Well, I went to Accra this weekend with Maa to go shopping. I took a pic, but it turns out it was on video... and I cannot upload it to the site.
The place was pretty interesting. It was actually called Shop-Rite. They had 22 checkout lanes!!! A bakery, deli, and meat counter. They had aisles upon aisles of stuff. It reminded me of a mini-meijers!!! It was pretty cool. I got some soup mixes, lotion, some cream cheese and pickles.
But... the pickles ended up being a big disappointment. The first jar were not even crunchy, they were soft and tasted like they had been on the shelf for 10 years. The second jar was a different brand, and though crunchy... didn't taste very nice. I am totally bummed. My one and only reason for going to Acc was for the pickles. Now... I have to wait until my mom sends me more. haha. Ohhh how I MISS PICKLES!!!
The journey to Acc was pretty nice. We rode in the VIP buses. Nice seats, flat screen tv, air conditioned. Only 15.00 cedis for a 1-way ticket. That is about $10.40 in USD. Not too bad since the trip is about 4-5 hours long. The traffic is horrible, and the roads not too good either.
We stayed at Mr. Albert and Madam Ester's place. The same house I stayed at when I first arrived in GH when my baggage didn't show up. It was okay. It is always nice coming back "home" though. Even though Oyoko isn't my home home.... it is the only home I can go to here. So.... I was glad to come back.
The market area where shop-rite is housed, literally looks like a section of the lansing/meridian mall. It was soo surreal. Nice shops, fancy clothes displayed in the windows, just like at home. I told Maa that once I get home.... it will be a serious reverse culture shock. I nearly died when I stepped inside shop-rite. And then into the mall area. Haaa... and the food court!! Geez. Very refreshing, but overwhelming too.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Reply to comments on hair, hen, cows, and chief guy
Okay.... I have written down the ?'s asked in the comments section... hope I answer all of them for you.
My hair....
I definately liked my hair curly, too bad the weather won't allow it to stay longer than a day!!! I am scared to get a perm cause my hair is too short and very fine. So... it might just be a mess. I guess I look younger, maybe because I have lost my tan?? Have you seen all the freckles?? Haaa. I am totally ticked about it. haha.
Girls here definately wear weaves. They wear weaves, wigs, braids, and any other thing they do back home. Maa can do the say curls in her hair and it stays all week!!!
Regarding a ghana diet. I don't reccommend it to anyone. It isn't nice. I don't really enjoy eating anymore, probably because there is nothing I really like to eat here. Also... there is not a lot of snacking. No chips, candy, etc. My indulgence is bottled coke. Which, I do nearly everyday. When I go out... maybe 4?? haha. But... there is no stopping at taco bell, or eating a candybar. No... so I guess cut out snacking, walk alot, sweat a lot and don't really enjoy your food and you will lose weight?? Not too fun. Ohhh, and don't forget runny tummy. That can be a contributing factor too. Goes in, and comes out, just like that.
The hen...
Well, still no babies yet. We have 8 eggs I think. The other hen has started laying now too. She only has 2 eggs so far. We have locked the hens and the one rooster in the chicken coup because we lost the rooster for a few days. He had gone all the way to the next village!! We found him and someone had cut one of his toenails and tied a string on his leg. An indication that someone had already claimed it as theirs. So... we keep them locked up now. The momma hen stays laying onh the nest most of the time these days. She sqwaks at your when she is off the nest and you go near it. I don't know what predators would eat the eggs. There are no dogs around here. I don't think goats eat eggs??? We will keep her locked up for awhile with the babies. I guess if they went into the bush, maybe something could get them in there?? But, you see momma hens with a line of babies all the time.
The cows...
Yea, it is not really common to see kids barefoot. Most usually have shoes. But, there are some which don't. The cattle travel in herds, with a herdsman who watches them. THey are not dehorned. I have never seen the cows being agressive, but the goats and sheep are. THey fight, and it ends, and they are fine again. Animals are slaughtered at a meat house every morning. It is down the road from my house. The place is very black. I wonder if they burn the ground after they do it? They have a butcher block in the market in effiduase. I will try and take a pic. They cut the meat fresh for you. Flies and all. Really unsanitary I think... but that is how it is.
The sign was in English because it is a school. Most schools say that they primarily use English... but, from my experience this is not true. They speak just as much Twi in school as they do at home. However, it isn't suppose to be that way. But... when the teachers don't speak English, how do you expect the students to??? The sign is Westphalian's sign. That is the school behind my house. It is like a high school.
Chief guy...
The cheif definately did not have a welcoming face. People definately wear traditional cloth to more than just funerals. Some people wear it everyday, some just to special occasions like birthing ceremonies, weddings, church, etc.
The white outfit has so many meanings from what I have been able to gather. People mostly wear white/black on sundays' to church. Then, women who have just given birth tend to wear white. Also, at some funerals, depending on the relationship one has to the deceased - you may wear white. But, to wear a white outfit just because, I don't think you would see that.
Mountains... I don't ever see people hiking. But, many people ride bikes. Not really for exercise probably but just as a means of getting around. Especially if the distances are far. In the early morning you can see people jogging and walking for exercise. This is more in the town though, not so much in the village. The people in the village usually do so much farm and house work, exercise is intertwined in their daily activities.
My hair....
I definately liked my hair curly, too bad the weather won't allow it to stay longer than a day!!! I am scared to get a perm cause my hair is too short and very fine. So... it might just be a mess. I guess I look younger, maybe because I have lost my tan?? Have you seen all the freckles?? Haaa. I am totally ticked about it. haha.
Girls here definately wear weaves. They wear weaves, wigs, braids, and any other thing they do back home. Maa can do the say curls in her hair and it stays all week!!!
Regarding a ghana diet. I don't reccommend it to anyone. It isn't nice. I don't really enjoy eating anymore, probably because there is nothing I really like to eat here. Also... there is not a lot of snacking. No chips, candy, etc. My indulgence is bottled coke. Which, I do nearly everyday. When I go out... maybe 4?? haha. But... there is no stopping at taco bell, or eating a candybar. No... so I guess cut out snacking, walk alot, sweat a lot and don't really enjoy your food and you will lose weight?? Not too fun. Ohhh, and don't forget runny tummy. That can be a contributing factor too. Goes in, and comes out, just like that.
The hen...
Well, still no babies yet. We have 8 eggs I think. The other hen has started laying now too. She only has 2 eggs so far. We have locked the hens and the one rooster in the chicken coup because we lost the rooster for a few days. He had gone all the way to the next village!! We found him and someone had cut one of his toenails and tied a string on his leg. An indication that someone had already claimed it as theirs. So... we keep them locked up now. The momma hen stays laying onh the nest most of the time these days. She sqwaks at your when she is off the nest and you go near it. I don't know what predators would eat the eggs. There are no dogs around here. I don't think goats eat eggs??? We will keep her locked up for awhile with the babies. I guess if they went into the bush, maybe something could get them in there?? But, you see momma hens with a line of babies all the time.
The cows...
Yea, it is not really common to see kids barefoot. Most usually have shoes. But, there are some which don't. The cattle travel in herds, with a herdsman who watches them. THey are not dehorned. I have never seen the cows being agressive, but the goats and sheep are. THey fight, and it ends, and they are fine again. Animals are slaughtered at a meat house every morning. It is down the road from my house. The place is very black. I wonder if they burn the ground after they do it? They have a butcher block in the market in effiduase. I will try and take a pic. They cut the meat fresh for you. Flies and all. Really unsanitary I think... but that is how it is.
The sign was in English because it is a school. Most schools say that they primarily use English... but, from my experience this is not true. They speak just as much Twi in school as they do at home. However, it isn't suppose to be that way. But... when the teachers don't speak English, how do you expect the students to??? The sign is Westphalian's sign. That is the school behind my house. It is like a high school.
Chief guy...
The cheif definately did not have a welcoming face. People definately wear traditional cloth to more than just funerals. Some people wear it everyday, some just to special occasions like birthing ceremonies, weddings, church, etc.
The white outfit has so many meanings from what I have been able to gather. People mostly wear white/black on sundays' to church. Then, women who have just given birth tend to wear white. Also, at some funerals, depending on the relationship one has to the deceased - you may wear white. But, to wear a white outfit just because, I don't think you would see that.
Mountains... I don't ever see people hiking. But, many people ride bikes. Not really for exercise probably but just as a means of getting around. Especially if the distances are far. In the early morning you can see people jogging and walking for exercise. This is more in the town though, not so much in the village. The people in the village usually do so much farm and house work, exercise is intertwined in their daily activities.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Baby chicks coming soon...
Here is one of our hens... she started laying eggs about a week or so ago I think. I am not sure how many she has now... at last count there were 8. Once she gets up, I will take a pic of the eggs. She has made her nest in a USPS box!! hehe. Sorry Uncle Doug!! I have no idea who the dad(s) is/are.... but he is most definately either the black rooster we cooked up last weekend, or.... one of the annoying white roosters. I will be checking in on the nest to see how the chicks are coming along. I guess the gestation is about 3 weeks or so??? How cute will it be to have baby chicks running around??? More pics to come!!!
I went to the saloon...
Yea... that's right. Saloon, pronounced just like the old time western bars.... saloon. However, it was a hair salon. I went with Maa last night.... everyone else was getting their hair curled and set... so I did it too. haha. It looked real cute.... last night. Today, the curls have fallen, and it isn't cute at all. It was a nice change for one day anyway. Sometimes I wish my hair really was curly.... though a perm is too permanent for me.... I will just stick with the rollers. For the lady to wash my hair, and roll it and style it cost GH 1.50. That is the equivalent of about $1 USD. The people here are definately underpaid. So... instead of "gettn' my nails did"... I can get my hair curled??? Ughhh, not quite, but it is a nice treat. Maa says soon we will go to Ksi (Kumasi) and get a nice pedicure... haha. Though I have noticed most of the women here who get pedicures have FAKE nails on their toes. I can do fake nails.... on my fingers, but I will pass on my toes. That is a bit too weird for me.
Invasion of the local cattle
I was unable to get a pic of the cows actually in our yard, but.... this is close enough. This is just by our gate near our house, near the Westphalian sign. The cows roam around eating wherever they want to. The 2 kids pictured are helping their dad round up the cows!! hehe. I think there must have been about 20 or so in the herd. Pretty funny ehh??
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Me in my new church outfit!!
The pic is at a weird angle.... Maa was taking it. haha. This is the new white outfit I had done for church. It has very nice design on the top of it. Mostly at church people wear white and black.... don't know why.... so I decided to fit in and do the same.
Mountains near Dunkwa
These are the beautiful mountains near Dunkwa. The pic doesn't really capture the real beauty that was there.... but it was very pretty!! Especially the way it looks all smokey and foggy near the top!! Kind of like the Great Smokey Mountains ehh Mom???
Funerals part III
The pic on the left is of a Chief and a Queen mother. The Chief is the big guy in the middle with the black/gold headgear on, and the Queen mother is by his side in red. They are not married, but they attend functions together. Before greeting a Chief, you have to ask his linquists, who are to his side in black for permission to greet him. They will tell you either yes or no. Also, you never can talk to the Chief directly, you have to talk through his linquists. Interesting. When taking this picture, we had to ask for permission from the linquist, he in turn asked the Chief... and obviously he agreed. :)
The pic on the right is of me at the funeral with some of Kojo's family members. His brother is right beside me, Philip, and his mother and father. The funeral took place in his father's hometown of Dunkwa. The men are dressed in a traditional cloth, that is essentially a gigantic piece of cloth that they wrap around themselves in a particular way. Underneath the cloth they just wear shorts. I love when men wear the traditional cloth, it looks very nice!!
Funerals part II
The pic on the left just shows the people in a line going around and greeting the front row. The pic on the right is of gifts being given to the family of the deceased. The gifts include food, beverages, soaps, lotions, clothes, shoes, etc. The family willl then take these gifts and share them amongst their friends and family. In addition to your presence at a funeral, a monetary contribution is also given. The amount is at the discretion of the person giving the money, but keeping in mind that your name will be read aloud with the amount that you gave!!! This seems very strange to me, and not very tactful, but apparently it is a form of appreciation??
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Funerals in GH - part I
These are some pics of a funeral I attended this past Saturday in a town called Dunkwa. Funerals are always red and black. The people closest to the family, wear red and black cloth, and the others can have any variation of black, brown, red, maroon, etc. The funerals themselves are usually pretty big, and quite complex. The photo on the left is a memorial for the deceased. Pics of them are displayed in the center of the funeral area. Then, there are big tents with red chairs in them. Upon entering the funeral you proceed in a single file line, males in front, females in back, usually in order of age too. You go around the entire interior perimeter of the funeral, and shake the hands of everyone in the front row. This is your greeting to all those that are already there. The front row is usually the close friends and family of the deceased. Then, once you make your way around, you also take a seat in a row. These same people you greeted will now come around and greet you in the same fashion, this is them welcoming you to the funeral. More details to come on what happens after your there.
Reply to comments on AB and the fowl
Okay.... yes, AB does live outside. She has only been in the house once, and that was when Maa wasn't home!! :) hehe. She lives on the porch, and goes out on her rope during the day when someone is home, and we go walking around at night. I keep her locked up because the kids are not always nice to her. They try and pick her up by her legs, pull on her neck, slap her face. They are complete brats actually, so I told them they can't come near my house or her when I am not home!! The goats here they run from them, but she is tame and so they take advantage of it and don't know how to act I guess, or think they can treat her how they treat their dumb goats. I guess I am not real sure of her age. Maybe she is at least 3-4 months old?? I took her from her mom when she was about 1 month old or so, I think. Her horns are coming out now... when they come out a bit more I will take a pic. Yes, goats are naughty!! But very funny. She must weigh about 10 pounds maybe?? She feels like Pommie when carrying her, but with long legs!!
The turkeys have been around for awhile, maybe they are waiting for Christmas???? The turkeys were traveling together and the other black one decided to go the other way, so they were mad at him and calling to him to follow them. He didn't, and they ended up chasing after him. Hilarious. Very very ugly animals.
The chickens are free range.... haha. I was trying to explain our eggs back home... white, brown, organic, free range, vegetarian, etc. The people here must think we are crazy. For the record I eat brown, organic, free range eggs here!! hehe.
The turkeys have been around for awhile, maybe they are waiting for Christmas???? The turkeys were traveling together and the other black one decided to go the other way, so they were mad at him and calling to him to follow them. He didn't, and they ended up chasing after him. Hilarious. Very very ugly animals.
The chickens are free range.... haha. I was trying to explain our eggs back home... white, brown, organic, free range, vegetarian, etc. The people here must think we are crazy. For the record I eat brown, organic, free range eggs here!! hehe.
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