Return to Ghana - October 2011

If I had any thoughts of handling the taxi negotiations at the airport in Accra with aplomb on this, my fifth arrival in Ghana, I was sadly mistaken. In no time at all, I found myself in the midst of a screaming group of seven or eight drivers who insisted on taking me for a fare much more expensive than what I had expected to pay. When all was said and done, they clearly pointed out to me that I had make the mistake of saying I wanted to go to Abokobi - an area located a good distance from the airport - instead of requesting Abokobi Rd. which is about a ten minute drive to the Transit Lodge where I planned to say the night before my flight up to Tamale the next morning. It was as if I had asked a New York City cab driver to take me to Albany when I only meant to say something like Albany St. in Manhattan. In any event, Philip won the bid in the shouting match and took me on my way. Immersed in the usual bumper to bumper Accra traffic, I couldn't resist one of the numerous young men and women selling various items alongside the taxi window. Am now the proud owner of a Ghanaian "Recipe Book For All" which should come in handy. And, I'm back!

Friends and Students 2010

Out and about with Sylvia and Margaret and in the classroom at Etoile Royale.


Teaching both French and English


Ghanaian Cuties


Sylvia


Margaret giving Cyndy a Ride


Fun in the Classroom

Ghanaian Wedding - 2010

Hey all!

I'm finally posting a few pictures from last year. I hope you enjoy them!


Mother of the Bride


Parents of the Bride


Cathedral in Tamale


Jim and Cyndy ready to attend the wedding


Wedding Party

Adieu Again

By the end of this week, I will finish up teaching at Etoile Royale which has been an interesting learning experience for me. I've survived the fifth and sixth graders and they seem to have survived me.
Once again, the time is approaching for my return to the US while Jim continues his important work here in Tamale. By following our passions, we set our priorities. And by helping others, we truly help ourselves - in Ghana, the US, and wherever life takes us.

Wedding - Ghanaian Style

A few hours ago, we returned from a beautiful wedding of one of the young physicians at the hospital. The cathedral ceremony began at 9 AM and the reception followed about three hours later at the VIP room of the soccer stadium. At a conservative estimate, it looked like over 500 guests were in attendance with drinks and food for everyone. Both bride and groom were originally from the Upper West Region of Ghana (where Jim first worked in the late 1970s). The Dagaare women from that area were in full strength with traditional songs and dances and I couldn't resist joining in and having my turn at being lifted up into the air in the midst of their circle. Of course, the stunning Ghanaian dresses were a real treat to observe. One large group of family/friends had purchased the exact same navy blue/lime green print material for the occasion and it was so interesting to see the variety of dress designs - V-neck, scoop neck, short sleeves, sleeveless, childrens' outfits, matching purses, etc. - made all in the same fabric. The bride's dress was actually a pretty, beaded, white strapless gown very similar to western bridal wear, and the groom wore a western style light beige suit with a burgundy and white pin-striped shirt and burgundy patterned tie. The guests, however, were a mixture of both African and western fashion with most of the women in the typical fitted style that shows every contour of the body. While appearing to be poured into the dress, the magic of a few well placed slits or flared panels in the lower skirt, allows one the mobility of not only walking or dancing but climbing onto the back of a motorcycle as well. Among my favorite outfits were those of the bride's parents. Her father wore the traditional weaved smock of the Upper West and her mother's matching blue and white dress was accented by a gorgeous gold headpiece. Pictures to be posted at a future date.
.

Importance of Ironing

Having laundry done in Ghana is a perk - cleaned and pressed. The soaps are strong (perhaps too much so for those having sensitive skin). With the constant accumulation of dirt and dust, we marvel at seeing all the stark white shirts, dresses and uniforms.
Ironing is a "must" and actually for a very good reason other than to obliterate wrinkles. When clothes and linens are dried on a line, the tumbu fly may come along and lay eggs in the material. If the items are not ironed, these eggs can be embedded into the surface of a person's skin and can later result in the development of an infestation of worms - definitely a situation to be avoided. Everything is ironed!

Comings and Goings

Our Canadian friend, Nancy, stayed with us last weekend. After working for several years in Ghana with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), she is now doing short-term assignments in West Africa for a German non-government agency (NGO).
Mmathuba and Rick plan to leave Ghana by the end of 2010 as Rick's three-year project with CIDA comes to a close. They will also do some traveling between now & then visiting family both in Botswana and Canada and I shall miss my "gal pal" here in Tamale. Yesterday, however, Mmathuba managed to introduce me to yet another local "find" before she left. At the end of a typical dirt road, we approached a little salon complete with massage services and a host of other beauty treatments. Passing on the massage, we did indulge in pedicures. So, along with bright red toenails and a recent purchase of a multi-colored ankle bracelet, at least my feet are in great shape for the wedding to which we are invited this Saturday.