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MAJOR EVENT
On Tuesday the President of Ghana "Professor John Evans Atta Mills" passed away from cancer of the throat. He had been president for only 3+ years. Elections are planned for December 7, however since his passing it is unclear what will happen.
Here in Ghana they have one week of mourning in observance of his passing. This includes the Ghanaians wearing black, special music that announces his death on the television and radio waves. Many activities and events have been closed due to his death. There will a grand celebration but there is no exact date as of yet.
This is the first time Ghana has loss a sitting President, so the people are very distraught and everyone give observance and respect. There is no splitor fighting in political party or representation - everyone mourns the President.
Accra Mall
We were able to go to the mall to exchange our US dollars to the Ghana Cedi. The exchange rate on this date was $1 = 1.92Cedi
So for $300=$576
We also had to get new cell phones/service. The phones were very simple and inexpensive. Samyiah and I bought phones which were 49Cedi (which is equivalent to $25) we then bought minutes for our phones and were on our way.
Lunch was at the food court in the mall. The food court had a variety of restaurant much like what we see back home only different restaurants. I epecially LOVED these garlic noodles with vegetables.
We had dinner at Tast Treats on campus which was buffet style and showcased the traditional western African cuisine the menu included:
Jolof (which is a red rice much like spanish rice)
Potatoes
Plantain
Stewed Fish
cabbage/ carrots
s***o - which is like a spicy file'
Introduction African Dance
after dinner we went to the school of performing arts and the students did a presentation on the different dance forms and what they meant and when they would happen. Such dance as
Gawu - usually at a birthday party or family celebration
Fume - people are usually really fancy dressed greatly adorned and for major events. This will be on a grand scale for the presidents funeral
kpaalogo - naming ceremony dance
The students were encouraged to join the dance class it will be a great way to familiarize themselves with the culture.
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