Hi James
We were in Tumu with VSO just before you, had to leave unexpectedly following a case of acute malaria and typhoid. We stayed up the hill past the secondary school on the right, think you visited it once. We are passing through Tumu and staying at SILDEP on Sunday 17th November if you are around it would bring hood to see you and maybe have a beer! [email protected] John and Marion Lace
Lucy Kilburn
Hi there James,
A message from a complete stranger - sorry about this! I was a VSO volunteer in Tumu from Feb 2006-Aug 2007, and was today thinking about my time there with fond memories - I am thinking of paying the town a visit sometime next year, so was looking online to see how much it had changed and if anyone else had written blogs about their time in Tumu. (mine was lifeintumu.blogspot.com) So when I came across your blog I started reading with great interest and amusement. I imagine the place has changed so much, but also so little!
When I arrived there was no internet in town, and only one phone network. The Internet cafe arrived after about 4 months (at KANSEC - is that where it still is?) and having IT skills I offered my service to help keep it going for free connection. It seems the constants are the same - always rely on the rich danish "relations" to throw a good party.
Did you ever find the market? - I loved that place - though it did take me a while to find it... thankfully I had departing volunteers to show me the way. Is Tani's still the local friday night Foli hangout for a plate of chicken or sausage.
Has the road ever been finished, and do you get regular tro-tro's or buses to Wa and Bolga, I had to get to the bus station for 4am, and even then it was hit or miss whether the foli got on the bus!
I saw you mention a hippo - but then no more - was that in Tumu? in my day we had a hippo stay for a year and then wandered off towards Navrongo only to be killed and eaten.
I could go on and on... but I won't, if you get this message it would be lovely to hear how things have changed!
otherwise - if you are still there enjoy your last few months.
Take care, a fellow foli
Lucy
I. Carnegie
I have sent you a pressie, as ordered, but am a bit concerned a/ it is a book you will already have read and b/the customs may think it is subversive! It isn't but it therefore comes in deep disguise! Even if you have read it, it may seem more relevant now. Your descriptions of films you have seen are reminiscent of your prep-school self giving me blow by blow accounts of films you had seen in the holidays. They lasted the whole car journey!. I always thought you future would be in the film industry. Are you in the right profession?! Much love and a very happy birthday. Gbits
Ruth Heale
your Bolt Hole is looking very smart. I think you will like it. r uthLove Granny xxxx
Guy
Jimbo mate, your fb and email account appears to have been hacked. I have had an email today saying that you got mugged in spain and need £3000 to get home and my sis had a conversation with a nice man on facebook chat that also asked her for money to help you get home.
Ant
Hello Jimbo! What a brillo blog!! I am v enjoying reading about your Ghana antics. SHEESH KEBAB about your leg though. Those photos are blooming gruesome! Youchy younchy and sorry sorry is all I can say :) Hope it is on the mend. Snazzzy new haircut! Good to get off those excess locks when living in the heat. Look forward to the next installment and so glad you're loving the African life! We are all missing you. xxx
G-Bits
You write so well. I am very impressed. Not so sure about the shaved head. You have a 50/50 chance of going bald in time so it seems a pity not to enjoy a good thatch wile you have it!
Can you explain sum below. If you write a jokey answer it won't accept it?
James
Thanks Shinglebells! Its been ages : (! Hopefully I should be back in the Uk for a few weeks in September so I will make an extra effort to see you then. Hope your well and keep in contact! Jim xxx
Shinglebells
Hey James, sorry I couldn't come and see you off. It all sounds amazing, I'm looking forward to reading more.
Lots of love
Shinglebells xx