So today is Thursday.
Classes were suppose to start on Monday.
I have been to one class.
An African drumming class! Haha
- - -
Choosing and registering for classes here is done very differently than in the United States.
Each department posts their class listings and the times for the classes outside their department buildings individually.
Classes were suppose to start on Monday, and some of the departments didn't even have the time tables up yet...
Then, when people did go to class, 4 out of 5 times, the professor wouldn't even show up. It's kind of an accepted fact for the Ghanaians, but a little hard to grasp for the Americans who are expected to show up and be ready to take notes and get their first homework assignment on the first day!
Another thing, just because the course is in the handbook doesn't mean that the class will be offered... so that made me reconsider the classes I wanted to take.
- - -
So far I have registered for two classes. An African drumming class for the international students, which actually met, and I've already learned some beats, (can't wait to share my new found talents with everyone when I get home), and a Media and Society class. I'm really excited about the media class and am hoping it will be interesting and beneficial.
I have a few other classes picked out, but people suggest going to the class at least once before registering for it, because sometimes what the course description says and what the class is about are two completely different things.
So far, I don't have classes scheduled on Wednesdays, because I want to keep that day open to volunteer, and I don't have classes on Fridays, which will help when I start traveling.
But that could all change!
When I registered for those two classes, there was no luxury of online course registration. I walked to the different departments and then filled out a paper, signed my name in a book, and attached a passport sized picture.
Although it seems so different than the American system, it gets the job done, and is obviously working for the university, as this is how they've done it for years.
That's all for now!
Mel
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ghanaians and Barack H. Obama
While I'm sure January 20th, 2009 is a day many Americans will never forget, I can almost positively say that Ghanaians will never forget the inauguration day of the United State's 44th president, Barack Obama, either.
I was already aware that Ghanaians love Barack Obama and the U.S. for that matter, but watching the inauguration speech with more than 500 Ghanaians was a surreal moment, and really put things into perspective, and helped me realize the great country I come from, regardless if the economy is suffering at the present time.
On Tuesday, our entire ISEP group went to the W.E.B. DuBois center, where I would compare the event to somewhat of an Obama rally. People were dressed in Obama outfits (literally! they made clothes from material that had Obama's face all over it), Ghanaians were waving American flags, and what really gave me chills... at the end, everyone stood up to sing the Star Spangled Banner, and the Ghanaians sang along! They knew the words to our national anthem.
A girl's school brought their student's to the event to watch the historic day. This was only one venue of many in the city, that were hosting viewings of the speech just like this one.
During orientation week, I was talking to one of our Ghanaians guides and she was talking about how during the election period of the United State's president, you couldn't go a street block without seeing something with Obama on it or someone trying to sell you something about Obama. Being the first black president in the United States, he truly is an icon for Ghanaians, and they are hoping for great things, as are the Americans.
I was already aware that Ghanaians love Barack Obama and the U.S. for that matter, but watching the inauguration speech with more than 500 Ghanaians was a surreal moment, and really put things into perspective, and helped me realize the great country I come from, regardless if the economy is suffering at the present time.
On Tuesday, our entire ISEP group went to the W.E.B. DuBois center, where I would compare the event to somewhat of an Obama rally. People were dressed in Obama outfits (literally! they made clothes from material that had Obama's face all over it), Ghanaians were waving American flags, and what really gave me chills... at the end, everyone stood up to sing the Star Spangled Banner, and the Ghanaians sang along! They knew the words to our national anthem.
A girl's school brought their student's to the event to watch the historic day. This was only one venue of many in the city, that were hosting viewings of the speech just like this one.
During orientation week, I was talking to one of our Ghanaians guides and she was talking about how during the election period of the United State's president, you couldn't go a street block without seeing something with Obama on it or someone trying to sell you something about Obama. Being the first black president in the United States, he truly is an icon for Ghanaians, and they are hoping for great things, as are the Americans.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
More Updates
More information for everyone, but let me warn you, the thoughts are somewhat disorganized and sporadic, as I am writing from the notes I have been keeping in my journal.
Right outside the International Student Hostel (ISH) is what is called a night market, even though it operates all day, beginning in the very early morning until late at night. They sell food, fresh fruit, DVD and movies, that haven't even been released yet, other things they know foreigners will need, like clothes hangers, etc. I bought a converter at the night market for one cedi (like the US dollar) and I bought the cheapest one off E-bay before I left (which didn't even come in time) for five dollars.
A lot of the things are very cheap, but some are surprisingly very expensive, mostly things that they know foreigners need and will buy regardless of the price. Before I was came, I was very confused about how the money situation worked. But the other day, I withdrew $1oo Ghana cedis and it only took about $83 US dollars out of my bank account, so that's kind of the exchange rate.
The night market, and all of the markets for that matter can be pretty overwhelming and intimidating. The people are heckling you to buy something from them. They say: Hello, what do you want? Even if you're just walking by. If you make eye contact or even act slightly interested, they will not leave you alone, which is very hard for the average American who likes to browse and then buy what they think they need at the place with the best price. Often it's hard to understand what they are saying, and they try to take advantage of the foreigners who don't know what the actual price should really be!
- - -
While I don't want to get in the game of US Versus THEM, here are some observations I have made about the differences between Ghana and America.
When we were checking into our hostel rooms, we had to sign our names and fill our our personal information in a book. NOT A COMPUTER!
Something that is frustrating with the money situation is that it seems (bad term, and probably an over generalization) that somewhat often vendors don't have change. I've not bought very many things and it has happened several times. How can an operating store, not have change? Are they just taking advantage of us again? It blows my mind.
Even worse, the other day, I went to the BANK to get my one cedi bills made into coins for change so this wouldn't happen again, and that bank sent us to another bank, because they didn't have any coin left. At the second bank we went to, she could only give us 50 pesewa coins (not the 20, 10, 0r 5) because they didn't have those in stock. Wow.
TO THE MARKETS
I've mentioned the night market several times that is right outside our hostel, but the other day, we went to a market in the city, and it was absolutely eye opening. I was fascinated and could have wandered around for hours.
We rode a tro tro there (a beat up old van which packs as many people in as possible, but is very cheap) and that was an experience in itself. The "mate' sits by the door and collects the money, and shouts out where the driver is going. It's hard to understand what they are saying (at least for us "obrunies" the term they (lovingly) use for white person). The mate will say: Ac-cra-cra-cra-cra-cra.. if they are going into Accra.
So anyway, at the market, there were TONS of people! I was shocked to see all the people. This market was very intimidating because they would beckon you to come over and buy from their stand and not the others. If you even start to look at something, they will start in, and they are relentless. If you start to walk away, they will follow you. They will grab your arm and talk about what they are trying to sell.
You are suppose to barter the price at the markets, which is kind of a scary process too. Haha. They know we have no idea what the real price should be.
It was pretty neat to be a white person walking through a crowded market full of Ghanaians. The people in the market were fascinated with us, and we were fascinated with them. They stare and wave, and no doubt call us obrunis as we walk by.
It is absolutely mind boggling to see the 'type' of people at the market and the 'type' of people at the university. Completely different. The people at the market is what people think of when they think of Africa. To me, it's kind of sad, but the people at the market seemed happy, even though they had less.
The most interesting portion of the market was the food part. There would be fish and pigs feet and other meat laying out in the hot son. Flies were all around, and the Ghanaians thought nothing of it. Definitely not as sanitary as US standards.
Poverty is obviously an issue in Ghana and at the market there was a lot of "child labor". Children that were school aged, but didn't go to school because they had to help their families sell at the market. What amazed me is that the police or government doesn't enforce any kind of rules or regulations.
It makes me wonder what kind of life people who sell at the market lead. Are they making somewhat of a profit? Or are they just getting by? Did they grow up as a child laborer and continued the lifestyle? It seems like it would be a hard cycle to beat, since they have little to no education.
Today, (Sunday) a few of the ISEP students went to a Catholic mass with one of the ISEP student's Ghanaian roommate. The Ghanaian was talking about how his parents buy everything for him. Books, clothes, food. I said, "Oh, so your parents help you pay for those things?" He said, "No. They just do it." He couldn't understand how many Americans pay for bills and are becoming more financially independent from their parents at this age. If he couldn't grasp that concept, I wonder about his perception of his fellow Ghanaians who lead the market life...
As for the Catholic mass, it was neat to see. Most of the Ghanaians were dressed in traditional clothing. There was a lot of singing and joyous dancing. It lasted two hours. While a lot of it was hard to understand since it was over a speaker system that wasn't working properly, with thick accents, it was cool when I recognized the same things we do in American Catholic churches.
Anyway, I only have a few more minutes left at this Internet cafe, so that is all for now. I am sooo glad I have been able to update everyone on some of the things I have been encountering.
If there is anything you all would like to know about, or more of, just let me know, and I will do my best to relay the info.
Love you all!
Stay warm!
Mel
Right outside the International Student Hostel (ISH) is what is called a night market, even though it operates all day, beginning in the very early morning until late at night. They sell food, fresh fruit, DVD and movies, that haven't even been released yet, other things they know foreigners will need, like clothes hangers, etc. I bought a converter at the night market for one cedi (like the US dollar) and I bought the cheapest one off E-bay before I left (which didn't even come in time) for five dollars.
A lot of the things are very cheap, but some are surprisingly very expensive, mostly things that they know foreigners need and will buy regardless of the price. Before I was came, I was very confused about how the money situation worked. But the other day, I withdrew $1oo Ghana cedis and it only took about $83 US dollars out of my bank account, so that's kind of the exchange rate.
The night market, and all of the markets for that matter can be pretty overwhelming and intimidating. The people are heckling you to buy something from them. They say: Hello, what do you want? Even if you're just walking by. If you make eye contact or even act slightly interested, they will not leave you alone, which is very hard for the average American who likes to browse and then buy what they think they need at the place with the best price. Often it's hard to understand what they are saying, and they try to take advantage of the foreigners who don't know what the actual price should really be!
- - -
While I don't want to get in the game of US Versus THEM, here are some observations I have made about the differences between Ghana and America.
When we were checking into our hostel rooms, we had to sign our names and fill our our personal information in a book. NOT A COMPUTER!
Something that is frustrating with the money situation is that it seems (bad term, and probably an over generalization) that somewhat often vendors don't have change. I've not bought very many things and it has happened several times. How can an operating store, not have change? Are they just taking advantage of us again? It blows my mind.
Even worse, the other day, I went to the BANK to get my one cedi bills made into coins for change so this wouldn't happen again, and that bank sent us to another bank, because they didn't have any coin left. At the second bank we went to, she could only give us 50 pesewa coins (not the 20, 10, 0r 5) because they didn't have those in stock. Wow.
TO THE MARKETS
I've mentioned the night market several times that is right outside our hostel, but the other day, we went to a market in the city, and it was absolutely eye opening. I was fascinated and could have wandered around for hours.
We rode a tro tro there (a beat up old van which packs as many people in as possible, but is very cheap) and that was an experience in itself. The "mate' sits by the door and collects the money, and shouts out where the driver is going. It's hard to understand what they are saying (at least for us "obrunies" the term they (lovingly) use for white person). The mate will say: Ac-cra-cra-cra-cra-cra.. if they are going into Accra.
So anyway, at the market, there were TONS of people! I was shocked to see all the people. This market was very intimidating because they would beckon you to come over and buy from their stand and not the others. If you even start to look at something, they will start in, and they are relentless. If you start to walk away, they will follow you. They will grab your arm and talk about what they are trying to sell.
You are suppose to barter the price at the markets, which is kind of a scary process too. Haha. They know we have no idea what the real price should be.
It was pretty neat to be a white person walking through a crowded market full of Ghanaians. The people in the market were fascinated with us, and we were fascinated with them. They stare and wave, and no doubt call us obrunis as we walk by.
It is absolutely mind boggling to see the 'type' of people at the market and the 'type' of people at the university. Completely different. The people at the market is what people think of when they think of Africa. To me, it's kind of sad, but the people at the market seemed happy, even though they had less.
The most interesting portion of the market was the food part. There would be fish and pigs feet and other meat laying out in the hot son. Flies were all around, and the Ghanaians thought nothing of it. Definitely not as sanitary as US standards.
Poverty is obviously an issue in Ghana and at the market there was a lot of "child labor". Children that were school aged, but didn't go to school because they had to help their families sell at the market. What amazed me is that the police or government doesn't enforce any kind of rules or regulations.
It makes me wonder what kind of life people who sell at the market lead. Are they making somewhat of a profit? Or are they just getting by? Did they grow up as a child laborer and continued the lifestyle? It seems like it would be a hard cycle to beat, since they have little to no education.
Today, (Sunday) a few of the ISEP students went to a Catholic mass with one of the ISEP student's Ghanaian roommate. The Ghanaian was talking about how his parents buy everything for him. Books, clothes, food. I said, "Oh, so your parents help you pay for those things?" He said, "No. They just do it." He couldn't understand how many Americans pay for bills and are becoming more financially independent from their parents at this age. If he couldn't grasp that concept, I wonder about his perception of his fellow Ghanaians who lead the market life...
As for the Catholic mass, it was neat to see. Most of the Ghanaians were dressed in traditional clothing. There was a lot of singing and joyous dancing. It lasted two hours. While a lot of it was hard to understand since it was over a speaker system that wasn't working properly, with thick accents, it was cool when I recognized the same things we do in American Catholic churches.
Anyway, I only have a few more minutes left at this Internet cafe, so that is all for now. I am sooo glad I have been able to update everyone on some of the things I have been encountering.
If there is anything you all would like to know about, or more of, just let me know, and I will do my best to relay the info.
Love you all!
Stay warm!
Mel
Friday, January 16, 2009
AKWAABA
Hey Everyone!
Hope you all are enjoying the 20 something weather! In Ghana, it's a cool 90 degrees, with high humidity and lots of sunshine! But I love it already. I can tell there are going to be a lot of amazing adventures and life lessons along the way.
Where do I even begin!? There is soooo much I could talk about already!
But |I guess by saying|: It's AMAZING already! |More than anything |I could ever imagine!
And let me just say, I didn't really thing I would experience "culture shock" because I had researched Ghana a little bit, but nothing could have prepared me for what I am seeing now! And not culture shock in a bad way, just like, |Oh my gosh|! | This is amazing!
So far |I haven't had as much |Internet access as |I was anticipating, being on a college campus and all, so sorry I haven't updated my blog since |I've been here. |I am hoping to have more access once classes start because I will have more opportunities to get on a computer. |It's only been five days and |I have already experienced so much, but |I have been keeping a journal, so don't worry, |I will keep you updated on everything. |If there is anything you want to know that |I haven't talked about, make sure you let me know so |I can fill you in.
There are 42 students in this year's ISEP *International Student Exchange Program) group to Ghana, which is the biggest group yet.
- - -
TRAVELING OVERSEAS
Sunday, January 11th, Mom and Dad took me to the Louisville airport. After several hugs and kisses, I was on my way. Through security and sitting by myself at the Delta Airline gate, by myself... But not for long. My Uncle Bill and Aunt Angie were also flying out of Louisville on that same day, and they found me and kept me company while I waited. It was awesome to have a familiar face and even more convenient when my plane got delayed, which meant I was going to miss my second plane in Cincinnati. Uncle Bill and Aunt Angie helped me change my flights so I would be able to make it to New York in time, to continue my journey. Their help was awesome, and I'm sure I would have been freaking out if I had to do it all by myself.
When I got to New York I had to get my baggage all by myself, and frankly, I had no idea where to go. So after asking a few questions, I waited, and they finally came, which was a relief. Ending up in Africa without luggage would not have been fun. So after I got my luggage, I loaded them onto a cart and rode the air train to the International Terminal. I felt so independent, and excited that I was actually on my way.
After checking my luggage back in, I sat down at a table and was watching people, when two girls walked by who looked familiar... They came around again, and asked me if I was going to Ghana! I was, and so were they! So we began talking and before we left, we were feeling more comfortable because we realized, none of us knew what we were getting ourselves into!
We boarded the plane in New York to London at about 11:40 pm. After we were all settled in, the pilot informed us that there was ice on the wings and top, so we would have to wait for the de-icing crew. A few minutes later, he let us know that the entire de-icing crew at JFK International Airport had already gone home, and would have to be called in! A little ironic, but two hours later... we were on our way.
On the flight from London to Ghana, I sat by a Ghanaian, Charles. We talked non-stop for the first half of the plane ride|! |He was awesome! |He worked in government in |Ghana and was very willing to tell me his thoughts about how parts of the government were corrupt and was fascinated that the |United |States had elected Barack |Obama as president. |It was a great start to an awesome trip, I'm sure! |I told him how |I was studying at the |University of |Ghana and what |I planned to do after |I graduate. |My first Ghanaian friend|! |(|Well, second |I guess|! |A ||Ghanaian grad student at |BSU, |Nii, gave me lots of great advice before |I got here, too.|)
To my surprise, Charles stopped by the International Student Hostel the other day to tell the three Americans he sat by on the plane hello. He was on campus for a conference, and I was so excited to see him! Off to a great start.
|AKWAABA
|Finally landing in the airport in |Accra was an amazing feeling. |So exhilarating. |I had finally made it. Even the airport was an adventure!
They informed us several times|: don't let anyone help you with your bags. |Ok. |That's simple enough, |I thought. But it was definitely harder than |I expected. |People surrounded us and helped steered our carts. We thought they were with our ||ISEP \(International \Student |Exchange |Program|) group to help us. |Once we got to our bus, they asked us for money... over and over and over again. ||We kept saying we didn't have any, but they wouldn't go away. Just 5 euros|? ||A cedi|? |It was very overwhelming and caught me completely off guard. |When you tell someone you don't have something in |America, they usually go away. |This did not happen!
|University of |Ghana
White buildings with clay tile roofs are the iconic building of the University of Ghana in Legon, Accra. Lush trees and grass grow everywhere, and dirt paths lead to classrooms and the few main roads.
When I first walked in to my dorm room, I was taken aback by the bare bones furniture and condition it was in. I didn't have high expectations, but wow! After unpacking some of my suitcases, it seems pretty big, and adequate. The Ghanaians lead a very different lifestyle than Americans. The hostel is cool because we all have our own personal balconies. The first morning I was awake at 7 and went outside to sit on my balcony and I was amazed by how many people were out and about. Guys were washing cars, people were going to the market to get breakfast. I've been told that Ghanians get up very early in the morning, probably because it's still cool outside.
I am going to have a Ghanaian roommate, although she still hasn't moved in yet, and classes are suppose to start tomorrow. It's kind of exciting because some of the American students got paired with other American students. This will be just one more learning experience, and I am hoping for the best.
AHH... COLD SHOWERS!
Before I got here, I was a little skeptical about the cold showers, but now that I have experienced them, they are awesome! After long, hot, sweaty days, nothing feels better to watch the dirt run off and stand beneath the cold water to cool down. While I couldn't imagine them in the U.S., they are nice here!
And yes, there is no toilet paper in the hostels, or many of the public restrooms either. So you bring your own, and I have quickly learned to conserve! A little really does go a long way.
SO... I'M GETTING MARRIED
Well, I'm not really getting married, but I've lost count of how many Ghanians have proposed! Haha. Walking by men cutting grass (by hand with machettis on the first day) one of the workers told me he loved me and asked if I would marry him. Thinking this was a little odd, after about the tenth proposal, I have come to realize, that's what they all say! Haha! Pretty humorous, and just one more cultural aspect Ghanaians engage in.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
The Ghanaian college students dress very nicely! Both men and women. Nii tried to explain this to me, but I didn't grasp the concept of just how nice they actually dress. I was shocked. Also, I didn't realize that you will never see a Ghanian woman with a skirt or shorts above her knees. This would have been nice to know before packing, LOL. But our resident advisor informed us that it's a misconception that Ghanaians don't wear shorts, and we should feel free to wear them, which was a relief.
While the Americans are sweating and panting in their shorts and tank tops, it is common to see Ghanaians walking around in hot blue jeans, and it doesn't even seem like they are hot. They gently dab the sweat from their faces with a cloth, while we can dab as much as we'd like, but it will be back in seconds.
FRIENDLY GHANAIANS
While Ghanaians are notorious for being friendly, it really puts things into perspective when they are nice to me personally. We are only suppose to drink bottled water, so the first day, I went into the store to buy a bottle for 40 pesewas (kinda like cents). I gave her 1 cedi (like a dollar). She said that she didn't have any change, so I could just take the water, and bring the money back to her later. Wow! I was pretty blown away. I don't think a similar thing would have happened in the U.S., especially since this is the first time I had ever met her.
Today we went to the beach and a young child was asking people in our group for money. We all told him we didn't have any as we were instructed to do. One girl told him she didn't have any money. The child then told her he was hungry, and she quickly replied that she was hungry too. The child then pulled our a pesewa coin and handed it to her. Wow! I was blown away.
Walking down the streets we will often hear: "Welcome to Ghana. We are so happy to have you here." Ghanaians are so friendly and proud of their country. There have already been so many examples and it will be awesome to experience the many more to come.
Well, I have written so much, trying to catch everyone up on a few of the things I have written down, and I will write again soon to fill you in on all the other amazing things I have already seen.
I love you!
Mel
Hope you all are enjoying the 20 something weather! In Ghana, it's a cool 90 degrees, with high humidity and lots of sunshine! But I love it already. I can tell there are going to be a lot of amazing adventures and life lessons along the way.
Where do I even begin!? There is soooo much I could talk about already!
But |I guess by saying|: It's AMAZING already! |More than anything |I could ever imagine!
And let me just say, I didn't really thing I would experience "culture shock" because I had researched Ghana a little bit, but nothing could have prepared me for what I am seeing now! And not culture shock in a bad way, just like, |Oh my gosh|! | This is amazing!
So far |I haven't had as much |Internet access as |I was anticipating, being on a college campus and all, so sorry I haven't updated my blog since |I've been here. |I am hoping to have more access once classes start because I will have more opportunities to get on a computer. |It's only been five days and |I have already experienced so much, but |I have been keeping a journal, so don't worry, |I will keep you updated on everything. |If there is anything you want to know that |I haven't talked about, make sure you let me know so |I can fill you in.
There are 42 students in this year's ISEP *International Student Exchange Program) group to Ghana, which is the biggest group yet.
- - -
TRAVELING OVERSEAS
Sunday, January 11th, Mom and Dad took me to the Louisville airport. After several hugs and kisses, I was on my way. Through security and sitting by myself at the Delta Airline gate, by myself... But not for long. My Uncle Bill and Aunt Angie were also flying out of Louisville on that same day, and they found me and kept me company while I waited. It was awesome to have a familiar face and even more convenient when my plane got delayed, which meant I was going to miss my second plane in Cincinnati. Uncle Bill and Aunt Angie helped me change my flights so I would be able to make it to New York in time, to continue my journey. Their help was awesome, and I'm sure I would have been freaking out if I had to do it all by myself.
When I got to New York I had to get my baggage all by myself, and frankly, I had no idea where to go. So after asking a few questions, I waited, and they finally came, which was a relief. Ending up in Africa without luggage would not have been fun. So after I got my luggage, I loaded them onto a cart and rode the air train to the International Terminal. I felt so independent, and excited that I was actually on my way.
After checking my luggage back in, I sat down at a table and was watching people, when two girls walked by who looked familiar... They came around again, and asked me if I was going to Ghana! I was, and so were they! So we began talking and before we left, we were feeling more comfortable because we realized, none of us knew what we were getting ourselves into!
We boarded the plane in New York to London at about 11:40 pm. After we were all settled in, the pilot informed us that there was ice on the wings and top, so we would have to wait for the de-icing crew. A few minutes later, he let us know that the entire de-icing crew at JFK International Airport had already gone home, and would have to be called in! A little ironic, but two hours later... we were on our way.
On the flight from London to Ghana, I sat by a Ghanaian, Charles. We talked non-stop for the first half of the plane ride|! |He was awesome! |He worked in government in |Ghana and was very willing to tell me his thoughts about how parts of the government were corrupt and was fascinated that the |United |States had elected Barack |Obama as president. |It was a great start to an awesome trip, I'm sure! |I told him how |I was studying at the |University of |Ghana and what |I planned to do after |I graduate. |My first Ghanaian friend|! |(|Well, second |I guess|! |A ||Ghanaian grad student at |BSU, |Nii, gave me lots of great advice before |I got here, too.|)
To my surprise, Charles stopped by the International Student Hostel the other day to tell the three Americans he sat by on the plane hello. He was on campus for a conference, and I was so excited to see him! Off to a great start.
|AKWAABA
|Finally landing in the airport in |Accra was an amazing feeling. |So exhilarating. |I had finally made it. Even the airport was an adventure!
They informed us several times|: don't let anyone help you with your bags. |Ok. |That's simple enough, |I thought. But it was definitely harder than |I expected. |People surrounded us and helped steered our carts. We thought they were with our ||ISEP \(International \Student |Exchange |Program|) group to help us. |Once we got to our bus, they asked us for money... over and over and over again. ||We kept saying we didn't have any, but they wouldn't go away. Just 5 euros|? ||A cedi|? |It was very overwhelming and caught me completely off guard. |When you tell someone you don't have something in |America, they usually go away. |This did not happen!
|University of |Ghana
White buildings with clay tile roofs are the iconic building of the University of Ghana in Legon, Accra. Lush trees and grass grow everywhere, and dirt paths lead to classrooms and the few main roads.
When I first walked in to my dorm room, I was taken aback by the bare bones furniture and condition it was in. I didn't have high expectations, but wow! After unpacking some of my suitcases, it seems pretty big, and adequate. The Ghanaians lead a very different lifestyle than Americans. The hostel is cool because we all have our own personal balconies. The first morning I was awake at 7 and went outside to sit on my balcony and I was amazed by how many people were out and about. Guys were washing cars, people were going to the market to get breakfast. I've been told that Ghanians get up very early in the morning, probably because it's still cool outside.
I am going to have a Ghanaian roommate, although she still hasn't moved in yet, and classes are suppose to start tomorrow. It's kind of exciting because some of the American students got paired with other American students. This will be just one more learning experience, and I am hoping for the best.
AHH... COLD SHOWERS!
Before I got here, I was a little skeptical about the cold showers, but now that I have experienced them, they are awesome! After long, hot, sweaty days, nothing feels better to watch the dirt run off and stand beneath the cold water to cool down. While I couldn't imagine them in the U.S., they are nice here!
And yes, there is no toilet paper in the hostels, or many of the public restrooms either. So you bring your own, and I have quickly learned to conserve! A little really does go a long way.
SO... I'M GETTING MARRIED
Well, I'm not really getting married, but I've lost count of how many Ghanians have proposed! Haha. Walking by men cutting grass (by hand with machettis on the first day) one of the workers told me he loved me and asked if I would marry him. Thinking this was a little odd, after about the tenth proposal, I have come to realize, that's what they all say! Haha! Pretty humorous, and just one more cultural aspect Ghanaians engage in.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
The Ghanaian college students dress very nicely! Both men and women. Nii tried to explain this to me, but I didn't grasp the concept of just how nice they actually dress. I was shocked. Also, I didn't realize that you will never see a Ghanian woman with a skirt or shorts above her knees. This would have been nice to know before packing, LOL. But our resident advisor informed us that it's a misconception that Ghanaians don't wear shorts, and we should feel free to wear them, which was a relief.
While the Americans are sweating and panting in their shorts and tank tops, it is common to see Ghanaians walking around in hot blue jeans, and it doesn't even seem like they are hot. They gently dab the sweat from their faces with a cloth, while we can dab as much as we'd like, but it will be back in seconds.
FRIENDLY GHANAIANS
While Ghanaians are notorious for being friendly, it really puts things into perspective when they are nice to me personally. We are only suppose to drink bottled water, so the first day, I went into the store to buy a bottle for 40 pesewas (kinda like cents). I gave her 1 cedi (like a dollar). She said that she didn't have any change, so I could just take the water, and bring the money back to her later. Wow! I was pretty blown away. I don't think a similar thing would have happened in the U.S., especially since this is the first time I had ever met her.
Today we went to the beach and a young child was asking people in our group for money. We all told him we didn't have any as we were instructed to do. One girl told him she didn't have any money. The child then told her he was hungry, and she quickly replied that she was hungry too. The child then pulled our a pesewa coin and handed it to her. Wow! I was blown away.
Walking down the streets we will often hear: "Welcome to Ghana. We are so happy to have you here." Ghanaians are so friendly and proud of their country. There have already been so many examples and it will be awesome to experience the many more to come.
Well, I have written so much, trying to catch everyone up on a few of the things I have written down, and I will write again soon to fill you in on all the other amazing things I have already seen.
I love you!
Mel
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quick Facts
The Ghanaian Flag
-Red symbolized the blood shed during the struggle for independence
-Yellow represents the country’s mineral wealth
-Green is symbolic of the country’s forests
-The five pointed lone star is the symbol of African emancipation and unity
Ghana
- Capital: Accra- Gained independence from Britain on March 6, 1957; only 51 years ago
- Money - Cedi
-Slightly smaller than Oregon
-Nearly 20 million people live in Ghana
-Main religions: Christian, Muslim
-Demogratic government
-The staple of most meals is fufu - boiled plantain or rice, pounded into a ball
-Meat is a sign of wealth in Ghana; seafood is more common
The University of Ghana
-Largest of 4 universities in Ghana
-A native Ghanaian said, "The University of Ghana is the 'Harvard of Ghana'".
-Student population: Approximately 20,000 (About the size of BSU)
-There is a scarcity of textbooks; most classes will be lecture style
-Classes may have up to 500 students
-There is less emphasis on periodic tests like in the American education system; The final exam at the end of the semester is 100% of a student's grade
-Only the very best students attend college in Ghana
-I will be living in an International Hostel with another American student
Write me often!
Melissa Payne, ISEP
University of Ghana
Private Mail Bag, L4
Legon, Accra; Ghana
WEST AFRICA
One thing to know, when you send me letters in the mail... You need to go to the post office, at least the first time you send me a letter. They said they would have to weigh it.
Someone who has already sent me a letter said that they could just buy stamps for 94 cents, and that would get the letter there.
Also, it takes about two to three weeks to get to me. And if you include your return address, you can expect a letter from Ghana! (So you should write!)
I will have Internet access, so for a quick note:
mjpayne@bsu.edu
Thanks everyone!
I love you!
Mel
University of Ghana
Private Mail Bag, L4
Legon, Accra; Ghana
WEST AFRICA
One thing to know, when you send me letters in the mail... You need to go to the post office, at least the first time you send me a letter. They said they would have to weigh it.
Someone who has already sent me a letter said that they could just buy stamps for 94 cents, and that would get the letter there.
Also, it takes about two to three weeks to get to me. And if you include your return address, you can expect a letter from Ghana! (So you should write!)
I will have Internet access, so for a quick note:
mjpayne@bsu.edu
Thanks everyone!
I love you!
Mel
Adios America, ETE SEN Ghana! (That's hello in Twi! :)
Leaving on Sunday, in only 5 more days, it still doesn't seem real. It doesn't really seem like I will be spending 129 days in an African country. (My mom, already has the days numbered, and I'm pretty sure has already began the countdown).
I still have a lot of unanswered questions, and it feels like I still have a lot to do, but I am just going to try to go with the flow and hope for the best.
Prim and Proper?
In a previous post, I questioned the need to bring a curling iron and blow dryer, and if I would need to wear make-up everyday in Ghana, like I do now. So, I Facebooked the girl from BSU who went to Ghana last Fall, and her response: "A blowdryer and curling iron are definately not needed. Take advantage of the not having to do your hair and makeup everyday." LOL. I'm still planning on taking mine... just in case! I might have a change of personality and go "au natual" during my trip!
Classes
I have been asked many times what kind of classes I will be taking while at the University of Ghana. And to be honest, I really don't know.
I will decide and register for classes when I get there, however I have been warned many times by several different times how unorganized the process is and how important it is to have patience!
The ISEP Ambassador said that her hardest and most stressful day during the entire experience was class registration. Soo hopefully knowing that ahead of time, I can be prepared to spend the entire day going from building to building to sign up for a class and not get too overwhelmed.
An African drumming or dancing class has been recommeded to me, and I definately want to partake in those! And all international students are required to take Twi, a tribal language that will be beneficial when we are bartaring in the markets! (YES! Bartaring! I can't wait!)
There are certain categories of classes we can chose from, and while there aren't any telelcommunications related classes, I do want to look into their School of Communications, maybe just observe for a few days, compare and contrast, see how they do things.
I will make sure to fill you all in on what classes I will be taking, and let you know how my registration process went! Good Luck!
I could go on and on and on! I have tried to educate myself as much as possible, to be a prepared and open to new things as possible.
Oh, and one more thing- it snowed today, just a little but enough to bundle up while outside; so within the same week, I will be wearing a winter jacket and gloves, and then sweating with shorts!
Me kra wo, (Goodbye in Twi!)
Mel
I still have a lot of unanswered questions, and it feels like I still have a lot to do, but I am just going to try to go with the flow and hope for the best.
Prim and Proper?
In a previous post, I questioned the need to bring a curling iron and blow dryer, and if I would need to wear make-up everyday in Ghana, like I do now. So, I Facebooked the girl from BSU who went to Ghana last Fall, and her response: "A blowdryer and curling iron are definately not needed. Take advantage of the not having to do your hair and makeup everyday." LOL. I'm still planning on taking mine... just in case! I might have a change of personality and go "au natual" during my trip!
Classes
I have been asked many times what kind of classes I will be taking while at the University of Ghana. And to be honest, I really don't know.
I will decide and register for classes when I get there, however I have been warned many times by several different times how unorganized the process is and how important it is to have patience!
The ISEP Ambassador said that her hardest and most stressful day during the entire experience was class registration. Soo hopefully knowing that ahead of time, I can be prepared to spend the entire day going from building to building to sign up for a class and not get too overwhelmed.
An African drumming or dancing class has been recommeded to me, and I definately want to partake in those! And all international students are required to take Twi, a tribal language that will be beneficial when we are bartaring in the markets! (YES! Bartaring! I can't wait!)
There are certain categories of classes we can chose from, and while there aren't any telelcommunications related classes, I do want to look into their School of Communications, maybe just observe for a few days, compare and contrast, see how they do things.
I will make sure to fill you all in on what classes I will be taking, and let you know how my registration process went! Good Luck!
I could go on and on and on! I have tried to educate myself as much as possible, to be a prepared and open to new things as possible.
Oh, and one more thing- it snowed today, just a little but enough to bundle up while outside; so within the same week, I will be wearing a winter jacket and gloves, and then sweating with shorts!
Me kra wo, (Goodbye in Twi!)
Mel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)