Back On African Soil

After Jim's month-long visit home in the States, we returned to Ghana, - this time taking Delta's direct, non-stop flight from NY to Accra instead of connecting through Europe. Preferred choice of itinerary still up for debate with the pros & cons of longer travel time stopping over in London or Amsterdam as opposed to an 11 hour stretch on a plane.
We spent two days in the capital city so Jim could complete the necessary steps towards obtaining his Ghanaian pilot's license as he's still hoping to do some recreational flying/gliding while working here. Treated ourselves to a nice stay at the Mahogany Lodge before taking the in-country flight up to Tamale in the Northern Region. Enjoyed a delicious meal of "cassava fish" at Captain Hooks near the lodge.
And now, "back home" in Tamale! Jim has done well with the new house what with all the frustrations of plumbing & electrical problems, some of which remain ongoing. The bare essentials are there - beds, a few tables & chairs, bookcase, and a couple of desks. He added a nice touch to our bedroom by hanging some prints of Paris on the walls (much appreciated) & both he and our cook, Godwin, have done a pretty good job of outfitting the kitchen. Actually, I think the kitchen & cooking may be my biggest hurdle. I love to cook but I also like to work in a clean setting with an organized system - not to mention the luxury of having plenty of clean water. When previously living as guests on the Archbishop's compound, I really had it easy. I didn't have to deal with the kitchen on a daily basis & happily ate whatever meals were placed in front of me by Reggie, the Archbishop's niece who is his longtime cook and housekeeper. Here in our own home, it's a different story. First of all, I'm not used to having my own cook, and second, the kitchen is where I spend a good deal of the day at home in the US. Our having a cook here is the norm for both marketing & preparing with local ingredients so I hope we can learn from each other and that I can eventually feel comfortable maintaining a Ghanaian household.
There's plenty for me to do though and so the hunt is on for living room furniture, curtains, mirrors, shelves, etc., etc. Challenges await!