This has felt like a normal week. I have a routine. There are some things I really like and some things that are not my favorite. My favorite things at this point: taking drum lessons with Antoinette, taking dance class with Reggie, taking gyil lessons (mallet instrument) with Zie, taking drumming ensemble with Nana Koto and Rosie. One of my other favorite things is that I got to move from my bungalow into my new place. It’s a bit smaller but all the amenities make it so worth it. Finally have a hot shower and a really solid air conditioner. And I like where I live because it’s more central to things on campus. And there’s a free breakfast included at the restaurant. And there’s a laundry service. I just got a load of laundry done for 10 cedis which is essentially about $1 USD. Totally worth it! I can’t tell you how happy I am to have a laundry service! The peace of mind that has come with living here it’s just really great. I don’t have to worry so much about when the power goes out or when the water stops because Sasakawa has a generator and a water reserve. And they have 24-hour security. I’ve made friends with one of the security guards. His name is Frank and he’s a very kind man. I’m just so happy to be here.
Eric and some people from Campus helped me move. They are so nice. I really appreciate Eric working on this and working to get me a bit of compensation for my new place.
Here are some pics of the new place, plus a kitty that lives around here.
I’m also working on getting my visa extended this week. I got an initial 60-day visa so I need to get it extended for the rest of the time that I’m here. It’s really not that expensive but has to be done. Hopefully it won’t be problematic.
Here are a few pictures from walking around campus to take care of this task.
Classes this week went better. My undergraduate class had a really engaging conversation and they did all of the readings and we’re very well prepared this week. I was really impressed with them and made sure to tell them so! The grad class is coming along. Although I have instilled in them but they can still do better next week. And again, I’m getting to know the faculty and they’re all just very welcoming and nice.
Another first this week is that I had a gyil lesson with a guy named Zie. He is the instructor for the gyil class here. For those who don’t know, a gyil is a Ghanaian xylophone. I’ve played a little bit of that with Sowah in my world music drumming training in the US. But it’s really cool to have one on one lessons with him here. Super excited to get that venture going!
Friday I was so tired for some reason. It didn’t sleep well I guess. I taught a conducting lesson to an undergrad, and had my drum lesson with Antoinette. I’ve started taking drumming lessons twice a week now so I can absorb as much as I can from her. This is the reason I’m here after all! I started talking with Antoinette also about my project idea and then I want to interview a few of the drummers and dancers from the group. I’m really excited about this research project I have come up with.
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