Wednesday 28 July 2010

People do it all the time- Observations of Ghana

I spy with my Little Eye
Am sat in an Internet cafe in Koforidua, Ghana and all I can do is thank my lucky stars. This is the second African country I have visited, and- for the second time- I feel right at home. I walked about fifteen minutes from the where I'm staying to get here. Sand and dust fill my sandals and my fellow travellers Akuoswa, Eve and I have had to step over a few open sewages, but for me, I just love it and I know they do too. Right now they are on the Internet doing their thing and I am sat here beside an open door to my right. A large fan on the ceiling above me spins the aroma of 5pm and heat, but the open door lets in a breeze that sends shivers down my spine.  Just outside a bike is propped up against a black and red column. I can only see the front wheel and the front of a well worn silver frame with a black wire basket sitting near the front handlebars. Old cars are honking through the road. Golfs, Nissans; old models that back in England would be considered outdated. They whizz or crawl past this spot tooting every couple of seconds to warn pedestrians, and bikers who, in my mind, are just brave. They toot to warns the animals- dogs and goats  who all seem to understand the nuances of this busy road. It's alive. Not quite heaving, but vibrant.

         There's a young girl outside; pink tshirt, black and white stripy skirt with a basket on her head. I can't quite see the contents, they seem to be plastic packets of some sort.  Ice water I think. Her target  market are the drivers who are honking past getting too hot in this West African heat.  Across the narrow road above a drink stall is a billboard showing an afro haired lady quenching her thirst. It doesn't say Coca Cola, but we all know it is. The words  "OUR GOD REIGNS" stands out boldly instead, in white against red background. I wonder if their God is the blonde haired blue eyed version or one that reflects their own image. They sing his praises in early morning services that start at 5 and 6am in a church that is positioned just a good javelin throw away from where we are staying, so I hear their worship and as a result tiredness is already trying to invade my eyes. 
After this I want to find a place that sells Cd's as I want to buy P.Square, a Nigerian duo who's music I am feeling at the moment.  No joy so far, but that's cool. I have time.
        I will tell you more about Leffiduase St Theresa's Catholic School another time. I was there on a  visit today where I observed an English lesson being taught.
        The sky isn't so clear now. According to this computer its nearly 6pm and am scared of getting caught in a downpour as was the case last night as it is rainy season.
This country has been like a seven course meal, and although I am only on the appetiser, I can feel myself filling up.

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