FEARS FACED

Hey Everyone!

            So this is an impromptu blog update given the fact that I hiked all the way to the internet cafe and WOOPS the internet is down.  My god, how do people here survive the day?  The internet is down, the air-conditioning in the cafe is only partially on, and earlier, I stubbed my toe.  But seriously folks.  Today is a pretty sweet day.  It is my first day of just relaxation work because I have a meeting in cape coast so I didn't have to take my hour long tro-tro ride to the outreach office in Mankessim.  I am attaching a map of the central region, which is where I am, so that you can see where I am.  I work anywhere from Cape Coast through Mankessim, Ajumako, and eastward to the boarder of the region.   Given the fact that our office, just like all others in Ghana run on GMT (or Ghana Man Time) the work that I would generally get done in about an hour is literally an all day assignment here because; I'll get there when I get there, my tro-tro's door fell off, I ran into a friend, I forgot to come in, I had washing to do, MY weekend is still happening, etc. So anyways, I had about 20 minutes of writing/ internet work to do and thats it, so they said I could work from home.  Meaning I slept in, worked out (FINALLY!), wrote emails, read, and slowly wandered over to the internet cafe. 

            So let me pick something to report on today.  I shall pick.... transportation.  Transportation is an entirely different animal over here.  Where as on my way to OHSU I picked up the streetcar at exactly 7:13, in the mornings I wait by the side of the road for a tro-tro going my direction passes.  I yell at the mate (or guy who opens the door) and if he hears me/ gives a care, they pull over and let me in.  The bus/van-thing, or tro-tro is normally designed to seat about 15 people, but maxes out at say 20.  Both sides of the road are more than available for use by the driver, as is the shoulder, which is an acceptable way to avoid slowing down for speed bumps.  Depending on the time of day, where you are, and if the tro-tro driver wants to pick you up, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to an hour to get a tro-tro going in your direction.  As for taxis there are two types, drop taxis, and share taxis.  Drop taxis cost more and will bring you directly to your destination, where as share taxis are a flat rate and will drop you in the general vecinity of your destination if the driver happens to be going that way.  I will admit I am struggling a bit with the dependability of these forms of transportation, but so far have had no real issues with the actual use of them.  They are a death defying adventure at times, and I think the left side of my body is becoming notably more muscular due to bracing for what seems like inevitable impact with on coming traffic. 

            Ok, the internet is still down so I'll continue I guess by talking about... TOUCHING A CROCODILE. Yes folks, its happened.  I touched a crocodile.  Ok, the day also consisted of a wonderful rain forest canopy walk, but lets be honest, thats not important right now.  I have mentioned before my totally rational fear of crocodiles AKA modern dinos, but never did I think that it would take only a week for me to encounter one in real life.  I wrote in my journal that it felt like cold armor and fear, but that may have been my projection.  Everyone teased me about being so scared, but I did it, and thats what matters.  (Also, I'd like to point out that it is in fact nature's perfect killing/eating machine, and that it is TOTALLY reasonable to not want to be near it.)

Ok, the nice guys in the internet café gave the obruni lady the only working computer to use, so I will be on my way. 

Much love for everyone, and if you’re one of the ones experiencing a new day of snow, please go out and enjoy some of it for me!