I watched a show with basically a little history from Johnny who is in the class- but it was fun- I know about 3/4 of the cast which is nice when watching! So I am back it late- Im tired... going to bed...
Midge
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ghana at night is a beautiful sight! And Corruption Works for US!
Lots to catch up on- sorry if this is VERY LONG!
Wednesday Jess and I went to the orphanage- we meet a lot of new people- Becky- Another volunteer and two sponsors from the UK. Coming home there was some of the worst Accra traffic and fullness at the trotro stations so we sucked it up and got a Taxi and its still took 1hr40min for a usually 30min ride- ahhh.
Thursday I skipped my first class! I skipped drumming. We aren’t learning anything new and I wasn’t really in the mood in the morning to review. I went to the bookstore and got 4 novels for about 7USD- almost new- this is fabulous! Had theatre management and then came back and people wanted to go to Dracula. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go- but it was a very very good show- They like to have audience interaction- but all of the girls were sooo scared of these masked men! Oh well. Worth the about 0.50USD!!!
Friday morning Andi and I headed to Kumasi (hopefully to get tickets early for the game.) We left the university around 11am. We took a trotro to circle (a hub)- from there we could either take a bus or a trotro- we decided to have fun and take the trip of from anywhere 4.5 hours to 9hrs by tro. The tro we got on was almost full so we left by noon which was great. The first half of the trip the West African Transport (Highway) N6 is in major disrepair so your rear hurts. We got to Nkawkaw and everyone got off- and about 20 minutes before this we had hit a storm. So I leaned over and was like Driver are you going to Kumasi and he was like oh I will transfer you- so not even two minutes later another tro came- the Oburonis got wet and we were on our way with a very nice tro full of people wanted to now what we were doing- except for the rain that followed us the whole way we had a pretty uneventful day! We got to the hotel around 6 which was great- grabbed some dinner at the hotel restaurant and went to bed early. There were another 7 ISEPers up there but they did their own thing and we did. Tickets were not going on sale until Sunday morning- but no one knew what time we heard between 7am and 11am! We also meet a tour guide from Mali-
So Saturday Andi and I didn’t want to shop so we decided to go to the Kumasi Fort and Arm Forces Museum. With some help of the front desk at the hotel we got their easily. It was a very nice tour- crazy the amount of wars the Gold Coast/Ghana was in and the things that have been collected. Some of the pieces like the original Ghana flag are here. I was glad Andi agreed to do this. Our tour guide was very good and it lasted about an hour and a half. On the way out we walked around a little and meet a street vendor- not really trying to sell us anything! We talked with him for about an hour and a half. He invited us to a music concert but we weren’t sure on our plans for the evening so we got his number- but it ended up not working and our plans came through so we didn’t go. After walking around a little more we headed back to the hotel. There were at least another 11 people coming up this morning (it ended up being another 15.) So because transportation is all over the place here- I thought maybe we should see if we can get a big tro for all or most of us. So I asked the guy who helped us in the morning if he knew any tro drivers that might charter to Accra for us- He knew someone not with a tro but who manages part of a rental company. Cross is his name! And he is great!!!! He came over we talked about first only 15 of us- but then there was really 24 of us- so long story short we got people to agree to pay 12.50GHC a piece (300 Total- we had to pay Gas both ways because they would be coming back empty- but so worth it)- the bus from Kumasi to Accra alone is 11GHC so it would have been more because when we get to Accra its still far from where we live and it would have been at least after 3am and no tros so we would have had to take Taxis- some people didn’t want to do it at first the bus took us right to Legon. So Andi and I chartered a 28 passenger bus not 24 hours before the game! How I love Ghana. At first you don’t know what is bull here and what is truth but Cross seemed good but we weren’t handing money over to him. So we arranged to go to pay the deposit to the bus company in the morning after we got tickets.
Saturday Night- Andi and I invited Wisdom (Israel’s brother who I have meet in Accra) to go out to dinner. We went to a restaurant a little walk from our hotel and I had the best Chicken Sandwich ever! It is nice to be making more Ghanaian friends and just go out and learn more about the culture and the way of life here. I feel that I have a family of friends here both American and Ghanaian- that I will miss dearly. We were at dinner for almost 3 hours!
Andi and I decided to go early for tickets (fend for yourselves is the game) because no one could tell us anything- we woke at 5am walked over to the stadium we got there and basically it was all of the Oburonis- I think it was a big joke to all of them. We got there they said tickets were going on sale where we were at 7am. Then at about 6:45am they were like not here and the few Ghanaians there ran- we were like whats going on- and someone finally told us we had to go to this other part- but there was like no one there. And at this point we are told tickets arnt going on sale till 9 or was it 11- so we got into lines- but then how corruption pays! We got two tickets in the ‘VIP’ section by bribing a ticket seller with one cedi hours before tickets went on sale. We had great seats with the thanks to Christian a Ghanaian we meet in line- who got us to the ticket guy. They were about 7USD a piece- which is sooo cheep! So we went back to the hotel at 830am to take a nap and then were ready to go pay the deposit. So we called Cross at about 10:45- we got our stuff together checked out of the hotel and waited for him. (Andi was getting very grumpy she knew it and said it and was getting mad at how long it was taking him to get to the hotel- I was trying to stay optimistic). We had been told even though we have tickets we should get there early because of the crowd- so this was cutting into that. So at about 1pm (yup GHANA TIME AGAIN) Cross, Gerry the driver and Abeseriwa picked us up. Cross and these two friends work at the biggest radio station in Kumasi. So we go and pay the deposit at a legit building at the Kumasi Airport with a contract! And then they are like will you make us a jingle? Andi and I are thinking they want us to write one (I jokes only if we get royalties)- but because we had said some things in Twi they wanted to have American with very American Accents to actually record a saying (I am sure if this happens the people will laugh at it!)- and we were pulling into the radio station- they gave us a tour of the station but because another show was being recorded we couldn’t (at this point Andi was pissed but then two seconds later she was laughing and smiling- which I was glad to see and I told her later- and she was like it was fun doing these types of things after we sand the Thong song and some Bob Marley- and danced in the car!). So we meet all of their co-workers and then we went to the rival station so they could drop something off?- we got a picture with our new made friends. We drove through central market to go to the stadium- where they escorted us- when we could have walked but that’s how the men are here to our entrance. We picked up some Ghana gear, lunch and headed in! We were about two hours early but we ate and talked to some people around us. The match started on time and only 1:11min into the game Ghana scored! It was great- but it was the only goal of the whole match so the rest of it was fun to watch- but I wanted some energy! In the section next to us (separated but a big fence was the Benin crowed) they had spirit- were we were sitting was the calm section so nothing to exciting was seen by us- Ghana won the World Cup Qualifier Game! So the game ended Andi and I had the tightest fist formed and some people let us pass nicely but the crowd pushes out. We got out of the stadium (swam the perpendicular way in a huge crowd)- we got back to the hotel and Andi and I had everything we went with! We called Cross- and the bus which was going to leave at 9pm sharp was there around 815pm and we left- ISEP history breaker early. By 835 we were on the road- I was shotty on the bus with a driver who spoke very little English- but it was fun trying to turn on and off the AC when it got cold or when the radio got to load with my little Twi and his little English. But I heard a few “oh s***” from him on big pot holes! We got back to ISH (all the way to our hostel!) by 12:30ish. Record time in comfort. We passed so many police check points and never got stopped which was great. Andi and I felt great getting home- by the time we got home we most likely would have been still in Kumasi if we tried to get a bus or tro back. This was also much safer- people could sleep and not worry about there belongs- paying for connivance is the best- We also gave Cross a little something for his work as facilitator. He also called during the trip to make sure everything was okay and if he needed to translate anything to the driver for us! He is coming to Accra next week or so, so Andi and I might meet up with him and his friends and they want to try to get us to record that jingle still! Lets say though I never want to sit in the front of a car with a working speedometer in Ghana there were times we were doing 110kmh in a 50kmh--- but it’s a back road and there are no road laws here!
The ride home gave me a lot of time to reflect and was just a good trip to see the beauty of Ghana in so many different ways. Ghana is beautiful, the people, the land, and the society. Sitting in the bus- reflections will come with another entry.
Thanks all- Love Midge
Album 9 has the pictures from this past weekend....
Wednesday Jess and I went to the orphanage- we meet a lot of new people- Becky- Another volunteer and two sponsors from the UK. Coming home there was some of the worst Accra traffic and fullness at the trotro stations so we sucked it up and got a Taxi and its still took 1hr40min for a usually 30min ride- ahhh.
Thursday I skipped my first class! I skipped drumming. We aren’t learning anything new and I wasn’t really in the mood in the morning to review. I went to the bookstore and got 4 novels for about 7USD- almost new- this is fabulous! Had theatre management and then came back and people wanted to go to Dracula. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go- but it was a very very good show- They like to have audience interaction- but all of the girls were sooo scared of these masked men! Oh well. Worth the about 0.50USD!!!
Friday morning Andi and I headed to Kumasi (hopefully to get tickets early for the game.) We left the university around 11am. We took a trotro to circle (a hub)- from there we could either take a bus or a trotro- we decided to have fun and take the trip of from anywhere 4.5 hours to 9hrs by tro. The tro we got on was almost full so we left by noon which was great. The first half of the trip the West African Transport (Highway) N6 is in major disrepair so your rear hurts. We got to Nkawkaw and everyone got off- and about 20 minutes before this we had hit a storm. So I leaned over and was like Driver are you going to Kumasi and he was like oh I will transfer you- so not even two minutes later another tro came- the Oburonis got wet and we were on our way with a very nice tro full of people wanted to now what we were doing- except for the rain that followed us the whole way we had a pretty uneventful day! We got to the hotel around 6 which was great- grabbed some dinner at the hotel restaurant and went to bed early. There were another 7 ISEPers up there but they did their own thing and we did. Tickets were not going on sale until Sunday morning- but no one knew what time we heard between 7am and 11am! We also meet a tour guide from Mali-
So Saturday Andi and I didn’t want to shop so we decided to go to the Kumasi Fort and Arm Forces Museum. With some help of the front desk at the hotel we got their easily. It was a very nice tour- crazy the amount of wars the Gold Coast/Ghana was in and the things that have been collected. Some of the pieces like the original Ghana flag are here. I was glad Andi agreed to do this. Our tour guide was very good and it lasted about an hour and a half. On the way out we walked around a little and meet a street vendor- not really trying to sell us anything! We talked with him for about an hour and a half. He invited us to a music concert but we weren’t sure on our plans for the evening so we got his number- but it ended up not working and our plans came through so we didn’t go. After walking around a little more we headed back to the hotel. There were at least another 11 people coming up this morning (it ended up being another 15.) So because transportation is all over the place here- I thought maybe we should see if we can get a big tro for all or most of us. So I asked the guy who helped us in the morning if he knew any tro drivers that might charter to Accra for us- He knew someone not with a tro but who manages part of a rental company. Cross is his name! And he is great!!!! He came over we talked about first only 15 of us- but then there was really 24 of us- so long story short we got people to agree to pay 12.50GHC a piece (300 Total- we had to pay Gas both ways because they would be coming back empty- but so worth it)- the bus from Kumasi to Accra alone is 11GHC so it would have been more because when we get to Accra its still far from where we live and it would have been at least after 3am and no tros so we would have had to take Taxis- some people didn’t want to do it at first the bus took us right to Legon. So Andi and I chartered a 28 passenger bus not 24 hours before the game! How I love Ghana. At first you don’t know what is bull here and what is truth but Cross seemed good but we weren’t handing money over to him. So we arranged to go to pay the deposit to the bus company in the morning after we got tickets.
Saturday Night- Andi and I invited Wisdom (Israel’s brother who I have meet in Accra) to go out to dinner. We went to a restaurant a little walk from our hotel and I had the best Chicken Sandwich ever! It is nice to be making more Ghanaian friends and just go out and learn more about the culture and the way of life here. I feel that I have a family of friends here both American and Ghanaian- that I will miss dearly. We were at dinner for almost 3 hours!
Andi and I decided to go early for tickets (fend for yourselves is the game) because no one could tell us anything- we woke at 5am walked over to the stadium we got there and basically it was all of the Oburonis- I think it was a big joke to all of them. We got there they said tickets were going on sale where we were at 7am. Then at about 6:45am they were like not here and the few Ghanaians there ran- we were like whats going on- and someone finally told us we had to go to this other part- but there was like no one there. And at this point we are told tickets arnt going on sale till 9 or was it 11- so we got into lines- but then how corruption pays! We got two tickets in the ‘VIP’ section by bribing a ticket seller with one cedi hours before tickets went on sale. We had great seats with the thanks to Christian a Ghanaian we meet in line- who got us to the ticket guy. They were about 7USD a piece- which is sooo cheep! So we went back to the hotel at 830am to take a nap and then were ready to go pay the deposit. So we called Cross at about 10:45- we got our stuff together checked out of the hotel and waited for him. (Andi was getting very grumpy she knew it and said it and was getting mad at how long it was taking him to get to the hotel- I was trying to stay optimistic). We had been told even though we have tickets we should get there early because of the crowd- so this was cutting into that. So at about 1pm (yup GHANA TIME AGAIN) Cross, Gerry the driver and Abeseriwa picked us up. Cross and these two friends work at the biggest radio station in Kumasi. So we go and pay the deposit at a legit building at the Kumasi Airport with a contract! And then they are like will you make us a jingle? Andi and I are thinking they want us to write one (I jokes only if we get royalties)- but because we had said some things in Twi they wanted to have American with very American Accents to actually record a saying (I am sure if this happens the people will laugh at it!)- and we were pulling into the radio station- they gave us a tour of the station but because another show was being recorded we couldn’t (at this point Andi was pissed but then two seconds later she was laughing and smiling- which I was glad to see and I told her later- and she was like it was fun doing these types of things after we sand the Thong song and some Bob Marley- and danced in the car!). So we meet all of their co-workers and then we went to the rival station so they could drop something off?- we got a picture with our new made friends. We drove through central market to go to the stadium- where they escorted us- when we could have walked but that’s how the men are here to our entrance. We picked up some Ghana gear, lunch and headed in! We were about two hours early but we ate and talked to some people around us. The match started on time and only 1:11min into the game Ghana scored! It was great- but it was the only goal of the whole match so the rest of it was fun to watch- but I wanted some energy! In the section next to us (separated but a big fence was the Benin crowed) they had spirit- were we were sitting was the calm section so nothing to exciting was seen by us- Ghana won the World Cup Qualifier Game! So the game ended Andi and I had the tightest fist formed and some people let us pass nicely but the crowd pushes out. We got out of the stadium (swam the perpendicular way in a huge crowd)- we got back to the hotel and Andi and I had everything we went with! We called Cross- and the bus which was going to leave at 9pm sharp was there around 815pm and we left- ISEP history breaker early. By 835 we were on the road- I was shotty on the bus with a driver who spoke very little English- but it was fun trying to turn on and off the AC when it got cold or when the radio got to load with my little Twi and his little English. But I heard a few “oh s***” from him on big pot holes! We got back to ISH (all the way to our hostel!) by 12:30ish. Record time in comfort. We passed so many police check points and never got stopped which was great. Andi and I felt great getting home- by the time we got home we most likely would have been still in Kumasi if we tried to get a bus or tro back. This was also much safer- people could sleep and not worry about there belongs- paying for connivance is the best- We also gave Cross a little something for his work as facilitator. He also called during the trip to make sure everything was okay and if he needed to translate anything to the driver for us! He is coming to Accra next week or so, so Andi and I might meet up with him and his friends and they want to try to get us to record that jingle still! Lets say though I never want to sit in the front of a car with a working speedometer in Ghana there were times we were doing 110kmh in a 50kmh--- but it’s a back road and there are no road laws here!
The ride home gave me a lot of time to reflect and was just a good trip to see the beauty of Ghana in so many different ways. Ghana is beautiful, the people, the land, and the society. Sitting in the bus- reflections will come with another entry.
Thanks all- Love Midge
Album 9 has the pictures from this past weekend....
Friday, March 27, 2009
The weekend-
I don't feel like writing about the end of my week right now- so when I get back from Kumasi and seeing my first football game! I will update my little hearts content- most likely Monday morning your time.... Wish me luck! I am very excited! (We don't have water- so I can't shower- err- what ever by the end of the day of traveling I will gross anyway-)
Midge
Midge
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Living Life without Regret
So today- I have been to my two classes and am done with the day- and its only 11am! well lets say its a great feeling.
Class review- so the professor started our lecture about "Edufa" a play based in Ghana by a Ghanaian playwrite with "We are going to review this play for everyone but especially for our American student- because all of you read this at level 100." Well then- a special lecture for me! lol- luckily everyone else was taking noted- I understood the play but a few things defiantly got clarified for me. He is a really nice professor- all of mine are/were. My drum professor still like to make fun of me...lol two rhythms don't work for me- I can get one not two!
Plans for this weekend- I am going to Kumasi to go to the Ghana Black Stars against Benin in a world cup qualifying match. Lets say it should be crazy. Which is what brings me to the topic of the day- Living life without regret. At first I was nervous because of the safety of futball games- but I am in Africa where futball is life. So how can I be here for months and not go to a game. I will not let the opportunity pass me by while I am here. So I will go with wide open eyes and the littlest amount of money and enjoy the game! There are a lot of us going up- but I am going to stay with a smaller group- I think its easier and safer to stay with a small group because you are able to travel easier then if you are in a herd of people-
I do not want to take a day that I am here for granted- I want to live each day to its fullest. I haven't traveled in a few weeks and I am excited to go to this!
Thats it-
Class review- so the professor started our lecture about "Edufa" a play based in Ghana by a Ghanaian playwrite with "We are going to review this play for everyone but especially for our American student- because all of you read this at level 100." Well then- a special lecture for me! lol- luckily everyone else was taking noted- I understood the play but a few things defiantly got clarified for me. He is a really nice professor- all of mine are/were. My drum professor still like to make fun of me...lol two rhythms don't work for me- I can get one not two!
Plans for this weekend- I am going to Kumasi to go to the Ghana Black Stars against Benin in a world cup qualifying match. Lets say it should be crazy. Which is what brings me to the topic of the day- Living life without regret. At first I was nervous because of the safety of futball games- but I am in Africa where futball is life. So how can I be here for months and not go to a game. I will not let the opportunity pass me by while I am here. So I will go with wide open eyes and the littlest amount of money and enjoy the game! There are a lot of us going up- but I am going to stay with a smaller group- I think its easier and safer to stay with a small group because you are able to travel easier then if you are in a herd of people-
I do not want to take a day that I am here for granted- I want to live each day to its fullest. I haven't traveled in a few weeks and I am excited to go to this!
Thats it-
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Finding Faith
Finding Faith: So for those who know and don't know for about the last 6 years faith and religion is something that I have been searching for not knowing what I want. For about the last two years with my parents I have been attending the Universal Unitarian Church in Auburn- not often but I think this is as close as I will find to my personal beliefs. People have been asking me about my attendance at service here so this is why I will talk about it today- a Sunday, and on a Sunday I haven't attended service.
I don't know what it is- religion is a big part of everyone's life in Ghana- you can ride a trotro and get a sermon- you can be told by people on the street that by you not attending church on a Sunday you are doing wrong- you can walk around campus and see prayer circles- you can walk around on a Sunday and choice within the campus gates 7 different faiths to practice- you can sit before class and have a fellow student preach to you. What is it that makes Ghanaians faithful followers everyday of their life. We were told robbers pray before their crimes here- why then do they do the crime? We get wake up calls from people on mega phones in the field behind the hostel- waking us to the glory. There are not many people in the states that have this devotion to faith and when we see them most of us think they are crazy. So how is it that a whole country can have the alliance to their faith in that way.
The devotion to faith is amazing to me. Since I have challenged what I believe, what I think, and what I practice I am trying to find out what it is that I want in my faith while here. I have attended the interdenominational church a few times here because I feel it is where I best belong. It is still Christian based- I want to attend a Catholic Mass at some point- most likely later in the semester- just to see- for one I haven't been to a Catholic Mass since Freshmen year of high school.
Faith and spirituality is something that i have thought about a lot in my alone time here. Good morals is most important for our society to work but I don't think if a person decides they don't want to practice a certain religion they are wrong. When I try to explain to people here what the Universal Unitarian (which is the closest to my personal believes that I can find at this point) it is hard- social justice is hard to explain when some men still believe women should be in the home, that homosexuality is against the law here... how do you explain social justice? There are differences on what is against social norms and what is practiced by some. There are people here who accept everyone- but like in the States you have people who do not- so its hard to explain this. At Independence Day- they prayed with both Christian and Muslim prayers- acceptance of all- Social Justice? In a way- but they can't love alike while thinking differently.
So think about what you believe- not what your church says- think about what you want. Just for a minute- explore what you want! Take some time you might realize what you have been practicing you want to strengthen of something that you don't want at all. Explore the other options out there.
Another topic were I just write and see what comes out!
I don't know what it is- religion is a big part of everyone's life in Ghana- you can ride a trotro and get a sermon- you can be told by people on the street that by you not attending church on a Sunday you are doing wrong- you can walk around campus and see prayer circles- you can walk around on a Sunday and choice within the campus gates 7 different faiths to practice- you can sit before class and have a fellow student preach to you. What is it that makes Ghanaians faithful followers everyday of their life. We were told robbers pray before their crimes here- why then do they do the crime? We get wake up calls from people on mega phones in the field behind the hostel- waking us to the glory. There are not many people in the states that have this devotion to faith and when we see them most of us think they are crazy. So how is it that a whole country can have the alliance to their faith in that way.
The devotion to faith is amazing to me. Since I have challenged what I believe, what I think, and what I practice I am trying to find out what it is that I want in my faith while here. I have attended the interdenominational church a few times here because I feel it is where I best belong. It is still Christian based- I want to attend a Catholic Mass at some point- most likely later in the semester- just to see- for one I haven't been to a Catholic Mass since Freshmen year of high school.
Faith and spirituality is something that i have thought about a lot in my alone time here. Good morals is most important for our society to work but I don't think if a person decides they don't want to practice a certain religion they are wrong. When I try to explain to people here what the Universal Unitarian (which is the closest to my personal believes that I can find at this point) it is hard- social justice is hard to explain when some men still believe women should be in the home, that homosexuality is against the law here... how do you explain social justice? There are differences on what is against social norms and what is practiced by some. There are people here who accept everyone- but like in the States you have people who do not- so its hard to explain this. At Independence Day- they prayed with both Christian and Muslim prayers- acceptance of all- Social Justice? In a way- but they can't love alike while thinking differently.
So think about what you believe- not what your church says- think about what you want. Just for a minute- explore what you want! Take some time you might realize what you have been practicing you want to strengthen of something that you don't want at all. Explore the other options out there.
Another topic were I just write and see what comes out!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Tears can not be stopped
Hello-
There are so many lessons that I have learned here- some I can write about some I really can't expressed into words.
Thursday I had my day of classes including going to Circle- (Center of town) to pick up my package. I am glad that Prince and Israel brought me- it is a crazy place! I never have the need to go there so it was my first time- INSANE! It took a while but I got it. I got both Papas and Moms package which was nice. I have about 60 pens to bring to the orphanage! (At this point no packages should be sent- flat mail is okay-) Theatre Management consisted today of a lot of songs being sung in Twi and English! More entertainment for my buck I guess. Theatre Management ended with an argument about when our extra meeting should be- I dont care...
Friday- I hung around the hostel- finished a book. I have had so much time to read- I need to go get some more. We are exchanging within the group- but those are slim picking now. Israel came over and we watched Beauty and the Beast. After seeing the show last week he wanted to see the movie- I hadnt seen it in years- wow!
We then went to see Sarafina- it is a South Africa (pop?) musical about the Apartheid. The book I just finished was about the Apartheid so it felt appropriate. So usually a lot of International students go to the shows- but last night I was the only white Oburoni there- sitting there watching a powerful script (not the best executed but) about the power that the Black Africans (mostly students and teachers- something I want to research more on.) had against the whites was something that I will never forget- the empowerment of Africans, the things that my ancestors did, the things that will never be forgotten, the things that SHOULD NOT be forgotten- history tends to repeat itself and we need to stop that from happening. There were a few times that I was on the verge of tears- the actions, the songs, the torches, the music all moved me in a way that I really can not say. African folk songs were joined in by the audience- in their local languages, in English, and some humming. I wish every person who has every thought about Africans both here and the USA do not have a pride that we only wish we could- have sat there and felt the vibration and the soul that filled the ampli-theatre.
Side note: Theatre safety Midge- real fire was used many many times- very close to the audience, the actors, the set! AHHHH. Stage Combat- they really hit, kick, punch, slap the people!!! AHHH!!!!
I am around this weekend- plans changed- major lesson: be flexible, be patient, enjoy yourself- something I need to take back with me....
Thats all.
Midge
There are so many lessons that I have learned here- some I can write about some I really can't expressed into words.
Thursday I had my day of classes including going to Circle- (Center of town) to pick up my package. I am glad that Prince and Israel brought me- it is a crazy place! I never have the need to go there so it was my first time- INSANE! It took a while but I got it. I got both Papas and Moms package which was nice. I have about 60 pens to bring to the orphanage! (At this point no packages should be sent- flat mail is okay-) Theatre Management consisted today of a lot of songs being sung in Twi and English! More entertainment for my buck I guess. Theatre Management ended with an argument about when our extra meeting should be- I dont care...
Friday- I hung around the hostel- finished a book. I have had so much time to read- I need to go get some more. We are exchanging within the group- but those are slim picking now. Israel came over and we watched Beauty and the Beast. After seeing the show last week he wanted to see the movie- I hadnt seen it in years- wow!
We then went to see Sarafina- it is a South Africa (pop?) musical about the Apartheid. The book I just finished was about the Apartheid so it felt appropriate. So usually a lot of International students go to the shows- but last night I was the only white Oburoni there- sitting there watching a powerful script (not the best executed but) about the power that the Black Africans (mostly students and teachers- something I want to research more on.) had against the whites was something that I will never forget- the empowerment of Africans, the things that my ancestors did, the things that will never be forgotten, the things that SHOULD NOT be forgotten- history tends to repeat itself and we need to stop that from happening. There were a few times that I was on the verge of tears- the actions, the songs, the torches, the music all moved me in a way that I really can not say. African folk songs were joined in by the audience- in their local languages, in English, and some humming. I wish every person who has every thought about Africans both here and the USA do not have a pride that we only wish we could- have sat there and felt the vibration and the soul that filled the ampli-theatre.
Side note: Theatre safety Midge- real fire was used many many times- very close to the audience, the actors, the set! AHHHH. Stage Combat- they really hit, kick, punch, slap the people!!! AHHH!!!!
I am around this weekend- plans changed- major lesson: be flexible, be patient, enjoy yourself- something I need to take back with me....
Thats all.
Midge
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Dad!
Happy Birthday Dad- the video will be coming!
Photo Album 8 is also started- more soon!
Photo Album 8 is also started- more soon!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Update!
So I need to come clean about something for the next story to make true sense to people. I am currently being courted by a Ghanaian (in American terms- Dating) His name is Israel, he is a 3rd year theatre management major. We have known each other since week 2 or 3 here and the rest is sorta history. Well we have two classes together and this morning in Play Analysis the lecturer said a phrase in the local language of Twi (which I am studying but did not understand) and he said one of you can translate it for the Oburoni (foreigner) The whole class (of about 300 students from front and back) started yelling (in a friendly way) that Israel should translate it for his mpena (girlfriend). We think that Theatre/Drama departments are bad at home (Sorry guys)- here is a department with over 1200 students and they all know (It might help a little that I am an Oburoni). I know it must be exciting for them and all- but some days I just wished I was in the states where no one cares who is dating who (haha yea right?) and what race they are (that part is true). I am able to look at this with a whole set of eyes that most Americans will not be able to ever experience. I am thankful for that in so many ways. What doesn't break us only makes us stronger, right? I do not wish going back to the states really- and I do not wish it to be different. It is something that if right will be right- I came to Ghana looking for a challenge. A challenge physically, emotionally and socially that I feel I have sailed into comfortably which I am truly thankful for. This is not the first time that things have been said about us- but I am getting use to it- I think it’s more of a way of acknowledging the relationship then chastising it- if that makes sense! The way that most of the students act here you would think we were in high school sometimes. Like when at theatre shows and the people on stage kiss- you would think they have never seen people on TV or Movies kissing. I think it is pretty funny because they do watch it all the time. I think the big difference is that it is live and not tapped.
Today in drumming we had another crazy- it is a daily occurrence now. (We are ready to take our final- but we can't yet- it would be great if we could because then we don't have to deal with the crazies) What's in the air? This older man came and he started preaching at first our prof wouldn't have of it...but I don't know the guy just started dancing he told us we are children of god and we must play and dance his praises. He then asked one of the girls for her watch and she said no- he slightly slapped her for saying no- its not uncommon to see that happen here- even when you do not know the person and the prof was like get away- he danced some more and then left with no force.
Classes are so much fun here! A day does not go by without some type of excitement or entertainment. The people who have decided not to go to classes here I think are missing out on the fun! I mean with all the stories I have of class wouldn't you want to go?? We are also here to learn and it’s disappointing that there is not the yearning to learn from the group that I thought I would see. There is a lot to learn both in and out of the classes but it’s all apart of the process.
So Thursday- its official I am going to get my package. Israel and my friend Prince will be taking me to the post office. They told me girls should not go to that area of town alone (and being white sorta sticks you out as well). It is nice of them to offer. I like the whole escorting thing-- its something we don't get much at home!
I have sorta forgotten about all of the silly holidays in the USA that we have. St. Patty's day is today- I might go out with the group tonight just because I have been out to any of the night life here- If there is no cover I will go. I just don't feel like spending a ton of money when I don't drink.
So Happy St. Patty’s day-
Midge
Today in drumming we had another crazy- it is a daily occurrence now. (We are ready to take our final- but we can't yet- it would be great if we could because then we don't have to deal with the crazies) What's in the air? This older man came and he started preaching at first our prof wouldn't have of it...but I don't know the guy just started dancing he told us we are children of god and we must play and dance his praises. He then asked one of the girls for her watch and she said no- he slightly slapped her for saying no- its not uncommon to see that happen here- even when you do not know the person and the prof was like get away- he danced some more and then left with no force.
Classes are so much fun here! A day does not go by without some type of excitement or entertainment. The people who have decided not to go to classes here I think are missing out on the fun! I mean with all the stories I have of class wouldn't you want to go?? We are also here to learn and it’s disappointing that there is not the yearning to learn from the group that I thought I would see. There is a lot to learn both in and out of the classes but it’s all apart of the process.
So Thursday- its official I am going to get my package. Israel and my friend Prince will be taking me to the post office. They told me girls should not go to that area of town alone (and being white sorta sticks you out as well). It is nice of them to offer. I like the whole escorting thing-- its something we don't get much at home!
I have sorta forgotten about all of the silly holidays in the USA that we have. St. Patty's day is today- I might go out with the group tonight just because I have been out to any of the night life here- If there is no cover I will go. I just don't feel like spending a ton of money when I don't drink.
So Happy St. Patty’s day-
Midge
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A Day In The Life
So today like the early post said I was going to the Orphanage. So its Sunday so we got to do things other then homework. The older children had chores but not all day. So a reading, dancing, watching TV, futball and learning how to really do my laundry and a cooking lesson until they all settled down for Lunch. After lunch I took Felix for a walk for a little surprise- we were going to get Ice Cream- not really but its what they have here. Its called Fan Milk (Cream frozen in a sachet type bag- three flavours- yogo (strawberry) Chocolate and Vanilla- I get all the names screwed up so I wont even try. So we ventured and found a seller- after explaining with not much luck but then a little smile from Felix and he came to the orphanage. The children could not have been happier! It was great. I was going around to all the kids and little Kofi who is 2 decided to squirt me with his Fan Milk- it was so cute- gross- but cute! So after a little clean up I headed home. (I was planning on leaving soon- he didnt make me want to leave.) The children had the camera again- they took about 175 pictures... I got it down to about 50- they take a lot that arn't really of anything but these are great memories compared if I take them! Thats all- goodnight
Midge
Midge
Its Sunday Morning
So I am heading to the orphanage in a little while to spend the afternoon with the kids. It should be good- because we will actually be able to play and not just do studies but some of them want to work on their studies- so I will do what ever they want!
I will be heading to the post office early in the morning to pick up a package from Mom and Dad- that should not have been stopped but was- so hopefully taxes won't be too much on it. I am not good at the bribing thing so I think I will just pay what ever they ask for- Some of the group has been bribing but I just don't think I can do it... I guess that is a good thing.
Last night I stayed in and watched Wall-E it is such a cute movie- we can buy disks here that have like 5-10 movies for 5cedi, about 4USD. Its nice to have movies/tv seasons to watch. Some of them work and some of them don't but they exchange the ones that don't so its all good.
Thats it for today-
Midge
I will be heading to the post office early in the morning to pick up a package from Mom and Dad- that should not have been stopped but was- so hopefully taxes won't be too much on it. I am not good at the bribing thing so I think I will just pay what ever they ask for- Some of the group has been bribing but I just don't think I can do it... I guess that is a good thing.
Last night I stayed in and watched Wall-E it is such a cute movie- we can buy disks here that have like 5-10 movies for 5cedi, about 4USD. Its nice to have movies/tv seasons to watch. Some of them work and some of them don't but they exchange the ones that don't so its all good.
Thats it for today-
Midge
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The weekend is here!
What really is a weekend in Ghana? Basically my week days are Tuesday and Thursday- and if you consider going to the orphanage work (I don't) then Wednesday. But the technically weekend that people refer to is here. Many of my friends are traveling- I decided to opt out so I can go to the orphanage and relax. Last night even with a little rain it did not deter me from going to see Beauty and the Beast with Jessica, Jess, Ryan T, Melissa, Lorin, and Israel. There are a few canopies but basically the theatre is open- it didn't down pour but it did rain for about the first hour.... The show was the junior version- which I think they could have done the whole one if they had -a bigger stage and more rehearsal time. The show was very enjoyable they did have a few sound problems most likely rain related, and also not the best equipment. For some people like Israel who have never seen the movie the stage version is confusing (especially with some costumes that were not very clear on what they were). But I helped him out and a few of the other randoms around me to know what was going on. Ghanaian theatre is very different for one- the audience is very vocal. When Belle and the Beast were kissing you would have thought we were at a futball game. Yelling, cheering, standing up, cattle calls from some guys. It is very interesting because at home we would never witness that. People yell out we can't "see your voice" meaning hear when someone is not projecting enough- seems like a common theme all around- something they should work on- Almost every show has had that problem. But all in all it was fun.
I came back and unexpectedly Jane the seamstress was here- my top still needs some alterations but the two skirts are done! I can't decided if I want to get a dress made- I just don't think I will wear it- So IDK.
Today is a lay low kind of day. Just gonna read, maybe go buy a DVD and watch some movies if I can find one that works. Tomorrow I haven't fully decided on plans- It is communion week at the interdenominational church which means it most likely will be longer, I might go to the Catholic Church but it is lent- and lent masses at home are torture- I don't know if I could sit through one here (After Easter I will go I think). I should be leaving at 12ish for the Orphanage so if the interdenominational is very long I won't be able to get on the road when I want to- so I think i will skip church this week. (Long explanation for nothing- I know.)
Thats it for now- Leave some loving.
Midge
I came back and unexpectedly Jane the seamstress was here- my top still needs some alterations but the two skirts are done! I can't decided if I want to get a dress made- I just don't think I will wear it- So IDK.
Today is a lay low kind of day. Just gonna read, maybe go buy a DVD and watch some movies if I can find one that works. Tomorrow I haven't fully decided on plans- It is communion week at the interdenominational church which means it most likely will be longer, I might go to the Catholic Church but it is lent- and lent masses at home are torture- I don't know if I could sit through one here (After Easter I will go I think). I should be leaving at 12ish for the Orphanage so if the interdenominational is very long I won't be able to get on the road when I want to- so I think i will skip church this week. (Long explanation for nothing- I know.)
Thats it for now- Leave some loving.
Midge
Thursday, March 12, 2009
the week is almost over?
Hello All,
Yesterday was a great day. The trotro rides were uneventful! which is always very nice. We arrived at the orphanage and the children soon arrived and we set off on arithmetic, algebra, telling time, and long division. It was all very fun. I took many photos but then the children (with the lanyard around their necks) took my camera to take some photos. Some of them were very nice but some of them were- well they are kids... There are more photos in Ghana 7 of the visit and the ISEP dinner that we had last night.
Off to drumming and Theatre Management!
Midge
Yesterday was a great day. The trotro rides were uneventful! which is always very nice. We arrived at the orphanage and the children soon arrived and we set off on arithmetic, algebra, telling time, and long division. It was all very fun. I took many photos but then the children (with the lanyard around their necks) took my camera to take some photos. Some of them were very nice but some of them were- well they are kids... There are more photos in Ghana 7 of the visit and the ISEP dinner that we had last night.
Off to drumming and Theatre Management!
Midge
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Quick!!!
Hello-
Class and such today- nothing to exciting. Hopefully the kids will have their smiles ready for me tomorrow so you can all see their faces!!!
Midge
Class and such today- nothing to exciting. Hopefully the kids will have their smiles ready for me tomorrow so you can all see their faces!!!
Midge
Monday, March 9, 2009
Cold in Africa??
Hello!
So the weekend- Saturday Andi, Ryan, Johnny, Dehlia, Richmond (Ghanaian), myself, and Israel went to a jazz and praise concert. It was more Jazz then praise but that's fine. They had a very nice rig for the set-up. It started at 5pm (and basically started on time) they had so many artists that they had to cut some of them short because there was a show that was suppose to start at 7:30 and they went all the way to 7:30 and they had to strike the show and set up the theatre's show furniture. It was a very good show- watch out Lyman Jazz! Pictures will be up soon (If album 7 is there then that means they are up). Hopefully the show started close to on time. Some of us were going to stay but decided not to. That night we headed back and relaxed.
Sunday I went to church only 2hours 15minutes this time. I came back here started reading my homework took an 1hour 30min nap, finished reading- got dinner very early which was good because the next things winds turned and a storm came. It lasted for awhile. Everything has cooled down and I am sorry to say I am chilled. It is 76 out and I am saying this- oh what my body does to me! I am sure tomorrow I will complain how hot it is because its suppose to get to 100 with humidity this week!
This week is mellow- Beauty and the Beast is this weekend- and I will get to see it- which I didn't think I would be able to- which is exciting. I know like 5-7 people in it from my classes. I am also want to go to the W.E.B. du Blois center this week- I think- I am going to the orphanage Wednesday with plenty of batteries!!! Just a little of this and that. The weekends are getting short in number.
Thank you for all of the comments about the smelly elephants! I am sure they are smelly but it would still have been great. Instead I might change a baby's diaper just so I don't miss out completely!
<3 Midge
So the weekend- Saturday Andi, Ryan, Johnny, Dehlia, Richmond (Ghanaian), myself, and Israel went to a jazz and praise concert. It was more Jazz then praise but that's fine. They had a very nice rig for the set-up. It started at 5pm (and basically started on time) they had so many artists that they had to cut some of them short because there was a show that was suppose to start at 7:30 and they went all the way to 7:30 and they had to strike the show and set up the theatre's show furniture. It was a very good show- watch out Lyman Jazz! Pictures will be up soon (If album 7 is there then that means they are up). Hopefully the show started close to on time. Some of us were going to stay but decided not to. That night we headed back and relaxed.
Sunday I went to church only 2hours 15minutes this time. I came back here started reading my homework took an 1hour 30min nap, finished reading- got dinner very early which was good because the next things winds turned and a storm came. It lasted for awhile. Everything has cooled down and I am sorry to say I am chilled. It is 76 out and I am saying this- oh what my body does to me! I am sure tomorrow I will complain how hot it is because its suppose to get to 100 with humidity this week!
This week is mellow- Beauty and the Beast is this weekend- and I will get to see it- which I didn't think I would be able to- which is exciting. I know like 5-7 people in it from my classes. I am also want to go to the W.E.B. du Blois center this week- I think- I am going to the orphanage Wednesday with plenty of batteries!!! Just a little of this and that. The weekends are getting short in number.
Thank you for all of the comments about the smelly elephants! I am sure they are smelly but it would still have been great. Instead I might change a baby's diaper just so I don't miss out completely!
<3 Midge
Friday, March 6, 2009
Some sad news-
So because of time constants in both the number of weekends and the time that it takes to get to Mole National Park- I will be unable to see Elephants in the Wild. I am okay with this- Its does make me a little upset but there are so many things to do- and for a 20 hour trip there and then back and the increase on prices because that's how things go- and our ISEP trip is not running- I have opted out on this trip to do the things that will culturally awaken me. The End- Midge
It was Independence Day!!!!
So today was Ghana's 52nd Birthday- i think we should all sing Happy Birthday!!!!! Ready 1, 2, 3! Well a group of us ventured out at 6am this morning to make it to Independence Square for the start of the parade. We arrived after breakfast on the run, trotro ride, and walk over around 8am- and they started at around 8:30 for a 9am start- early----I don't get it! The marching of military, schools, and other groups started. The photos are up- Album 6 so have a look. After the groups marched in to a military band the ministry and President of Ghana arrived. Great excitement ensued within the grounds as they made their way around. The flame was then lit- canons went off, planes flew over- the president spoke and the end. It was all very slow but over in no time. It was a lot of fun! Very crowed- and as we were leaving a group of Canadians who are here at Legon for 2months on nursing rotations asked us if we wanted to ride back with them- we were screaming and yelling the whole way back- a bus of Oburonis yelling Happy Independence Day- the trotro drives were honking at us and having a good old time. We were back at the hostel by 11:15- all this excitement and now I am back relaxing for a two day show tomorrow. We were going to see a concert downtown this afternoon but everyone backed out on me... but its okay- there will be more!
Also a few photos from the orphanage are up- my batteries dies on Wed when I was there- I will bring spares for next week!
Thats all- leave some loving!
Midge
Also a few photos from the orphanage are up- my batteries dies on Wed when I was there- I will bring spares for next week!
Thats all- leave some loving!
Midge
Independence Day
Its Independence Day- Gone to do what the Ghanaians do! Dance, Sing, and Have a good old time!!!! Photos and update will come when I recover from a 6am-???? day!!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TroTro Rule Number 1- You are not single: engaged or married is best!
So today was very interesting on the tros- basically all 4 trips has a story.
Chapter One- Legon to 37th Station.
Jessica and I headed to Teshie Orphanage to help out. The first tro was a little difficult to get but we finally boarded one. A stop after ours a man got on and started praying, singing, clapping in the name of Jesus. Not sure his message it was half English/ half Twi. We arrived at 37 and headed to the Teshie Tros.
Chapter Two- 37th to Lescala.
We were the last two for the tro from the station which is nice- because if you are the first one you sweat until its full! The man next to me ask me questions about why I was here and what we were doing- it was nice. He has very broken English so it was a little difficult but it was a nice trip.
Chapter Three- Lescala to 37th.
Jess and I with a shake of a hand (yup its that easy) get a tro to 37th. We entered and we were the only females. The man next to me in brief- asked me to take him to the states and marry him. His friends also asked- so 3 in one day....not to bad- just joking. Its not unusual but 3 in one trip really???
Chapter Four- 37th to Legon:
We waited in line for not too long and got a tro that decided to take the off road route which was fine until we got to a spot where one of the lovely Ghanaian police men was to stop us and make us turn around. So instead of saving like 20 minutes in traffic we added another 30. Bribe I guess didn't work this time. But we are back and un harmed....
But the orphanage was great today. Kofi who is two finally got close to me and was sad when I left today he sat and played with me the whole time- he better not be gone next week. My twins- yes MY TWINS! are gone- they went to a home, their home, idk- some type of home. I took a few photos but my batteries died and i didnt have spares so I will bring it back again and again- I will upload soon- after Friday and Saturdays activities! We are going to the beach April 10th- please all start praying now that we have a nice day with no rain!!!!!
Thats my day- Oh the joys of African Life- I will miss them but some things I will be glad not to deal with any more....
Midge
Chapter One- Legon to 37th Station.
Jessica and I headed to Teshie Orphanage to help out. The first tro was a little difficult to get but we finally boarded one. A stop after ours a man got on and started praying, singing, clapping in the name of Jesus. Not sure his message it was half English/ half Twi. We arrived at 37 and headed to the Teshie Tros.
Chapter Two- 37th to Lescala.
We were the last two for the tro from the station which is nice- because if you are the first one you sweat until its full! The man next to me ask me questions about why I was here and what we were doing- it was nice. He has very broken English so it was a little difficult but it was a nice trip.
Chapter Three- Lescala to 37th.
Jess and I with a shake of a hand (yup its that easy) get a tro to 37th. We entered and we were the only females. The man next to me in brief- asked me to take him to the states and marry him. His friends also asked- so 3 in one day....not to bad- just joking. Its not unusual but 3 in one trip really???
Chapter Four- 37th to Legon:
We waited in line for not too long and got a tro that decided to take the off road route which was fine until we got to a spot where one of the lovely Ghanaian police men was to stop us and make us turn around. So instead of saving like 20 minutes in traffic we added another 30. Bribe I guess didn't work this time. But we are back and un harmed....
But the orphanage was great today. Kofi who is two finally got close to me and was sad when I left today he sat and played with me the whole time- he better not be gone next week. My twins- yes MY TWINS! are gone- they went to a home, their home, idk- some type of home. I took a few photos but my batteries died and i didnt have spares so I will bring it back again and again- I will upload soon- after Friday and Saturdays activities! We are going to the beach April 10th- please all start praying now that we have a nice day with no rain!!!!!
Thats my day- Oh the joys of African Life- I will miss them but some things I will be glad not to deal with any more....
Midge
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hmm- oh the things that make you laugh!
A Story Part 1: (Cute Chapter)
The other afternoon/evening Andi and I went to the night market to get some food. There is a central part that splits the market in two and there were a bunch of kids- they usually say hello and thats about it. But two of the boys said and I quote "I Love you Baby, I love you" At first both of us were thinking they were talking to the little Ghanaian girls with them- but then they started following us- and kept saying it. They were like 7-9 years old so it was cute and all of the ladies in the market were laughing. Kids say the darnedest things?
A Story Part 2: (Not so cute chapter)
Today in drumming- location drum circle at front of campus- near a very busy street!
We were about 10 minutes into class when this very weird man walked over- he had a jean jacket on with no shirt on and jeans that were unbuttoned-where we could clearly see his red boxers. So for about 10 minutes he watched and our professor said that he needs to leave. He didn't and our prof was nice about it- so we actually got to the point were we were playing the song through and he started dancing- this time the professor asked him in Twi to leave and the guy said something back (not sure)... and then he lite something- i though it was a cigarette until he put it out for a while. When again in English, a little angrier our prof asked him to leave. we continued playing and he lite the thing he was smoking again and since the winds had changed slightly we all realized it was not a cig but a joint that he was smoking. Luckily the next thing a porter was walking by- our professor was mad now and told the porter that he needs to leave. So he finally left. After he was way gone- our prof said he kept saying he enjoyed watching the ladies--- Adults do NOT say the darnedest things! ewww...it made Andi and I very uncomfortable... but whatever. Smoking pot is illegal here and has a sentence of 10 years in a work prison- I really wish it was the police not a porter who came! The prof was laughing after- "something to write home about!"
A Story Part 3: (Not cute at all)
You remember those ant hills- well I have had a few mini invasions in my room- but nothing Raid can not handle. But little rascals come by unexpected. They come out of my keyboard? They are found crawling on me- they really like me? They just show up- and they don’t die easily- they are so small I don’t get it. Ant that don’t die aren’t cute.
A Story Part 4:
Lizard mating season has begun. The hostel is alive with mating. I have seen numerous pairs- can’t wait for all the new rug rats to be running around. I have a new gecko in my room- Smaller then Bob. I don’t mind- he is a little more active then Bob. He shows up and runs around the room collecting those nasty bugs! They are good to have around.
Twi has 5 more classes left which is crazy...
I go to the orphanage tomorrow with Jess- who wants to start volunteering there as well. Which should be fun.
We are going to have a long day on Friday- we need to leave here like 630am to get to the festival before it starts and also to get good seat! Should be a lot of fun though!!!!
<3 Midge
The other afternoon/evening Andi and I went to the night market to get some food. There is a central part that splits the market in two and there were a bunch of kids- they usually say hello and thats about it. But two of the boys said and I quote "I Love you Baby, I love you" At first both of us were thinking they were talking to the little Ghanaian girls with them- but then they started following us- and kept saying it. They were like 7-9 years old so it was cute and all of the ladies in the market were laughing. Kids say the darnedest things?
A Story Part 2: (Not so cute chapter)
Today in drumming- location drum circle at front of campus- near a very busy street!
We were about 10 minutes into class when this very weird man walked over- he had a jean jacket on with no shirt on and jeans that were unbuttoned-where we could clearly see his red boxers. So for about 10 minutes he watched and our professor said that he needs to leave. He didn't and our prof was nice about it- so we actually got to the point were we were playing the song through and he started dancing- this time the professor asked him in Twi to leave and the guy said something back (not sure)... and then he lite something- i though it was a cigarette until he put it out for a while. When again in English, a little angrier our prof asked him to leave. we continued playing and he lite the thing he was smoking again and since the winds had changed slightly we all realized it was not a cig but a joint that he was smoking. Luckily the next thing a porter was walking by- our professor was mad now and told the porter that he needs to leave. So he finally left. After he was way gone- our prof said he kept saying he enjoyed watching the ladies--- Adults do NOT say the darnedest things! ewww...it made Andi and I very uncomfortable... but whatever. Smoking pot is illegal here and has a sentence of 10 years in a work prison- I really wish it was the police not a porter who came! The prof was laughing after- "something to write home about!"
A Story Part 3: (Not cute at all)
You remember those ant hills- well I have had a few mini invasions in my room- but nothing Raid can not handle. But little rascals come by unexpected. They come out of my keyboard? They are found crawling on me- they really like me? They just show up- and they don’t die easily- they are so small I don’t get it. Ant that don’t die aren’t cute.
A Story Part 4:
Lizard mating season has begun. The hostel is alive with mating. I have seen numerous pairs- can’t wait for all the new rug rats to be running around. I have a new gecko in my room- Smaller then Bob. I don’t mind- he is a little more active then Bob. He shows up and runs around the room collecting those nasty bugs! They are good to have around.
Twi has 5 more classes left which is crazy...
I go to the orphanage tomorrow with Jess- who wants to start volunteering there as well. Which should be fun.
We are going to have a long day on Friday- we need to leave here like 630am to get to the festival before it starts and also to get good seat! Should be a lot of fun though!!!!
<3 Midge
The woes continue
So yesterday- all of the woes continued. But I am fine with it as long as it doesn't last too long- the bathrooms can only handle so much! I didn't go to the Orphanage yesterday but am going Wednesday because we had major rainstorms that I got caught in. I called them to let them know and they were fine with it- I was planning on going twice this week- hopefully I can get my sleep pattern back to something normal- waking up at 4am is not needed. I tell you is not needed. So full day of classes today- Twi is almost over which is crazy! That means we are almost half way- Andi likes to remind me March 16 is the half way point. This is just a quick update for I have to head to class in a few minutes. More visits to the hospital for others continue- I want to lock myself in my room and not be near them. Its independence day this Friday- should be an experience! and then some other concert type things this weekend.
Thats it.
Midge
Thats it.
Midge
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Electricty, Water and Internet Woes
So the last week has been interesting in the situation in the hostel. We were with out power for some days (not continually) and water was down for over a day and I took my first bucket shower- I think it really isn't that bad, but a lot more work- so I will take regular ones over bucket! Internet is fine now- for how long no one knows- power is back- I don't care during the day but at night it wont be fun. Water though- lets just say no water is the worse- no toilets, showers or sinks- not a pretty sight or smell.
I went to the hospital with Ryan yesterday- he got a second opinion and found out the first meds they gave him he was basically allergic to. So hopefully this new doctor got it right. The hospital wasn't too bad- and the doctor he saw was very nice. Andi and I waited in the hallway- I was trying to get in touch with one of the other girls about the plans for the night but had no reception and I was like I guess we are in a dead zone- well not the best thing to say in a hospital....but I don't think anyone heard me but Andi!
A group of us- Andi, Ryan, Mal, Jess, Israel and I went to dinner and then to the show Dinner for Promotion at the Ampi-Theatre! This was the first time going to this space. It is on the hill at the north of campus. It is old fashion ampi-theatre. Brick walls are basically the seating with the curved sides. It is so nice just like at the other space to be outside. This show was much more well put together then the show last weekend. It was long but it flowed very nicely. It is next to Commonwealth Hall (Dorm) known for the wild boys of campus- they were a little rude they were making comments in Twi (very loudly)of course I don't know what they were saying but the Ghanaians kept laughing- so who knows.
Andi, Ryan, Israel, maybe Jess, and I are going to service again this morning. Hopefully it doesn't last as long as last week! This is Ryan and Jess's first time. Our group gets bigger each week. There are other people who go from ISEP as well, we can never find them though, But we won't be late this week either, so maybe we can find them this week- they change the time randomly and that is why we were late last week- and they aren't the only ones!
This week has been difficult for home/school "Sickness"- I know its the combination that this is the first Southern Show I haven't seen opened this weekend. I went to two shows the weekend, Its week 8, lots of birthdays at home, random people showing up in my friend requests on Facebook- for a good reason, the combination of the title of this entry, waking up so early in the morning to see all my friends still online from the night before! I guess that would be the combination of why I am having this "sickness". But I am fine!
That's it for now- Midge
I went to the hospital with Ryan yesterday- he got a second opinion and found out the first meds they gave him he was basically allergic to. So hopefully this new doctor got it right. The hospital wasn't too bad- and the doctor he saw was very nice. Andi and I waited in the hallway- I was trying to get in touch with one of the other girls about the plans for the night but had no reception and I was like I guess we are in a dead zone- well not the best thing to say in a hospital....but I don't think anyone heard me but Andi!
A group of us- Andi, Ryan, Mal, Jess, Israel and I went to dinner and then to the show Dinner for Promotion at the Ampi-Theatre! This was the first time going to this space. It is on the hill at the north of campus. It is old fashion ampi-theatre. Brick walls are basically the seating with the curved sides. It is so nice just like at the other space to be outside. This show was much more well put together then the show last weekend. It was long but it flowed very nicely. It is next to Commonwealth Hall (Dorm) known for the wild boys of campus- they were a little rude they were making comments in Twi (very loudly)of course I don't know what they were saying but the Ghanaians kept laughing- so who knows.
Andi, Ryan, Israel, maybe Jess, and I are going to service again this morning. Hopefully it doesn't last as long as last week! This is Ryan and Jess's first time. Our group gets bigger each week. There are other people who go from ISEP as well, we can never find them though, But we won't be late this week either, so maybe we can find them this week- they change the time randomly and that is why we were late last week- and they aren't the only ones!
This week has been difficult for home/school "Sickness"- I know its the combination that this is the first Southern Show I haven't seen opened this weekend. I went to two shows the weekend, Its week 8, lots of birthdays at home, random people showing up in my friend requests on Facebook- for a good reason, the combination of the title of this entry, waking up so early in the morning to see all my friends still online from the night before! I guess that would be the combination of why I am having this "sickness". But I am fine!
That's it for now- Midge
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Can A Smile Get Any Bigger???
Wednesday:
Wow! So we are having our second exam in Twi today. That means in about 2 or 3 weeks this class will be done. It’s enjoyable and I feel like this is a language I could actually be good in- but in 3 months you will not become fluent- I can say more things in Twi then in my 4 years of French- it’s a very easy language, I actually use it almost everyday. Twice a week is a lot, and it’s at such a weird time. The rest of the day is mine- no huge plans. We might go out for dinner- it’s been awhile since we did that, I don’t know though. Yesterday was same old same day Tuesday. I am finally getting most of the second song- but we are moving on to the third so I don’t know how much I will actually remember. April 17th is the last day of classes- so that means we have 7 weeks of classes- so that final will be within the next 7 weeks- and we still have to learn the 3rd song… and I can’t really remember the 1st one. Hopefully we will do a lot of review! I was speaking to some of my Ghanaian friends and they can’t remember their songs either and they have been doing this for 3 years so I don’t feel as bad.
Last night there was a futball game, some people were watching it on the top floor of the building- if that is the noise at a hostel watching the game of TV I cannot even imagine the noise at the actual game. Let’s just say I can not wait to go! I think we are going the last weekend in March- one of the girl’s birthdays is that weekend- which would be a lot of fun. There are so many things on the list- but I would rather do these types of things- more culture that way! Going on trips is great but most of the time you don’t learn about the culture- you lay on the beach- I want to take ever moment and learn the most I can about Ghanaian culture. That’s why I am here. Not to party and go to clubs or lay on the beach. Don’t get me wrong its nice but am I really reaching out and learning?
Our group has been plagued with sickness this week. I think I total of 5 people have been to the hospital for varying things. Dehlia spend 2 nights- she had a bacteria infection of some sort. Ryan still hasn’t gotten his results- but he is feeling better, Kaci has a cyst on her eye, Sonja has been sick-don’t know if she went to the hospital- maybe just the clinic, Danielle has Malaria for the second time on the trip, I believe…that’s I think it. A lot of this is through others so who knows what is really going on. As a group we were good until now. Hopefully this will be the week and we won’t have anything else. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I think that is about it for now- two shows this weekend. Vagina Monologues on Thursday and Dinner for Promotion on Saturday- looking forward to both, and now that I know people in both it makes it better! I actually helped one of the Ghanaians the other day with her lines- I felt like I was at home again. I think I might go to the orphanage on Sunday for the day- I have to call to make sure that’s okay- but I figured the kids are home, I am around this weekend- I should go.
<3 Midge
Thursday:
Today I woke up to a rain storm- drum class was canceled. Theatre Management took place in the hottest, sweetest, a stinky room ever. Part of the campus has been out of power for about 2 days... so no fans- no wind makes for a stinky and hot classroom. Thankfully about 30 minutes before class closed the power came- FANS!!! Yea- Israel and I walked to the night market and meet up with a group of people and had dinner. About 14 ISEPers went to see Jenn and Alyssa in the Vagina Monologues. I need to see it next year at Southern to compare the shows- because I know they are very different! I am about to head to bed since it is 11pm- late for me... I dont know what I am doing tomorrow- but for now. Peace and love. Midge
Wow! So we are having our second exam in Twi today. That means in about 2 or 3 weeks this class will be done. It’s enjoyable and I feel like this is a language I could actually be good in- but in 3 months you will not become fluent- I can say more things in Twi then in my 4 years of French- it’s a very easy language, I actually use it almost everyday. Twice a week is a lot, and it’s at such a weird time. The rest of the day is mine- no huge plans. We might go out for dinner- it’s been awhile since we did that, I don’t know though. Yesterday was same old same day Tuesday. I am finally getting most of the second song- but we are moving on to the third so I don’t know how much I will actually remember. April 17th is the last day of classes- so that means we have 7 weeks of classes- so that final will be within the next 7 weeks- and we still have to learn the 3rd song… and I can’t really remember the 1st one. Hopefully we will do a lot of review! I was speaking to some of my Ghanaian friends and they can’t remember their songs either and they have been doing this for 3 years so I don’t feel as bad.
Last night there was a futball game, some people were watching it on the top floor of the building- if that is the noise at a hostel watching the game of TV I cannot even imagine the noise at the actual game. Let’s just say I can not wait to go! I think we are going the last weekend in March- one of the girl’s birthdays is that weekend- which would be a lot of fun. There are so many things on the list- but I would rather do these types of things- more culture that way! Going on trips is great but most of the time you don’t learn about the culture- you lay on the beach- I want to take ever moment and learn the most I can about Ghanaian culture. That’s why I am here. Not to party and go to clubs or lay on the beach. Don’t get me wrong its nice but am I really reaching out and learning?
Our group has been plagued with sickness this week. I think I total of 5 people have been to the hospital for varying things. Dehlia spend 2 nights- she had a bacteria infection of some sort. Ryan still hasn’t gotten his results- but he is feeling better, Kaci has a cyst on her eye, Sonja has been sick-don’t know if she went to the hospital- maybe just the clinic, Danielle has Malaria for the second time on the trip, I believe…that’s I think it. A lot of this is through others so who knows what is really going on. As a group we were good until now. Hopefully this will be the week and we won’t have anything else. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I think that is about it for now- two shows this weekend. Vagina Monologues on Thursday and Dinner for Promotion on Saturday- looking forward to both, and now that I know people in both it makes it better! I actually helped one of the Ghanaians the other day with her lines- I felt like I was at home again. I think I might go to the orphanage on Sunday for the day- I have to call to make sure that’s okay- but I figured the kids are home, I am around this weekend- I should go.
<3 Midge
Thursday:
Today I woke up to a rain storm- drum class was canceled. Theatre Management took place in the hottest, sweetest, a stinky room ever. Part of the campus has been out of power for about 2 days... so no fans- no wind makes for a stinky and hot classroom. Thankfully about 30 minutes before class closed the power came- FANS!!! Yea- Israel and I walked to the night market and meet up with a group of people and had dinner. About 14 ISEPers went to see Jenn and Alyssa in the Vagina Monologues. I need to see it next year at Southern to compare the shows- because I know they are very different! I am about to head to bed since it is 11pm- late for me... I dont know what I am doing tomorrow- but for now. Peace and love. Midge
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I didn't know life could get any better
So yesterday was Monday if you all didn't know. Monday= orphanage. But yesterday morning I went to the market and picked up my skirt! I love it! Its looks great. I modeled (yes- I modeled clothing) last night! I am wearing it Saturday for the show. I can not wait to get more made. I bought fabric from my adopted fabric lady mother at the market again to have a skirt made out of. So I have fabric for skirt, dress, and drum case still to do...
So Bethany was already in Teshie so yesterday was my first Tro-Tro ride by myself...and ended up going back alone because Bethany came back to campus- but I succeeded! I got to the orphanage the bigger of the two twins (Agogo) was up- the one who screamed if we looked at her...well something changed because before i knew it she was on my lap. The smaller of the two woke up from her nap and they put her in the stroller were Agogo had been. Well the next thing both of them were on my lap- playing with each other, playing with my hair, licking me and just having a good time... It was amazing. I have always wanted twins (for what reason I do not know) and this only affirmed that. The children came home and at one point the smaller one started crying so Auntie took her from me and I went to the front of the building where the children do their school work and had Agogo till I left! It was great! I brought the 'futball' for the kids yesterday- they were so excited. So they all had little to no homework yesterday and when they were done I asked Auntie if they could play and she said yes. But when Mother got back from an errand- she did not like that they were playing- she said they should have been studying- so i dont know who was in the wrong- There was another volunteer there Richard- he is Ghanaian- he is taking his SATs this fall hopefully to go to school in the states. He wants to study Physics or Engineering. He was confused by the playing and learning- and he grew up here! He said some days you just never know. I told him I would help him as much as I can with school searching and such- It wasn't that long ago that I was in his boat- there arn't guidance councilors or anything like that here to help students out so they are completely on their own. Which must not be fun! He works full time and then goes to the orphanage each day to help with homework- if it wasnt over an hour away I would go more often. Coming home it just felt so good to be making a difference for people who are older then me (Richard) and children just beginning life's journey. Feelings that I will never forget and hopefully never forget- if that makes sense. Off to classes.... Midge
So Bethany was already in Teshie so yesterday was my first Tro-Tro ride by myself...and ended up going back alone because Bethany came back to campus- but I succeeded! I got to the orphanage the bigger of the two twins (Agogo) was up- the one who screamed if we looked at her...well something changed because before i knew it she was on my lap. The smaller of the two woke up from her nap and they put her in the stroller were Agogo had been. Well the next thing both of them were on my lap- playing with each other, playing with my hair, licking me and just having a good time... It was amazing. I have always wanted twins (for what reason I do not know) and this only affirmed that. The children came home and at one point the smaller one started crying so Auntie took her from me and I went to the front of the building where the children do their school work and had Agogo till I left! It was great! I brought the 'futball' for the kids yesterday- they were so excited. So they all had little to no homework yesterday and when they were done I asked Auntie if they could play and she said yes. But when Mother got back from an errand- she did not like that they were playing- she said they should have been studying- so i dont know who was in the wrong- There was another volunteer there Richard- he is Ghanaian- he is taking his SATs this fall hopefully to go to school in the states. He wants to study Physics or Engineering. He was confused by the playing and learning- and he grew up here! He said some days you just never know. I told him I would help him as much as I can with school searching and such- It wasn't that long ago that I was in his boat- there arn't guidance councilors or anything like that here to help students out so they are completely on their own. Which must not be fun! He works full time and then goes to the orphanage each day to help with homework- if it wasnt over an hour away I would go more often. Coming home it just felt so good to be making a difference for people who are older then me (Richard) and children just beginning life's journey. Feelings that I will never forget and hopefully never forget- if that makes sense. Off to classes.... Midge
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Until I can change the link- this is album 6....
http://picasaweb.google.com/midge.mij/UGSpring2009Pt6?authkey=PzCpfH5qQJo&feat=directlink
Can things get any better??
Days just seem to be getting better and better. This morning Andi, Israel and I attended the interdenominational service (Known as LIC). The service was long but was amazing. It was about 2 hours and 45 minutes. We ended up being late because we were told the wrong time but we were defiantly not the last ones there. The songs were just so beautiful, I wish I had a quarter of the talent that the musical ministers had. The actual sermon was actually very boring and Andi who had been before said this was the worst one yet. I defiantly want to go again- they have different people give sermons different weeks so hopefully if I go again it will be better.
Last night I just hung around the hostel. Went to bed on the early side- and ended up waking up at 1am for no reason and really never got back to a real sleep. But I really don’t feel that tired right now- but it is only 3pm, I have some homework that I should do at some point- but no hurry on that. My burn is feeling better but still hurts a little.
I spoke to Nana and Papa this morning which was nice. It is always nice to talk to people- I can not believe that in 3 months I will be leaving this place. It feels like home and the idea of leaving terrifies me but I do miss so many people at home that the thought of not seeing them again terrifies me. Why can’t there be the best of both worlds? Who knows?
There are a few pictures up from Saturday’s Day trip to Kpong (Bead Village) for you to see. See link #6.
That’s it.
Midge
Last night I just hung around the hostel. Went to bed on the early side- and ended up waking up at 1am for no reason and really never got back to a real sleep. But I really don’t feel that tired right now- but it is only 3pm, I have some homework that I should do at some point- but no hurry on that. My burn is feeling better but still hurts a little.
I spoke to Nana and Papa this morning which was nice. It is always nice to talk to people- I can not believe that in 3 months I will be leaving this place. It feels like home and the idea of leaving terrifies me but I do miss so many people at home that the thought of not seeing them again terrifies me. Why can’t there be the best of both worlds? Who knows?
There are a few pictures up from Saturday’s Day trip to Kpong (Bead Village) for you to see. See link #6.
That’s it.
Midge
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