Back at the Capitol
(University of Minnesota public health students are writing about their experiences abroad this summer.)
By Ele Scherman
Environmental Health Sciences
Writing from Ghana
Well it turns out that I have to come to the capitol for any internet. My mom showed me a place that is the best and fastest. We took a tro-tro (10 passenger bus, but squeezed 12) from home. It was a long, cramped and bumpy ride, but worth it. I almost lost my breakfast but I just took some deep breaths, it worked;)
Today is a market day where everyone is out and about in the capitol, it is crazy crowded. Vendors yelling, people hissing to get my attention. I'm trying to be nimble to get along on the crumbled sidewalks. So many smells and sights.
I bought some beautiful black fabric to make a skirt from, a painting of people bicycling, and a cool necklace. After this, I'll head back home by myself, and Jen will go home with her brother who came with her. My family is wonderful: Kofi-dad, Helen-mom, Sofia-14, Lilian-10, Joseph(Cobi)-7. Helen is a primary teacher and Kofi has a labor organizing business. The house is great and I've mastered taking a bath with only 1 bucket - I could have more if I wanted ;)
I'll start working on Monday, I'm very curious to know what I am doing there. I heard that there are 2 Cuban doctors that work at there at the hospital, I'll have to seek them out to keep up my spanish!
My stomach has been ok, only a little bit of rumbling going on down there. Otherwise, I'm adjusted to the time change, and almost to the weather. There was a huge rainstorm last night, the breeze was heavenly, but we briefly lost power a couple times.
Everyone here is getting excited about the first Ghana showing in the World Cup on Monday, we (they) play Italy, it's serious business! Cofi - the 7 year old - even had a beer for the occasion!
Feel free to call or write, remember, I'm 5 hours ahead.
Hope you're having a great weekend.