May 26, 2012
Sunday morning and everyone in the community seems to be going to church. Ghana , or at least this area, seems to be very religious. You can see signs for all kinds of different churches like Methodist, Pentecostal, and Catholic. This was probably an area for missionaries for many years, and maybe still now. The church buildings are not ornate or ostentatious, just a little better and larger than the homes I see in this area.
Daniel, my teacher who I had worked with this week, was going to the Catholic church and invited me to meet him there at 9 am. I had to walk around Saturday afternoon to find the church so I could walk there Sunday. Another volunteer from San Francisco was going with me too.
It was about a 15 minute walk from the guest house to the church. On the route to the church, I saw two brothers bathing outside their house, using a small tub of water. They don't have running water so they have to haul the water from somewhere. The older brother was soaping down the young brother, both seeming to enjoy the sun, soap and water. I think it was probably a Sunday ritual.
I looked for Daniel outside the church but didn't' see him. He told me he would be there early. We decided to go in and hopefully, Daniel would be there soon. Inside, was a very nice triangular shaped church with pews, an large crucifix and altar. People were sparsely populating the pews but later, most of the church was full.
Daniel arrived right near the beginning and sat next to me for moment. He apologized for being late and told me he was going to the front to play the drum. He was wearing a beautiful purple alb. He later told me had been playing the drum for Mass since we was 9 years old.
The service was interesting. There seem to be two main deacons or church leaders who led the service as no priest was available today. I guess they have to rotate to different parishes in this area. The one woman leader was very good. She spoke in English and the the local language giving the sermon or message to the congregation. This was one of the first Ghanian speakers whose English I could really understand. There was lots of singing and participation by the worshippers. The women were all dressed in very Ghanaian gowns and the men in nice western clothes. At the end of the service, the leader asked Lyn and I to come to the front and introduce ourselves, and say a little bit about ourselves. We did that and they seemed genuinely happy that we were there. The whole service lasted about two hours.
Daniel walked us back to the guesthouse. I offered to take him to lunch and he accepted. In this area, there is no restaurant that I can eat at safely-meaning without possibly getting sick. So we took the tro-tro to the Continental Hotel, which is a resort type hotel about 10 minutes from my guesthouse. Daniel had been there only once before. This hotel is either owned by an Indian family or managed by some Indian people. Their restaurant has an Indian cuisine and some local food too. The food there is ok to eat. So we had some rice, chicken and vegetables. As I paid the bill, I left a tip for the waitress. Daniel asked me about the tip. He didn't know about tipping before this. After I told him, we said we should wait until the waitress comes back because someone else might get the tip otherwise. Daniel knew these workers don't get pay very much so I thought it was very nice that he was looking out for someone else who he didn't know. It tells me a lot about his character.
It was a very nice relaxing Sunday in Senchi Ferry. Hot and dry but really appreciating everyday... Hope all is well. .
- Posted while traveling the world
Friday, June 1, 2012
Enjoying the local band
May 24, 2012
Things continue to be interesting and educational for me in Senchi Ferry.
Last Friday night, Pam and I decided to go to hear a local group play music near hear. We took the taxi. Before we got there, Pam wanted to buy chocolate which we were told as good and available in shop near the music gig. Getting out of the taxi, I could see the locals all selling their wares in a night market. Some of the sellers were just stand around with everything balanced on there head with amazing grace. This was also a place were the local "tro-tro's were stopping to acquire passengers or drop off riders. A tro-tro is a cheap transport for locals, a van that is constantly in motion on the main roads. You can just stand anywhere, flag down a tro-tro and tell them where you want to go, then pay them "cidi's- the local Ghanian money. It cost very little to ride the tro-tro and then don't try to cheat you. But you do have to hold your breath as some are safer than others , depending on the driver.
As I was snapping photos of the whole night market scene and Pam was buying chocolate bars, I hear someone yelling "Roger". I thought at first, it was a word that must sound like my name. Then, I thought who could know me here. After hearing it for the third time, I turned towards the sound. There sits a young man from Mr. Daniel's 7th grade class-David. I remembered him immediately and so I went up and talked to him for a bit. I was impressed that he remembered me.
In the meantime, Pam comes back with the chocolate bars that someone told her was going to be so good!! As we bite into them, the taste was far from divine.! haha! Kind of waxy taste, faded in color like it could be old. But it had to do in a pinch. Now we were headed for the open-air music concert.
The taxi driver pulled up next to the gas station. We walked around the back of the station where I saw about 5 musicians playing in one corner. There was a strobe light colorfully covering the dance floor. Beyond the dance floor, were tables and folding chairs for patrons like us. A large canopy covered the seating area. It was much better than we thought it was going to be.
Inside, we took a seat near the front of the dance floor. No one was dancing yet. A singer with a microphone was performing with the band but I could not understand a word, even though some of it was in English. The music as so loud I could barely have a conversation with Pam or Samuel who was with me. I gave Samuel some money to buy Malta or beer. I had read that lots of people like Malta, which is a sweet drink, which can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Samuel bought me a large quart bottle of beer and he drank the Malta. As we sat there, more people started to come and enjoy the music. They were all dressed sharply and into the music.
At first, no one was on the floor. Then gradually the men began to dance. Several were dancing with each other- not sure why the women were not dancing yet. One of the teachers I knew from the school was on the floor, and he asked me to dance with him. I gratefully obliged him, so then there were three of us guys dancing together. The only problem was the music went on and on and on! Finally, they decided we should sit down which I was grateful for.
Later, the women, not a lot of them, started to dance. One man was dancing with three women at once but they all seemed to be vying for his attention, and he was loving it. That was a show in itself. We stayed about two hours and then left. Back at my guesthouse, which was a least 10 minutes away by car, I could still here the music from the gas station. Haha! But it is quiet here and sound carries in the country I think.
Didn't great that night as I kept replaying the evening in my head and thinking about being here in this part of the world, so far from Portland.
- Posted while traveling the world
Things continue to be interesting and educational for me in Senchi Ferry.
Last Friday night, Pam and I decided to go to hear a local group play music near hear. We took the taxi. Before we got there, Pam wanted to buy chocolate which we were told as good and available in shop near the music gig. Getting out of the taxi, I could see the locals all selling their wares in a night market. Some of the sellers were just stand around with everything balanced on there head with amazing grace. This was also a place were the local "tro-tro's were stopping to acquire passengers or drop off riders. A tro-tro is a cheap transport for locals, a van that is constantly in motion on the main roads. You can just stand anywhere, flag down a tro-tro and tell them where you want to go, then pay them "cidi's- the local Ghanian money. It cost very little to ride the tro-tro and then don't try to cheat you. But you do have to hold your breath as some are safer than others , depending on the driver.
As I was snapping photos of the whole night market scene and Pam was buying chocolate bars, I hear someone yelling "Roger". I thought at first, it was a word that must sound like my name. Then, I thought who could know me here. After hearing it for the third time, I turned towards the sound. There sits a young man from Mr. Daniel's 7th grade class-David. I remembered him immediately and so I went up and talked to him for a bit. I was impressed that he remembered me.
In the meantime, Pam comes back with the chocolate bars that someone told her was going to be so good!! As we bite into them, the taste was far from divine.! haha! Kind of waxy taste, faded in color like it could be old. But it had to do in a pinch. Now we were headed for the open-air music concert.
The taxi driver pulled up next to the gas station. We walked around the back of the station where I saw about 5 musicians playing in one corner. There was a strobe light colorfully covering the dance floor. Beyond the dance floor, were tables and folding chairs for patrons like us. A large canopy covered the seating area. It was much better than we thought it was going to be.
Inside, we took a seat near the front of the dance floor. No one was dancing yet. A singer with a microphone was performing with the band but I could not understand a word, even though some of it was in English. The music as so loud I could barely have a conversation with Pam or Samuel who was with me. I gave Samuel some money to buy Malta or beer. I had read that lots of people like Malta, which is a sweet drink, which can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Samuel bought me a large quart bottle of beer and he drank the Malta. As we sat there, more people started to come and enjoy the music. They were all dressed sharply and into the music.
At first, no one was on the floor. Then gradually the men began to dance. Several were dancing with each other- not sure why the women were not dancing yet. One of the teachers I knew from the school was on the floor, and he asked me to dance with him. I gratefully obliged him, so then there were three of us guys dancing together. The only problem was the music went on and on and on! Finally, they decided we should sit down which I was grateful for.
Later, the women, not a lot of them, started to dance. One man was dancing with three women at once but they all seemed to be vying for his attention, and he was loving it. That was a show in itself. We stayed about two hours and then left. Back at my guesthouse, which was a least 10 minutes away by car, I could still here the music from the gas station. Haha! But it is quiet here and sound carries in the country I think.
Didn't great that night as I kept replaying the evening in my head and thinking about being here in this part of the world, so far from Portland.
- Posted while traveling the world
Location:Liver Pool Rd,Elmina,Ghana
Friday, May 25, 2012
School
I have spent the last two days working with a 7th & 8th grade teacher named Daniel at a private school. Daniel has been teaching at this school for about 4 yrs with two years at a previous school. He is 28 yrs old and started teaching after finishing hi school. I have sat in and helped in three of his math classes, and two social studies. He is a very good teacher. Students are very well behaved in his class with a lot of participation. He has a jam packed room with near 50 students. I use the word "room" loosely-otherwise open air classrooms. The room has only one concrete wall about waist high and a thatched grass roof. Students sit in small wooden individual desks but these are all crammed in a small space. It is impossible for students to move around or get up unless really necessary.
Daniel rides his bike to school. When he was 9 yrs old, he moved to his Aunt's house so that he could do chores for her, thereby earning enough money to stay in school. His parents lived in another province. When Daniel teaches, he writes everything on the board. Students all copy the information as only a few have books. During the class, Daniel will write problems on the board, ask students for responses, calling on many different students. Students sit for long periods of time without moving. Different special teachers rotate to the students rather than the students moving. I am impressed with how attentive these students are. There is no disruptive behavior. I mean nothing!
I did notice that none of the students were wearing glasses. Daniel told me that the students with poor eyesight sit near the front. I guess most families here can't afford to buy glasses for their children. Many families here are large by American standards. Often, the parents have 7 or 8 children. The students wear uniforms and the tuition is $110 per year. Students often come to school with no breakfast but maybe buy something in the canteen but you should see the canteen. It is very minimal operation. As volunteers, we often walk to school and sometimes walk home. It takes about 30 minutes. We take a well worn path that meanders through the backyards of many different houses. All of these houses are quite basic but they do have electricity. You can see many cooking outside over a wood or charcoal flame. Everything around looks like red clay, no grass or gardens . You also see chickens and goats everywhere. A few sheep. Today, when I was teaching , a chicken flew across the front of me in the room. I have yet to use the lavatory but we were told we could only use it to "pee". Not sure why this was but didn't want to ask. hehe!
Hot here everyday. I have the A/C running all night. During the day, while at school, my shirt is wringing wet. No amount of deodorant does the job sufficiently. But I feel good and the students are great. They all talk softly but speak English, some better than others. I have met with the principal or headmaster who gave me the whole 12 yr history of the school. Senchi Ferry is a small area that doesn't really have any major markets or stores. You have to drive to the neighboring town to get most everything.
Not sure this that interesting to all of you but for me, even though it is a world apart, I am throughly enjoying it.
Sorry, for not having any photos yet. I brought the wrong adaptor for my iPad to download the photos and I have searched everywhere to no avail. I will add photos later when I get home.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Daniel rides his bike to school. When he was 9 yrs old, he moved to his Aunt's house so that he could do chores for her, thereby earning enough money to stay in school. His parents lived in another province. When Daniel teaches, he writes everything on the board. Students all copy the information as only a few have books. During the class, Daniel will write problems on the board, ask students for responses, calling on many different students. Students sit for long periods of time without moving. Different special teachers rotate to the students rather than the students moving. I am impressed with how attentive these students are. There is no disruptive behavior. I mean nothing!
I did notice that none of the students were wearing glasses. Daniel told me that the students with poor eyesight sit near the front. I guess most families here can't afford to buy glasses for their children. Many families here are large by American standards. Often, the parents have 7 or 8 children. The students wear uniforms and the tuition is $110 per year. Students often come to school with no breakfast but maybe buy something in the canteen but you should see the canteen. It is very minimal operation. As volunteers, we often walk to school and sometimes walk home. It takes about 30 minutes. We take a well worn path that meanders through the backyards of many different houses. All of these houses are quite basic but they do have electricity. You can see many cooking outside over a wood or charcoal flame. Everything around looks like red clay, no grass or gardens . You also see chickens and goats everywhere. A few sheep. Today, when I was teaching , a chicken flew across the front of me in the room. I have yet to use the lavatory but we were told we could only use it to "pee". Not sure why this was but didn't want to ask. hehe!
Hot here everyday. I have the A/C running all night. During the day, while at school, my shirt is wringing wet. No amount of deodorant does the job sufficiently. But I feel good and the students are great. They all talk softly but speak English, some better than others. I have met with the principal or headmaster who gave me the whole 12 yr history of the school. Senchi Ferry is a small area that doesn't really have any major markets or stores. You have to drive to the neighboring town to get most everything.
Not sure this that interesting to all of you but for me, even though it is a world apart, I am throughly enjoying it.
Sorry, for not having any photos yet. I brought the wrong adaptor for my iPad to download the photos and I have searched everywhere to no avail. I will add photos later when I get home.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Volunteer teaching
May 23, 2012
I had my best day yet! Started off w/Breakfast which is a little different everyday-French toast today. Pam updated us on the timetable. Then Ann, Emily, and I were off for our daily jaunt with Samuel to the school. Now, we often see some of the same people as we meander through the so called path. Baby dogs and cats, goats always and some of the same people cooking breakfast. Along the way, a young student came up and said "Are you Roger?" . I said "yes," and then he proceed to tell me he meet me Saturday near the main road. I was amazed and didn't tell him I didn't remember, but that I would look for him at school. His name was Emanuel.
At the school, I immediately went to the 7th grade class because I didn't see Mr. Daniel. Some students were carrying chairs to another location. I asked why and they said mit was because they were going to have worship. I then followed them to another room, where both the 7th and the 8th graders were in one room. After a bit, some drums began beating, and students began singing and dancing. Some had such joy on their faces, pure ecstasy. Others danced in a line, their gyrations would put Elvis Presley to shame. Others reaching to the sky with their hands. It was probably similar to a Pentecostal revival service. I was very touched and moved by their total freedom to express themselves. Later they had sermon from one of the teachers at the school. This worship was for the whole school, so 4 other rooms were all doing the same.
Daniel, the teacher, had found me early in the worship, expressing concern for me. He is such a great guy. I feel so lucky to have worked with him. After the service, I sat with him, just talking about school things. Then at 10 AM, we went to math class. On the short walk, he told me I should teach the class. I mildly chastised him for giving me such short notice but I had prepared some material last night just in case. The first problem I gave the class was given a lukewarm response but the second problem was met with much more enthusiasm. By the third problem, they were in full participation mode. These were kind of trick problems, that made them think out side the box. I left them without telling them any answers, telling them they would have to wait for the next day.
The second group, social studies, was covering rights and duties of citizens. Daniel and I co-taught that class. He would write on the board and explain what it meant and I would give some specific examples and ask them questions about the meaning. It worked out great. I noticed that Daniel was moving away from the front of the room while speaking now too, which I think is important. Tomorrow, we may get an opportunity to take the whole class to the Health Clinic for Blood pressure checks.
In the afternoon, all the volunteers went back to the Library for a individual reading sessions with students. I have been helping a 10 year old boy named Fredrick. He is really a good reader and seems very intelligent. Today, he immediately found the book that he was reading the day before and the page. Generally, there are maybe two others that join us.
From the library, we took a van to the Bead Factory. It was about a 30 minute drive and on the way, we went through another town that seem to have a lot of shops. At one point, we turned onto a nondescript road. When we pass the pig sleeping in the road, I knew we were there.
The bead factory was like an oasis in the desert. Very calm and serene, an orchard of mango and date palm trees, grass in front of the very nice abodes. Mark spent lots of time with us, explaining all the details of making different beads. It was very informative. Later, we all went to the store to buy some jewelry. Some took longer than others deciding what to get while I waited outside talking to Mark and Samuel again. Nicholas drove us back to the guesthouse.
Dinner again at 7 pm. Now we found out no school on Friday, but I think we have adjusted to the place and flexibility is our inbred in our nature. After dinner, I went to my room, quite tired yet it was only 8 pm. Good night.
Thought for the Day : There but for the grace of God go I..
When it is time to leave this place, this job, this world, you make sure you have worked hard to make sure it mattered that you were ever here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I had my best day yet! Started off w/Breakfast which is a little different everyday-French toast today. Pam updated us on the timetable. Then Ann, Emily, and I were off for our daily jaunt with Samuel to the school. Now, we often see some of the same people as we meander through the so called path. Baby dogs and cats, goats always and some of the same people cooking breakfast. Along the way, a young student came up and said "Are you Roger?" . I said "yes," and then he proceed to tell me he meet me Saturday near the main road. I was amazed and didn't tell him I didn't remember, but that I would look for him at school. His name was Emanuel.
At the school, I immediately went to the 7th grade class because I didn't see Mr. Daniel. Some students were carrying chairs to another location. I asked why and they said mit was because they were going to have worship. I then followed them to another room, where both the 7th and the 8th graders were in one room. After a bit, some drums began beating, and students began singing and dancing. Some had such joy on their faces, pure ecstasy. Others danced in a line, their gyrations would put Elvis Presley to shame. Others reaching to the sky with their hands. It was probably similar to a Pentecostal revival service. I was very touched and moved by their total freedom to express themselves. Later they had sermon from one of the teachers at the school. This worship was for the whole school, so 4 other rooms were all doing the same.
Daniel, the teacher, had found me early in the worship, expressing concern for me. He is such a great guy. I feel so lucky to have worked with him. After the service, I sat with him, just talking about school things. Then at 10 AM, we went to math class. On the short walk, he told me I should teach the class. I mildly chastised him for giving me such short notice but I had prepared some material last night just in case. The first problem I gave the class was given a lukewarm response but the second problem was met with much more enthusiasm. By the third problem, they were in full participation mode. These were kind of trick problems, that made them think out side the box. I left them without telling them any answers, telling them they would have to wait for the next day.
The second group, social studies, was covering rights and duties of citizens. Daniel and I co-taught that class. He would write on the board and explain what it meant and I would give some specific examples and ask them questions about the meaning. It worked out great. I noticed that Daniel was moving away from the front of the room while speaking now too, which I think is important. Tomorrow, we may get an opportunity to take the whole class to the Health Clinic for Blood pressure checks.
In the afternoon, all the volunteers went back to the Library for a individual reading sessions with students. I have been helping a 10 year old boy named Fredrick. He is really a good reader and seems very intelligent. Today, he immediately found the book that he was reading the day before and the page. Generally, there are maybe two others that join us.
From the library, we took a van to the Bead Factory. It was about a 30 minute drive and on the way, we went through another town that seem to have a lot of shops. At one point, we turned onto a nondescript road. When we pass the pig sleeping in the road, I knew we were there.
The bead factory was like an oasis in the desert. Very calm and serene, an orchard of mango and date palm trees, grass in front of the very nice abodes. Mark spent lots of time with us, explaining all the details of making different beads. It was very informative. Later, we all went to the store to buy some jewelry. Some took longer than others deciding what to get while I waited outside talking to Mark and Samuel again. Nicholas drove us back to the guesthouse.
Dinner again at 7 pm. Now we found out no school on Friday, but I think we have adjusted to the place and flexibility is our inbred in our nature. After dinner, I went to my room, quite tired yet it was only 8 pm. Good night.
Thought for the Day : There but for the grace of God go I..
When it is time to leave this place, this job, this world, you make sure you have worked hard to make sure it mattered that you were ever here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Accra, Ghana , Just Arrived
I left Portland Thursday afternoon with Delta Airlines, flying to Amsterdam, then on to Accra. My flight in Portland boarded early and it looked like we would get to Amsterdam an hour early, as the pilot announced that the prevailing winds would shorten our flying time by about an hour, so instead of 10 hours, it would be nine. That good news would be short lived, for just as we were to taxi to the runway, another announcement about a minor repair in one of the lavatories. The repair soon turned into a big deal. More and more repair guys keep coming but no one seemed to be able to fix the problem. Finally, after about an hour, they announced that the lavatory would be closed for the flight. Now, finally, after just sitting for an hour on the tarmac, we were off.
Most of the passengers on this flight were older adults flying to Europe to enjoy tours, cruises or just travel. Several around me were going on a bike tour, others wine tours in Italy, and some river cruises in Germany. Very few young people on board. Don't know if this is normal or not. The plane was an Airbus, which I thought was very noisy and the seat configuration was different. But the flight was smooth and we arrived in Amsterdam about 9:30 am.
I never had been to Amsterdam before, so I was eager to see the airport. I didn't sleep on the flight so I had reserved a room in the airport hotel. I decided I needed to first the hotel and sleep some. The Yotel(the name of hotel) was on the second level but clearly marked. I was shown my room and given an alarm clock so use for wakeup which was nice. The room was a small space but comfortable and quiet. I could sleep, watch tv, or shower. Couldn't ask for much more. The design reminded me of Ikea- simple but very functional.
My last flight was a little over 6 hours, arriving in Accra about 8 pm. On my flight, I sat next to a woman from Liberia who lives in Minneapolis, MN. She was very tired too. KLM airlines was nice and I think it was the first time I had used this airlines. Towards the end of the flight, the airline people start to pass out the Immigration and Custom forms. The Liberian woman didn't understand so I ended up filling out her form too. Some of the information I didn't know either but I gave my best guess. haha!
The Accra airport is quite antiquated. First you deplane using these portable steps that are not for the handicap. Then you walk into the main building. There is a very nice mural on the wall that added some culture to the building. Inside, the lines for Immigration were quite chaotic. I picked a line but true to form, it ended up to be a bad line. The immigration officer seem to be taking an intolerably long time with each passenger, so I spent about 40 minutes in this line before getting to the front. Then I noticed that I had mistakenly left the blue form in the plane. so I asked the line monitor if he could get me another blue form. He said to me " Are you carrying more than $10,000 USD? " I said "No". "Well, then you don't need the blue form". I didn't think he would be correct as the KLM people said we had to fill out both forms. But then the line monitor told me to go into the "diplomat" line. haha! So I did. That immigration officer was so nice. They finger print all your fingers and thumbs.And take a photo of course. First for that for me. Felt a little like a mug shot. haha! I found out too, that I didn't need the blue form and that they paid very little attention to anything you wrote on the white form.
Outside the airport, I looked for the hotel driver who was to pick me up. There must have been about 100 people holding up name signs, so I had to proceed slowly, scanning each sign. I never did see my name but I spotted the name of a fellow volunteer so I knew that this had to be my driver too. After verifying that he was really the right person and not a fake, he took me to the van. Along the way, he two other young local Ghanians accompanied us. They began talking to me in a heavy accent and talking very fast. I was understanding only about 10 % but I didn't ask for clarification because I knew they wanted something or selling something. At the van, they tried to tell me I should tip them for their expert advice. I didnt think they did anything, but they guy keep telling me how intelligent and strong I was. haha! I had read about all kinds of scams that can occur in Ghana, so I thought this must be like that. Finally, I decided I would give him $1 USD, because I thought maybe he would go away. When I pulled out my money, he saw that I had a 5 and 20 too, so he immediately told me that I should give him the 5 as they don't use $1 in Ghana. That is when I told me 'bye" and ended up giving him nothing.
I knew Roberta from Pittsburg was arriving 20 minutes later then me so I had planned to wait for her at the airport, then we could both go to the hotel together. The airport driver went back to find her. A little later he came out and told me that he would take me to the hotel and then come back for her. I told him "no" and that we would continue to wait. He goes back to look for her and then later returns without her. Now, he tells me , she didn't come. I didn't think that was true, so I took the sign with her name and went back myself to look for her. Finally, she came. I knew it would take her a long time to go through security. We rode back to the hotel together.
Don't know if I will get another time to post an entry while in Ghana or not because I am going to a more rural area. Also, I realize now I brought the wrong attachment to download my photos to my iPad. Darn!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Most of the passengers on this flight were older adults flying to Europe to enjoy tours, cruises or just travel. Several around me were going on a bike tour, others wine tours in Italy, and some river cruises in Germany. Very few young people on board. Don't know if this is normal or not. The plane was an Airbus, which I thought was very noisy and the seat configuration was different. But the flight was smooth and we arrived in Amsterdam about 9:30 am.
I never had been to Amsterdam before, so I was eager to see the airport. I didn't sleep on the flight so I had reserved a room in the airport hotel. I decided I needed to first the hotel and sleep some. The Yotel(the name of hotel) was on the second level but clearly marked. I was shown my room and given an alarm clock so use for wakeup which was nice. The room was a small space but comfortable and quiet. I could sleep, watch tv, or shower. Couldn't ask for much more. The design reminded me of Ikea- simple but very functional.
My last flight was a little over 6 hours, arriving in Accra about 8 pm. On my flight, I sat next to a woman from Liberia who lives in Minneapolis, MN. She was very tired too. KLM airlines was nice and I think it was the first time I had used this airlines. Towards the end of the flight, the airline people start to pass out the Immigration and Custom forms. The Liberian woman didn't understand so I ended up filling out her form too. Some of the information I didn't know either but I gave my best guess. haha!
The Accra airport is quite antiquated. First you deplane using these portable steps that are not for the handicap. Then you walk into the main building. There is a very nice mural on the wall that added some culture to the building. Inside, the lines for Immigration were quite chaotic. I picked a line but true to form, it ended up to be a bad line. The immigration officer seem to be taking an intolerably long time with each passenger, so I spent about 40 minutes in this line before getting to the front. Then I noticed that I had mistakenly left the blue form in the plane. so I asked the line monitor if he could get me another blue form. He said to me " Are you carrying more than $10,000 USD? " I said "No". "Well, then you don't need the blue form". I didn't think he would be correct as the KLM people said we had to fill out both forms. But then the line monitor told me to go into the "diplomat" line. haha! So I did. That immigration officer was so nice. They finger print all your fingers and thumbs.And take a photo of course. First for that for me. Felt a little like a mug shot. haha! I found out too, that I didn't need the blue form and that they paid very little attention to anything you wrote on the white form.
Outside the airport, I looked for the hotel driver who was to pick me up. There must have been about 100 people holding up name signs, so I had to proceed slowly, scanning each sign. I never did see my name but I spotted the name of a fellow volunteer so I knew that this had to be my driver too. After verifying that he was really the right person and not a fake, he took me to the van. Along the way, he two other young local Ghanians accompanied us. They began talking to me in a heavy accent and talking very fast. I was understanding only about 10 % but I didn't ask for clarification because I knew they wanted something or selling something. At the van, they tried to tell me I should tip them for their expert advice. I didnt think they did anything, but they guy keep telling me how intelligent and strong I was. haha! I had read about all kinds of scams that can occur in Ghana, so I thought this must be like that. Finally, I decided I would give him $1 USD, because I thought maybe he would go away. When I pulled out my money, he saw that I had a 5 and 20 too, so he immediately told me that I should give him the 5 as they don't use $1 in Ghana. That is when I told me 'bye" and ended up giving him nothing.
I knew Roberta from Pittsburg was arriving 20 minutes later then me so I had planned to wait for her at the airport, then we could both go to the hotel together. The airport driver went back to find her. A little later he came out and told me that he would take me to the hotel and then come back for her. I told him "no" and that we would continue to wait. He goes back to look for her and then later returns without her. Now, he tells me , she didn't come. I didn't think that was true, so I took the sign with her name and went back myself to look for her. Finally, she came. I knew it would take her a long time to go through security. We rode back to the hotel together.
Don't know if I will get another time to post an entry while in Ghana or not because I am going to a more rural area. Also, I realize now I brought the wrong attachment to download my photos to my iPad. Darn!
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Sunday, August 21, 2011
Ferry Boat Tour and Therapeutic Volcanic Mud Massage
The weather continues to be torrid. Today, the heat index was 102 degrees, and this is there winter. I can always retreat to my hotel room, thank goodness, which has the AC continually on. But I will be leaving here tomorrow and flying back to Bogota and then home to Portland. My limited experience in Colombia is 180 degrees different than what I thought I might experience. People are not overly friendly but if I initiated the conversation, they were quick to respond. I have not felt the least bit threatened or intimidated. I just need to learn more Spanish. You can't always find people who know English, nor do I expect it, but then you can find it in the strangest places. Yesterday, I was at the ATM. This ATM is like a small office and it has a guard on duty. (you do see lots of security guards everywhere). There are 4 ATM machines. The guard was talking to the locals, saying something about the machines. I started to ask him too, but explained that my native language was English. He immediately switched to English, and told me he never learned it in school, only studied on his own. His English was quite good. He was extremely helpful and friendly. Also, today, at the hotel, I heard lots of young kids frolicking in the hotel pool. Later, I saw them in the lobby and wondered if they were staying here. Billy, an employee of the hotel, told me that the boss of the hotel invites a number of poor neighborhood children to use the pool every Sunday. Then he buys them all ice cream before they go home. I thought this was a very nice gesture as these kids looked like they had very little. I saw several other acts of charity done for less fortunate. It made me feel good about the Colombians. Next time I come to Colombia I want to know more Spanish and take some cross country bus rides.
Now, to my Boat Tour. I signed up for a small ferry boat trip to two islands for the day. When I arrived at the pier, I was immediately taken to the much larger ferry boat for some reason. Knowing nothing, I didn't disagree and boarded going to the upper deck. On the upper deck, there was no room to really walk around, just rows and rows of bench seats. I was early, but after about 30 minutes, it was clear that this boat was going to be "full". Not sure if they sold more than they could legally hold, but it was no concern to any of the staff or to any of the passengers, except maybe for me. haha! Soon we were sitting ass to ass with only one aisle. I couldn't move it I wanted to. Then, after disembarking, the real "Colombia Party" began. They had an MC, an very loud stereo and karaoke machine that never shut off. It was like I was in some Colombian night club. The MC and everything was all in Spanish, Some passengers were dancing in the aisle. They were extremely active. The MC told jokes and got the audience involved. I do have to say these people do know how to party! Action nonstop! It never stopped for two hours. Finally we arrived at Rosario Island. Well, there was an aquarium there but that costs about 10 USD more, and I thought it was not worth it. The island was small with little or nothing to do, even though some people tried swimming. They we pulled out again to the next island, only this time I went downstairs. Again you couldn't really walk around there either but at least I escaped party scene. I also met a nice local family who I enjoyed visiting with.
Now, to my surprise, on the next island, they had to use two smaller boats to get us to shore. So everyone rushed to the small boat. But it would have to make two trips. This took quite a while for the boat to go back and forth. I took the second boat trip because I didn't really realize what was happening at first. Inside the small boat, people were just standing, with no space in between. Noah's Ark comes to mind, except we were not animals. After all this, I finally go to shore where were we were all going to have lunch. Again, a terrible long line, which is ok except that you have limited time until you have to board the ferry again. Thank heavens for a New York couple who saved me. I met them earlier too and they came and got me from the back of the line and brought me to the front with them. I bought them beer in return. After lunch, we then could walk around the beach but it was full of locals all trying to sell something. The water was clean looking and many did go in. Time passed quickly and then it was another huge ordeal to get back on the ferry boat. On the way back to Cartagena, I sat upstairs again but thankful most of the party people were tuckered out, so things were calmer. The MC was still going strong, and changed into his Michael Jackson clothes and did his sexiest routines. It was all in fun and I would have enjoyed it more if I knew Spanish. Not my favorite trip but live and learn.
Today, I went on a Therapeutic Volcanic Mud Massage trip. I wasn't sure I should do this either but I thought I had asked more questions this time before signing up. haha! I still need to ask a few more. Anyway, there was small charter bus that we rode in to go about 38 KM out of the city to an old volcanic site. There were about 20 on the bus from various hotels, so a much smaller group and a guide who spoke English. When we arrived, I realized it wasn't exactly like I had envisioned. This volcano seemed quite small. I knew we would have to walk a bit but they didn't say it would be up some pretty rickety stairs and the mud bath was at the top!!! Well, this was no time to back out! I decided i should be first in our group and get it over with!! The climb up wasn't bad but now, when you get to the top, you have to walk a short distance on a narrow path to step into this lava tub!! Well, as I maneuvered to the ladder to step into the mud, I tried not to thing about it. Stepping onto the ladder, you could already feel the slipperiness of the lava, so you have to be careful you didn't just "fall in". haha! And make a big splash!!
Once completely in, I could feel the tremendous bouncy of the mud. There was no way you could stand up, so you had to float on your back. Now a local man was trying to tell me what to do but in Spanish. Once I figured out what he wanted me to do, I was just floating on top of the lava and he began to massage my body. It really felt good. He did this a short time, and they directed me to turn over. Well that was a little trickier as you don't want to put your face in the mud, so I hung on to the wall. Again a nice massage on my backside. Then I just kind of soaked in the lava for a bit. Now, it was time to get out. I was a ways from the exit ladder and I just couldn't walk over there though the mud, so they just pass your body from one person to the next. And all the while, I am trying to help, grabbing on to who knows what, until I get to the ladder, to climb out.
Now for a new challenge. As I stepped out of the mud spa, I was on a small platform that attached to the descending stairs. But I noticed that the lava made your stability very dubious. I could just see myself sliding all the way down those stairs. So I started down very slowly, wrapping my arms around the stair poles, just in case. Thankful, the young Irish couple behind me, were almost as nervous as I was and told me to take my time. I was glad to reach the bottom.
Now for the cleansing in the lake. You walk a short distance to a lake to wash away all the mud. A woman leads me out to about thigh deep water and motions for me to sit, which I did. Now sitting with water almost to my neck, she proceeds to pour small buckets of water over my head and face. Each time, i am trying not to swallow any of this water just in case it might make me sick and at the same time I am thinking this must be like the Chinese water torture treatment!!! haha! I would never survive! Finally, after about 20 buckets she declares me clean and free to go. This also could be compared to immersion baptism!
After we dried off a little we, drove to another beach for lunch and some time in the water. The lunch was fresh grilled fish, with fried coconut rice and fried bananas(plantains). It was quite good. Arrived back at my hotel and felt good.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Bus Tour
Yesterday, I signup for a bus tour. It is isn't exactly a bus but an open truck with a lot of bench seats. There must have been about 30+ people in the group. They drive around and pickup at many different hotels before the tour started and luckily I got on early and got a good seat. I was told ahead of time that the guide would speak English and this turned out to be true but I was the only one in the group that needed English, so I felt a little guilty always having it translated. For this reason, I didn't ask a lot of questions or I took his abbreviated version.
One place were visited was the old Spanish fort called Castillo de San Felipe in the historic part of town. This was built and maintained by the Spanish in about 1657. It was used like a bank because gold was brought here and kept for shipping out to Europe. At the top, you could see many different lookout posts, with cannons. Some places were like a tunnel for a secret passage out and built so you could see and hear anyone from the top but not from the bottom. I not sure how many years it was maintained. I do know that Cartagena was the first place in the Western World to free slaves. This was something I read before.
We also toured the oldest and narrowest streets in Cartagena. One place was a convent for cloistered nuns. This convent also served as an orphanage. Poor people would often bring their new babies here if they couldn't afford to keep them. Because it was a cloistered order, the transfer was done by way of a revolving drawer. The mother would place the newborn in a small box on one side of the wall. Then the box or drawer would be rotated to another side of the wall in another room. There the nun would take the baby, so no one saw each other. I am not sure how many children were brought here.
I met another young couple on the tour. They were with their one year old son. We enjoyed trying to communicate but they were very friendly by taking photos of me, helping me buy a special gift for a friend, and buying water for me. So far, I don't have any fear of walking around most anyplace. I not sure why Colombia has this bad image, but most seem quite honest and helpful. A good example was yesterday on the tour. When we got off to tour the castle, I left my Nike backpack on the bus. When I got back, I immediately noticed that the bag was gone. Then, I started to think what was in it. I decided not much and that I should have taken it with me because their are really no doors on this bus and they didn't say I could left it. Well, just as everyone returned and the bus driver was about to drive to another location, he reaches down into his ice chest and pulls out my bag. I then knew that he had noticed that I had left it and if he hadn't put it in a safe place, it would have been taken. I tipped him when I left he tour. Lesson learned.
I think I got my zipper pulls fixed today. I asked a man at the hotel where to go and then he gave the taxi driver very specific instructions. It was in the old central part of town, near the central market. I made sure to ask him the price before he started to repair it. He said 200 sols-I had him write it down too. Well, after about 30 seconds, he was done. And I thought 200 was too little, so I gave him 200 sols, which is about 1 USD. From there I walked around enough to get lost. I have decided that no one knows how to read a map nor can I find a good map of the area. You really can't get lost her as you can always get a taxi and if you walk long enough you are sure to get back, as not that big an area. But it is quite hot, about 90 degrees I think and this is there winder. It threatens rain but i don't think it has ever happened yet. On my meandering, I stopped at a coffee shop. Simple orders like coffee can take a while so best never to get in a hurry. One older man was interested in talking to me so we struck up a conversation. He was Colombia but his father was Chinese. After learning all about his marriages and children and his new girlfriend in New Jersey, he wrote down and gave me his phone number and name. Of course, I had to do the same. I think he was about my age too.
I ended up walking all the way back to my hotel.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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