9-16-2008 Sunyani, Ghana

I think of all the places AFS offered, I think Ghana is the place with the biggest "Culture Shock". I think the only place that could stand an argument would be somewhere in Central/South America. Other than the fact that English is the official language(which they barely use anyways) everything is different.
Family life is one of the biggest adjustments ive had to deal with. It seems like they dont spend much time together. At home in MJ we have dinner together as a family, here you eat when you want, where you want. Sometimes Kwasi and junior will eat in the hallways or outside. So its a bit different. Also it seems as though Kwasi and Junior do all the work. They cook,clean, do the laundry, etc. And they dont spend much time with their grandparents(my host mom and dad). Once they get done cooking and then cleaning everything up, they shower and then head to their room. I dont think theyre neglected or anything, its just different. I try and spend time with them at night playing cards or just talking with them because i semi feel bad for them.
My host parents are very nice and generous. But theyre a bit intimidating. They dont have a lot of emotion, and they dont speak very good english. At first it was like i didnt talk to them, but gradually ive been talking to them more and more. So itll get better the longer i stay here. My host dad is a Anglican Priest and they told me theyd be moving somewhere else on october 4th. Something with the church. But Adu,Kwasi, Junior and I will stay in Sunyani. Im still just as confused about it as you! haha
We have chickens here at the house. If youve ever lived with them youll know what i mean, and if you havent then be glad you dont. Every morning at around 4:30 they do there cockadoodledoo chant for like 30 minutes! Its so obnoxious! And sometimes in the middle of the day theyll go on a chanting rampage. its so annoying. Im glad i eat chickens. Kwadwo said when its time to slaghter them, i could have the honors. haha
The taxis are so funny here. The drivers honk for no particular reason. And most of the cabs have been used so much the speedometer and odometer( i think thats the one) dont even work. And there is no such thing as a smog test here, which is a good transistion to the enviornment.
Sunyani was voted the cleanest city in Ghana in 07. But its soooo trashy. I actually dont know what they do with trash, cause there isnt a trashman. I think americans needs not to worry about Americas environmental problems, but the rest of the worlds! Becasue i guarantee that the rest of Africa and most of the rest of the world is like Ghana.
I played futbol a couple times already. They take pick up games so seriously, even the little kids! But i guess they are purebred futbol players! Its pretty fun to watch the more experienced players.
The mosquitos were way overhyped by the doctors. I think ive been bitten maybe 5 times since ive been here. Not to say those 5 didnt have malaria, but i thought there would be swams and swarms of them.
The doctors gave me medicine for Travelers Diarehea(sp?). I think they gave me the wrong medicine. Ill try and put this in a non-crude way, I couldnt go to the bathroom to save my life! haha if you know waht i mean. the food here is just way different from my diet at home. Most of the foods here are very starchy, and there are no fruits and vegetables served usually. Also not to many dairy products are here. So its pretty different.

Well its dinner time.....time for more fufu. haha

Take Care!