The Greatest Thing

So people kept talking about zebra crossings, but I knew they weren't talking about actual zebras. And I was so confused. I finally got it today.

Cross walks are marked by white lines on the black pavement... And I'm in Africa.

Hahaha.

Food and People, but Definitely Not People Food

Food-

So at first, I was like "this is chill." It's basically just rice and spicy things. Both of which are very acceptable to me. They've done a really good job of giving us stuff that doesn't make us sick.

But then I made the mistake of deciding to eat fish. I'm all "It's their culture. It's delicious, blah blah blah."

So at dinner 2 nights ago, they were all "Chicken or Fish?" and I was all "Fish, please and thanks."

AND THEY PUT A HEAD ON MY PLATE.

I was so proud of myself though. I didn't even cry. There were eyes. Eyes. But I was all, you know, I asked for this, I am going to be a big girl and eat it. I was very proud of my bravery. But then, as I went in for my first bite, the girl sitting next to me was all "OH MY GOSH THAT THING HAS TEETH!" And I threw my fork and immediately started crying.

I haven't really eaten since. I also will not be trying fish again.

On the upside, the girl who scared me half to death is now my roommate! She's fantastic. Don't worry, no replacement for the roommates back at home, but I think we are going to have a really great time together.

People-

Ghanians are all sorts of funny. Like English is their second language and they will pretend to know what you are saying, even when they have no idea. They also don't like to disappoint, which means they lie a lot. Like "Oh, will out new dorm have internet?" "Oh yes internet everywhere! Wi-fi! In your room!" Tell that to the 30 minute sprint I had across campus tonight making it to the internet cafe before it closed.

It's funny. In the U.S. I am really use to trusting people's answers. Like I just take it for fact. And if someone doesn't know the answer, they just tell me they don't know and I find someone who does. I am slowly learning not to rely on the "facts" here. Like there is a cell phone shop in the mall. And the dorms are 3 or 4 roundabouts away from the main gate, not 1. Ect ect. They just really want to keep your spirits high! It's just encouragement, as I've had it described.

But really, these are some of the most fantastic people on earth. As I was tripping through dance class last night, a young man was helping me learn this game that took way too much coordination (your hands had to go in two different directions) and I sarcastically said "I think I'm going to win!" and he said "Oh, of course you are sweetie!!" Though he may have been being a little sarcastic too...

So far the count is up to 1 "I love you" and 1 marriage proposal. And one drunk man at the bar who said "I'm not harassing you, I just want to see you" and I was all "I'M NOT YELLING AT YOU, I JUST WANT TO DRINK MY CHOCOLATE MILK" and then I mumbled some phrase in Twi I learned. It means something like "piss off". Lolz.

Mete Ghana paa!!

I think that's how I say I like Ghana a lot. But who knows. I have been speaking Twi for all of 8 hours. These first two weeks are orientation, and it's the craziest crash course. We are all exhausted after every day. And every morning out professors are like "Did you all go to the clubs last night?" And I'm like "I don't even know how to leave campus."

We took a tour of Accra today which only further confirmed that I should never leave my dorm. But I would like to let you know (Dad) that I am a master bargainer. All I do is tell people that I have no interest in their crap, and then they basically give it away.

We visited this sweet memorial for Ghana's first president and were bombarded by people selling things the second we left. This guy wanted to sell me shirts, 2 for 40. I kept telling him no. His final offer was 2 for 15. That's like less than 4 American bucks per shirt. And they were actually kind of sweet. So then I was all "Fine! I'll buy your dumb shirt!" And then my new friend, who made really pretty carvings that I didn't buy told me to remember him. Because he loves me. His words. People here are way easy. Even the 4 year olds yell "Hey bruni (white person), come over here!!!"

Also, I went in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in my life.

And last night the power went out but we still had our dance class. Everyone should engage in tribal dancing under the stars in the pitch black at least once in their life. I don't think you've lived until then. Follow that up with a group sing along as you all take a freezing shower in absolute black and you can basically die happy.

Also, flashlight in a bag= a great lantern.

Week 1

So here's the facts-

1) Internet like doesn't exist. 
2) I have 10 minutes on this computer.
3) When school starts (in a month) I can use wifi and upload pictures then.
4) I made it.
5) My last meal in America was a Frosty.
6) It is hot. I keep thinking I am now tan. Turns out it is just dirt.
7) Mosquito nets are crazy fun. Like sleeping in a chemical soaked fort!
8) After the first night my roommate went into the hall screaming "I'VE BEEN BITTEN!" Though I highly doubt she has malaria.
9) There's a whole lot less English here than I was expecting.
10) The food is actually ok so far. Just a lot of rice and spicy things, which I love!
11) The mango is pure crack.
12) I've seen a monkey, done a traditional dance, played on drums, and tonight I tackle the flute.
13) If you have any questions about Ghanian economy, I will gladly answer them
14) My program is tiny (There were 51 kids last semester and only 17 this semester). And everyone is awesome.
15) I have a group of volunteers who want to go to church with me. Mormon: Africa Edition. So pumped.

In the Air!

I’m sitting here on a very cramped flight. The holes where my wisdom teeth use to be are slightly throbbing (with excitement obviously!) and I am beginning to realize that the Special K/ Coco Puffs I downed in order to choke down a malaria pill will probably not be sufficient to get me through the next 19 hours of travel. But the TSA lady threw away my peanut butter, so what do you do. It “smears, so it’s not allowed”. Well duh. Stupid Brit. Everyone knows that smears are national security threats. Mostly though, I am just overcome by gratitude at the moment. 

My last few days were unbelievable. Turns out leaving the continent makes people really express just how much they like you. And holy cow, if there was anymore love in my life I think I would just explode. 

To try to explain seems pointless. As much as I want to blabber on about how wonderful everyone is, I”ll spare the speech, you guys know who you are. Instead I will just say this- as I tried to fall asleep last night I couldn’t think of one good reason to leave. 

And that’s a pretty awesome feeling. 

And for all you who think I am some sort of soulless robot, I will have you know that I almost cried. That’s right. The safety video was explaining what to do in case of a water evacuation. Apparently you can blow up your life vest manually. I don’t know how I was able to keep it together. 

And apparently blogs are made less boring by photos. But I haven’t been anywhere cool yet. So here’s a cool photo I found on my computer and edited to deal with my boredom while on the flight. When I talk about my family in New Mexico and their trading posts, this is what I am referring to. Photo cred grandma I believe. 

The Final Days

Bug repellent is bought and I am no longer drugged.

Things are looking up.

Many asked what sort of ridiculous things I said while coming out of the anesthesia. (Me? Say ridiculous things?) It was disappointing to say the least. All I did was thumbs up and wink at everyone. I do that anyway. No drugs needed.

The final packing is happening tonight and tomorrow morning. Sunday is a buffer. Monday is Berkeley (come say bye!). And then we're off!

The cheekbones are reappearing! 

Suck it wisdom teeth!

Apparently oral surgery 10 days before moving to a third world country can be done.

You win this round parents. 

One Week

It's hard to believe that in a week from now I'll be jumping on a plane to half way across the world. And my face looks like this...

I think the phrase, "high as a kite" is appropriate here.