Sunday, October 31, 2010
Fun to Start, then School
Here are some of the road signs that can be seen around Ghana:
Rumble strips ahead (a set of three or more speed bumps),
Overspeeding kills,
Inner land for overtaking (passing),
Excessive overtaking kills,
Slow down- ____ # persons killed here (updated every mile or so)
School
Despite signing up to work in an orphanage (I am doing this too), my main "job" is teaching at a school. Here in Ghana every orphanage has to be connected to a school (the one I am at quite literally is attached), so that the children are still receiving an education. We have kids at our school from one years old through 12 years old. I am working in both the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. Though there are paid teachers (very little pay) that are locals, we volunteers are the ones doing most of the teaching for the 1st graders especially.
The teachers are not much older (one is actually a year younger) than me and are students as well. They are trying to earn money, so they can return to university. So, the teachers are not actually certified teachers, therefore making both them and us volunteers on the same level of knowledge for many things. The 3rd-5th graders are all in one class because the 4th & 5th grade teacher left shortly before I arrived. The teacher for the 3rd-5th graders is only 20 years old and has no volunteers in his classroom helping out.
Culturally, life is very different down here, shocker I know. Kids do not have respect for anyone, even adults. The kids are free to beat each other, both girls and guys, and for no apparent reason half the time. In schools here teachers are allowed to also hit the students. This can be done with there hands or the long thick sticks they carry around. Even when I am ready to give up and leave the kids because of their behavior, I cannot and will not hit the kids.
I am sorry to cut this short, but I have got to go. I will continue explaining the school when I return, sometime in the next few days.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Weather
When people think of Africa, rain is typically the furthest thing from their minds. However, I have now been here 17 days and only 3 of those days has there been no rain. It is true that the rain does not last all day like it does in Oregon, although, I have seen it pour harder here then I have ever seen before!!!When it has rained here it has lasted a maximum of 1 hour with the exception of night/day (it poured for 6 hours).
Flooding is not too much a problem in Ho, or other big towns in Ghana because of the large gutters on the sides of the roads (2 feet wide by anywhere from 2-6 feet deep). The day that it rained for 6 hours there was definitely some flooding in the villages near by. We were actually planning on leaving that morning at 7:30am to go to Ziavi (a small village outside of Ho) for a dedication ceremony/celebration. We had to delay our trip because the rain was still pouring when we woke up (it started at 3:00am) and we would not be able to find a taxi to take us out there it that weather (nor would we want to)! When we were finally able to leave the trip was interesting to say the least! We basically went off roading in our taxi (I have already described the state of the taxis here) and had to keep our windows closed because the "puddles" we hit splashed into the car the first time we went through one.
Anyway... the weather despite then rain and even during the rain is hot. I am finally acclimated here, though that does not mean I don't sweat. Everyone here sweats, even the locals who have lived here their entire lives! It is hot and humid here. The last couple of days have been cool (mid 80's), which is much nicer. I have finally got a fan, so the average temperature of my room (87 degrees) is much more bearable. My mother bought me 70spf sunblock, so I thought I would use it and not get burned. Wrong!!! I have put it on multiple times and am finally done healing from my third sunburn. My "sisters" (other volunteers) and I went to the Freedom Hotel last Sunday to go swimming. I put my 70spf on everywhere (and more than once), but my legs. On my legs I used my roommates 20spf once. Where is the only place I got absolutely no sun... my legs. From now on I am not using my sunblock and using my roomies instead!!!
Though the weather is hot and only going to be getting hotter, I am thoroughly enjoying it. We did not get much of a summer this year in the grove and I now feel like I will get my fill of it for the next three months!
Flooding is not too much a problem in Ho, or other big towns in Ghana because of the large gutters on the sides of the roads (2 feet wide by anywhere from 2-6 feet deep). The day that it rained for 6 hours there was definitely some flooding in the villages near by. We were actually planning on leaving that morning at 7:30am to go to Ziavi (a small village outside of Ho) for a dedication ceremony/celebration. We had to delay our trip because the rain was still pouring when we woke up (it started at 3:00am) and we would not be able to find a taxi to take us out there it that weather (nor would we want to)! When we were finally able to leave the trip was interesting to say the least! We basically went off roading in our taxi (I have already described the state of the taxis here) and had to keep our windows closed because the "puddles" we hit splashed into the car the first time we went through one.
Anyway... the weather despite then rain and even during the rain is hot. I am finally acclimated here, though that does not mean I don't sweat. Everyone here sweats, even the locals who have lived here their entire lives! It is hot and humid here. The last couple of days have been cool (mid 80's), which is much nicer. I have finally got a fan, so the average temperature of my room (87 degrees) is much more bearable. My mother bought me 70spf sunblock, so I thought I would use it and not get burned. Wrong!!! I have put it on multiple times and am finally done healing from my third sunburn. My "sisters" (other volunteers) and I went to the Freedom Hotel last Sunday to go swimming. I put my 70spf on everywhere (and more than once), but my legs. On my legs I used my roommates 20spf once. Where is the only place I got absolutely no sun... my legs. From now on I am not using my sunblock and using my roomies instead!!!
Though the weather is hot and only going to be getting hotter, I am thoroughly enjoying it. We did not get much of a summer this year in the grove and I now feel like I will get my fill of it for the next three months!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Taxi
So, I am going to post smaller blogs more often, so you can read more often. I will post about my days sometimes and others I will post about things like the taxis over here. I will eventually get all of my days up too, they will just be spaced out among other post.
Taxis
The taxis here are all hand me down cars from other countries, however German models are the most prevalent. The taxis are usually quite old with the insides gutted out. Only one taxi I have been in has had a working speedometer and most also do not have working gas/heat gauges. This may be a good thing seeing as how drivers here have no rules other than to drive on the right side of the road if another car is coming at you, so speed is always set to FAST!!!
The only guarantees in a taxi are that you will have seat to sit on and a driver who somehow knows how to keep the car running even when it is literally smoking in the car :) Yes, on of my taxis we had to keep the windows down the entire time (even though it was pouring outside), because the front paneling of the car was missing and the car was smoking into the cab. Another time (pouring again- the worst I had seen up to that point), we were in the taxi. My window would not roll up, so I was being drenched in the car (the purpose of taking the taxi that day was to stay dry) and then, the windshield wipers broke. They were half-way up when they stopped moving and to add to these trouble the heater did not work so all the windows were foggy. The streets are survival of the fittest down here and at this point I believe we (including the driver) were all praying we would survive!!! He used his sweat rag as a de-fogger for the window, sat like an old man trying to drive, and drove literally two miles an hour. We did make it to the school safely, but not before I believe we all had panic attacks throughout the ride.
Everywhere you go in the city limits of Ho you only pay 35 Pesewas (like our 35 cents). However, because I am white taxi drivers will try and make you pay more. If you are not stern and know that you only have to pay 35, you can get cheated out of a lot of money!!! Today, a taxi drive picked us up and we told him where we wanted to go before we got in the car. He said that was fine. When we arrived. He only have Karina 50 Pesewas back for change. She gave him 2 Cedi (there dollar), and so we should have received 1 Cedi 30 Pesewas back. He said we told him somewhere else to go and that because it started to rain he got more. After some very stern talking too, he finally gave us the correct change, but was not happy we figured him out. It is difficult to deal with those who want to cheat you, especially when they appear to be so nice! Luckily this has not happened too often, but you always have to be on the lookout!
Taxis
The taxis here are all hand me down cars from other countries, however German models are the most prevalent. The taxis are usually quite old with the insides gutted out. Only one taxi I have been in has had a working speedometer and most also do not have working gas/heat gauges. This may be a good thing seeing as how drivers here have no rules other than to drive on the right side of the road if another car is coming at you, so speed is always set to FAST!!!
The only guarantees in a taxi are that you will have seat to sit on and a driver who somehow knows how to keep the car running even when it is literally smoking in the car :) Yes, on of my taxis we had to keep the windows down the entire time (even though it was pouring outside), because the front paneling of the car was missing and the car was smoking into the cab. Another time (pouring again- the worst I had seen up to that point), we were in the taxi. My window would not roll up, so I was being drenched in the car (the purpose of taking the taxi that day was to stay dry) and then, the windshield wipers broke. They were half-way up when they stopped moving and to add to these trouble the heater did not work so all the windows were foggy. The streets are survival of the fittest down here and at this point I believe we (including the driver) were all praying we would survive!!! He used his sweat rag as a de-fogger for the window, sat like an old man trying to drive, and drove literally two miles an hour. We did make it to the school safely, but not before I believe we all had panic attacks throughout the ride.
Everywhere you go in the city limits of Ho you only pay 35 Pesewas (like our 35 cents). However, because I am white taxi drivers will try and make you pay more. If you are not stern and know that you only have to pay 35, you can get cheated out of a lot of money!!! Today, a taxi drive picked us up and we told him where we wanted to go before we got in the car. He said that was fine. When we arrived. He only have Karina 50 Pesewas back for change. She gave him 2 Cedi (there dollar), and so we should have received 1 Cedi 30 Pesewas back. He said we told him somewhere else to go and that because it started to rain he got more. After some very stern talking too, he finally gave us the correct change, but was not happy we figured him out. It is difficult to deal with those who want to cheat you, especially when they appear to be so nice! Luckily this has not happened too often, but you always have to be on the lookout!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 12, 2010
Even though I was extremely tired from all the traveling I was only able to sleep until 1:00am. Numerous factors played into this: HEAT, jet lag, new place, and completely new experiences. I was so sweaty and sticky and no longer tired at all! After laying in bed for three hours I was able to fall back asleep until 5:45am when I was awakened by the morning ritual sounds including: goats, roosters, sweeping (brooms made of twigs tied together with string-very loud), horrible American mixes of music, and the best of all (not), my host brother (3 years old) screaming while being given his morning bath. In Ghana people wake and sleep by the sun. The sun begins to rise around 5:30am and starts to set at 5:30pm. I continued to lay in my bed and drift in and out as I did not have to be anywhere until 9:00am.
Around 6:45am I finally decided to get up and go shower. I do have a shower (and will post pictures of it later) which was unexpected. The shower is outside and only has one temperature-cold, but that is actually a huge blessing 99% of the time. When you are always sweating a cold shower, in the wind, outside is a major blessing. I look forward to my showers every night and morning! Yes, we shower twice a day down here. Everyone, including Ghanaians shower twice a day to be clean and not sweat for as long as possible. Are toilet is a flushing toilet with plumbing, even more unexpected! We have a small stall with a lock for just my host family and volunteer sisters. You do have to have your own toilet paper, so I got to go buy that on the street today.
Evelyn (my host mother) cooks all of our meals for us. I am sharing a living quarter with a girl from Germany (Manon) and there are two other volunteers sharing another quarter (Eva-France and Karina-Germany). We all eat together for every meal as well. This morning we had white bread with way too much butter on it, but I was not very hungry, so I did not eat much. I went to the Dream Africa Volunteer Services office (Prince's office) with Eva this morning, so that I could meet with Prince and we could discuss what I would be doing, why I had come, and any other details he or I wanted to add. Prince wanted to meet at 9:00am, so Eva and I got there at 8:50am. This is where I got my first lesson in African/Prince time. Prince was not there (as I will come to learn as normal) and called around 9:30am to say he would be there in around 10 minutes. Well, at 10:15am he finally showed up and we sat down to talk.
I learned that I was not actually volunteering through Students Go Abroad, but instead with Dream Africa Volunteer Services (DAVS). I also learned that instead of working in an orphanage (as I had signed up and been accepted for) I would be teaching English and math at the school with Manon and Karina. Here in Ghana if you have an orphanage you have to have a school attached to it, so the orphans can still get an education (and it is free for them then). Prince started DAVS in 2006 and is the head of this particular NGO (non-governmental organization). He is very busy because he works full time for DAVS (does not get paid) and has a full time job as well. All the money that DAVS receives is from donors and volunteers. When I was done meeting with Prince, Eva and I walked to the "supermarket" near by. Along the way we stopped and got a pineapple (both a whole one and some cut pieces). The pineapples here are delicious, so much better than home. It is going to be hard adjusting to eating our fruits when they are so fresh and flavorful here.
When we were walking back to our house Eva had us take a short cut, however the rain caused some problems and we got stuck in the mud. Some local women helped us and probably thought we were crazy because we were laughing so hard. We thought the situation was hilarious! When we got back we all had lunch and the Albert came to take Karina and I to though school, so she could work and I could meet everyone. I Mama Viak (it is her orphanage that she started in 1954) and Master (he is the head of the school). I then met all the teachers and the students and can guarantee I not remember anyone's names. Communication is already presenting a problem as well as people here speak little English and have very thick accents! In Ho everyone speaks Ewe (Ay-Way), so talking so going to take time :) The school literally has no materials and the paid teachers are hardly teach (with the exception of the the 3rd-5th grade teacher-and he is only 20). This is going to be a very difficult job! I stayed and watched the last hour of teaching that Karina and Manon did and we then went back home.
We had to take a taxi home because the walk is 40 minutes (we will normally walk) and a rain and thunder storm started. Later that day we went to the market (like our Saturday and Wednesday markets only much bigger). Every fourth day is market day (today was not one), but the other day vendors are still there just on a much smaller scale. We all bought some items and then returned home. We had dinner together and then shared in out nightly routine of eating a fresh pineapple that each night a different one of us buys (for dessert).
It got dark and we all got ready for bed. Prince said he would get me a fan and a table, but Manon and I are supposed to be changing rooms and it is Prince, so who knows when any of this will happen! Bring on the heat!!!
Around 6:45am I finally decided to get up and go shower. I do have a shower (and will post pictures of it later) which was unexpected. The shower is outside and only has one temperature-cold, but that is actually a huge blessing 99% of the time. When you are always sweating a cold shower, in the wind, outside is a major blessing. I look forward to my showers every night and morning! Yes, we shower twice a day down here. Everyone, including Ghanaians shower twice a day to be clean and not sweat for as long as possible. Are toilet is a flushing toilet with plumbing, even more unexpected! We have a small stall with a lock for just my host family and volunteer sisters. You do have to have your own toilet paper, so I got to go buy that on the street today.
Evelyn (my host mother) cooks all of our meals for us. I am sharing a living quarter with a girl from Germany (Manon) and there are two other volunteers sharing another quarter (Eva-France and Karina-Germany). We all eat together for every meal as well. This morning we had white bread with way too much butter on it, but I was not very hungry, so I did not eat much. I went to the Dream Africa Volunteer Services office (Prince's office) with Eva this morning, so that I could meet with Prince and we could discuss what I would be doing, why I had come, and any other details he or I wanted to add. Prince wanted to meet at 9:00am, so Eva and I got there at 8:50am. This is where I got my first lesson in African/Prince time. Prince was not there (as I will come to learn as normal) and called around 9:30am to say he would be there in around 10 minutes. Well, at 10:15am he finally showed up and we sat down to talk.
I learned that I was not actually volunteering through Students Go Abroad, but instead with Dream Africa Volunteer Services (DAVS). I also learned that instead of working in an orphanage (as I had signed up and been accepted for) I would be teaching English and math at the school with Manon and Karina. Here in Ghana if you have an orphanage you have to have a school attached to it, so the orphans can still get an education (and it is free for them then). Prince started DAVS in 2006 and is the head of this particular NGO (non-governmental organization). He is very busy because he works full time for DAVS (does not get paid) and has a full time job as well. All the money that DAVS receives is from donors and volunteers. When I was done meeting with Prince, Eva and I walked to the "supermarket" near by. Along the way we stopped and got a pineapple (both a whole one and some cut pieces). The pineapples here are delicious, so much better than home. It is going to be hard adjusting to eating our fruits when they are so fresh and flavorful here.
When we were walking back to our house Eva had us take a short cut, however the rain caused some problems and we got stuck in the mud. Some local women helped us and probably thought we were crazy because we were laughing so hard. We thought the situation was hilarious! When we got back we all had lunch and the Albert came to take Karina and I to though school, so she could work and I could meet everyone. I Mama Viak (it is her orphanage that she started in 1954) and Master (he is the head of the school). I then met all the teachers and the students and can guarantee I not remember anyone's names. Communication is already presenting a problem as well as people here speak little English and have very thick accents! In Ho everyone speaks Ewe (Ay-Way), so talking so going to take time :) The school literally has no materials and the paid teachers are hardly teach (with the exception of the the 3rd-5th grade teacher-and he is only 20). This is going to be a very difficult job! I stayed and watched the last hour of teaching that Karina and Manon did and we then went back home.
We had to take a taxi home because the walk is 40 minutes (we will normally walk) and a rain and thunder storm started. Later that day we went to the market (like our Saturday and Wednesday markets only much bigger). Every fourth day is market day (today was not one), but the other day vendors are still there just on a much smaller scale. We all bought some items and then returned home. We had dinner together and then shared in out nightly routine of eating a fresh pineapple that each night a different one of us buys (for dessert).
It got dark and we all got ready for bed. Prince said he would get me a fan and a table, but Manon and I are supposed to be changing rooms and it is Prince, so who knows when any of this will happen! Bring on the heat!!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Arrival
After smooth airport and plane travel, I arrived at the Accra airport around 12:45pm. I had been told that when I arrived at the airport someone from the agency would be there to pick me up. After getting my bags and going through customs I was helped by and airport worker who said he would help me find the person I was supposed to be meeting. However, we could not find anyone, so he called the guy arranging my trip and he said he would call the guy who was supposed to get me and find out where he was. While we were waiting for a call back I changed my money, bought a phone, and received many proposals or confessions of "love." It is quite strange to have everyone notice you everywhere you go and watch all that you do (I am not a fan, however I have met some nice and some interesting people).
The guy finally got there and apologized for being late. He had been stuck for some time in the horrible Accra traffic, which I was going to experience soon. We got a taxi and I thought I was on my way to meet my host family and all was good. Wrong again! He dropped me off at the Tro-Tro (mini-van that they stuff full of people and use like a taxi for longer distances) station, bought my ticket for the tro-tro, put me on it (alone) and said my contact person would meet me at the end. At this point I am internally freaking out and am incredibly nervous that once again no one would be at the end of the line.
I also had no idea how long of a trip it was going to be and I was definitely not prepared for the 5 1/2 hour ride!!! The ride gave me a lot of knowledge of the culture here however. I learned that honking is another language down here, with various different meanings: move out of my way, you are going to slow, I want to pass you, I know you (to people on the street or other drivers), you have white people with you, or when I am really frustrated that traffic is not moving I hit my horn to release anger. The rules of the road = survival of the fittest. My tro-tro driver thought driving down the middle of the road was better then staying in his lane on the right. Goats... Goats roam free here and can be found EVERYWHERE!!! We almost got in an accident when a herd of goats decided they wanted to cross the road (I have learned that this happens daily), then we were almost ran off the road by a herd of cattle that got loose and decided to have a stamped on the freeway. One had long horns and was heads straight for the window I was leaning against, luckily my driver saw and quickly swerved away. The sun goes down at 6:00pm here and because my ride was so long it was pitch black when we finally arrived at the tro-tro station around 6:45pm.
Once again, there was not a soul there to pick me up. My driver asked me if I had called my ride yet, and I said I would when I got out and so he went to get my luggage. I called Prince and got no answer. I am about to have the biggest panic attack of my life when the driver introduces me to Albert. Albert works with Prince and said he was there to pick me up. Still a little unsure about Albert and the whole situation I began to follow him (he took my luggage for me). We got a taxis, put my stuff inside and were off, once again I was told Prince would be meeting me wherever we were going, however and this point I was quite doubtful! About 10 minutes later we arrived at my host families house and I met my host mom and my "sisters" (the other volunteer girls also staying with my host family). Prince was not there because he had gone to get a light bulb for my room, but I felt comforted when meeting the other girls. Prince arrived and he and Albert put my bags in my room, put the light bulb in, and helped me set-up my tiny mosquito net. Prince and Albert stayed and chatted with us for a little while and then they left. My sisters and I ate dinner and talked for a while and then it was time for bed (at 8:00pm). In Ghana, people wake and sleep with the sun (5:45am & 6:00pm) which has thrown me for a loop as I am experiencing jet lag and am not ready for bed. Prince said he would try to find me a fan as soon as he could, but in my room it was about 85 degrees and I most certainly could not sleep. Welcome to Ho, Ghana :)
The guy finally got there and apologized for being late. He had been stuck for some time in the horrible Accra traffic, which I was going to experience soon. We got a taxi and I thought I was on my way to meet my host family and all was good. Wrong again! He dropped me off at the Tro-Tro (mini-van that they stuff full of people and use like a taxi for longer distances) station, bought my ticket for the tro-tro, put me on it (alone) and said my contact person would meet me at the end. At this point I am internally freaking out and am incredibly nervous that once again no one would be at the end of the line.
I also had no idea how long of a trip it was going to be and I was definitely not prepared for the 5 1/2 hour ride!!! The ride gave me a lot of knowledge of the culture here however. I learned that honking is another language down here, with various different meanings: move out of my way, you are going to slow, I want to pass you, I know you (to people on the street or other drivers), you have white people with you, or when I am really frustrated that traffic is not moving I hit my horn to release anger. The rules of the road = survival of the fittest. My tro-tro driver thought driving down the middle of the road was better then staying in his lane on the right. Goats... Goats roam free here and can be found EVERYWHERE!!! We almost got in an accident when a herd of goats decided they wanted to cross the road (I have learned that this happens daily), then we were almost ran off the road by a herd of cattle that got loose and decided to have a stamped on the freeway. One had long horns and was heads straight for the window I was leaning against, luckily my driver saw and quickly swerved away. The sun goes down at 6:00pm here and because my ride was so long it was pitch black when we finally arrived at the tro-tro station around 6:45pm.
Once again, there was not a soul there to pick me up. My driver asked me if I had called my ride yet, and I said I would when I got out and so he went to get my luggage. I called Prince and got no answer. I am about to have the biggest panic attack of my life when the driver introduces me to Albert. Albert works with Prince and said he was there to pick me up. Still a little unsure about Albert and the whole situation I began to follow him (he took my luggage for me). We got a taxis, put my stuff inside and were off, once again I was told Prince would be meeting me wherever we were going, however and this point I was quite doubtful! About 10 minutes later we arrived at my host families house and I met my host mom and my "sisters" (the other volunteer girls also staying with my host family). Prince was not there because he had gone to get a light bulb for my room, but I felt comforted when meeting the other girls. Prince arrived and he and Albert put my bags in my room, put the light bulb in, and helped me set-up my tiny mosquito net. Prince and Albert stayed and chatted with us for a little while and then they left. My sisters and I ate dinner and talked for a while and then it was time for bed (at 8:00pm). In Ghana, people wake and sleep with the sun (5:45am & 6:00pm) which has thrown me for a loop as I am experiencing jet lag and am not ready for bed. Prince said he would try to find me a fan as soon as he could, but in my room it was about 85 degrees and I most certainly could not sleep. Welcome to Ho, Ghana :)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
3 Days...
Still packing and cleaning. Knowing what to pack for 3 1/2 months, in a country I have never been to, with a climate opposite of Willamette Valley is proving to be incredibly difficult. Good news, I will have 24-hour access to internet and computers with cameras and headphones. Therefore, I now have Skype and Google Video Chat accounts set up. Visa and Passport arrived today, so I am officially and completely ready to go as far as America and Ghana are concerned.
Off to McKay High School's Homecoming football game tonight to support my sister and the rest of the band :)
Off to McKay High School's Homecoming football game tonight to support my sister and the rest of the band :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
4 Days...
Setting everything up and getting ready to go. Packing, cleaning, organizing, let the fun begin :)
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