Hello!

This is my first blog for a number of weeks, during which time I've just been in Takoradi working at Mansek every day, and enjoying all the small details of my daily life in Ghana! When I got back from travels I was a little concerned that I'd have itchy feet after a fortnight of great adventures and exploring and meeting new people, but after a few days I had fallen back into a lovely simple daily rhythm of walking, playing and teaching music, writing letters home and reading every day, and so the last few weeks have completely flown by.

The main thing I was looking forward to in Ghana was feeling part of another community, not just being a passing observer, and I really do feel like that now in Takoradi. Sometimes, on a short walk round the town I'll meet a number of people I know, who will all stop and greet me in the typical warm Ghanaian fashion! For instance, I went to watch the football team last Sunday (another great game, 6 goal thriller!) and bumped into one of the old Muslim guys who hangs around Mansek, and we sat and watched the game together. I've been to a few birthday parties too, and even the children around my house in Effia-Kuma have started calling me "Mr James' which is so much nicer than having 'Obruni' religiously shouted at you (which still happens a lot!). Walking to town in the early morning (still a highlight of my day!) I feel very much part of the daily life here, alonside many of the locals whom also walk into work. I've also been appreciating having my mini-disc player more than ever, a daily diet of Brian Wilson, Sigur Ros and Lambchop (etc) always gets me ready for the day ahead!

I have also enjoyed meeting up with some fellow Brits/obrunis I have got to know in Takoradi, which is always a nice opportunity just to talk about familiar things at home and also compare our experiences here. I am now over half way through my trip (as I arrive back on 1st May), and I am already thinking about the things I will miss about Ghana, and there are plenty! Time really is flying, and infact Kate will be arriving in exactly 6 weeks, which I cannot wait for! It's been 4 months since we last saw each other, on a cold autumn morning in Scilly which now feels a world away! She's currently in Switzerland, so will be quite a shock for her when she arrives!

The Harmattan has now cleared, which means that Ghana has again come alive with colour, everything from the birds, butterflies, flowers, clothing, jewellery, shop signs, all so colourful and vibrant... I think Britain will seem very grey (both literally and metaphorically!) in comparison! It also means that temperatures have shot up, it must be at least 35C everyday, with high humidity!

Now I set off on my travels for a week, to the dry, desert-like North, to stay at the Mole National Park amongst other places. It's a long long journey, but I'm sure it will be rewarding, I'm looking forward to seeing lots of animals, and the old mud Mosques, which you can only see in the north.

Anyway, thanks again for the messages and the good wishes... until next time... thanks for reading!

James x