Departure for Christmas in the U.S.

One doesn't see many outward trappings of the approaching Christmas holidays in Tamale such as twinkling lights on homes and streets or decorative trees filled with colorful ornaments. However, I am sure the choirs in all the various churches will be joyfully leading everyone in song both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Friends here are carefully planning a special celebration dinner which is to be held on the grounds of the African Dream Hotel, Melcom's general store in town is offering a display of artificial trees and Wooden's Coffee Shop has placed what looks like a large evergreen in front of their terrace.

I did a little gift shopping at COLWOD  and at the cultural crafts market. Grace tailored a bright green Ghanaian dress with matching hair ribbon for Scarlett while I chose an African cloth wall hanging for Beth.

Stopped by the small food stand across the road from our house to see Madame (busy making the traditional "banku") to wish her and her family a Merry Christmas and happy holiday.

And now we wait and hope for the Harmattan dust to subside so that we can avoid a twelve-hour bus ride and travel instead via African World Airlines to connect with our Delta flight in Accra.

Joyeux Noël! 🎄

Sunday Mass & Lunch

Since Jim did not need to make rounds yesterday morning, we went to Mass at Holy Cross instead of at Blessed Sacrament Chapel on the hospital grounds. As usual, the large church was fully packed.

Our weekly lunch outing was held at the African Dream Hotel, owned by Analise and Ziblim - a very relaxing way to spend a peaceful Sunday afternoon.

Harmattan Has Arrived

The annual dry, dusty Harmattan desert wind has been blowing over northern Ghana from the Sahara in full force. Visibility is so poor that several flights have been canceled. We hope the situation improves for our scheduled departure next week.

The dust, however, did not stop Barbara and me from enjoying a pizza and beer at Chuck's restaurant the other night. Somehow, amid the towering trees and outdoor lights, the setting provided a perfect little oasis under the cloudy, murky sky.

Veronica heading out in the morning dust.

Tamale Thanksgiving

Thursday, 26 November 2015 was a regular work day in Tamale without the succulent smell of turkey roasting in the oven, Macy's spectacular parade on TV and friends & family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. Two days later, however, we took part in a special post-holiday feast hosted by Barbara and Sam. Annalise and Ziblim supplied us with their farm raised turkey, Barb prepared a delicious  green bean casserole, rice with mixed veggies, brown gravy, home-baked bread and apple pie, while I contributed mashed potatoes and a bowl of fresh pineapple, pau pau and banana. Great time had by all!