Why Ghana?

I don’t know. I started at ‘Why not?’ Throw any reason at me for why it might not be considered a good idea; I might have a valid, reassuring response.
I like to travel, and I have to start somewhere in order to go everywhere.

My parents weren’t convinced of the academic merits of African dance, so I had to dig a little deeper and prove to them why the University of Ghana is where I need to be. I found that while Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole is seen as the next frontier for private investment, Ghana is at the top of the charts and has been a model for many countries seeking self-governance and successful democracy. Ghana is rich in natural resources including gold, cocoa, and is on track to begin oil drilling of its coast in the later part of 2010.

The infrastructure within major cities of Ghana supporting its many industries can be attributed to good political governance. While there have been a few coups and some unrest at times, independence was just gained in 1957. It takes some time to work out the logistics of becoming a self-governing country. I won’t go into much more detail, but if you are interested in the macro-look at how Ghana has developed a system that integrates religion and traditional tribal rule successfully, and how this contributes to its success in coming years of economic growth, I would be glad to discuss it in six months J

So, armed with my mother’s courage and curiosity, and my father’s restlessness, I’m here. I will study International Business (and African tribal dance!) at the University of Ghana for this semester, and then spend two months making my way to Barcelona, Spain, from where I fly home. I expect some difficulties, homesickness, and days of lament, but when the ‘what-ifs’ square off with the ‘woulda-coulda-shouldas’ I would rather face the first.

My hopes of what I will achieve here obviously go beyond academia, but I don’t exactly know what I am hoping for. I’ll let you know as I figure it out…

GETTING READY
Although I’ll be away for about six months, packing light is important because of the labor involved in my preferred expeditions. I filled to the max a backpacker’s pack (thank you, Jack) and a large backpack (thanks, Mom). I’m sure I will have many thanks to administer for the gifts received, though hopefully not amplified for the anti-diarrheal.

I never thought I’d be able to leave the heels at home, but I must admit I feel liberated J

ARRIVAL
Leaving home was difficult this time. I don’t know who I was trying to get away from in the past, but I really miss those close to me. At the airport my Mom always gives me a card that makes me blubber like an idiot at least for the first flight. Her parting words of wisdom for this trip were very encouraging, but also to “never discount the power of your tears. They can be healing waters & a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words a heart can speak.”
I let my heart speak the entire first night here in Accra.

I wanted so badly to be comforted in the bosom of the very fluffy woman with a deep, comforting laugh who helped with check-in.

I’ve realized that happiness here is a decision. Things move slower than anywhere I’ve been, I stand out more than ever before (surprise), boob sweat starts by 9 am (back sweat maybe earlier, I can’t see it), and we haven’t been able to leave campus or start a routine yet. There’s really no option but to smile through it.

If you have any specific questions about the living conditions, I’d be glad to share the details, but will skip them for now to maintain readership.

DAY 1
I’ve taken some thoughts from my journal because I haven’t had access to the internet and need to recount.
I wrote about the many security lectures we had including some seemingly far-fetched stories about being robbed with machetes. The students who have been here for a semester assured us those tales were exaggerated.
I went on to write that many of the students decided to go for a drink at a spot on campus, and although all I could think about at dinner was a cold beer, I became really tired as the group was assembling to leave. Since I had stayed up until 5am crying and reading The Gift of Fear (thank you, Mr. Bahm), I decided to focus on making friends some other time.

I woke up this morning (Day 2) to tales of the group being attacked on the way back from the bar. Although it was a group of 20 students, three men were bold enough to hide in the tall grass in wait for the foreigners. They approached the group from behind, carrying a gun and (jinx) a machete. Two girls lost their belongings; our entire group lost a sense of security. Thankfully, the attack was not physically violent. The University has expressed their deep sorrow over the unfortunate event and is doing everything in their power to calm our unrest and make us aware of services provided for our safety.
We worked with a wonderful counselor tonight and refuse to let fear keep us captive or alter our perception of the incredibly friendly Ghanaians.

On a lighter note, I finally borrowed some shampoo/conditioner to use. To illustrate the conditions here, that was a truly luxurious shower!

Still no internet – sorry folks for the long wait.
Finally, we were released from campus activities and ventured (as a group) into the city. We took tro-tros (description to follow) to the Madina market. The contrast of areas in Greater Accra is astounding. On campus we are secluded from the conditions around us.