Brave New World (2008 Year Out Volunteer)

Written by Lynn Blecher

I must confess I have not yet sampled any local delicacies - trying to let my weak little stomach adjust slowly - starting with goat cheese pizzas... the local beer, star beer claims to bring joy and sparkling brightness to everyone who drinks it (yes, this is what the bottle reads) making me laugh and as such fulfilling its promise.

The people here are insanely friendly though, and very touching, not what I expected. every one wants to know where your going, the kids will all hold your hand - simultaneously asking for ice cream and other assorted goodies - smiling and waving. óbruni´or white person is a common term of endearment called out on the street - its very lively, always busy having some where to go and someone to see. the Ghanaians get so incredibly excited when you can string a few words in Twi (local dialect) together, their response is phenomenal!

I was quite taken aback by the over population though - the crowded streets, rubbish and heat are straight out of ´Brave New World´(sorry for the HSC reference)

Today we met the program coordinator, Tina, here and had a little orientation talk before heading to a coffin factory - dull as it may sound Ghanaians actually celebrate ones life by partying instead of mourning. some are buried in these elaborate coffins in the shape of giant lions, roosters of lord knows what else to suit their family crest or occupation - will upload photos at some point its quite a sight.

we ventured to Labadi beach (big on the tourists) where a game of soccer was played with the locals and in a desperate attempt to cool down we all rushed to the ocean, about as refreshing as sitting in a sauna for 3 hours. no exaduartion cape town could do with a taste of this water. tomorrow we are off on a tour through Accra and throughout the week we will have drumming and local language lessons, head to some more markets and have a day off before heading to our local families, around 2.5 hours out of Accra. for the first two weeks we are working in an orphanage, apparently very poor and lacking in resources, both food, equipment and staff so its nice to know that we will be needed. after that the school term resumes and its head first into teaching kids who I have no idea what their standard of English is like.

will try to update before I venture to rural swedru where we here internet access can be some what shaky but it's surreal to actually recognize that I am in Ghana, after all this anticipation and climactic build up. As of now it is still very new and exciting as we are all starting to get to know each other and discover the culture and language together but I am defiantly ready to escape the city and settle down with my local family for the true cultural immersion. Being here, turning heads as you walk down the streets really enables you to perceive whets its like for other minorities in
different countries, a real eye opener but I think that my general difference has made me that much more motivated to immerse and integrate myself with the local language, culture and truly experience every thing that Ghana has to offer.