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Makye! I'm having a good bit of fun this weekend. It turns out the yam festival started yesterday. So last night a few of us ventured off to find the festival. We didn't know what we were looking for, but we knew what area to look in. The music was pumping in the streeet and eventually we ended up at the chief's house where the music was also pumping. There wasn't much going on in the house, but there were many people out in the street. The children were having fun together and were mostly the ones dancing. They were all excited to greet us. I said "I'm fine" to many children and got a lot of names! My two obruni friends and I were dancing with them and became a big spectacle for all around. All the children wanted to dance with the obrunis and even some of the adults too. It was crowded, warm and sweaty, but a lot of fun! On this night everyone wanted just to greet you. Not too many marriage proposals. It was fun. It was a giant street party, but the street was not shut down. Everytime a car came by it had to patiently wait for a path to clear.
Eventually we needed a break and refreshment. So we found a spot near by and went in for a drink. "Spot" is what they call a place to get a drink. They are usually a little shack with just a few patrons. A proper bar is hard to find. Anyway, while waiting to order a beer at the spot, I started dancing with a little girl that had followed me in. She was very cute and had great rhythm. The lady at the counter set up a table and chairs for us outside and brought us our beers. Outside, the same little girl was there with her two smaller sisters. This cute little girl was carrying her baby sister, about 1 year. I had great fun befriending the three of them. I believe they are the children of the spot owner. The youngest girl was afraid of the obruni at first but eventually she warmed up to me. The three of them danced up a storm and I think they are the cutest thing ever. I would like to visit them again in daylight.
Heading back into town, there was a great DJ pumping out tunes and people milling about. There were children on one side and adults on the other. We hopped down with the children and started dancing again. A great time was had by all and again we were quite the spectacle. It was really a night of great fun. We will try it again tonight!
This morning we headed off to the neighboring Baobeng Fema Monkey Sanctuary. We brought some bananas and peanuts and had a great time feeding the monkeys while hiking through the woods. The monkeys come running when they discover food! We all had fun feeding the monkeys and climbing trees.
Back in town we all grabbed our favourite take away and met at the bar in town. On Saturdays folks are there watching the footbal match (soccer). I joined them at the TV a bit to watch. It is easier than sitting outside where the speakers are and the broadcast is very loud! But then I joined my friends to eat the wakye I had bought. Wakye is a meal of fried rice and beans with some dressings of pasta, sauce, and something that looks like couscous. I passed on the pepper -very spicy!
I am still impressed by the friendliness and joy of the Ghanaian people. Life does not move at a very fast pace and there is always time to greet friends. Ghanaians are kind. It is a good challenge to be like them!
Tomorrow I am travelling to take in the kente culture. Going to learn about kente cloth and their symbols. Maybe even see a cocoa farm. A few weeks ago I travelled in the same direction to Lake Bosumptwe for the weekend. It was a nice relaxing place with a private beach that you can swim at. But the water was like bath water - not so refreshing and a far cry from the ocean! It was a nice place to relax and enjoy nice meals. So we have reserved a spot there for New Year's eve. They will have a bonfire and drumming on the beach. And a 4 course meal. It should be a nice way to ring in the new year - but I still can't imagine a warm and sweaty New Year's Eve on the beach!
'Til next time!
Debbie
- comments
Mom So glad to hear your having some fun Debbie. It sounds like you fit in quite nicely with the Ghanian people. Thanks again for the dedication to writing these blogs.
Teresa Cooke It sure sounds like you're doing great work & having fun doing it. I hope you keep up the blogs they're very interesting to read. Your Dad gave me the address a couple weeks ago & I am hooked on your adventures. Thanks Debbie
Jim OConnor Wow! what an experience for you and even me as I read about the people and their culture that you are enjoying. I get the impression it is really warm there?$%^&*. I hope you can digest the different foods easily. Glad to hear you feel so safe. Our culture should be a little envious. Sounds like a real community of faith and simplicity. Great to hear about it all. Your friend, Jim