May 4, 2013
Culture day. Boy did
we see a lot of culture! It was so nice to get out and about and to walk. I have been so cooped up. We had a legit breakfast-the Ghanaians sure
can make an omelet. We walked from our
hotel to the little village near by and we got on a tro tro. These are old, tiny vans packed with bench
seats inside and we squished everyone in.
About 19 people in a tiny van. It
was hot, sticky, and sweaty but really fun.
We rode into the central market and were warned that it will be sensory
overload. The lanes were tiny, they have
a mode of traffic that I didn’t understand and always felt like I was in the
way. We went up the fabric aisle and
there were just huge metal boxes full of fabric. It was so hard to choose. I ended up getting some cool fabric for the
nieces and than I caved and got some for myself. Tomorrow we will have clothes made. Everyone was so friendly asking our names and
where we were from. The aisle was tiny
with two lanes of people walking and carrying things on their heads. Any item you can imagine was on that head of
theirs. We were taken to the meat market
and saw actual carcasses of the animals being cut up and sliced and heads on
tables and there was meat everywhere.
They had every animal you could imagine.
So crazy. Everyone kept asking us how Obama was. The girls were freaking out over all the meat
but I really thought it was cool. That’s
how they live and where they go. Really a lot how we do it in America like at
Costco, just their own way. After the
market we went on a long walk through town and got to see everyone selling
everything and anything, everywhere. There
are people everywhere but everyone is so nice.
The little kids chase after us as we walk and wave and they are so
cute. Kevin gave gum to one and soon he
was surrounded by kids that wanted gum.
We walked to the African Cultural Center and were able to see some
African paintings and hand crafts.
Again, everyone was so nice. I
bought a really cool mask and a painting.
The guy must have read my mind because he said it was based off of the
back of a tortoise shell and I really like turtles. He was the actual painter so I got a picture
with him, which was really cool. My
camel pack saved my life being full of water.
Even other people were sucking off of it because they were getting all
famished. We continued our walk to the
Ashanti King’s Palace. Again we were
chased and followed by little kids. The
palace was..not really a palace like we are used to. It reminded me of a Georgian home. Learning about the Ashanti culture was
interesting. I was confused because I
didn’t really have any background but basically they were what was in Ghana
until the British took over. But the
culture still continues and a king is still around. We got back onto the tro tro’s and came back
to the hotel. It was blazing hot and I
was soaked through so we all got into the pool and just hung out the rest of
the night. Kayla, a girl here swears
like a sailor and it gives me the giggles and everyone thinks it is
hilarious. We have a lot of fun. The group is getting closer and everyday is
just more fun. We hung out some people’s
rooms and played the longest 5 games of UNO of my life. Nobody could figure out what was going
on. We laughed so hard and were so loud
and just had a blast. I got peppered
with questions about the church and what I believe and Kevin was even asking
stuff too. A lot here consider
themselves atheist or agnostic so it was fun to tell them a little bit about
what I believe and our religion as a whole follows. I try and show how we aren’t supposed to
judge and that we accept everyone. Most
that live in Utah say the Mormons are so judgy, and it is true. I just hope they were able to see a better
side from my point of view. I’m glad we
are all getting along so well. But I can
totally see the girls having a melt down soon.
They are mean and catty but close and swear like sailors. It is hilarious. We came back down to bed then me and Kevin
just kept talking. Really good day.
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