Ten Months And Saying Farewell!!!!

Tomorrow makes ten months to the day since we've arrived in Ghana. Most of my group is gone home and the dorm is quiet as most of the Ghanaian students have left as well. I will be here two more days and then travelling to Ethiopia for two weeks and then home sweet home.

To say that this has been the most incredible experience of my life would be an understatement!!!! I will never forget Ghana and the many memories and friendships that I've established during the time I've been here. It has been my dream to visit Africa for so long and it is everything I thought it would be and so much more. I have done so much healing and connecting with the Ancestors and know that I have grown and changed in so many ways.

Thank you to all of you who read my blog and wrote to me with comments letting me know that you were reading it. Thank you, too, to all those who sent me emails, packages and phone calls from home. You will never know how much that meant to me. Thank you also for all the prayers and well wishes that I received from so many people and I hope that you were able to experience a little bit of Africa through my blog.

Thank you to all the Ghanaian students who went out of their way to show me the University of Ghana and took the time to explain so many things that made my life easier here. Thank you to the young ladies in my classes that made copies of notes for me when I was sick and needed to miss class, and delivered the notes to my dorm. Thank you to others who patiently translated lectures when I could not understand what the Prof. was saying, and took me under their wing; especially the young ladies and men in the Anthropology and Psychology Departments. Thank you to all the students who went out of their way to welcome me as a foreign student. I will always remember your smiles and concern about my well being. You all sensed that I was out of sorts in so many ways being in a foreign land so far away from home. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Thank you, too, to all the Ghanaians I've met who took the time to patiently share your rich cultural heritage with me, give me cooking lessons, introduce me to the markets and give me directions when I was lost. I will forever be indebted to you for answering my many questions and making me feel at home in your beautiful country.

Also, thank you to all the young people in the California State University group. You were an incredible bunch and so many of you kept me sane here in Ghana when I wanted to give up and go home or when I was ill. I pray that all of your futures are bright and that you can use the lessons that we've learned here in Ghana to further your careers and personal endeavors.

I have mixed feeling about leaving Ghana. While on the one hand I will really miss it, I am eager to get home and enjoy so many things that I've missed. I am eagerly looking foward to the next chapter of my life and know that because of this experience, I am a broader more well rounded individual. This experience has taught me to count the many blessings that I have in life and to work to help others who are not as fortunate. It has also taught me that no matter what the circumstances, you continue to keep on keeping on. I'm certain that the Ancestors called me to Africa to heal my life and psyche. I have keenly felt their presence and for that I will be eternally greatful!!!

Peace and Blessings.

Adwoa

Library--Will Miss You Ghanaooooooooooooooooo!!!

University Bookstore

Main Gate

Geology Department

Finding clean bathrooms on campus is quite an undertaking. This building had one of the cleanest bathrooms, but did not want those outside of the department to use them. I got away with it for awhile until they caught on to me. I then would go up to the second floor and they locked that one eventually as well. Never has using the bathroom caused so much angst in my entire life.

Street Vendors

Men and women sell water and all manner of products at the Tro Tro stops and to motorists who are stopped at traffic lights. The women strap their babies to their backs and they are literally out selling night and day in the hot African heat. I feel so for these people that must work so hard just to survive in Ghana. I think about how much we take for granted in the U.S. and I will never forget all the street vendors i've interacted with or watched while waiting for Tro Tros.

Saying Farewell--Weekend Trip To Kumasi

I fell in love with Ghana during long trips outside of Accra. The trip to Kumasi is one I particularly enjoy. It takes about 5-6 hours depending on the traffic. I planned on going up to go to the Yaa Asantewaa Museum--something I've been wanting to do for some time. Decided to take in the Manhyia Palace Museum as well since I learned so much this semester about Ashanti history in my Archaeology class.

History:

The city rose to prominence in 1695 when it became capital of the Ashanti Confederacy due to the activities of its ruler Osei Tutu. The ruler of Kumasi, known as the Asantehene, also served as ruler of the Confederacy. With their 1701 victory over Denkyira the Asante confederacy became the primary state among the Twi speaking Akan peoples.Parts of the city, including the Royal Palace, were destroyed by British troops in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War of 1874.

It remains a royal city, although since all of Ghana was declared independent in 1957the role of king has been mainly symbolic. The city holds an important place in the history of the Ashanti people, as legend claims that it was here Okomfo Anokye received the Golden stool, an embodiment of the soul of the Asanti nation.

On The Way To Kumasi

My Shero--Yaa Asantewaa

I have been intrigued by this woman since learning of her bravery in the 1900's as she led the Ashanti rebellion known as the War of the Golden Stool against British colonialism.

"During her brother's reign, Yaa Asantewaa saw the Asante Confederacy go through a series of events that threatened its future, including civil war from 1883 to 1888. When her brother died in 1894, Yaa Asantewaa used her right as Queen Mother to nominate her own grandson as Ejisuhene. When the British exiled him in the Seychelles in 1896, along with the King of Asante Prempeh I and other members of the Asante government, Yaa Asantewaa became regent of the Ejisu-Juaben District. After the deportation of Prempeh I, the British governor-general of the Gold Coast, Frederick Hodgson, demanded the Golden Stool, the symbol of the Asante nation. This request led to a secret meeting of the remaining members of the Asante government at Kumasi, to discuss how to secure the return of their king. There was a disagreement among those present on how to go about this. Yaa Asantewaa, who was present at this meeting, stood and addressed the members of the council with these now-famous words:

"Now I see that some of you fear to go forward to fight for our king. If it [was] in the brave days of Osei Tutu, Okomfo Anokye, and Opoku Ware, chiefs would not sit down to see their king to be taken away without firing a shot. No European could have dared speak to chiefs of Asante in the way the governor spoke to you this morning. Is it true that the bravery of Asante is no more? I cannot believe it. It cannot be! I must say this: if you, the men of Asante, will not go forward, then we will. We, the women, will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight! We will fight till the last of us falls in the battlefields.

With this, she took on leadership of the Ashanti Uprising of 1900, gaining the support of some of the other Asante nobility. After several months, the Gold Coast governor eventually sent a force of 1,400 to quell the rebellion. During the course of this, Queen Yaa Asantewaa and 15 of her closest advisers were captured, and they too were sent into exile to the Seychelles. The rebellion represented the final war in the Anglo-Asante series of wars that lasted throughout the 19th Century. On January 1, 1902, the British were finally able to accomplish what the Asante army had denied them for almost a century, and the Asante empire was made a protectorate of the British crown. Yaa Asantewaa died in exile on October 17, 1921"

Manhyia Palace Museum

Decided to start my day with a trip to the Manhyia Palace Museum. The CSU group came here during orientation, but I thought going again would be nice.

Historical Background:

Built in 1925, the Manhyia Palace Museum has been the residence of two Kings of the Asante Nation, Prempeh I and Prempeh II. It is a two storey building, with open verandahs and eight rooms are open to visitors. This Royal Museum houses drums and palanquins which are over hundred years old. There are also the effigies of the late Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh I, Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and the present Monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Also at the Museum is the effigy of Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the warrior queen-mother of Ejisu and some guns used during her war in 1900. In 2004, the Canadian Museum of Civilization repatriated some artifacts taken away during the Yaa Asantewaa War of 1900, a war drum and a royal stool taken from the Palace of the queen-mother of Adansi.

Beautiful Peacock

This beauty was on the grounds of the Manhyia Palace Museum. Right when the group walked up to take the tour, she greeted us with this beautiful sight.

Yaa Asantewaa Museum

The Museum was about 15 minutes outside of Kumusi. After driving around for awhile and asking directions, we finally found it. Sadly, it was closed. I'm not sure how long it has been closed, but visitors to the museum in 2002 stated it was badly in need of repair.

Packing

Packing has always been a daunting task for me. When did I ever get all of this stuff. Yikes!!!! Going to get a big box tomorrow because I have to ship some things back and Leticia has kindly offered to take some of my things with her to Southern California and I'll just pick them up from her when I go down there.

I've been really enjoying my time off. Seeing Ghana, shopping for last minute gifts and saying goodbye to many people I met here. Alot of the students in my group are leaving on Saturday. Planning to take a trip to the North this weekend to soak it all in. It is raining alot and the weather has not been too hot.

Tonight, they have a dance and music performance at the Drama Studio and then me and a friend are attending Reggae Night, which will probably be my last one.

Finished Finals

Today I took my last final. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. What a feeling of relief and accomplishment. Now I can start packing and see my last bit of Ghana before leaving next week. Sorting through stuff to see what I will give away and planning on shipping some things home because there is simply not enough space to take it back in my luggage. Taking my last pieces of material to Sandra so she can make me a couple of dresses and looking forward to going to Ethiopia and happy to be finally able to enjoy some leisurely reading. More time to exercise and do my spiritual work. I feel great!!!!!! I, like most of the students who left the lecture hall today after turning in their final exam, were full of smiles. Many of the Ghanaian students asked me when I will be leaving and we're starting to say our final goodbye's. Took a taxi back to the dorm after I treated myself to a Ethiopian Restaurant near campus and the driver and I struck up a conversation. He said, now that you have been here almost a year, you are really a Ghanaian. Ghana will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Farewell Farita

Farita is returning to the States today. She is the third person in my group to leave. Denise Lopez left yesterday, but I could not get up the stairs in time to grab my camera to snap some shots. Farita is graduating from San Francisco State University this week. Also in the picture is Auntie Beatrice (seated) and her sister who came to campus to say goodbye. Will always remember sharing a room on our roadtrip to Mali, Burkina Faso and Senegal and all the laughter that we shared. Will miss you girl!!!!

Goodbye Shaye

Shaye was the first of our group to leave. She will be starting classes at San Francisco State University this fall. I just started to really get to know her the second semester and she is such a bright and intelligent young lady. She lives in the Bay Area as well so we'll be able to keep in touch after I return home. Will miss you Shaye Shaye!!!

Many of the students from our CSU group gathered to say farewell to Shaye.

Shaye and Obed

Brenda, Desiree and Denise Lopez

Waiting to say goodbye to Shaye.

Goodbye Hugs

Akos And Shaye

Saying Farewell.

Going Away Dinner

The CSU staff gave a going away dinner and here everyone is ready to go:
Me, Brenda, Akos, Deena, Erin Melissa, Denise Lopez, Desiree.

David

Is a student at San Francisco State.

Farita And Leticia

Farita (in Black) is a student from San Francisco State and will be next in line to leave Ghana next week. Leticia is from San Bernardino State and will be staying until July. These ladies have kept me sane and have provided so much laughter since I've been here!!!!

Letisha, Farita, Dominic and Dustin.

Rainy Days And Nights

The rainy season is in full swing. I have never in my life seen torrential rainstorms like I've seen here in Ghana. The lightening is so scary and it feels as if the sky is literally going to open up. I've only been caught out in it once and I had to seek cover at the security check point and wait until it let up before proceeding to my dorm.

You can smell the rain in the air right before a storm and it is preceded by gusts of wind that blows everything that isn't nailed down away. Usually it rains so hard that the hallways will start to flood and sometimes come under our dorm doors. The worst part for me is that the beautiful red clay earth turns to mud and you have to be very careful when out and about lest you fall and are a muddy mess.

The rain seems to be brining out all sorts of strange bugs and many of the students have reported an increase in the quantity and variety of bugs in their rooms since the season began. Unfortunately, there has also been an upsurge in the mosquito population, and they are literally driving me insane. Sleeping under the mosquito net is a must or the bugs will have quite the field day. Oh the joy!!!!!

So, in the meantime, finals started this past weekend and everyone is studying away. You can hardly get a seat in the study hall these days so I'm in my room with the music blaring and studying away. My first exam is on Wednesday. Wish me luck!!!!

Nine Months

Well, the end is here!!!! There are a couple of classes held this week, but most ended last week. We had not finished all of the work in my Psychology class so we met this past Saturday.

The dorms are filled with everyone here and studying for finals. I have been cloistered in my room studyiny away. We had our Twi final last week and I think I did pretty good. I have been trying to use more phrases when I am out and about which really helps to learn the language. Ghanaians seem to appreciate it when you try to speak the language and really try to understand your attempts even if you are butchering the language. LOL. I have my Psychology final next Wednesday and then Earth Science and Archaeology on Friday of next week. Not sure how I will get all this material digested and I foresee a couple of all-nighters in my future.

All of us CSU students are having a going away dinner this coming Wednesday. Shaye is leaving on May 12, Farita on May 19 and thereafter Coco and Denise Lopez on May 21st. The remainding students are leaving at the end of May or early June. I'm trying to make arrangement to store my belongings when I travel to Ethiopia. Look forward to finishing with finals so that I can enjoy my last bit of Ghana. I guess the gentleman at the front desk was right when he said that students cry each year when it is time to leave.

Broke my final pair of glasses and had to go into town yesterday to find an optician to get a new pair because I can't see anything without them. I had to buy some contact lens solution and once again am shocked at the prices of items here. Drug stores don't sell the solution like they do in the the U.S., so you much purchase it at places like these and the costs are through the roof. Word to the wise, if you are visiting Ghana, bring all your must-have items with you because you will definitely pay less money for them in the U.S. So many items are imported here so that really drives up the cost.

There has been alot of rain lately and in Ghana when it rain in does indeed pour!!! In between the rain it has been hot and muggy. I've been taking the tro tro's alot lately and it was unbearable yesterday as we sat in heavy traffic for long periods of time.

The picture above is me and Melissa Ramirez playing around outside the CSU office after our Twi class. Melissa's birthday is today. She turned 23 years old. We went to Osu yesterday to the Smoothie place and had lunch. We had planned to go to Medina therafter, but one thing I learned in Ghana is that I have to start out early in the day. By the time you get tro tro somewhere and plus the heat, you are wiped out and usually need a nap. LOL.

Got sick last week after throwing caution to the wind and eating at a road side cafe (I know, I know). I was just getting over being sick after eating some yam chips that I ate from the Night Market, and now I have what seems to be a cold and flu like symptoms. The way the bugs have been eating me lately, it will be a miracle if I get out of Ghana without getting Maleria. Still taking my anti-malerial drugs as instructed and will continue to take them until I leave. I ran into a friend that never took any anti-malerial drugs and she got hit with maleria and it took her out for about two weeks. It was not pretty.

Easter Sunday

What a beautiful day it was!!! I went to services at Etherean Mission, which is my home church since I've been here in Ghana. The title of the sermon was "Your Resurrection Day." It was a beautiful sermon and the minister asked us to think about the areas in our lives that we want to "die" and in their place resurrect new habits, traits, and ways to walk in this world that better serve us and those around us. It was also healing service Sunday which is always a special service for me.

Afterwards, I went out to eat and I have never seen so many beautiful women dressed in all types of lovely dresses!!!! I was thinking today how much Ghanaians are like African-Americans used to be prior to the 1970's and living here I see so clearly that this was once our home. I always laugh when I see a Ghanaian do something that Black people in the States do and living here has made me understand myself and my community at home alot better. It has made me see that the rampant materialism that exists in the U.S. has made many Americans lose our way--lose our connection with what is Real and what really matters in life. To see so many people in Ghana that have so little, but exhibit a pride, joy and thanksgiving for the simple fact that they are alive, is a sight to behold and makes me feel grateful as well that I got a chance to see African life firsthand. I have been feeling my mother and grandmothers very keenly since I've been here because I see them in the faces of the women on the street, the doctor who treats me at the hospital, my professors here at the University, and of course in all the women I have encountered at the markets who labor very long hours day in and day out just to make it here. The amount of wisdom and love that I have experienced here will not be easily forgotten and I am endeavoring to find ways to bring back what I learned so that I can somehow share this blessing of the Mother with those that I come in contact with when I return.

There was a big rainstorm last night so the weather was cool and overcast today which is quite a blessing!!! The dorm has been quiet all weekend. This is a holiday weekend so I think many of the students are travelling or studying hard for finals. The picture above is Rev. Tetteh. He has been coming to my church in the Bay Area for years and I'm so glad that I had a chance to fellowship with him here in Ghana. The dancing and singing at church were so wonderful today. Will definitely miss Ghana and it's deep connection to the ancestors and African traditional teachings.

It's Finished!!!!

This is the last week of instruction for most classes. I have one more meeting in my Archaeology class, but it is just a walking tour of the campus to check out various monuments for my Monuments Conservation class. Turned in one paper in this class this morning and working on another that is due tomorrow in Psychology. Then hunkering down until finals start. The first one is my Twi practicals on April 29.

The school is closed for the Easter Holiday on Friday and Monday so a festive mood is in the air. Listened to the radio this morning and there are so many things happening this weekend on and off campus. I plan to take advantage of the time off and get well versed in my school material so that I can do well on finals!!! The end is almost here.

My New Favorite Spot

They have the best smoothies, salads and wraps. It is in Osu and the tro tro goes from school and drops you off right in front. Shaye introduced it to me a couple of weeks ago and I am already a regular!! Also like that I can take my books and study for hours sipping on smoothies and people watching.

Saw this gentleman in there yesterday that I met when I first arrived in Ghana. We had a good laugh because he was the first one to tell me that my Ghanaian name was Adwoa. I told him that everyone calls me that now and he said, yes, I gave it to you. LOL.

Some Tings

-After seven months of being here, I have finally adjusted to the heat. Two days this week I was out and about during the mid-day and I noticed that the heat does not affect me like it used to. In the past, I would feel as if I was going to pass out and would try to avoid being out in the noon time heat as much as possible.

-The thing that I feared the most has come upon me: I finally fell on campus. While waiting on a taxi, I stepped back and did not realize that there was a ditch being dug up right behind me. I'm usually very careful about these and the gutters which are all around campus and Accra for that matter. When I fell, I grabbed hold of Leticia's leg and she screamed thinking a dog had gotten hold of her. LOL!!!! Everyone turned around and said sorry, sorry, which is the way that Ghanaians respond to any misfortune. Except for a bruised hand that I landed on to break my fall, I was fine. I'm back to being very careful walking and getting around campus.

-Wish I could say that I've gotten over my fear of the lizards that are everywhere in Ghana. But, alas, I'm as afraid of these little critters as the day I arrived here. I get that they are harmless as they run away as you approach, but I don't think I'll ever take a liking to them as so many students now have. I am just glad that none have gotten into my room as other students have reported. I saw the biggest roach of my life in my room one time, but it was dead and other than some non-specific (I don't know what they are) creepy crawlers, I've been able to live with my roommates relatively stress free thus far.

-Went out to a wonderful jazz club this past Thursday. +233 is the name of it, which used to be the old Bass Line over near Ring Road. They had a great band from Trinidad and I had so much fun dancing and listening to the band. There were alot of people there from the African American Association of Ghana and everyone had a ball!!!

-Classes are winding down, with many of them ending soon. I really like how the University stops teaching classes a couple of weeks before finals which gives you plently of time to study. We are having our Twi oral final exam on Monday so I am busy studying away. My other finals don't start until May 11th, however, I have a couple of papers to complete within the next week.

-I am unfortunately sick with another bug and in bed doing my studying today. I think it was the food I ate at the function on Thursday night because the young lady I went with is also not feeling well. Got up and got dressed to go the library, but thought it might be better to stay here close to the bathroom.

-Looking foward to finals ending and I have a couple of places I want to go to here in Ghana before I leave. While I am out and about, I am soaking up all of Ghana--it's places and people. I truly hope to remember this experience for the rest of my life. It will be very hard to leave.

More Cooking Lessons

Shaye's friend, Obed, has kindly agreeded to give me a couple of cooking lessons before I leave Ghana. Today we made Light Soup. It is soooooooo good!!!! Will be going back in a week or so to learn my other favorite dishes--groundnut soup and vegetable stew. There are many of the local dishes here that I never did take a liking to such as fufu, which is a pulped gooey ball of crushed cassava or yam or another favorite kenkey and banku, which are made with fermented maize meal. My favorites so have have been the soups and stews.

Recipie For Light Soup

-Wash four chicken breasts and place in pot
-Add Seasoned Sea Salt and Chilli & Garlic Powder
-Add 1 onion cut up
-Add a little water and place on fire for 10-15 minutes.
-Wash and cut stems off of about 15 Garden Eggs (If you want a thicker soup add more Garden Eggs).
-Clean Kosusuwa and place in pot with Garden Eggs. Place both in the pot with a little water and boil for 15 minutues
-Wash and cut up the following:
-about 15-20 tomatoes
- Bunch of Pepe (Obed said it was similiar to our peas in the States)
- 7 cloves of garlic
- 3 or 4 onions
- 3 pieces of ginger
-Add the above to a pot with a little water and boil for 15 minutes
-Clean 3 pieces of smoked salmon and then place in a seperate pot
-After the Garden Eggs and Kosusuwa mixture have become soft take out of the pot and place in a blender.
-After the Tomatoes, Pepe, cloves, onion and ginger mixture is soft, remove from fire and place that in the blender with the Garden Eggs and Kiosusuwa mixture.
-Blend mixture and pour into a bowl
-Remove the chicken from the fire and add it to the pot that the salmon is in
-Add a chopped onion
-Add a little water
-Add a small can of Gino seasonings
-Cook under high fire for 10 minutes
-Add a little of the mixture that you blended in the blender
-Cook another five minutes
-Add the remainder of blended mixture to pot
-Add water
-Add salt to taste
-Allow to boil for about 20 minutes
-Reduce and simmer for an additional 10-20 minutes,

This soup is like medicine and I always feel so good after I eat it. I have bought it from several vendors and none taste as good as Obed's.

Enjoy!!!!

Preparing The Food

This is Kosusuwa, a common vegetable used in Ghanaian dishes.

Almost Done

The Finished Product

Ready To Eat

This dish is so delicious. Gotta love a man that can throw down in the kitchen!!!