Hey Everyone,
Sorry I haven't been writing. I think whats holding me back is how difficult it is to truly encapsulate Ghana on paper. This is not only because of how beautiful it is (and it is), but also because of the devestaingly poor that exist in Ghana too. Just like the United States, Ghana is losing its middle class. Where I live, in Labone, and where I go to school both and look and feel like a tropical paradise. The streets are lined with palm trees sheltering lime green coconuts and the branches look like outstrecthed arms waving with the breeze. Mango trees, banana trees, and papaya trees all peak over neighboring fences bearing infant fruit that is not yet ripe for picking. "In February" my homestay dad reassures me.
This affluent area, despite its distinct differences, still reminds me of home. The streets are paved, the students have ipods, and their is a general sense of security you get from all the smiling faces and warm greetings. The landscapes shows the work of skilled eyes, and even the bases of the trees are painted white to blend with the fences.
Everyone says hello, whether it is the security guard for the school or a student you've never met. There is just a certain sense of community and empathy here that I find so refreshing! This area feels like a cozy cocoon that gently beckons you inside and tucks you away from the other side of Accra. In fact, I only see glimpses of Ghanian life in Accra that is experienced by the majority . more to come

In Accra!

Ma Chi!!( Good Morning in Twi),
I hope you are all enjoying life in the states whatever you may be doing. As you know I am know in Accra!! Greater Accra is one of the 10 regions located in Ghana. By this point much has happened that has shown me what life for Ghanians is like.

Accra is a beautiful city with paved roads, lots of traffic and street vendors at every major intersection. It is currently the dry season, so in the morning a thick fog seems to overtake the sun. The fog is actually dust from the Northern region, which is called the Hammatan. In Accra the streets are lined with Palm trees and the homes are very simmilar to houses in the United States. For instance, the family that I live with in Labrone (about a 15 min walk from school) have a 2 story house, 3 bathrooms, a tv, running water, and other common amenities we have in the US.

Ashesi (pronounced Eshesi) is a private University with around 300 students. 30% of the students are foreign to Ghana, but they usually come from other African nations like Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia. At Ashesi there are oly 3 majors: Business Administration (the most popular), Computer Science, and Mangement & Information Systems (kind of a combination of the 2) All of the students are very friendly and curious about why us Abruni's (the endearing term for white people) have chosen to study in Ghana.

I haven't enrolled in classes yet, but I am thinking of taking 6 (i know its a lot). The classes are International Trade and Policy, Intro to Twi (pronouched Tchwi, the most common Ghanian language), Women & Gender in African Literature, Social Theory, Conflict in African States, and Leadership 4.


This is kind of a jumbled mess, but I have to leave for class. Later today I will return and update this with pictures and better descriptions so you can get a real feel for Accra.