Boti Falls

Boti Falls

Sony and I decided to travel to Boti Falls on a beautiful Saturday day. It took us just under three hours to get there (lots of traffic), but it was worth it. A guide took us on a hike to the naturally formed rock first. It was so peaceful and green around us. And the fresh air was wonderful! When we got to the rock, we took a rest and had lunch. Once we were done, it was just a few minutes to the unusual palm tree. Afterwards, we hiked all the way to go to the falls. It was absolutely beautiful!!! There was a church group there, and most of them took a dip in the water, with their clothes on!!! I also met two Canadian girls. They are in Ghana doing an internship for 6 months. It was nice to talk to them.

Food

My adventure in Ghana

So, you might be wondering what I am eating here. Can I handle the local food? Do I miss my favorite foods back home? Well, the local food is good, some of it. The supermarkets do carry imported products, mostly from europe and middle east. I have found Lay's and Dorito's potato chips, but they do taste differently. The local market is full of cheap vegetables and fruit. There are restaurants serving good continental and chinese dishes. I do miss Subway sandwiches and my Dorito's cheese chips. Overall, I am not starving here. There is always food to be found.

Our apartment

My adventure in Ghana

Finally! I know you all have been waiting to see our place. Sony found a two bedroom flat in a quiet neighborhood outside the city and close to his family. There are 3 other places within the complex. Our neighbors are nice. I have pics of all the rooms in the house. It is a nice starter place for a couple to live in. If I was staying longer, it would be really nice to fix up the place. Click on photo to access photo album.

Trip to Volta Region (Eastern part)

What a roadtrip I had!  I know back home, lots of people love to go on road trips for the weekend and they are enjoyable.  In Ghana, it is a different story.  Sony and I were off to Kpando, a town close to the area where I was at last year working in the orphanage.  We left at 3pm.  About 20 minutes into the journey, the bus had a problem.  The driver chose not to listen to anyone on the bus, and he kept driving slowly.  We did stop for a few minutes to see what to do.  The driver did not want to change buses.  So he kept on driving.  Then it started to rain heavily.  The window beside me had a small leak and I was getting wet.  Sony moved to another seat so I could sit in his.  We got to Tema, a small town, and that was it for the bus.  We waited almost 2 hours for another bus to come.  The bus finally came and we were on our way. We arrived in Kpando at 11pm, 8 hours after leaving. The trip was suppose to be 4 hours.  The next morning we headed to the orphanage, which was closed.  The area was celebrating Farmer's Day, so a lot of places were closed.  Our next stop was visiting my host mother.  She was pleasantly surprised to see us.  She told us the orphanage is now a school (children have to pay fees) and there have been no volunteers since I was there.  It was not good news to my ears. Afterwards, we left to go and visit Sony's brother in a town called Ho, just over an hour away. We travelled by taxi, so it was quick and there were no problems.  We spent a few days with his brother before heading back.  We took the City Express this time.  It is a newer van with air conditioning and does not stop along the way to final destination.  It only costs $1 more to travel in than the regular tro-tros.  It was well worth the extra money.  We got home in 3 hours.

Black vs. White

I saw a white guy riding a bike in my neighborhood a few days ago! I know it sounds weird, but it is exciting everytime I do see someone white in the area I live. There are not too many. I get the calls Oburni, Oburni which means white person. Some wave and say hi, tell me I look beautiful. I even had one guy tell me he wanted to marry me.....ha ha ha.....One time, there was a group of 3 girls and they said Oburni, good afternoon. I said Bebeni (means black person in the local language) to them and they were so surprised and had a good laugh. When I do go into town, I see so many white people, and I stare. Crazy. It makes me feel connected. There are quite a few that live here. The Ghanians are very friendly people. Some even try and help me with the local language. I try and go to the same kiosks (fruit stand, veggie stand, etc.) and get to know the ladies that way. I do miss the mix of people back home.

World News

It is amazing what you learn when you are in a different part of the world. There is a news program called Aljazeera based somewhere in the middle east. I am more aware of what is going on in Africa and the Middle East. Some of the stories I know is that Japan donated $63 million of rice to Ghana, the troubles in Congo, the earthquake in Pakistan, and locally the upcoming elections. I even know what is going on with the US elections. But nothing with Canada. I had to google to find out who won the elections. And when it comes to sports, it is all about soccer, soccer, and soccer. I do like soccer, don't get me wrong, but I do miss my hockey. I just check the Canucks' site for that. So travelling to another part of the world does broaden your horizons. So go for it! Travelling is the best way to learn about the world.

My second week

Sorry about the delay in writing to you all. I am safe and well. I have met a lot of Sony's friends and family and we are getting more comfortable with each other. Last weekend I had my first church experience and learned how to make fufu, a local dish. I am also starting to get more familiar with the transportation of how to get to places. The other day I made homemade chicken noodle soup and Sony LOVED it. He is definitely trying new foods as well. We will be getting internet soon at the house, so I will be able to load pictures then and update you more often.

My first week

I have been in Ghana for one week now. It feels like I have been here for awhile. Sony and I have been shopping for things for the house and food. I have bought food from the street like fruit and juice. We even went to a supermarket where I saw a lot of food I am familiar with, but expensive. There are opportunities everywhere to buy what you need. I am still adjusting to the heat. I know I should be drinking lots, but that is not who I am. We have visited the family a few times and tried the local food. Sony is also trying food that I make. Yesterday I cleaned the house. Everyday I do a little bit to keep myself busy, but I have noticed that things do take longer to get somewhere and to do things because of the heat. So there is week one. Lots of things planned for the weekend. I will share with you next week.

Flight to Ghana

I got up in the morning feeling very excited to go. The flights were smooth and faster than last time. I met a woman who was meeting her boyfriend in Dubai. It was nice to talk to someone. Halfway through the flight, I was getting a little nervous. I can't believe I am going to Ghana. As we got closer to landing, the excitement was building up again. I couldn't wait to get off the plane. After going through immigration, I waited about 5 minutes to get my bags and then I was off jogging down the ramps with my cart. I got outside and there were so many people. Where is Sony? He was right by the exit waving his hand in the air. It was so good to see him and he surprised me with a rose. I felt at home.