Kumasi

So we've been in Kumasi for three weeks. Internet is super slow here so I apologize if I miss anything or have to cut things short.

Kumasi is extremely westernized. It was hard trying to figure out the dynamics of my new family because so many people lived in the house.

My favorite part of being here is learning about the arts. We went to the cultural center and met so many talented artists. The only problem was we went on a Wednesday which is the craziest day in the market and Kjetia (the market) happens to be the biggest market in all of West Africa. It's crazy and overwhelming and exciting.

The bathrooms are an ordeal. Most places just have a room where people pee on the floor. I haven't had the joy of experiencing that just yet.

I observed an Akan priestess get possessed by a spirit. Apparently to call on a spirit you have to play music and dance. Another man apparently got possessed but that must have been some pretty sweet spirit because all the guy did was drink alcohol and sit around and talk. We got to dance with the priestess and afterwards we had a consultation which was a little overwhelming. I didn't ask anything I just told her I wanted to be happy and she said that I deserved it and looked like a really happy person. She told me she'd pray for me. Other people asked some intense questions and they seemed to believe her so who knows.

In two days we go to the village which I am really excited about. We get to learn how to pound fufou and we get to do community work and play soccer with the children. I've already impressed some of the neighborhood kids with my soccer skills. Soccer is HUGE here.

I don't know what else to say. It's absolutely crazy here. It's very different from America. It's really taught me that you really don't need so much to live. I've gone on without toilets and running water and air conditioning and I have my moments where I just want to take a nice cold shower or eat a hamburger but it passes.

Let me know how America's going. It's so hard to do anything here. You guys have it really easy.

Until next time,

Marissa

My first week in Ghana there have been a few adjustments. Running water is unpredictable so we have to shower with a bucket of water. I've had to learn to watch my left hand and I've noticed that being white here is very noticeable.

They even have a term. Obruni, they call us. You walk in the market and you'll hear obruni obruni wo ho te sen? It means how are you. Obama is huge.

My host family listens to country. Every afternoon from 7-8:00 pm. The first song is syndicated so I've gotten used to hearing Travis Tritt's "It's a great day..." I can't begin to express how hilarious that is.

The food is amazing. Beans and fish are their main sources of protein and the first couple of days the group sweated the food was so spicy (it's actually not that bad...) .

Transport is... interesting. We have tro tro's and taxis, though the school is so close to my home stay I don't have to stress the tro tro. You just have to watch the taxi's because they'll try to cheat or overcharge you.

A few days ago and friend and I went to Downtown Accra. The market everywhere is crazy. People sell everything from cell phone minutes to fresh fruit. Everything is extremely cheap.

Classes are good. A lot of the students are waiting to get out of the city. It's a confusing place to be because it is somewhat westernized but you can go down any road and see a really nice house next to shanty's. Every home has a gate.

Here, I've learned that it's best to leave some food on your plate. Otherwise, they'll just keep refilling the plate until you have to roll yourself into your room.

We've also celebrated a funeral. In Ghana, instead of mourning death, the people celebrate it with live music and dancing. We were taught the traditional dance for funerals and when we showed up the woman brought us into the circle and we tried. We ended up attracting a crowd (it's weird to have some people fascinated because of the color of your skin) and the little kids found us hilarious. I'm sure the kids think we're hideous with our frazzled hair and sweaty faces.

Nice bathrooms are a commodity. Paper is a commodity. It's not uncommon for a family to have house help in the form of children. During the first few days of our homestays each of us tried puzzling out whether the kids were servants or family. I am proud to say, though, that on my first day I ate five oranges and one pineapple after a very large meal. Oh! And we eat with our hands. Well, right hand.

And you go far if you use the twi language.

Anywho that was my first week. I can't wait to get to Kumasi and get outside the city. Here, it's dusty and I come home every day with a layer of dirt everywhere. And today's my first day attempting to hand wash my clothes. Wish me luck!

Until next time,
Marissa.

P.S. Who won the Superbowl?