We have been looking for a home, identifying parts of the city, figuring out transportation, establishing frequently used routes and choosing the markets to buy our groceries. We have had to learn about garbage disposal (or removal as there is no proper waste removal system in Accra), where to buy water, what to do when the house water supply runs out, how to sufficiently bucket-shower, how to hand wash our laundry, where we can withdraw money, where to buy a mattress, a phone, internet stick, additional converters, beer and anything else we realize we need.
We have learned how to haggle taxi drivers for fair prices, how to flag down a tro, how not to get stuck on a tro, how not to get entirely lost in general, where the 'obruni' (white/foreigners) spots for food are (when our tummies are telling us not to be too adventurous), where locals gather and of course deciding on our favourite places to celebrate the day with a beverage.
We have begun new jobs, met new colleagues, made new friends - all the while adjusting to an entirely new culture. Each time one moves they must adapt to a new sort of culture - changing neighbourhoods, towns, cities, provinces, states - each signifies it's own identity and culture. For us, we have left the continent in which was home and the differences in culture can seem extreme.
The differences are great, although at times intimidating. We are surrounded by new sites, new people and new language (the official language is English, Ghana was previously conquered by the British and originally inhabited by tribes each with their own dialect). To us, everything is new.
It is interesting to live your life the way you would at home – have breakfast, brush your teeth, shower, get to work, get home, have dinner, go out, go to sleep – but do it in a new continent.
Everything is new, exciting and comes with difficulties.
It took me time to establish why this round was different and then it hit me – like my semi-daily cold water showers – I had moved to Africa!
Something you'd think was apparent and obvious yet somehow easily forgotten. Each of my other long-term travel experiences had some aspect of support – when I moved to Spain as an Au Pair I went through an organization and lived with a family, when I backpacked through Europe we were going day-by-day, when we stayed in Mexico we travelled as a group through an NGO and had logistical details arranged – when all of those things are taken care of it is much easier to focus on the tasks ahead and even then can be exhausting. It is an incredible experience to re-teach yourself how to live out your day.
In respect to all mentioned, I have noticed instances of personal growth since my arrival. I have over come fears, questioned my purpose, identified my needs and integrated to the best of my ability while still staying true to myself.
Now that we have established the functions of our daily routine, I am looking forward to what the next leg of our journey will hold. We have made trustworthy friends, established an understanding of the logistics of the city, entered our work places and have confirmed final living accommodations to begin August 17th. We have gained insight into Ghanaian culture but have yet to begin grasping a full understanding of the true complexities.
We have touched the surface and I am eager to learn more, dig deeper and go upstream.
David - Our good friend and staff of the Kokomlemle Guest House in Accra.
If you ever come to Ghana and want to stay in the city, he's your man!
Our attempt at buying and bringing home a new mattress.
half way through mission taxi runs out of gas.
He runs ... we wait.
Zions -Thai Food Restaurant. Off Oxford Street in Osu, Accra
There are many options of middle to upper class restaurants located throughout the city of Accra. You can find almost anything if you are willing to pay the price.
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