Feeling at Home

Had the strangest feeling yesterday when I got off the trotro in my neighbourhood and began my walk home. I had a sense of belonging.  Said my hellos to the woman at the corner who sells corn and will offer shelter in the rain.  Continued my familiar walk past my favourite little kid who is about three years old and determined to teach me Twi.  His mom told me she would have a loaf of bread for me today.  Rounded the corner onto my street, said hello the local convenience stand owner, and pushed through my gate to my house.  There is no better feeling than familiarity in a place, and I am really starting to feel that here in Ghana.  There are some moments where people make fun of me or times when I am really confused about what is going on around me, but to have a nice place to come home to is very special.  Sitting around with my housemates cooking or just chatting about or days really helps me to unwind.

The days at work are laid back and friendly.  The office is very nice and I have been working on an interesting project.  I have been compiling a book which showcases the experiences of students in schools who have taken place in Rights of the Child Clubs.  These clubs teach children about their rights and how their participation is vital in promoting awareness.  There are lots of local places to grab lunch around my office and I have been enjoying the local dishes.  I had fufu for the first time yesterday!  Fufu is a bashed plaintain and casava ball that is almost like dough and is used to sop up soup and meat. Delicious and FILLING.

The weekends here in Ghana are a great time.  I have been lucky to have great people to go out with, having fun on patios and at local "spots" (a Ghanaian bar).  And this past weekend was wonderful and relaxing at Safari Beach Lodge.  It was like a tropical paradise, except for the constant spots of rain.  The term "rainy season" is serious.  But that didn't stop us from going into the village, jumping rope with the kids and hiking up to the only place in the whole area with a television to watch the Eurocup final.  Depite being dirty, tired and hungry a lot of the time, my Ghanaian experience is turning out to be a blast.