I don't really know where to start. I only arrived 3 days ago and I'm in a different time and world, experienced all sorts of amazing things ... To give you some background info - there's one other volunteer with me this week so we've been hanging out together. her placement is in the very north of Ghana and mine's south so we've agreed to meet up in early January and visit places together, possibly Burkina Faso, if she's able to take time out. Orientation is true to its word - learning about the culture and customs by visiting the local beach on day 1, markets for shopping on day 2, palm drum and African dance lesson today. And cooking class tomorrow. Hard life?You betcha. Weather is gloriously hot here but not too humid. No rain, despite rumours to the contrary.
The people can't do enough to help, despite the obvious poverty in places. Commerce is interesting and is mainly done in the streets, with wares being carried about on one's head. If I ever learn how to do it, I'll upload some of my pix here for you to see - although it's difficult to take photos of people unless you've bought something from them.
Getting about is also an interesting experience - picture a tro-tro, a means of transport somewhere between a bus and a taxi (bit like a sheroot in Israel) but the doors are usually hanging off and everyone squeezes into the smallest places - not always easy, when you consider the average size of a Ghanaian!! But dead cheap - about 10p per journey. It helps if you know where you want to get off too, or you'll end up walking miles.
Food - good in parts. Wendy - I am in complete accord with you about Fufu. Please don't let me have to taste it again!! But red red is good as is Jolloff chicken, so I don't think I'll starve.
I'm off on Friday to my host family and the orphanage in Swedru so will attempt to blog again when I get there. Keep the comments coming in and in case you need it, my local tel number is 00233 543 718147.
