Maakyε Everyone!

Sorry for the delayed post. But as you probably know, if I'm not posting, I'm experiencing. And I have experienced a lot this past week. Also, for those who have attempted to contact me, the internet connection here is pretty weak. Anyways, I hope all is well with you today, it's wonderful over here in Africa- 90 degree weather and sunshine for all of you still suffering through the gloomy snow.

 #bummerforyou 


I'll be honest in saying my experience thus far has been hectic, but overall fantastic. It's good for me to reflect on my initial response to coming here since we have had non stop orientation and only small spurts of quiet time. But I can say firmly that I think I have fallen in "like" with Ghana. In fact, I could see myself potentially living in Accra for a few years....Surprised? Probably not. It's an interesting and uncommon phenomenon when you feel instantly settled, but I have found that here. Surprisingly for me the only adjustment has been life with a group of college students, and even that has been pretty minimal. The food has mainly been meat based and absolutely delicious... perfect for me! And the music and art is soulful, leaving me always wanting more. The hustle and bustle is actually a lot more laid back than New York, and that has been refreshing. I also quickly engaged myself in a love affair with the language here. A few days ago we had the opportunity to learn from Da Kofi. Da means father in Twi and Kofi is the name given to males born on Friday. I really enjoy the way everyone is considered family in Ghanaian culture. I'm generally referred to as friend or daughter when I'm greeted... with the occasional "obroni" (foreigner). Interestingly, I discovered that there are over 40 languages and 70 + dialects here in Ghana, making the Twi I learn not universal.But of all the dialects of Twi I could learn, Akan Twi is the most common and widely spread. Thus, this is the language I am currently trying to learn..... wish me luck!

Aside from the new environment, I am also adjusting to starting school again. I am currently signed up for Global Connections with Uncle Nat, the former Mayor of Accra, Society Culture and Modernization in Ghana, History of the Atlantic Slave Trade, and Specific Topics in Non Westernized Art. How cool is that? I think this is the most excited I have ever been for my classes. And I can already tell I will be incredibly busy balancing classes and all the other adventures that await. See, I have written a list of 35 + things I want to do before I will be leaving Ghana. I'll try and add the list at a later time. But this weekend I am trying to visit an island off the west coast. I'll let you know how it goes. As I'm writing this, I just need to stop and say, REALLY HOW COOL IS IT THAT I AM LIVING IN AFRICA?!

I'm going to end my post here with a little inspiring quote, enough said for now,
and until next time...

NOMAD ON!


"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance"
 (Alan Watts)