Today was a long, full day of new experiences. We did a lot of errands today which was very helpful. John, one of my new colleagues who teaches music education and specializes in brass instruments (I just met him this morning – Eric brought him with when he came to get me for breakfast), took me around everywhere. He got me a sim card and let me use an old phone of his while I’m here. Then he helped me buy some household items that I needed, and some groceries. What a kind and wonderful soul.
John and Eric also introduced me to Club beer today. We went to the beach after I had a tour of campus and had a drink and a cheers to me being here. It’s amazing here – the beach is so great and so close! They have these cool little pub/restaurants right on the beach and you can just order a beer and drink by the water. You can’t swim there because there are rocks. But what a great moment we had today.
I tried fufu for the first time for lunch today (not a fan just yet, but even John said this wasn’t very good today). John took me back to the kitchen so I could see how it was made. I met the lady who cooked it, and she let me take a picture of it.
The “Walmart” of Ghana: I just call it that because that’s what it feels like to me. John took me to the Melcom to get household items (I needed things like trash cans, bath mats, plates utensils, cups, a frying pan). I also needed groceries – we got some of those at the store then some things at the markets on the road side. There are no refrigerated items in the Melcom, just things on the shelf. So I got cereal, milk (not refrigerated here until you open it), crackers (I was going to get cheese but it seems that is not a popular item in Ghana so they don’t have good cheese. I refrained from buying what they had). And at a roadside stand John helped me get some bananas, oranges, apples, and mango. And then he got me 2 dozen eggs at a different market. So I think I am set for groceries for a bit.
The place where I’m staying is like an area of campus specifically for visiting professors and some staff members. I’m not fully understanding who lives near me, but it feels safe the longer I’m there. There are 3 restaurants within walking distance from me that serve the people who live in this area – one at the Institute of Education Guest House, one at the School of Business Guest House, and one at the Sasakawa Chalets. They all serve similar things from what I can tell. I envision that I will be eating there for most of my meals. It’s quick and pretty inexpensive, and designed to be like the food hall for these living quarters. The other building below is the Department of Music on the 3rd floor - that is where my office is.
This evening after John dropped me off, I got pretty emotional. I think it’s because everything feels so different here. Of course it does, but being here without any friends is a lot. In that moment, my friend Nick called and it was so nice to talk to him. I think I just miss home, familiarity, my friends. I know it will take time and I will acclimate. I also knew in the first few days it would be really hard. And it is. This is a stretch, even for me. I am going to be really excited when school starts and we get into a routine and I’m busier. Here’s to hoping that tomorrow feels even more normal. I know each day will.
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