This quote hangs on the wall in Afronet (an Internet cafe on campus which I am currently sitting in), I saw it last time I was here and it had somewhat of an impact on me. It's been a bit difficult being away from people at home (I wish you all could be here and we could share this experience) and although it gets easier everyday, I still get sad about missing people sometime. This quote made me realise that there are things I will have to go through on this trip ahead of me, how I deal with them, my attitude towards them, will form the kind of experience I have.
The last three days have been overall really good. We visited some markets in central Accra yesterday and went to a smaller market in a smaller town called Medina today. Other than that (and registering to become official students at the University of Ghana) we have not done very much. It seems weird to not be overwhelmed with programming. I'm used to going on trips abroad and spending the whole time running around and sight-seeing. The last few days we've mostly just been hanging out with the group, getting to know one another, and learning how to just "be" here.
Much of our free time these past few days (besides the hours we spend hanging out with one another talking and playing cards) has been trying to find food to eat. There are tons and tons of small vendors selling things everywhere (both on campus and off campus) but carbohydrates (particularly ones that are fried) seem to be a hit here and it is very difficult to find vegetables and fruits that we are allowed to eat (ones we can peal that wont make us sick). There are also little cafes around campus but most of them sell greasy food that most of us don't feel like eating (especially in the heat) anyways. So we've spent some time trying out places and looking for good vendors etc. The highlight of my trip so far was finding a place close to the hostel where they sell fruit! I was so happy I almost hugged Sarah when she told me about it. We went out and bought bananas for breakfast today, they were amazing!
The market in Accra yesterday was interesting. People yelled "Obruni" (which means "white person") at us and several people grabbed my wrist to stop me and talk to me. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience, but not so pleasant. Parts of the market sold food and in these parts the streets were lined with vendors selling various sorts of animals. Anywhere from seafood (raw, dry, or drying) to raw meat (including hanging possums) were sitting out in the hot sun, ready to sell. The smell made me want to vomit... On the other hand, there were parts of the market I liked very much. Some areas the path was lined with vendors selling all sorts of printed colorful African cloth. The colors of these various cloths neatly folded and piled well above my head was amazing to see.
I was also told what my address here is, so if anyone would like to send me letters, feel free to do so...
Kincso Borgyos
Attn. Calvin College c/o Dr. Randall Jelks
Instituted of African Studies
University of Ghana
PO Box 73 Legon
Ghana, West Africa
I'm not sure if the lines should be spaced that way but I think that's right. I'm quite sure the letters will find their way...if they are sent :)
Anyhow, thanks for visiting, I will post some pictures soon!
(this is of the inside courtyard of the International Student Hostel...we love it because there's always great ventilation and we can yell across it at each other)
